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25 BEST Side Salads for Steak

There’s nothing quite like a delicious, juicy steak.

But sometimes, you want something a little different than just meat and potatoes.

That’s where side salads come in – they’re the perfect way to change up your dinner routine without taking away from the main event.

But what’s the best side salad for steak?

The best side salad to serve for steak is a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. You can also add some toppings to the salad, such as crumbled blue cheese, diced avocado, or roasted nuts. To make the salad more filling, you can add some grilled chicken or shrimp.

But there are so many different side salads to choose from.

So, In this post, I’m going to share with you my 25 favorite side salads for steak.

See Also: 8 Best Spices and Herbs for Filet Mignon

best side salad for steak

Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or something hearty and satisfying, I’ve got you covered.

So read on for some tasty ideas!

25 Best Side Salads for Steak

As a steak lover, I know that the best way to enjoy a great piece of meat is with a delicious side salad.

Here are 25 of my favorite side salads for steak, ranging from simple greens to more complex dishes.

Whether you’re looking for something light or something hearty, I’ve got you covered!

So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy some amazing steak dinners with these tasty side salads.

Here are 25 different side salads that go great with steak:

1. Caesar Salad

Chicken Caesar Salad
Source: cookingclassy.com

I’ve been known to make a Caesar salad for any and all occasions.

It’s a great side dish for steak, chicken, or fish, and it can also be a great way to use up leftover romaine lettuce from another meal.

If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can easily omit them from this recipe.

However, they are a key part of the flavor profile of this salad, so don’t skip them altogether if you can help it!

In addition to anchovies, Caesar salads typically include dressing made with olive oil, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic.

These ingredients give the salad its signature Caesar flavor.

If you want to add some extra crunch to your salad, try adding some crumbled bacon or diced hard-boiled egg.

2. Greek Salad

Greek Salad
Source: loveandlemons.com

Greek salad is super fresh and flavorful, and it’s a great side salad to serve with steak or other proteins.

The key to a great Greek salad is to use high-quality ingredients.

  1. Start with a bed of fresh greens, like romaine lettuce or spinach.
  2. Then add layers of colorful tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives.
  3. Finally, give the salad a final layer of feta cheese, chopped onions, and oregano.

This simple salad can be dressed up or down depending on your preferences. If you want a more intense flavor, add in some diced red pepper flakes or Tabasco sauce.

If you want it to be more refreshing, go with a light vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar.

3. Cobb Salad

Cobb Salad
Source: delish.com

Cobb salad is known for its variety of ingredients, and that’s why it’s such a popular side dish.

You can add in any type of meat or poultry, as well as any type of salad greens.

Some popular additions include avocado, bacon, shrimp, and hard-boiled eggs.

The key to making a Cobb salad is to mix everything together before serving so that the flavors meld and the salad is dressed evenly.

Another great thing about cobb salads is that they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

So whether you’re hosting a get-together or just want to make a quick meal, Cobb salads are a great option.

4. Kale Salad

Kale Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
Source: cookieandkate.com

Kale salad can be made in various ways, but the basic idea is to combine chopped kale with a variety of ingredients that will give it flavor and texture.

This salad can be made with or without dressing, and you can add different spices and herbs to customize it to your taste.

For example, if you have some steak left over from dinner, you could add it to the mix and enjoy a delicious and hearty kale salad.

Powdered garlic, fresh thyme, and sea salt are all great additions to this particular salad.

If you don’t have any steak on hand, feel free to substitute other meats or vegetables.

Try adding cooked chicken or shrimp to the mix for a new and exciting flavor profile.

There are endless possibilities for making this side salad your own.

5. Arugula Salad

Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan
Source: foodiecrush.com

Some people love arugula salad as an appetizer, while others enjoy it as a side dish.

Either way, this leafy green salad is a healthy option that can be enjoyed with any type of protein.

  1. Start by mixing together some diced red onion, crumbled bacon, and chopped arugula.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Toss everything together until everything is evenly coated.

You can then serve the salad on a bed of Romaine lettuce or spinach leaves.

Top it off with your favorite shredded cheese or roasted nuts for a delicious meal that’ll leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

6. Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Balsamic

Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Balsamic
Source: loveandlemons.com

This salad can add some beautiful color and flavor to your meal.

