What Salad Goes with Clam Chowder? 10 Best Salads

If you’re wondering what salad goes with clam chowder, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I go over 10 of the best salads to serve with clam chowder.

In a rush?

Here’s the short answer:

The best salads to serve with clam chowder are green salads, like a classic Caesar salad or a spinach salad with bacon and hard-boiled eggs. You can also try a more unique salad, like a watercress and grapefruit salad or an endive and apple salad. For something heartier, try a roasted beet and goat cheese salad or a quinoa and cranberry salad.

Ready for even more?

Let’s jump right in.

See Also: 16 Best Herbs and Spices for Clam Chowder

What Salad Goes with Clam Chowder? 10 Best Salads

I think of a salad as the perfect side dish because it’s light and refreshing, and it pairs well with so many different dishes.

When it comes to clam chowder, there are a number of great salads that can take the dish from good to great.

Here are 10 of the best salads for clam chowder:

1. Wedge Salad

Wedge salad is light and refreshing, topped with bacon, tomatoes, and blue cheese dressing.

I like to serve this salad with chowder because it’s a nice contrast to the heartiness of the soup.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon and store-bought blue cheese dressing.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add hard boiled eggs for a protein boost.
• Swap out the blue cheese dressing for ranch or vinaigrette.
• Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a main dish salad.

See Also: 10 Best Sandwiches To Serve With Clam Chowder

2. Caesar Salad

You’ll LOVE this creamy Caesar salad recipe.

It’s the perfect side dish to any chowder, but it would also be great with roasted chicken or fish.

I like to use a combination of Romaine and iceberg lettuce for this salad because it gives it a nice crunch.

And, of course, don’t forget the croutons and Parmesan cheese!

Pro Tip: Make your own croutons! They’re so much better than store-bought and they’re really easy to make. Just cut up some stale bread into cubes, toss with olive oil and seasonings, and bake at 400 degrees until golden brown.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier salad.
• Mix in some chopped bacon for a salty kick.
• Use a flavored olive oil (like garlic or herb) in the dressing for an extra zing.

3. Kale Salad

Kale has a strong flavor, so I like to pair it with a creamy soup like chowder.

The acidity in the vinaigrette also helps to cut through the richness of the soup.

Pro Tip: To make this salad extra hearty and satisfying, add some cooked grains like quinoa or farro.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some roasted sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness.
• Swap out the kale for spinach or arugula.
• Top with crumbled goat cheese or feta for a little bit of tanginess.

4. Greek Salad

Whenever I’m in Greece, I love to order a big Greek salad to go with my soup.

The contrast of the cool, creamy soup and the bright, flavorful salad is unbeatable.

Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies in.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped veggies from the grocery store. Just look for a mix that includes lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add Kalamata olives for a salty punch.
• Swap out the lettuce for spinach or arugula.
• Use feta cheese instead of mozzarella or cheddar.

5. Strawberry Spinach Salad

I can’t get enough of this salad! It’s the perfect side dish to a creamy chowder.

The sweetness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the savory chowder, and the spinach provides a nice crunch.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use frozen strawberries instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw them before adding to the salad.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
• Swap out the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries.
• Use balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.

6. Caprese Salad

I love how the balsamic glaze in this dish pairs with the chowder.

It’s a really light and refreshing salad, but it’s also got some heft to it from the mozzarella and avocado.

I always like to add a little bit of spice with some crushed red pepper flakes.

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of balsamic vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some chopped up bacon for a salty crunch.
• Swap out the mozzarella for goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for a more intense flavor.

7. Corn Tomato Avocado Salad

Watch this salad disappear faster than you can say “chowder’s up!”

This is one of my all-time favorite side dishes to serve with soup or chili.

The sweetness of the corn, the acidity of the tomatoes, and the creaminess of the avocado come together to create a dish that is both flavorful and filling.

Pro Tip: For an extra punch of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some chopped cilantro for a touch of freshness.
• Swap out the diced tomatoes for roasted cherry tomatoes.
• Add a few slices of jalapeño for some heat.

8. Waldorf Salad

If you love apples and grapes, you’ll love this salad.

The sweetness of the fruit is a perfect complement to the creamy chowder.

I like to use red grapes and green apples for a little bit of color contrast.

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of mayo, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch.
• Swap out the grapes for berries for a tart twist.
• Use diced pears instead of apples for a different kind of sweetness.

9. Crunchy Broccoli Salad

Personally, I like a little crunch in my salad, which is why I love this broccoli salad.

It’s got a great mix of textures and flavors, and it’s really easy to throw together.

Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies in!

Pro Tip: To save time, you can use pre-cut broccoli florets. Just make sure to give them a good rinse before adding them to the salad.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some diced apple for sweetness and extra crunch.
• Swap out the bacon for grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Use raisins or dried cranberries in place of the grapes.

10. Southwest Chicken Chopped Salad

This one is full of colorful veggies and tender chicken breast, and it’s tossed in a light, flavorful dressing.

I like to serve this salad with chowder because it’s a nice way to lighten things up and add some freshness to the meal.

Pro Tip: To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add grilled shrimp or fish for a heartier salad.
• Swap out the ranch dressing for a vinaigrette or another type of dressing.
• Add avocado, black beans, or corn for extra flavor and texture.

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