What Salad Goes with Chili? (11 Amazing Salads)

Do you ever find yourself wondering what salad goes with chili?

I know I do!

Chili is such a hearty and filling dish, but it’s always nice to add a light and refreshing salad to the mix.

So if you are looking for some ideas, then you are in the right place.

I’ve rounded up 11 of the best salads to serve with chili.

From simple green salads to more complex grain salads, 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 make chili!

Read Also: The 7 Best Cheeses For Chili (+10 Alternatives)

What Salad Goes with Chili?

There are many salads that go well with chili, such as a green salad with ranch dressing, a black bean and corn salad, or a Caesar salad. You can also get creative and try something like a watermelon and feta salad, or a quinoa and avocado salad.

Still looking for salad ideas?

Then keep scrolling!

Here are 11 salads that go with chili:

1. Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad

Broccoli and bacon in a salad just sounds right, doesn’t it?

This salad is everything you could want in a side dish – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be made ahead of time.

The best part about this salad is that it’s so versatile.

If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you could swap it out for another veggie like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.

And if you’re not a fan of bacon, you could leave it out or swap it for crumbled up cooked chicken or turkey.

To change things up, you could:

• Add some diced avocado for creaminess.
• Swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt or ranch dressing.
• Add in a handful of shredded cheese.
• Stir in a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce.

2. Southwestern Chopped Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

How can a dressing be so good that you want to drink it by the spoonful?

I have no idea, but this cilantro-lime dressing is one of those magical concoctions.

It’s the perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory, and it makes this chopped salad irresistible.

The best part about this salad is that it’s totally customizable.

Use whatever veggies you have on hand, and swap out the black beans for another type of bean or some cooked chicken or shrimp.

3. 5-Minute Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad

Lemony, somewhat salty, and a little bit sweet, this salad is a delicious way to brighten up any winter meal.

The combination of crisp lettuce, juicy oranges, and crunchy pistachios is refreshing and satisfying.

And it only takes a few minutes to throw together!

To change things up, you could:

• Add some protein with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Swap the oranges for grapefruit or pomegranate seeds.
• Use another type of nut in place of the pistachios.
• Try a different type of lettuce or greens.

4. BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

Don’t tell me that you don’t like pasta salad because this BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad will have you changing your tune!

The combination of creamy ranch dressing, sweet barbecue sauce, and tender chicken is irresistible.

And the best part is that this salad can be made ahead of time, so it’s perfect for potlucks and picnics.

To change things up, you could:

• Swap out the chicken for another protein, like shrimp or tofu.
• Use a different type of pasta, like rotini or shells.
• Add in some chopped veggies, like bell peppers or diced cucumber.
• Try a different dressing, like Italian or vinaigrette.

5. Pesto Potato Salad

Potato salads, to me, are the perfect side dish.

They’re hearty, satisfying, and usually pretty easy to make.

This pesto potato salad is no different – it comes together quickly and can be easily customized to your liking.

I love the addition of pesto in this recipe because it really takes the flavor up a notch, but you could also use a store-bought pesto or even just some chopped fresh herbs.

If you want to change things up, you could:

• Add some diced cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein.
• Swap out the potatoes for another type of starchy vegetable, like roasted sweet potatoes or roasted cauliflower.
• Use a different type of dressing – a vinaigrette would be nice, or even just a simple lemon juice and olive oil dressing.
• Add in some chopped fresh fruit, like grapes or berries, for sweetness and color.

6. Antipasto Salad with Easy Italian Vinaigrette

You know what they say – the best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach.

And this antipasto salad is an awesome way to show your loved ones how much you care.

It’s packed with all of their favorite Italian flavors – salami, mozzarella, olives, and more – and it comes together in just minutes.

Plus, it’s easily customizable so everyone can make it their own.

Try adding:

• Cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
• A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

7. Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing

White potatoes can sometimes feel a little too heavy, so I love using sweet potatoes in salads for a bit of extra flavor and nutrition.

This kale salad is the perfect side to your favorite chili recipe.

It’s hearty and filling enough to stand up to a hearty chili, but the sweet potato and honey mustard dressing add a touch of sweetness and brightness that cuts through the richness of the chili.

To change things up, you could:

• Swap out the kale for spinach or arugula.
• Add some diced avocado or roasted corn.
• Use crumbled feta or goat cheese in place of the shredded cheddar.
• Make your own honey mustard dressing by whisking together equal parts Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil.

8. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon, bacon, bacon. Is there anything it can’t make better?

In this case, it takes a simple pasta salad and turns it into an irresistible side dish.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize.

Swap out the pasta for your favorite type, use any veggies you have on hand, and add in some protein if you’d like.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Try using rotini, shells, or fusilli instead of the elbow noodles.
• Add in some diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or chopped broccoli.
• Stir in a can of black beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Top with shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta for extra flavor.

9. Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad

Why not add some beautiful color to your chili with this roasted beet salad?

The beets are roasted until they’re tender and sweet, and then they’re paired with creamy goat cheese, fresh greens, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette.

You could also:

• Swap out the beets for roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash.
• Add in some crumbled feta or shredded Parmesan cheese.
• Use arugula or spinach instead of the greens.
• Try a different type of dressing, like honey mustard or ranch.
• Top with chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

10. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Chickpeas are little powerhouses of nutrition, and they’re the perfect addition to this flavorful salad.

Packed with fresh veggies and herbs, this salad is so easy to make and can be served as a side or main dish.

To mix things up, you could:

• Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Swap out the chickpeas for white beans or lentils.
• Use any combination of veggies you like – bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. would all be great in this salad.
• Try using a different type of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese.
• Make it a bit more substantial by adding in some cooked quinoa or rice.

11. Healthy Kale Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Why not serve something healthy, flavorful, and filling as a side to your chili? This kale cranberry quinoa salad has it all.

The quinoa gives this salad a boost of protein, making it a satisfying option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

And the combination of sweet, tart, and savory flavors is sure to please everyone at the table.

Here are a few ideas for how you could mix things up:

• Try using spinach or arugula instead of kale.
• Swap out the dried cranberries for chopped fresh apples or pears.
• Add in some toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
• Stir in a spoonful of diced avocado for creaminess.
• Top with crumbled goat cheese or feta for extra flavor.