What Salad Goes with Clam Chowder? 11 Best Salads

Are you wondering what salad goes with clam chowder?

Well, wonder no more!

I’ve got 11 delicious salads that will perfectly complement your next bowl of clam chowder.

And trust me, your friends and family will be impressed.

So go ahead and give one (or all) of these a try!

See Also: What to Serve with Clam Chowder? 25 Best Side Dishes

What Salad Goes with Clam Chowder? 11 Best Salads

Salads have a reputation for being healthy, but they can also be delicious.

See Also: What Bread Goes Well with Clam Chowder? 10 Best Breads

And when it comes to clam chowder, the right salad can make all the difference.

A good salad will complement the flavors of the soup and help to round out the meal.

On the other hand, a bad salad can easily overwhelm the delicate flavor of the soup and leave you with an unappetizing dish.

Fortunately, there are a number of great salads that pair well with clam chowder.

Here are 11 of the best salads for clam chowder:

1. Salad Caprese

If you’re in a rush (or just don’t feel like cooking), this salad is the perfect solution.

It’s simple, flavorful and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

The best part?

It goes great with chowder!

Pro Tip: If you have time, roast the tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the salad. It really brings out their sweetness and makes them extra delicious.

3 Changes You Can Make to This Salad:

• Swap out the mozzarella for another type of cheese, like cheddar or goat cheese.
• Add some cooked bacon or pancetta for a bit of salty flavor and crunch.
• Throw in some chopped fresh herbs, like basil or oregano.

2. Nicoise Salad

My family loves salads that have a bit of everything, and this Nicoise salad is no different.

It’s got the perfect blend of flavors and textures, and it goes great with a creamy soup like chowder.

Plus, it’s an easy way to get your kids to eat their vegetables!

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use canned tuna and pre-cooked potatoes.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use a different type of green beans (haricot verts would be delicious in this salad)
• Swap out the hard-boiled eggs for poached eggs
• Add some crispy bacon to really take it over the top!

3. Cobb Salad

With lots of protein, this salad is perfect for a meal or as a side.

The chowder really ties everything together and makes it filling without being too heavy.

Pro Tip: If you want to lighten up the salad, use Greek yogurt in place of the mayo.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use grilled chicken instead of roasted chicken
• Add avocado for some healthy fats
• Use your favorite vinaigrette in place of the ranch dressing

4. Caeser Salad

I know this salad looks complicated (and it is, a little bit), but I promise it’s worth it.

The creamy caesar dressing pairs perfectly with the crispy bacon and the crunchy croutons.

And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even top it with a poached egg.

Pro Tip: To save time, use pre-cooked bacon and store-bought croutons.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use grilled chicken instead of bacon for a lighter option.
• Add avocado for some healthy fats.
• Swap out the romaine lettuce for kale or spinach.

5. Waldorf Salad

This salad is known for its creamy, mayonnaise-based dressing.

The sweetness of the grapes pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the bacon and chicken.

The crunch of the celery and apples add a nice contrast in texture.

And let’s be real, anything with bacon is automatically awesome.

Pro Tip: If you want to make this salad ahead of time, wait to add the grapes until right before you serve it. This will prevent them from getting mushy.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to lighten up the dressing.
• Add some chopped pecans or walnuts for a little extra crunch.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save on time.

6. Thai Chicken Larb Salad

How about something Thai-inspired alongside your clam chowder?

This larb salad is light, refreshing, and has the perfect amount of zing from the lime juice and fish sauce.

The cilantro and mint give it a nice bright flavor, while the toasted rice adds some crunch.

I like to top mine with a few extra herbs and a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find Thai chili powder, you can use regular chili powder or even ground cumin.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu
• Add in some chopped peanuts or cashews
• Use regular lettuce in place of the cabbage

7. Tabbouleh Salad

Why not try serving this salad with your next chowder?

The bright, lemony flavors of the tabbouleh are a perfect compliment to the richness of the chowder.

Plus, the bulgur wheat in the salad will help to soak up any extra liquid from the soup.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped parsley and mint from the grocery store.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the bulgur wheat for quinoa or couscous.
• Add in some chopped up grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Use lemon juice instead of vinegar in the dressing.

8. Russian Olivier Salad

Have you ever tried this salad with clam chowder?

It’s seriously awesome.

The Olivier salad is a Russian dish that is typically made with potatoes, carrots, peas, eggs, and pickles.

Chowder is a creamy soup that usually has seafood or vegetables in it.

The two dishes go together perfectly because the Olivier salad is savory and the chowder is creamy and slightly sweet.

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

3 Changes You Can Make To This Salad:

• Use different types of potatoes (e.g., Yukon gold, red skinned)
• Add some chopped cooked bacon
• Swap out the pickles for olives

9. Greek Salad

Tasty and super colorful (hello, feta cheese!), this Greek salad is a perfect side to a creamy chowder.

The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the soup, and the Kalamata olives add a lovely briny flavor.

Plus, it’s an easy way to get your veggies in.

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of feta, swap it out for goat cheese.

3 Changes You Can Make To This Salad:

• Add in some chickpeas or white beans for extra protein
• Use a different type of olive oil (e.g. garlic-infused olive oil)
• Add in some chopped fresh herbs (e.g. dill, mint, parsley)

10. Asian Slaw

Asian flavors are not often found in slaw, which is why this salad is such a refreshing and unique dish.

The addition of chowder makes it a complete meal, and the use of ramen noodles adds an interesting texture.

Pro Tip: For an extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or cashews to the salad.

3 Changes You Can Make To This Salad:

• Use a different type of noodle, such as soba or rice noodles.
• Swap out the chowder for miso soup.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for some protein.

11. Broccoli Salad

If you ask me, the best salads are the ones that are hearty and filling enough to be a meal on their own.

This broccoli salad is just that.

It’s packed with protein from the bacon and eggs, and it has a nice variety of textures from the crunchy broccoli, creamy dressing, and chewy raisins.

Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, which makes it perfect for potlucks or picnics.

Pro Tip: For an extra boost of flavor, try roasting the broccoli before adding it to the salad.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add in some chopped up chicken for extra protein
• Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries
• Try using a different type of cheese, like sharp cheddar or crumbled feta