What Salad Goes With Goulash? (15 Best Salads)

Goulash is a hearty and comforting meal, but it can be difficult to know what salad goes with goulash.

Fortunately, there are so many delicious salads that pair perfectly with this classic dish.

Whether you like a light and refreshing side or something more robust and filling, I’ve got you covered.

In this post, I’m sharing 15 of the best salads to serve with goulash including green salads, grain salads, pasta salads, bean salads, and more.

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

Read Also: Goulash Wine Pairing: The Best Wines for Goulash

What Salad Goes With Goulash? (15 Best Salads)

Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish that pairs well with all kinds of salads.

Here are fifteen salads you can serve alongside goulash to create the perfect meal:

1. Greek Salad

A classic Greek salad is like the sunny companion of a hearty goulash. It’s full of veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions that are dressed in a tangy garlic-lemon vinaigrette for an unbeatable flavor combo.

The juicy vegetables also provide a stark contrast to the rich flavors of the goulash and lighten up the meal with every bite.

2. Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is like the luxurious guest at any party- especially when paired with goulash.

With its crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons it creates an indulgent meal without being too heavy.

And I never serve a Caesar without plenty of freshly ground black pepper – it lifts up all those savory flavors!

3. Coleslaw

When I’m looking for something cool yet satisfying to pair my goulash with, coleslaw comes to mind first!

This shredded cabbage mix typically includes carrots and peppers as well as mayonnaise or yogurt-based dressing – but you can customize it however you’d like by adding herbs or nuts into the mix.

And since coleslaws are simple to make ahead of time they’re ideal for entertaining guests or throwing together last-minute meals.

4. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is like the cool and sophisticated sidekick of goulash. It’s a classic Italian dish made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil pesto-infused balsamic vinegar.

Its sweet yet savory flavor adds a nice contrast to richer dishes like goulash, plus it’s presented in an elegant way that will make your dinner guests feel special.

5. Potato Salad

Potato salad is like the dependable pal who always has your back. This humble side dish is creamy, crunchy, and perfect for pairing with goulash on a cold winter night.

I love making German-style potato salad – cubes of potatoes tossed with bacon bits and tangy dressing deliciousness!

6. Spinach Salad

Spinach salad is like the healthy superhero of salads; you can never go wrong having it alongside goulash as its superior nutrient content provides balance to this hearty Austrian cuisine favorite.

To add even more nutritional value, top it off with nuts or roasted veggies for a delicious crunchy creamy combo that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

7. Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad is like the free-spirited guest of the meal. It’s traditionally served with goulash and is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

The crunchy combination of celery, apples, grapes and walnuts gives great texture to every bite. Plus its hint of sweetness complements goulash perfectly.

8. Tomato Cucumber Salad

Tomato cucumber salad adds a classic yet refreshing quality to any meal – especially one featuring a hearty goulash! Slices of juicy tomato and cucumber are combined with red onion for a vibrant pop of flavor.

Whenever I serve this bright dish alongside goulash, it makes me feel like I’m dining at a five-star restaurant – even if it’s just in my own kitchen!

9. Pesto Potato Salad

If you’re looking for an interesting side that will open up new flavor dimensions in your next batch of goulash, try pesto potato salad!

Thinly sliced potatoes are cooked until tender before being tossed with robust basil pesto sauce to create something truly special. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top brings all the flavors together into irresistible harmony.

10. Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts, Goat Cheese and Honey Balsamic Dressing

This salad is like the show-stealer of any meal. It has all of my favorite ingredients – sweet roasted beets, crunchy walnuts, creamy goat cheese and a tangy honey balsamic dressing.

Every time I make it when I’m serving goulash, everyone raves about how delicious it is. Plus it adds a pop of vibrant color to the table!

11. Chickpea Salad

Chickpea salad is like the cheerful companion who helps you enjoy your evening.

The crunchy cucumbers combined with protein-packed chickpeas provide a healthy side dish to pair with goulash that anyone can enjoy. I love adding olives, feta cheese and fresh herbs to add even more flavor.

12. Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad is like my go-to side dish for just about everything!

The nutty flavor quinoa combines so nicely with whatever vegetables or proteins you decide to add in – anything from grilled peppers and artichoke hearts to chickpeas or feta cheese works great here.

Whenever I serve this alongside goulash people always ask me for recipe tips!

13. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This salad is like the great refresher of the bunch. The peppery arugula leaves are complemented by a zingy lemon vinaigrette that adds a perfect acidic component to balance out its richness.

I especially love adding toasted nuts and shaved Parmesan cheese for an extra crunchy bite when it’s served alongside goulash.

14. Three Bean Salad

This salad is like the super-flexible side dish option because you can make it as simple or complex as you want. My go-to includes canned chickpeas, butter beans, and black beans tossed in olive oil and red wine vinegar.

For an added boost of flavor, I sometimes add diced onion and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley when serving it alongside goulash.

15. Broccoli Salad

This one has more flair than your average pasta salad!

It’s made from cooked broccoli florets, bacon bits, chopped almonds (or pine nuts), grated Parmesan cheese, and dried cranberries – all dressed up with mayo-based dressing and apple cider vinegar.. Whenever I serve this salad with goulash at family dinners and potluck parties, everyone always asks for seconds—it’s just that good!

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, goulash is a hearty and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of salads.

The best salads to serve with goulash include Greek salad, Caesar salad, coleslaw, Caprese salad, potato salad, spinach salad, Waldorf salad, tomato cucumber salad, pesto potato salad, roasted beet salad with walnuts, goat cheese and honey balsamic dressing, chickpea salad, quinoa salad, and any other type of salad you can think of.

These salads are all flavorful and will add a freshness and crunch to your goulash that will make it even more enjoyable.