Salads That Go With Sandwiches: Tasty Choices!
When it comes to an easy but satisfying lunch, you really can’t go wrong with a sandwich and a salad!
There are so many variations to try that you needn’t ever get bored, but if you’re tired of the same old lettuce and tomato combination, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, we’ll explore the best salads to serve with sandwiches, including creamy coleslaws, satisfying potato salads, and internationally inspired side salads to suit all palettes!
Classic Salads That Go With Sandwiches
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a versatile and tasty salad that complements a variety of sandwiches.
Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy or vinegar-based dressing, coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to your sandwich experience.
For a twist, try adding diced apples for a hint of sweetness or red onion for a bit of tang!
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic choice for pairing with sandwiches.
Boiled potatoes, combined with mayonnaise, mustard, and various veggies like onions, celery, or even pickles, create a delicious side dish.
Enhance your potato salad by experimenting with different herbs and spices, such as chives, dill, or paprika.
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a tasty and filling option to accompany your favourite sandwiches.
Cooked macaroni, tossed with mayonnaise, mustard, and an assortment of vegetables such as peppers, onions, and olives make for a satisfying side dish.
Tailor your macaroni salad with your preferred ingredients or spices to really make it your own.
Broccoli Salad
For a healthy and flavourful side for sandwiches, consider broccoli salad.
Raw or lightly blanched broccoli florets, mixed with raisins, sunflower seeds, bacon, and a tangy dressing, create a delightful combination.
Different variations include adding shredded cheese or swapping out the raisins for dried cranberries.
Green and Caesar Salad
Nothing beats a simple green salad or a classic Caesar salad as a side to sandwiches.
A green salad consisting of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and your choice of dressing offers a light and crisp option.
For a Caesar salad, combine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese, topped with Caesar dressing for a rich and creamy side dish.
Greek and Black Bean Salad
For something different, try a Greek salad or black bean salad to accompany your sandwiches.
A Greek salad includes tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with oregano.
Black bean salad combines black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado, mixed with a zesty lime dressing, offering a hearty and flavourful choice.
Pasta and Tomato Salad
A lovely side to complement your sandwich is a refreshing pasta and tomato salad.
Start by cooking your favourite pasta until it’s al dente.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta with an array of chopped vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion.
To give it a fruity twist, add some diced apples or even watermelon.
Toss everything in a light vinaigrette dressing and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Fruit and Arugula Salad
For a lighter and more vibrant option, consider preparing a fruit and arugula salad.
To begin, gather a generous amount of arugula and mix it with your choice of fresh fruits. Some popular options include:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Apple slices
- Orange segments
- Grapes
To give the salad some crunch, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds.
Then, create a simple dressing by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
This fruit and arugula salad pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sandwiches, adding a burst of flavour and nutrients to your meal.
Unexpected Twists on Salad Side Dishes
Salads can easily transform a simple sandwich into a satisfying meal.
In this section, we’ll explore some unique twists on salad side dishes that will elevate your sandwich experience.
Adding Fresh Herbs
One simple way to add an unexpected twist to your salad is by incorporating fresh herbs. Herbs like basil, parsley, or coriander can bring a whole new dimension to your side dish.
To maximise flavour, tear the herbs gently instead of chopping them.
This prevents bruising and ensures the best possible taste.
- Basil: Pairs well with tomatoes, adding a sweet and slightly peppery flavour.
- Parsley: Excellent in grain-based salads, providing a zesty kick.
- Coriander: Combines perfectly with beans, lending its citrusy and aromatic notes.
Creamy Avocado and Goat Cheese
Another delightful twist on your side salad involves the use of creamy avocado and goat cheese.
These ingredients pair surprisingly well together and complement the freshness of the lettuce or greens in your salad. To make your salad a rich and distinctive side dish, simply:
- Dice avocado into small pieces.
- Crumble soft goat cheese onto the salad.
- Drizzle with a light and tangy dressing, like lemon vinaigrette.
Sweet and Savoury Flavours
Introduce a sweet touch to your salad by incorporating fruits like apples, pears, or berries. The natural sweetness of these fruits contrasts beautifully with the savoury flavours of the sandwich.
Here are a few ideas for incorporating sweetness in your salads that go with sandwiches:
- Apple & Walnut Salad: Thinly sliced apples, crunchy walnuts, and mixed greens, topped with a honey mustard dressing.
- Pear & Blue Cheese Salad: Tender slices of pear, pungent blue cheese, and arugula, drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
- Strawberry & Feta Salad: Juicy strawberries, crumbled feta, and baby spinach, tossed in a poppy seed dressing.
By embracing these unexpected twists, you’ll discover that salads are far from boring. They can be a flavoursome side dish that will make your sandwich even more enjoyable!
Which of these salads that go with sandwiches will you be trying at lunchtime?
