What Salad Goes with Spaghetti? (11 Salads)

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

I know I do! Spaghetti is such a classic dish and it can be hard to know what to serve alongside it.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help. I’ve rounded up 11 of the best salads to serve with spaghetti.

From simple green salads to more unique pasta 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 spaghetti!

What Salad Goes with Spaghetti

What Salad Goes with Spaghetti?

The most common salad to serve with spaghetti is a green salad with Italian dressing. Other popular options include Caesar salad, Caprese salad, and Nicoise salad. If you want something lighter, you can also serve a simple side of fruit or a cucumber and tomato salad.

Still looking for salad ideas?

Then keep scrolling!

Here are 11 salads that go with spaghetti:

1. Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad

Broccoli might have a bad reputation as a “kid food,” but this bacon broccoli salad is definitely not child’s play.

The key to making this dish work is in the balance of flavors – the salty bacon, the sweetness of the raisins, the tanginess of the dressing, and the crunch of the broccoli all come together to create a perfectly balanced bite.

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

  • Try using kale or Brussels sprouts in place of the broccoli.
  • Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped fresh apples.
  • Add some diced cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
  • Top with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

2. Southwestern Chopped Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

You won’t believe the dressing on this salad! It’s so good, you’ll want to drink it straight from the jar.

But trust me, it’s even better on this southwestern chopped salad.

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The combination of juicy tomatoes, crispy corn, black beans, and fresh cilantro is irresistible.

And the whole thing comes together in just a few minutes.

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

  • Swap out the black beans for kidney beans or chickpeas.
  • Add some diced avocado for extra creaminess.
  • Throw in a handful of shredded cheese.
  • Top with grilled chicken or shrimp.

3. 5-Minute Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad

When time is of the essence, this 5-minute lemon parmesan lettuce salad is the perfect solution.

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

And it couldn’t be easier to make – just toss some chopped lettuce with a few simple ingredients and you’re good to go!

If you want to change things up, you could:

  • Substitute the lettuce for spinach or arugula.
  • Add in some diced avocado or hard-boiled eggs.
  • Use a different cheese, like feta or goat cheese.
  • Swap out the lemon juice for balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar.

4. BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

If you’ve ever been to a real BBQ joint, then you know that ranch dressing + BBQ sauce is a match made in heaven.

That’s what inspired this flavor-packed pasta salad, perfect for your next summer potluck or cookout.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s completely customizable.

You can use whatever pasta you have on hand, swap out the chicken for beef or pork, and mix in your favorite BBQ sauce.

To change things up, you could:

  • Add some spice with a teaspoon of sriracha or a diced jalapeƱo.
  • Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top.
  • Mix in some cooked shrimp or tofu for extra protein.
  • Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.

5. Pesto Potato Salad

You can’t go wrong with a classic potato salad, but this pesto potato salad is next level.

It’s creamy and flavorful, with just the right amount of acidity from the vinegar.

The pesto adds a nice depth of flavor, but if you’re not a fan of pesto, you could easily swap it out for another dressing or even just use plain ol’ mayo.

To change things up, you could:

  • Add some diced red onion or green onions for a little bit of a bite.
  • Swap out half of the potatoes for roasted sweet potatoes.
  • Mix in some cooked bacon or diced ham.
  • Add in a cup of frozen peas or corn.
  • Top with shredded Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese.
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6. Antipasto Salad with Easy Italian Vinaigrette

Easy, delicious, and healthy, this Antipasto Salad is the perfect side dish for any Italian meal.

With a mix of crisp veggies, flavorful meats and cheeses, and a homemade vinaigrette, it has everything you need in one bite.

This salad is so easy to customize – swap out the meats and cheeses for your favorites, or use whatever veggies you have on hand.

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

  • Try different meats and cheeses – salami, ham, provolone, mozzarella, etc. would all be delicious.
  • Add some roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes for extra flavor.
  • Switch up the greens – arugula or romaine would be great in place of the lettuce.
  • Make your own croutons by cubing up some day-old bread and tossing with olive oil and garlic.

7. Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing

If regular old white potatoes seem a little too boring for you, try sweet potatoes in this hearty salad.

They pair perfectly with the kale and creamy honey mustard dressing, making this salad the perfect side dish for beef stroganoff.

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

  • Swap out the sweet potatoes for roasted beets or roasted carrots.
  • Use spinach or arugula instead of kale.
  • Make your own dressing with olive oil, vinegar, honey, and mustard.
  • Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese.
  • Add some diced apples or pears for sweetness.

8. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon seems so obvious with beef stroganoff, but it really takes this dish to the next level.

The creaminess of the sauce, the salty bacon, and the al dente pasta all come together perfectly in this dish.

To change things up, you could:

  • Use a different type of pasta, like fusilli or rotini.
  • Add in some chopped cooked chicken or steak.
  • Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or chickpeas.
  • Throw in some frozen peas or corn.
  • Sub out the ranch dressing for a vinaigrette or another creamy dressing.

9. Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad

The beautiful color of the roasted beets pairs so well with the creamy goat cheese in this salad.

It’s perfect for a fall dinner party, but easy enough to make for a weeknight meal.

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I like to use a mix of roasted and raw beets to give the salad some different textures, but you could use all roasted beets if you prefer.

To change things up, you could:

  • Swap out the goat cheese for feta or blue cheese.
  • Add some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
  • Use arugula or spinach in place of the greens.
  • Throw in some diced apples or pears for sweetness.

10. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Chickpeas are little powerhouses of nutrition, and they’re the perfect base for this healthy Mediterranean salad.

Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this salad will fill you up without weighing you down.

And it’s so easy to customize!

Try adding in some diced cucumber, tomatoes, or red onion. Or mix things up with a different type of bean, like black beans or lentils.

For a little extra flavor, stir in some chopped fresh herbs or crumbled feta cheese.

11. Healthy Kale Cranberry Quinoa Salad

If health is your main concern, this kale cranberry quinoa salad is a great option.

It’s loaded with nutrient-rich ingredients like kale, quinoa, and dried cranberries, and it gets a boost of flavor from a simple lemon vinaigrette.

To make this salad even better, you could:

  • Add some protein with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Make it a meal by adding a few slices of avocado.
  • Swap out the quinoa for another grain like rice or farro.
  • Add some crunch with chopped nuts or seeds.
  • Change up the dressing by using balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice.

What Salad Goes with Spaghetti Bolognese?

There are many salads that go well with spaghetti Bolognese, such as a simple green salad, Caesar salad, Caprese salad, or even a watermelon and feta salad. For something different, try serving Bolognese over roasted vegetables or polenta instead of pasta.

Salads

What Salad Goes with Spaghetti? (11 Salads)

With so many different types of salad out there, it can be hard to decide which one to pair with your spaghetti dish.
This post provides 11 different salads that go great with spaghetti, so you can find the perfect match for your meal.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 403 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad
  • Southwestern Chopped Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing
  • 5-Minute Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad
  • BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
  • Pesto Potato Salad
  • Antipasto Salad with Easy Italian Vinaigrette
  • Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing
  • Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
  • Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad
  • Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
  • Healthy Kale Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Instructions
 

  • Pick any of the salads from this list to serve with your spaghetti dish.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Enjoy in no time!
Keyword What Salad Goes with Spaghetti, What Salad to serve with Spaghetti