Salads That Go With Roast Beef (BEST Salads!)
Are you a fan of roast beef but not sure what to pair it with for a healthy and satisfying meal?
Look no further than the world of salads!
Salads are a versatile and delicious way to complement the rich and savory flavours of roast beef, while also providing a refreshing and nutritious option.
But with so many salad options out there, how do you choose the perfect one?
Join us as we explore the best salads that go with roast beef, from classic Caesar salads to unique and flavourful combinations that will have your taste buds dancing.
So grab your fork and let’s dig in!
(By the way, you might also want to take a look at the best sauces for roast beef, and the best desserts for roast beef!)
Classic Salads That Go With Roast Beef
Waldorf Salad
This timeless classic was created at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.
It’s a simple yet delicious combination of apples, celery, walnuts and grapes, all dressed in a light and creamy mayonnaise.
To make a Waldorf Salad just right for your roast beef:
- Dice apples and celery
- Halve grapes
- Mix with walnuts and mayonnaise
- Season with salt and pepper
This beautifully crunchy salad with its sweet and tangy flavours will be the perfect accompaniment.
Spinach Salad
For a nutritious and flavourful addition to your meal, consider a Spinach Salad.
This salad combines tender spinach leaves with a variety of toppings and dressings.
A popular option is pairing spinach with blue cheese, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette.
Caprese Salad
A Caprese Salad is a simple and flavourful selection from Italy.
Made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, it is a beautiful representation of the Italian flag.
Season the salad with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to make your roast beef truly sing.
Cobb Salad
Bring an American favourite to the table with a Cobb Salad.
This salad is a combination of lettuce, tomatoes, crispy bacon, boiled eggs, chicken, avocados, and blue cheese, all drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette.
It’s a hearty side that’s perfectly suited for your roast beef feast.
Greek Salad
Add a Mediterranean touch to your meal with a refreshing Greek Salad.
Made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, feta cheese, and dressed with a combination of olive oil, vinegar, and dried oregano, this colourful and vibrant salad will not disappoint.
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar Salad consists of romaine lettuce, croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing, adorned with shavings of parmesan cheese.
When done right, this simple blend of ingredients is a glorious pairing with roast beef.
Broccoli Salad
For a healthy and rustic option, try a Broccoli Salad.
This salad blends raw broccoli, crispy bacon, raisins, and sunflower seeds in a delightfully tangy dressing.
You’ll enjoy the contrast of textures and the burst of flavours against the richness of your roast beef.
Potato and Pasta Salads with Roast Beef
Classic Potato Salad
A delicious classic potato salad is a must-have accompaniment for your roast beef.
Start by boiling medium-sized potatoes until they’re tender but still holding their shape. Peel and cut them into bite-sized pieces, then let them cool.
While the potatoes are cooling, prepare your dressing.
In a bowl, combine some mayonnaise, a bit of mustard, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavour, you can also add diced onion and chives.
Once the potatoes have cooled, mix them with the dressing, making sure they’re evenly coated. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can also mix in crispy, cooked bacon bits.
Chill your potato salad in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavours meld together before serving it with your roast beef.
Italian Pasta Salad
An Italian pasta salad is a fantastic alternative to the classic potato salad for pairing with roast beef.
Begin by cooking your favourite short pasta, such as fusilli or farfalle, according to the package instructions.
Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to make sure it holds its shape once mixed with other ingredients.
For the dressing, whisk together a blend of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of dried oregano.
Mix the cooked pasta with a variety of colourful, fresh vegetables – think cherry tomatoes, black olives, and thinly sliced red onion.
In addition, you can add some diced mozzarella or cubed feta cheese for a burst of creaminess.
Toss the pasta and vegetables with the dressing, ensuring an even coating.
As with the potato salad, it’s a good idea to chill the pasta salad for at least an hour in the fridge before serving with your roast beef.
This will allow the flavours to meld and create a satisfying, flavourful side dish for your meal.
Diverse Salad Ingredients and Dressings
Vegetable Ingredients
For a scrumptious salad that complements your roast beef, begin by choosing vibrant and flavourful vegetable ingredients.
Consider incorporating spinach and kale as your base, adding crunch with some celery and green beans.
Don’t forget the star ingredient: tomatoes.
Mixing different coloured varieties adds visual appeal, while beets provide a beautiful pop of colour.
If you’re preparing this for a potluck, remember to include sweet potatoes to cater to varied preferences.