  1. Start by boiling fresh beets until they are soft, then let them cool slightly before slicing into thin strips.
  2. Toss the beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then set them aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together goat cheese, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
  4. Add the mixture to the beets and stir to combine.
  5. Serve the salad warm or cold, and top with chopped scallions or parsley if desired.

7. French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
Source: onceuponachef.com

Now, don’t be intimidated by the name of this salad.

It’s actually really easy to make, and it’s perfect for serving with a steak or any other type of protein.

  1. First, start by grating some carrots using a box grater. Don’t go too crazy with the grating though; you just want enough to give the salad a bit of texture.
  2. Once you have the carrots grated, mix them together with some fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste.
  3. For the vinaigrette, mix together equal parts olive oil and lemon juice.
  4. Add in some honey or agave nectar if you’d like, and whisk until smooth.
  5. Finally, add in some chopped parsley or chives for extra flavor.
  6. Serve the salad immediately, and enjoy!

8. Asian Cucumber Salad

ASIAN CUCUMBER SALAD
Source: www.feastingathome.com

Asian flavors have always been one of my favorites, so I was excited to try this cucumber salad recipe.

The balance of tangy and sweet from the vinegar and honey gives the salad a wonderful depth of flavor.

The cucumber is cut into thin pieces so that it can easily be eaten with a fork, and the crunchy peanuts add a nice texture.

If you want to make this salad even more special, you can add in some shredded chicken or shrimp.

Just be sure to season the meat before adding it to the salad, so that it doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors of the cucumbers.

9. Roasted Eggplant Lentil Salad (Aubergine Salad)

Roasted Eggplant Lentil Salad (Aubergine Salad)
Source: recipetineats.com

Side salad recipes for steak can be a little tricky.

You want something that will complement the flavor of the meat, but you don’t want it to overpower it.

That’s where this roasted eggplant lentil salad comes in.

It’s hearty and filling, but it doesn’t weigh down the steak like heavy dressing might.

The lentils add a bit of fiber and protein to the dish, while the roasted eggplant gives it a sweet and savory flavor.

If you’d like to add some extra flavor, try using a hot sauce or some diced tomatoes.

Serve this salad with your favorite steak recipe, and you’ll have an amazing meal that everyone will love.

10. Shaved Fennel Salad

Shaved Fennel Salad
Source: simplyrecipes.com

If you like the taste of fennel, you’re going to love this shaved fennel salad.

The sweet, anise-y flavor of the vegetable is perfect with the savory steak.

In addition to being a tasty side dish, shaved fennel can also be used as a topping for other dishes.

For example, toss it into a pasta dish or add it to a stir-fry.

Not only is this salad delicious and versatile, but it’s also easy to make.

  1. Start by shaving the fennel using a mandolin or a vegetable slicer.
  2. Then, mix it with some chopped onion, red pepper flakes, and olive oil.
  3. Season it to taste with salt and pepper, and serve cold.

11. Balsamic Green Bean Salad

Balsamic Green Bean Salad
Source: melskitchencafe.com

Green beans have been popular for a long time as a side dish.

They’re easy to prepare and they always taste great.

In this salad, green beans are tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette that is perfect for steak or chicken.

The sweet and tangy flavors of the vinegar balance out the bitterness of the green beans.

This salad is also very versatile, so you can add in any other ingredients that you like.

For example, you could add in diced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or shredded cheese.

If you’re feeling really creative, you could even try using different types of balsamic vinegars!

12. Lentil Salad

Lentil Salad
Source: twopeasandtheirpod.com

Lentil salad goes great with steak, chicken, or fish.

It’s a great side dish because it’s hearty and filling, but it still has a light flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.

Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, and they’re also high in antioxidants.

They’re also naturally sweet, so you don’t need to add any sugar to this salad.

All you need is some olive oil, garlic, salt, and lemon juice.

You can also add in some chopped tomatoes or cucumbers if you want.

This salad is perfect for those days when you don’t feel like cooking anything else.

Just throw everything into a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavors blend together.

13. Tomato Cucumber Lettuce Salad

Tomato Cucumber Lettuce Salad
Source: ifoodreal.com

This side salad is full of fresh, summer flavors.

The tomatoes and cucumbers are both crunchy and juicy, while the lettuce provides a refreshing contrast of texture.

Herbs and spices like cumin and chili powder give it a bit of flavor, while lemon juice and olive oil add a touch of acidity.

This salad is perfect for any steak or grilled meat dish, as well as for any salad that you might want to add a bit of extra flavor.

