5 Filling, Delicious Supper Salad Pairings
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You’ve picked out fresh greens, gathered flavorful produce and selected your favorite toppings. Salads are firmly on the menu. But what should you pair them with for a filling meal?
While a traditional side salad on its own may pass for lunch, your loved ones are likely hoping for something a little heartier at the dinner table. Consider these salad and main course pairings to transform supper into a spectacle.
- Chicken – After searing tender chicken on the grill or over a skillet, pair it with a tangy Greek salad to complete the Mediterranean vibes. Cut your preferred fresh veggies, like cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and kalamata olives, into small pieces and serve over a bed of romaine. Top with feta then dress with oil and vinegar.
- Seafood – Light, flaky fish should be paired with an equally delicate salad. Try a version made with arugula or baby spinach paired with fresh fruits and vinaigrette to complement seafood like salmon.
- Pasta – For spaghetti, lasagna, Alfredo and all your favorite pastas, turn to an Italian salad with romaine, thinly sliced onions, fresh tomatoes, black olives and – perhaps most importantly – cubed, crunchy croutons.
- Steak and Grilled Fare – From seared steaks to juicy burgers, warm-weather meals hot off the grill deserve a salad that screams spring and summer. Enter a classic, the Caesar salad, made with romaine, Parmesan, croutons and a zesty dressing – that’s it. Add a spritz of lemon juice or fresh garlic for an extra special touch.
- Light Soups and Stews – When you’re enjoying a lighter main course, like a tomato or pea soup, it’s a perfect opportunity to pair with a heartier salad to help round out the meal. Cobb salad (practically an entire meal on its own) is a filling solution for these occasions, made with thick-chopped romaine, tomatoes, chopped bacon, avocado and hard-boiled eggs. Add grilled chicken for an extra bite of protein then top with crumbled blue cheese.
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