What Salad Goes with Shepherd’s Pie? (11 Salads)

Knowing what salad goes with shepherd’s pie can be a bit tricky.

After all, shepherd’s pie is such a hearty and flavorful dish. But don’t worry, I’m here to help!

I’ve rounded up 11 of the best salads to serve with shepherd’s pie.

Whether you are looking for a light and refreshing salad or something a bit heartier, 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 shepherd’s pie!

What Salad Goes with Shepherd’s Pie?

Some great salads to pair with shepherd’s pie include classic green salads, roasted beet salads, quinoa salads, and even fruit salads. For a heartier option, serve shepherd’s pie with roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted cauliflower.

Still looking for salad ideas?

Then keep scrolling!

Here are 11 salads that go with shepherd’s pie:

1. Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad

I know, broccoli might seem like an odd choice for a shepherd’s pie side, but I promise this bacon broccoli salad is a perfect match.

The savory flavors of the bacon and onions complement the rich, creamy shepherd’s pie perfectly, and the crunchy broccoli adds a nice contrast in texture.

Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak some extra veggies into your meal!

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

• Swap out the bacon for crumbled sausage or diced ham.
• Add in some shredded cheddar cheese or chopped hard-boiled eggs.
• Use ranch dressing instead of the mayo-based dressing for a lighter option.
• Try using kale or spinach instead of broccoli for a different flavor and nutrient profile.

2. Southwestern Chopped Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

The dressing in this salad is out-of-this-world good.

It’s a cilantro-lime vinaigrette that’s slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and completely addictive.

The salad itself is a chopped southwestern style salad with black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips.

To change things up, you could:

• Add some protein with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Swap out the tortilla strips for croutons or chopped nuts.
• Use a different type of bean, such as kidney beans or chickpeas.
• Add some spice with diced jalapeño or fresh chili peppers.

3. 5-Minute Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad

If you don’t have much time to prepare a side dish, this 5-minute lemon parmesan lettuce salad is an awesome solution.

It’s light and refreshing, with a bright dressing that ties everything together.

And it’s so easy to customize!

Try adding:

• Different herbs: basil, thyme, or chives would be nice.
• Fruit: berries or diced apples would be lovely.
• Nuts or seeds: toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds would add some crunch.
• Cheese: crumbled feta or goat cheese would be delicious.
• Protein: grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would make this a complete meal.

4. BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

Who doesn’t like BBQ chicken? And when you add in ranch dressing, bacon, and pasta, it’s even better!

This salad is perfect for a summer cookout or potluck. It’s also great as a main dish if you’re looking for something lighter.

To change things up, you could:

• Swap out the pasta for quinoa or rice.
• Use grilled chicken instead of BBQ chicken.
• Add in some diced avocado or chopped fresh herbs.
• Try a different dressing – Italian or vinaigrette would be good options.

5. Pesto Potato Salad

Remember that pesto comes in many forms.

This pesto potato salad is a great example of how you can use a non-traditional pesto, in this case a sun-dried tomato pesto, to really elevate a dish.

The flavors in this dish are really well balanced – the creamy potatoes, the zesty sun-dried tomato pesto, and the freshness from the arugula all work together perfectly.

And if you’re looking for ways to change things up, here are a few ideas:

• Try using a different type of potato, like Yukon gold or red potatoes.
• Swap out the arugula for another type of green, like spinach or kale.
• Add in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Mix in some chopped roasted red peppers or olives for extra flavor.

6. Antipasto Salad with Easy Italian Vinaigrette

I love Italian flavors, and this salad is a delicious way to enjoy them.

It’s packed with all of my favorite things like salami, mozzarella, and roasted peppers.

And the easy Italian vinaigrette ties everything together perfectly.

If you’re looking for a change of pace, you could:

• Swap out the romaine lettuce for spinach or arugula.
• Add in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Use a different type of cheese like provolone or Parmesan.
• Roast your own peppers instead of using jarred peppers.
• Make your own vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

7. Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing

If regular white potatoes are getting a little boring, try this sweet potato kale salad!

It’s a delicious and hearty salad that’s perfect for fall.

The creamy honey mustard dressing ties everything together perfectly.

And if you’re looking for ways to change things up, here are a few ideas:

• Try using different types of greens in place of the kale, such as spinach or arugula.
• Swap out the sweet potatoes for roasted beets or roasted carrots.
• Add some protein with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Top with crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese for extra creaminess.

8. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon just makes everything better – especially this bacon ranch pasta salad.

It’s the perfect side dish for shepherd’s pie, or really any hearty main dish.

The best part about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, so all you have to do is throw it together when you’re ready to eat.

If you want to change things up, you could:

• Use a different type of pasta, like rotini or farfalle.
• Add in some diced cooked chicken or ham.
• Swap out the ranch dressing for Italian dressing or vinaigrette.
• Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn.
• Top with shredded cheese and chopped green onions.

9. Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad

If you’re feeling fancy, this roasted beet goat cheese salad is the perfect side dish for shepherd’s pie.

The sweetness of the roasted beets pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the pie, and the goat cheese adds a nice creaminess and tang.

To change things up, you could:

• Swap out the beets for roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash.
• Use feta cheese instead of goat cheese.
• Add some chopped nuts or seeds for crunch.
• Top with a balsamic glaze or vinaigrette.

10. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Chickpeas are known for being a bit of a bland ingredient, but they really shine in this flavorful salad.

The combination of fresh herbs, salty feta cheese, and a zesty dressing really makes this dish pop.

It’s the perfect side to any main course, but it would be especially good with shepherd’s pie.

To change things up, you could:

• Swap out the chickpeas for white beans or lentils.
• Add some diced avocado for creaminess.
• Use goat cheese instead of feta.
• Try a different type of dressing, like balsamic vinegar or tahini sauce.

11. Healthy Kale Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Why not serve something super healthy and flavorful with your shepherd’s pie?

This kale cranberry quinoa salad is perfect.

It’s packed with fiber and protein from the quinoa, vitamins and minerals from the kale, and sweetness from the dried cranberries.

To make this salad even better, you could:

• Add some diced avocado for creaminess.
• Swap out the kale for spinach or arugula.
• Use almond slivers or sunflower seeds in place of the pumpkin seeds.
• Make a simple vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, and honey.