It’s also great as a light lunch or dinner option on its own.

14. Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad
Source: thecountrycook.net

Although this side salad isn’t green, it is still a great option to serve with steak.

This dish is simple and easy to make, and it requires just a few ingredients.

  1. For the macaroni, cook it according to the package directions.
  2. Once it’s cooked, drain it and rinse it with cold water.
  3. Add the macaroni to a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil.
  4. Boil for 8 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked through.
  5. Drain the macaroni and place it in a bowl.
  6. Add in diced tomatoes, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Mix everything together well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

15. Quinoa Salad

Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Source: erinliveswhole.com

This might be one of the healthiest side salads you’ll ever make.

Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber.

In addition, quinoa is naturally sweetened, so it doesn’t need any added sugar.

  1. To make this salad, start by cooking the quinoa according to the package directions.
  2. Once it’s cooked, let it cool slightly before adding it to a salad bowl. In addition to quinoa, this salad includes chopped kale and corn kernels.
  3. Finally, toss everything together with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.

This salad is perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious and filling side dish.

16. Italian Style Rice Salad

Italian Style Rice Salad
Source: flawlessfood.co.uk

Italians just know how to cook steak.

And while they know how to cook it really well, they also know how to season it perfectly.

That’s why this Italian-inspired rice salad is perfect for steak lovers.

The rice is cooked until tender and then tossed with a flavorful dressing that includes olive oil, garlic, and vinegar.

The salad is finished off with diced tomatoes, fresh parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes.

This is a great side dish to serve with any grilled or roasted meat.

17. Seafood Salad

Seafood Salad
Source: dinneratthezoo.com

If you don’t mind a little seafood with your steak, then this salad is for you.

See Also: What to Serve with Seafood Salad: 15 Easy Sides

It’s packed with healthy ingredients like shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat, as well as plenty of fresh vegetables.

The salad has a light, refreshing flavor that pairs well with the rich, hearty taste of steak.

  1. To make it, start with a bed of mixed greens.
  2. Add in some diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
  3. Top it off with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar.
  4. Serve alongside your favorite steak recipe for a perfect summertime meal.

18. Apple Spinach Salad

Apple Spinach Salad
Source: gimmesomeoven.com

Or how about an apple spinach salad?

Not only is it healthy, but the sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the savory steak.

The salad also has a bit of crunch from the toasted walnuts, and the goat cheese adds a lovely creaminess.

  1. To make this salad, start with a base of baby spinach leaves.
  2. Add in some thinly sliced Granny Smith apples, toasted walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and diced red onion.
  3. For the dressing, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
  4. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then drizzle over the salad just before serving.

19. Healthy Sprout Salad

Healthy Sprout Salad
Source: funfoodfrolic.com

This side salad isn’t as popular as some of the other options out there, but it’s definitely worth a try.

It’s packed with nutrients and flavor, and it goes great with steak.

  1. To make this salad, start with a base of mixed greens.
  2. Then, add in some alfalfa sprouts, diced cucumber, and shredded carrots.
  3. For a bit of sweetness, add in some raisins or dried cranberries.
  4. And for a bit of crunch, throw in some sunflower seeds or chopped nuts.
  5. Finally, top it off with your favorite salad dressing.

This salad is healthy and flavorful, and it’s the perfect side dish for a hearty steak dinner.

20. Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Source: recipetineats.com

I love the taste of sweet potatoes, and when they’re roasted, they become even sweeter and more delicious.

This makes them the perfect addition to a salad, especially when paired with steak.

The sweetness of the potatoes is a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the meat.

  1. To make this salad, start by roasting some sweet potatoes in the oven.
  2. Then, add them to a bed of mixed greens along with some diced red onion, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pecans.
  3. Top it off with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

The result is a salad that is both sweet and savory, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Find the best substitute for celery in potato salad in this article.

21. Three Bean Salad

Three Bean Salad
Source: simplyrecipes.com

This salad is usually served as a side, but I think it could easily be a meal on its own.

It’s packed with protein and fiber from the beans, and the veggies add a nice crunch.

The dressing is simple, yet delicious, and ties everything together perfectly.

