What Salad Goes with Balsamic Vinaigrette? (11 Salads)

Do you ever find yourself wondering ‘what salad goes with balsamic vinaigrette‘?

If so, then you are in luck! I’ve rounded up 11 of the best salads to serve with balsamic vinaigrette.

From a simple arugula salad to a more complex watermelon salad, there is sure to be something on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these salads a try the next time you are looking for a delicious and easy side dish!

What Salad Goes with Balsamic Vinaigrette?

There are many salads that go great with balsamic vinaigrette. A few examples include a Caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil; a spinach salad with strawberries, feta, and pecans; or a kale salad with roasted sweet potatoes, cranberries, and goat cheese.

Still looking for salad ideas?

Then keep scrolling!

Here are 11 salads that go with balsamic vinaigrette:

1. Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad isn’t as common as some of the other salads out there, but it’s definitely a crowd pleaser.

This salad is packed with fresh broccoli, bacon, shredded cheese, and diced red onion, all tossed in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

It’s the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ or picnic.

To change things up, you could:

• Swap out the broccoli for cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
• Add in some diced apples or grapes for sweetness.
• Use a different cheese, like cheddar or goat cheese.
• Try a different dressing, like ranch or Italian.

2. Southwestern Chopped Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Not any dressing will do for this salad – the cilantro-lime dressing is what really makes it special.

It’s bright and flavorful, and ties all of the ingredients together perfectly.

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you could use parsley instead.

And if you want to change things up, you could:

• Add some grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for extra protein.
• Swap out the black beans for pinto beans or lentils.
• Use romaine lettuce instead of iceberg.
• Add a diced avocado or some fresh mango chunks for extra sweetness and creaminess.

3. 5-Minute Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad

I love how parmesan always manages to make things taste a little bit better.

This 5-minute lemon parmesan lettuce salad is no exception.

It’s light and refreshing, with the perfect balance of salty and tangy flavors.

And it couldn’t be easier to make – just mix everything together in a bowl and you’re done!

If you’re looking for ways to change things up, you could:

• Add some chopped herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
• Swap out the lettuce for spinach or arugula.
• Use balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice.
• Add a few tablespoons of crumbled feta or goat cheese.

4. BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

Whenever I get the chance to make a pasta salad, I always go for this BBQ chicken ranch pasta salad.

See Also: What to Serve with Chicken Pasta Salad

It’s the perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. And it’s so easy to throw together!

To change things up, you could:

• Use a different type of pasta (bowtie, rotini, or shells would all be great).
• Swap out the ranch dressing for Italian or Greek dressing.
• Add in some chopped bacon or crumbled blue cheese.
• Throw in some diced avocado or roasted corn for extra creaminess and sweetness.

5. Pesto Potato Salad

Pesto has a strong and unique flavor that really stands up to the boldness of balsamic vinaigrette, making it the perfect pairing for this salad.

The potatoes in this dish also help to balance out the acidity of the dressing, while the fresh herbs add a bright and fresh touch.

If you’re looking to change things up, you could:

• Swap out the pesto for another type of sauce or dressing.
• Use different types of potatoes (or even sweet potatoes) for a different flavor and texture.
• Add in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Mix in some cooked quinoa or farro for extra heartiness.
• Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.

6. Antipasto Salad with Easy Italian Vinaigrette

Easy, simple, and delicious, this Antipasto Salad is the perfect side dish for any meal!

Filled with all of your favorite Italian flavors, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Serve it as is, or top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a main dish salad.

To change things up, you could:

• Swap out the lettuce for spinach or arugula.
• Add in some diced avocado.
• Use a different type of cheese, like mozzarella or provolone.
• Try a different type of salami, such as pepperoni or Sopressata.

7. Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing

I love sweet potatoes in salads because they add a nice sweetness and creaminess that goes so well with tart vinaigrettes.

This salad also has massaged kale (for extra flavor and texture), roasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese.

The dressing is a simple honey mustard vinaigrette, but you could also use balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar.

To change things up, you could:

• Swap out the sweet potatoes for roasted beets or roasted cauliflower.
• Use spinach or arugula instead of kale.
• Add diced avocado or chopped hard-boiled eggs.
• Try a different type of nut, like almonds or pistachios.

8. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

I love bacon. Let’s just get that out there right now.

But I also love a good pasta salad, and this bacon ranch pasta salad is the perfect combination of both.

It’s got all of the classic flavors of a ranch dressing, with the addition of some crispy bacon bits and chopped up vegetables.

I like to use rotini noodles in this salad, but you could really use any type of pasta you like.

And if you’re looking for a little bit of a change-up, here are a few ideas:

• Add in some diced chicken or turkey for extra protein.
• Swap out the ranch dressing for another flavor, like Italian or balsamic vinaigrette.
• Use a different type of pasta, like fusilli or shells.
• Add in some chopped up fruit, like grapes or apples.

9. Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad

Beets aren’t talked about enough in my opinion. They’re so sweet and earthy, and they pair so well with goat cheese.

This salad is simple but so flavorful, and it looks beautiful too.

It would be a perfect side salad for a summer BBQ or picnic.

To change things up, you could:

• Substitute the goat cheese for feta or blue cheese.
• Add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives.
• Throw in some toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
• Switch out the beets for roasted sweet potatoes or carrots.

10. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Sometimes the easy, throw-together salads are the best.

This Mediterranean chickpea salad is one of those recipes.

It’s packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas, healthy fats from the olive oil and avocado, and tons of flavor from the fresh herbs.

I like to serve this salad as is, but you could also:

• Add some chopped cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Swap out the romaine lettuce for spinach or arugula.
• Add in some diced cucumber or bell pepper for extra crunch.
• Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a little bit of creaminess.

11. Healthy Kale Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Why not try something ultra-healthy, yet still flavorful and filling, like this kale cranberry quinoa salad?

It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can easily be made ahead of time.

The best part about this salad is that it’s so versatile – you can mix and match the ingredients to suit your taste.

Try swapping out the quinoa for rice or couscous, using different types of kale, or adding in some chopped apples or pears for sweetness.

And if you’re not a fan of balsamic vinaigrette, any type of dressing will work – just use whatever you have on hand.

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