Protein Boosters
Elevate your salad with some protein boosters that are both tasty and nourishing.
Hard-boiled eggs and chickpeas make excellent options. If you prefer a more indulgent experience, garnish with some melted cheese for an extra delectable touch.
Dressings
A well-designed salad dressing can truly enhance the overall experience.
Using red wine vinegar provides a lovely tang that complements the roast beef and vegetables.
Reinvent the classic dressing by incorporating garlic and maple syrup for a balanced sweetness.
Cater to varied tastes by including a vegetarian option that’s both delightful and inclusive.
Toppings
Toppings are the final details that make your salad truly remarkable.
Customise your dish by adding a combination of these delicious elements to suit your preferences:
- Blue cheese or feta: for a tangy kick and creamy texture
- Apples: for a refreshing and sweet crunch
- Olives: to bring in some Mediterranean warmth
- Croutons or crackers: for that irresistible crunch
- Pine nuts: for a nutty, elegant touch
As you assemble your salad, play around with these ingredients, dressings, and toppings.
With this diverse array of choices, you’re sure to create a masterpiece that’s the perfect companion for your roast beef meal!
Creating a Balanced Salad
When preparing a salad to accompany your roast beef, it’s essential to consider the balance of nutrients in your salad components.
A well-rounded salad should provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients.
Here are a few key tips to help you create a nutritious and tasty side dish for your roast beef meal.
1. Choose colourful vegetables: A vibrant mix of vegetables will not only create a visually appealing salad but will also offer a diverse range of nutrients.
Opt for leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, and add cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions for extra flavour and nutrition.
These ingredients are low in calories and sodium, and provide a decent amount of fibre and essential vitamins.
2. Incorporate protein and healthy fats: To provide an extra boost of protein, sprinkle in some legumes such as chickpeas or black beans.
This also increases fibre content, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
Adding avocado or a handful of nuts will contribute healthy fats to your salad, which are essential for absorbing vitamins and maintaining heart health.
3. Be mindful of dressings: Dressings can add a lot of flavour to your salad, but it’s important to keep an eye on their nutritional content.
Light vinaigrettes based on olive oil, lemon juice, or vinegar are usually low in sugar and saturated fat.
Avoid dressings with high levels of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, as these can counteract the health benefits of your salad.
4. Keep it balanced with grains: Whole grains, such as quinoa or barley, can contribute fibre and protein to your salad without adding excessive calories.
Make sure to choose whole grains over refined options, as they offer a broader nutrient profile and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Innovative Salad Recipes with Roast Beef
When it comes to pairing salads with roast beef, the options are endless. Here are three delicious and innovative salad recipes that complement perfectly with a roast beef dinner.
Asian Slaw and Beef Salad
Here’s a refreshing twist on a classic salad. This Asian-inspired beef salad features:
- Beef tenderloin, sliced thinly
- A mix of Asian slaw, including shredded cabbage, carrot, and sliced red pepper
- A zesty dressing, made with soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and honey
- Aromatic herbs, such as mint, basil, and coriander
- A sprinkling of diced onion for added flavour
Simply toss everything together and serve alongside your roast beef.
The vibrant colours and fresh flavours of this salad will bring a welcome vibrancy to your meal.
Sweet Potato and Beet Salad
Add a touch of sweetness to your roast beef dinner with this delicious salad:
- Sweet potatoes and beets, roasted until tender
- Crisp mixed greens
- Creamy mozzarella cheese, torn into bite-sized pieces
- Toasted nuts of your choice, such as walnuts or pistachios
Arrange the roasted sweet potatoes and beets on a bed of mixed greens, then scatter over the mozzarella and nuts.
Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette or your favourite dressing, and enjoy!
Quinoa and Kale Salad
For a hearty, healthy side that goes brilliantly with roast beef, try this quinoa and kale salad:
- Nutritious quinoa, cooked and cooled
- Chopped kale, massaged with a little olive oil to soften
- A handful of your favourite nuts, for an added crunch
- A variety of herbs, such as parsley and dill, finely chopped
- A zesty lemon dressing, with lemon juice, olive oil, and crushed garlic
Combine the quinoa, kale, nuts, and herbs in a large bowl. Add the lemon dressing and toss everything well to combine. This salad is perfect for adding a nutritious and flavoursome side to your roast beef meal.
So, go ahead and enhance your roast beef experience with these innovative salad recipes. You’ll be sure to impress your guests with these delightful and unique side dishes!
