What Salad Goes With Tri Tip? 10 Best Salads

Knowing what salad goes with tri tip can be tough.

After all, there are so many delicious options to choose from!

But don’t worry, I’m here to help.

I’ve rounded up 10 of the best salads to serve with tri tip.

Whether you are looking for a light and refreshing salad or something a little 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 tri-tip!

See Also: What Sauce Goes with Tri Tip? (8 Tasty Sauces)

What Salad Goes With Tri Tip? 10 Best Salads

Salads are like the perfect side dish.

They are light, refreshing, and packed with nutrients.

But when it comes to tri tip, you want to make sure you choose a salad that will complement the flavors of the meat.

Fortunately, there are a number of great salads that pair well with tri tip.

Here are 10 of the best salads for tri tip:

1. Salad Caprese

If simplicity is what you’re looking for in a salad, this is the one for you.

Three ingredients – tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil – come together to create a light and refreshing dish.

The acidity of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the mozzarella, and the basil adds a nice touch of flavor without being overpowering.

Pro Tip: To take this salad to the next level, add some balsamic glaze or roasted cherry tomatoes.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use pesto instead of basil
• Add avocado for some healthy fats
• Sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese

2. Nicoise Salad

This salad goes well with tri tip, chicken or even on its own as a light meal.

I love the variety of textures and flavors in this salad, from the crispy lettuce to the creamy eggs and olives.

Pro Tip: For an extra flavorful punch, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top.

3 Ways to Change It Up:

• Add grilled shrimp or salmon
• Swap out the green beans for roasted Brussels sprouts
• Use a balsamic vinaigrette instead of the dressing recipe included

3. Cobb Salad

I love this protein-packed salad because it’s so filling, but doesn’t leave me feeling weighed down.

It’s perfect for a summer BBQ or picnic.

The best part is that it’s easily customizable – you can swap out the protein, cheese, and dressing to fit your taste.

Pro Tip: To make this salad even more filling, add a cup of cooked quinoa or rice.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use grilled chicken instead of roasted chicken
• Add avocado for extra creaminess
• Use a vinaigrette instead of ranch dressing

4. Caeser Salad

Although this salad looks complicated (and admittedly, it can sometimes be), it’s actually really simple to make.

Plus, it’s packed with flavor and texture.

The creamy dressing, the crispy croutons, the salty Parmesan… it all comes together to create a dish that’s hard to resist.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought croutons and dressing.

Just be sure to get a high-quality brand that you know you like.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use grilled chicken instead of boiled chicken for a smoky flavor
• Add in some chopped bacon for extra savoriness
• Use romaine lettuce for a slightly sweeter taste

5. Waldorf Salad

You HAVE to try this salad with your tri tip steak.

It’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory, and it has a great crunch from the celery and apples.

The best part is that it’s so easy to make!

Just chop up some apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts and mix with mayo, yogurt, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Pro Tip: If you want a little more protein in your salad, add some cooked chicken or hard-boiled eggs.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for a tangier flavor.
• Swap out the grapes for raisins or dried cranberries.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh parsley for extra color and flavor.

6. Thai Chicken Larb Salad

How about something Thai-inspired alongside your tri tip?

This dish is healthy, flavorful and filling – everything you could want in a salad (and then some).

The best part is that it comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find ground chicken, simply pulse chicken breasts in a food processor until they’re finely chopped.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the ground chicken for shrimp or tofu.
• Add a handful of chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
• Serve over rice instead of greens for a heartier meal.

7. Tabbouleh Salad

Why not try serving this salad with your steak?

And if you’re feeling extra lazy, you can use pre-chopped parsley and mint to save some time.

Pro Tip: If you want your tabbouleh to have even more flavor, try toasting the bulgur before adding it to the rest of the ingredients.

Just cook it in a dry pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the bulgur for quinoa or couscous
• Add in some chopped up fruit, like apricots or grapes
• Use feta cheese instead of goat cheese

8. Russian Olivier Salad

This salad goes well with tri tip, chicken, or as a standalone dish.

The salad has a good mix of textures and flavors, with the creamy dressing, salty olives, and crunchy veggies.

Pro Tip: If you want to add some protein to this salad, cooked chicken or bacon would be great additions.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein
• Swap out the white vinegar for apple cider vinegar
• Use feta cheese instead of cheddar

9. Greek Salad

Delicious, fresh, and healthy, this Greek salad is a perfect meal or side dish.

Packed with flavor from the olives, feta cheese, and red onions, this salad is sure to please.

And it’s so easy to make!

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped veggies to save even more time.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the romaine lettuce for spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.
• Add in some grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
• Use a light vinaigrette instead of the traditional Greek dressing to cut down on calories.

10. Asian Slaw

Asian flavors are like a party in your mouth, and this slaw is no exception.

The perfect balance of salty, sweet, and sour, this dish will leave you wanting more.

I love the crunch from the cabbage and carrots, and the addition of cilantro and peanuts takes it to the next level.

Pro Tip: For extra crunch, add a handful of chopped up rice noodles.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the cabbage for kale or spinach
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp
• Use a different type of nut, like cashews or almonds