Salads That Go With Carbonara: BEST Choices!
Do you love carbonara, but want to offer something a little bit more than just a bowl of pasta for dinner?
A salad is the perfect choice!
Fresh, vibrant, and super simple to put together, a carefully selected salad can add colour to your meal, as well as nutritional goodness.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best salads to serve with carbonara…
(By the way, for more inspiration for delicious sides and accompaniments to add to the table, be sure to also take a look at what to serve with carbonara!)
The Best Salads That Go With Carbonara
Caesar Salad
A classic choice to accompany your carbonara would be the well-loved Caesar salad.
You can never go wrong with fresh lettuce leaves mixed with a creamy dressing.
This salad gets its unique flavour from anchovies, Parmesan, and eggs.
For an extra crunch, add some homemade croutons. Here’s a simple recipe:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and a crushed anchovy fillet.
- Gradually mix in grated Parmesan and a whisked egg.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Gently toss in torn lettuce leaves and enjoy your Caesar salad as a refreshing side dish.
For more side ideas, check out the best sides for chicken caesar salad.
Tomato Salad
Fresh and vibrant, a tomato salad is a delightful choice to complement your plate of carbonara.
Use sweet cherry tomatoes, sliced in half and tossed in a simple dressing of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
For added depth, you can sprinkle some capers along with thinly sliced red onions and fresh basil leaves to create an exquisite, flavourful pairing.
Arugula Salad
Arugula, a peppery and slightly bitter leaf, is a fantastic base for a side salad to offset the richness of carbonara.
Drizzle olive oil and vinegar over your arugula leaves, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Mix in some Parmesan shavings for a touch of creaminess that connects the salad to your pasta.
For an added layer of flavour, toss in some thinly sliced red onions and capers to create a well-balanced, tasty arugula salad.
Green Salad
Sometimes, a basic green salad can be the perfect addition to your carbonara meal!
A mix of various leafy lettuces creates a crisp and refreshing side dish that won’t overpower the star of your plate.
Simply toss the leaves in a light dressing of olive oil, vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Enjoy the simplicity and contrasting texture that this green salad brings to your delicious carbonara.
Italian Themed Salads
In this section, we will explore two Italian themed salads that pair well with carbonara: Antipasto Salad and Caprese Salad.
Antipasto Salad
Antipasto Salad is a vibrant and flavourful Italian salad that combines a variety of ingredients often found in traditional antipasto platters, including:
- Fresh tomatoes
- Olives
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoncini peppers
- Artichoke hearts
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh tomatoes | 1 cup |
| Olives | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Mozzarella cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Pepperoncini peppers | 1/4 cup |
| Marinated artichoke hearts | 1/2 cup |
To make this salad, simply toss all the ingredients together in a large serving bowl.
Drizzle the salad with a dressing made from a blend of olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
This colourful and tangy salad is sure to delight your taste buds!
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that showcases the delicious simplicity of Italian food.
This elegant salad consists of only a few key ingredients:
- Fresh tomatoes
- Fresh basil
- Mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh tomatoes | 2, sliced |
| Fresh basil leaves | 8-10, torn |
| Mozzarella cheese | 8 oz. ball, sliced |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Balsamic vinegar | 1 tbsp |
To prepare Caprese Salad, layer tomato slices, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil in a circular pattern on a serving platter.
Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
The rich flavours of this salad perfectly complement the creamy and indulgent taste of carbonara.
Both of these Italian themed salads make a delightful addition to any carbonara meal.
Vegetable Sides that Complement Carbonara
If you’re considering salads for carbonara, you might also be interested to explore veggie based sides.
Here’s a selection of the very best for you to consider…
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a fantastic vegetable side to accompany your carbonara.
To make them, simply toss the sprouts in some olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven until they’re golden and slightly crispy.
The natural sweetness of the sprouts complements the rich, creamy carbonara and adds a delightful contrast in texture.
Steamed Greens
Steamed greens can be a light and healthy side dish for your carbonara.
You can use a variety of your favourite greens, such as kale, spinach, or swiss chard.
To prepare, clean and trim the greens, then steam them gently until they’re tender but still vibrant in colour. Season with a little salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
The steamed greens will provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the carbonara.
Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is another great option for a vegetable side with your carbonara. To make it, heat some olive oil in a pan, add some minced garlic and onion and cook until softened. Next, add the spinach and cook until it’s wilted, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. The garlic and onion-infused olive oil adds extra depth to the spinach, creating a simple yet flavourful side dish that goes well with the creaminess of carbonara.
Tenderstem Broccoli
Tenderstem broccoli pairs beautifully with carbonara, offering crunch and a slight bitterness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
To cook, simply blanch the broccoli in boiling water for a few minutes until it’s tender yet retains a bit of crunch. Drain and toss with a touch of olive oil and sprinkle with some sea salt.
The tenderstem broccoli not only adds a pop of colour to your plate, but it also brings a satisfying texture contrast to the carbonara.
This recipe with garlic and lemon is also beautifully simple yet absolutely delicious.
Creative Salad Ideas
Grilled Zucchini and Aubergine Salad
This delightful salad adds a touch of smoky flavour to your carbonara.
To begin, slice zucchini and aubergine into thin strips and marinate with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Grill the vegetables until tender and slightly charred.
Then, arrange them on a platter, toss them with a light balsamic dressing, and sprinkle with crumbled feta or goat cheese.
The grilled zucchini and aubergine salad brings a pleasant contrast to the richness of the pasta dish.
Cauliflower Bites
Cauliflower bites are an ideal accompaniment to carbonara, offering a light, crisp side option.
Start by cutting cauliflower into small florets and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Place the florets on a baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced, and bake at 200°C (392°F) for about 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown.
You can also boost the flavour by adding spices or grated cheese before baking. Serve these cauliflower bites warm or at room temperature, and surprise your taste buds with their delectable crunch.
Courgette Fries
For a creative twist on the classic fries, try courgette fries as a pairing for your carbonara.
First, slice the courgettes into thin, chip-like pieces.
Whisk together a batter of plain flour, cold water, salt, and pepper, then dip the courgette slices into the batter to coat them evenly. Fry the battered courgettes in olive oil until golden brown and crisp, then drain any excess oil.
Serve these courgette fries with a sprinkle of sea salt and a side of garlic aioli to enhance their flavour.
They make a fantastic complementary side for a delightful carbonara experience.
Which of these salads will you be serving up with your carbonara?
