Salads That Go With Burgers: BEST Choices!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Looking for ideas for salads that go with burgers? 

I’ve got you covered! 

Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a barbecue gathering, or you’re just having a fun and informal burger night at home with the kids, there are some delicious options right here that’ll give you exactly what you need… 

What are the best salads that go with burgers? 

My favourite salad to serve with a burger is a simple healthy slaw. It’s colourful, crunchy, and absolutely delicious, and it can be served piled high inside your burger, or on the side alongside some fries. 

Other great choices include Italian chopped salad, spicy coleslaw, Mexican corn salad, broccoli salad, BLT pasta salad, kale salad with lemon dressing, and green goddess salad. 

Want more ideas, plus the best recipes for you to try at home? Keep reading! 

1. Simple healthy slaw

This simple healthy slaw is proof that sometimes you need just a handful of basic ingredients to create a really stunning side dish! You’ll need cabbage and carrot, you’ll make your own zingy garlicky dressing, and you’ll add toasted seeds for extra texture and satisfying crunch. 

I love this salad in the summertime, and it’s the perfect side dish for all kinds of grilled meats. If you’re in a hurry, you can pick up a bag of ready shredded slaw mix at the supermarket. 

salads for burgers

2. Italian chopped salad 

This Italian chopped salad is full of vibrant colours and bold flavours, and it looks so impressive when served at the table alongside your burgers. 

Best of all, you can tailor this salad depending on the ingredients that you have in your kitchen right now, and your own personal tastes. I like to include plenty of red onion for extra crunch, as well as a tin of sweetcorn, one of my favourite store cupboard staples! 

3. Spicy coleslaw

Slaws and burgers are such a delicious combination, so let’s take a look at another cracking slaw recipe for you to consider for burger night! This spicy coleslaw serves up some serious barbecue vibes, and it’ll be a huge hit with those who like their food with a little bit of a kick. 

Cayenne pepper, black pepper, and a generous pinch of cumin are the secret ingredients that bring the spice, and you’ll definitely have your guests asking for this recipe to try at home. 

4. Mexican style corn salad 

If you want a colourful and speedy side salad for burgers, try this Mexican style corn salad. It’s perfect for al fresco meals on sunny evenings, and it’s always a huge hit when served up at a barbecue.

It can be tricky to get the whole family to enjoy tucking into salads, so having something that doesn’t involve a ton of green leaves can be a good idea to convince the crowd! 

5. Broccoli salad 

This yummy broccoli salad doesn’t require tons of fancy ingredients, and in fact you’ll need just three items to make the creamy, tangy dressing. Most of us are used to eating cooked broccoli, but it can be wonderful when served raw, with plenty of crunch and texture. 

If you’re a meat lover and you want to take things up a notch, you could add crispy bacon to your salad. Bacon is a good addition to pretty much every dish that you could think of! 

This option for salad to serve with burgers ensures that you’re getting an extra portion of greens in your diet, without compromising when it comes to flavour and satisfaction. 

6. Caesar salad 

A caesar salad could be considered to be a meal in its own right, so you might think that it’s a little too substantial to be a side dish. I’d agree, though I really love offering a caesar alongside burgers when catering for a crowd! 

Add a couple of extras to the table, such as a creamy coleslaw and a bowlful of hot, crispy fries, and you’ve got a really impressive spread that’s perfect for a big family get together. 

7. BLT pasta salad 

BLT pasta salad is another example of a main course style salad that’s perfect for offering to your guests alongside burgers as another option! Think informal, relaxed barbecue vibes, with the added benefit that you can do a lot of the prep in advance. 

The dressing is light with a slight kick from the addition of wholegrain mustard, and any leftovers are perfect kept in the fridge for lunch the next day. 

8. Easy kale salad with lemon dressing 

This easy kale salad recipe comes with a delightfully zingy homemade dressing, as well as offering plenty in the way of colour and crunch. 

It’s a fantastic option if you need to prepare your salad in advance, as kale holds up way longer than many of its other leafy counterparts. 

Don’t skip the step that suggests that you massage the leaves. Yes, it might sound a little bit bizarre, but it makes a big difference and will help to eliminate any bitterness. 

9. Chopped Thai salad 

If you’re in the mood for trying something a little out of the ordinary to serve with your burgers, try this chopped Thai salad. It tastes like a fresh explosion of summer in your mouth, and though the chopping of all the veggies will take a little while, it’s absolutely worth it! 

There’s no chicken or red meat in this salad, so it’s perfect if you’re serving up veggie burgers to guests who don’t eat meat. 

The dressing is the icing on the cake for this salad, with yummy ingredients like honey, sesame oil, and lime juice. 

10. Green goddess salad 

If you follow food trends, you’ll no doubt be familiar with the viral TikTok recipe for green goddess salad! The salad itself is a simple combination of cucumber, cabbage, onion, and chives, dressed with a sauce that’s a kind of vegan pesto. 

You can make it a couple of days in advance if you like. Just make that you give it a really good stir before serving up! 

The real beauty of this salad is just how customisable it is. I like to add some chopped avocado and a squeeze of lime juice for some guacamole style vibes, and it’s also really good with some sesame seeds sprinkled over for extra crunch and a mild nutty flavour. 

Final thoughts on salads to serve with burgers 

Getting an extra helping of nutritious veggies on your plate is always a good idea, and there are so many vibrant and delicious salads to choose from that team perfectly with burgers.

Let’s quickly summarise them: 

  • Simple healthy slaw
  • Chopped Italian salad 
  • Spicy coleslaw
  • Mexican style corn salad 
  • Broccoli salad 
  • Caesar salad 
  • BLT pasta salad 
  • Easy kale salad with lemon dressing 
  • Chopped Thai salad 
  • Green goddess salad

What are your favourite salads that go with burgers? Leave a comment below and share your ideas!