  1. Start with a can of black beans, a can of kidney beans, and a can of chickpeas.
  2. Rinse and drain the beans, then mix them together in a large bowl.
  3. Add in some diced red onion, diced celery, and diced green bell pepper.
  4. For the dressing, whisk together some olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, and salt.
  5. Pour it over the salad and mix everything together.
  6. Let it sit for at least an hour so the flavors can meld.
  7. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

22. Fresh Tomato Salad

Fresh Tomato Salad
Source: spendwithpennies.com

When serving this side salad alongside steak, be sure to use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

Look for a variety of colors for a beautiful presentation.

  1. For the salad, mix together diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and a pinch of sugar.
  4. Drizzle over the salad and toss to coat.

This salad is best served immediately, but it will keep in the fridge for an hour or two if you need to make it ahead of time.

23. Tuna Salad

tuna salad

Yes, tuna salad isn’t just for sandwiches.

It makes a delicious and healthy side salad, too.

Start with a can of tuna packed in olive oil.

Add in some diced celery, red onion, and green bell pepper.

For a bit of sweetness, add in some raisins or dried cranberries.

To give the salad some zing, add in a touch of Dijon mustard and white wine vinegar.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

This salad is best served cold, so make sure to give it plenty of time to chill in the fridge before serving.

Steak and tuna salad are a match made in heaven.

The rich, fatty steak is offset by the light, fresh flavors of the salad.

24. Turkey Salad

Turkey Salad
Source: allrecipes.com

If you want even more protein to go with your steak dinner, how about a turkey salad?

Start with a base of chopped Romaine lettuce and add in diced cooked turkey, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced avocado.

For a flavorful dressing, mix together equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and add in a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

This salad has all the makings of a delicious and satisfying meal.

25. Waldorf Salad

Waldorf Salad
Source: simplyrecipes.com

This side salad is usually served with steak, but it would also be delicious with chicken or pork.

The salad is made with diced apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts.

For the dressing, you’ll need mayonnaise, lemon juice, and sugar.

You can also add a bit of salt and pepper to taste.

Mix everything together and serve chilled.

This salad is best if made ahead of time so that the flavors have a chance to meld together.

What Goes with Steak and Salad?

There are many sides that go well with steak and salad. For example, you could have roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, sauteed mushrooms, or even just a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, you could also add in a soup or bread.

What Is the Best Vegetable to Serve with Steak?

The best vegetable to serve with steak is one that will complement the steak’s flavor without overpowering it. Some good choices include roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a simple salad. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, you could also try serving steak with roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed kale.

What Goes Good with Grilled Steak?

There are many things that go well with grilled steak. Some of the most popular include potatoes (baked, mashed, roasted, or french fried), corn on the cob, steamed vegetables, salads, and breads. For a more complete meal, you could also add beans, rice, or pasta.

Related:

15 Easy Salads that Go with Ham

10 Best Salads to Serve with Seafood

10 Best Salads For Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

What Salad Goes With Mussels? 13 Best Salads

What Salad Goes With Pot Roast? 15 Best Salads

What Salad to Serve with Paella? (9 Amazing Salads)

best side salad for steak

25 BEST Side Salads for Steak

When you're planning a steak dinner, it's important to choose the right side dishes to complement the meat.
This list of 25 best side salads for steak provides a variety of options that are sure to please everyone at the table.
From simple green salads to more complex dishes, there is something for everyone.
And since steak is such a versatile protein, these salads can be served with any type of steak, from filet mignon to ribeye.
So next time you're looking for the perfect side dish for your steak dinner, be sure to check out this list.
You're sure to find a salad that everyone will love.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad, Steak
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 387 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Caesar Salad
  • Greek Salad
  • Cobb Salad
  • Kale Salad
  • Arugula Salad
  • Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Balsamic
  • French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
  • Asian Cucumber Salad
  • Roasted Eggplant Lentil Salad (Aubergine Salad)
  • Shaved Fennel Salad
  • Balsamic Green Bean Salad
  • Lentil Salad
  • Tomato Cucumber Lettuce Salad
  • Macaroni Salad
  • Quinoa Salad
  • Italian Style Rice Salad
  • Seafood Salad
  • Apple Spinach Salad
  • Healthy Sprout Salad
  • Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
  • Three Bean Salad
  • Fresh Tomato Salad
  • Tuna Salad
  • Turkey Salad
  • Waldorf Salad

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite side salad from this list to serve with your steak.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Enjoy in no time!
Keyword best side salad for steak, salad sides for steak, side salad recipes for steak
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.