What Salad Goes with Spaghetti and Meatballs? 10 Best Salads

Knowing what salad goes with spaghetti and meatballs can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary one.

The right salad can brighten up the dish and add some much-needed freshness.

So if you are wondering ‘what salad should I serve with spaghetti and meatballs’, then you are in the right place.

I’ve rounded up 10 of the best salads to serve with spaghetti and meatballs including green salads, pasta salads, Caprese salad, and more.

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

Read Also: What Wine Goes With Spaghetti and Meatballs? (10 Best Wines)

What Salad Goes with Spaghetti and Meatballs? 10 Best Salads

Why settle for a boring side salad when you can have a delicious and flavor-packed salad that pairs perfectly with your spaghetti and meatballs?

From light and refreshing to hearty and filling, there’s a salad out there for everyone.

Here are 10 of the best salads to serve with spaghetti and meatballs:

1. Broccoli Salad

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Broccoli salad is so much more than just broccoli (although, let’s be honest, broccoli is awesome).

This salad has the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a little bit of crunch.

It’s the perfect side dish to any spaghetti meal.

Pro Tip: If you want to add a little bit of extra flavor, try roasting the broccoli before adding it to the salad.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add roasted red peppers for sweetness and color.
• Swap out the Italian dressing for balsamic vinaigrette.
• Top with shredded Parmesan cheese for extra savoriness.

2. Healthy Brussels Sprout Salad

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If health is your main concern (which it should be), then this is the salad for you.

It’s packed with vitamins and nutrients, but it doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

The Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, and the addition of cranberries and walnuts give it a nice sweetness and crunch.

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of raw onions, swap them out for roasted red peppers.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Omit the bacon for a vegetarian option.
• Swap out the white wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for some extra protein.

3. Pasta Salad

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You have so many options with pasta salad (and that’s what I love about it).

You can make it with any type of pasta, any type of protein, any type of veggie… the list goes on.

My favorite thing about pasta salad is that it’s a great way to use up leftover pasta.

If you have some spaghetti that didn’t get eaten the night before, just throw it in a salad!

Pro Tip: To avoid soggy salad, wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use a different type of pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli, shells)
• Add in some chopped up fruit (e.g., grapes, strawberries, mandarin oranges)
• Use a different dressing (e.g., balsamic vinaigrette, Italian dressing, ranch)

4. Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad (Gluten Free + Vegan)

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This yummy salad is great for a summer picnic or a light lunch.

It’s gluten free and vegan, so it’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

The orzo pasta is a nice change from the usual salad fare, and the Kalamata olives and feta add a delicious Mediterranean flavor.

Pro Tip: If you’re not serving this salad right away, wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This will help keep the salad from getting soggy.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the orzo for another type of pasta, like shells or rotini.
• Use pitted green olives instead of Kalamata olives.
• Add in some chopped fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor.

5. Taco Salad

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If you like Mexican food (and who doesn’t?), then you’ll love this taco salad.

It’s got all of the flavors of a delicious taco, but in a healthy and filling salad form.

Plus, it’s super easy to make.

Just mix together some chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded chicken or beef, and your favorite taco toppings.

Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try roasting your own corn and tomatoes. Just toss them on a baking sheet with a little bit of olive oil and bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add avocado or guacamole for some creamy goodness
• Mix in some brown rice or quinoa for added texture and protein
• Top with crispy tortilla strips or chips for a crunch

6. Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

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Crisp apples, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and hearty walnuts (my favorite part) come together in this salad to create the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunch.

I love eating this salad with a big bowl of spaghetti for a complete and satisfying meal.

Pro Tip: If you want extra crunch, add some chopped up bacon or roasted almonds.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese.
• Add some grilled chicken for extra protein.
• Use balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.

7. Warm German Potato Salad

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Who can say no to a warm, hearty potato salad?

This dish is the perfect side to any spaghetti meal because it has all the flavors of a classic Italian pasta dish, but in salad form.

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

All you need are some potatoes, bacon, onion, and a simple dressing of vinegar and oil.

Pro Tip: For an extra flavorful kick, add in some garlic or red pepper flakes.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the white vinegar for apple cider vinegar.
• Add in some diced up bell peppers for a pop of color.
• Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a smoky flavor.

8. Simple Beet Salad Recipe with Dressing

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Why not try this simple (yet delicious) beet salad next time you’re making spaghetti for dinner?

The sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the acidity of the vinegar, and the feta cheese adds a nice salty contrast.

Plus, it’s super easy to make – just roast the beets and toss everything together!

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, feel free to swap it out for goat cheese or even blue cheese.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Omit the feta cheese altogether
• Add in some chopped up bacon or pancetta
• Swap out the white balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar

9. Three Bean Salad

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Healthy, protein-packed and full of flavor, this three bean salad is the perfect side to any spaghetti meal.

It’s also incredibly easy to make, which is always a bonus in my book.

I like to add a bit of crushed red pepper to mine for an extra kick, but you can leave it out if you’re not a fan of spice.

Pro Tip: This salad gets even better as it sits, so make it ahead of time if you can.

10. Mediterranean Bean Salad

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Made with three types of beans, a delicious vinaigrette, and tons of vegetables, this salad is the perfect way to round out any spaghetti meal.

The beans provide a good source of protein, the vegetables add some much-needed nutrients, and the vinaigrette ties it all together with its zesty flavor.

Pro Tip: If you want a little extra flavor, try adding some crumbled feta cheese or Kalamata olives to the salad.