Skip to Content

What to Serve with Broccoli Salad – 20 Side Dishes

The perfect side dish to accompany a bowl of fresh broccoli salad is a grilled or baked potato. The combination of the creamy salad and the crispy, salty potato is a match made in heaven. You can also try a simple baked potato with a scoop of sour cream, chives, and a sprinkle of cheese.

What to serve with broccoli salad

Pair your broccoli salad with these irresistible side dishes for the heartiest, most appetizing dinner.

Broccoli is a delicious vegetable that packs a punch in flavor. It’s great as a side, but when paired with other foods, it makes for a hearty and filling salad.

And broccoli salad is one of those salads that can be eaten any time of the year, but it’s especially perfect in the springtime.

The best thing about broccoli salad is that it’s full of nutrients, and it’s packed with lots of good stuff. Like, a lot of it! It’s loaded with fiber, vitamin K, folate, and vitamin C.

So what else can you pair it up with? Well, there are many things to try. But if you want to stick with classic flavors, here are 20 delectable sides to serve along with your salad.

What to Serve with Broccoli Salad – 20 Side Dishes

Broccoli salad is a great side dish for a variety of foods, including chicken, seafood, and pasta. However, it’s also a good side to serve with burgers. If you’re serving a hamburger, the crunchy texture of the broccoli goes perfectly with the juicy, beefy flavor of the burger.

1. Lemon Wedges

Lemon Wedges

As a broccoli salad is a healthy choice, there’s no need to worry about what to serve alongside it.

I recommend serving it alongside lemon wedges, as they add a real brightness to the flavour. You can also use fresh mint to really lift the flavour.

2. Watercress

Watercress

Watercress is such a versatile leafy green that you can use it to add a bit of zest to any salad, and it’s also great on its own as a light snack. I like to choose a variety of different colours and flavours.

The red ones are particularly good when paired with other fruits, and you can even make a delicious salad by layering watercress with pomegranate seeds and arugula.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

When it comes to what to serve with broccoli salad, sweet potatoes are a great addition! They have the perfect balance of soft and crunchy textures, and the natural sugars they contain mean they’re great for when you’re looking to provide a filling meal without overloading your plate.

You can choose to cook them yourself, or if you’d prefer to save time, you can buy ready-to-eat versions that you can heat up in the microwave.

4. Cucumber Salad

Cucumber Salad

Broccoli salad is a classic in my household, and I love to add a twist by adding a sweet, creamy dressing that brings some freshness to the dish.

When choosing a dressing, don’t be afraid to go for a slightly sweet option such as apple cider vinegar, but you could also choose one with a stronger flavour like white wine or balsamic vinegar.

5. Mixed Leaf Salad

Mixed Leaf Salad

I always make sure that my broccoli salad includes plenty of crunchy salad leaves.

The freshness and flavour really helps cut through the soft, smooth texture of the broccoli, and it really makes a difference to the taste. Good choices include rocket, red leaf lettuce, and arugula.

6. Garlic Bread

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is an ideal choice when you’re short on time and have no idea what to serve with your broccoli salad.

You’ll find it’s hard to resist its warm, buttery flavour and crispy exterior. You can even drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the top for a tasty topping!

7. Brown Rice

Brown Rice

Broccoli salad is an easy, healthy lunch option. It’s filling, nutritious, and easy to make.

If you want to make this a side dish instead of a starter, just serve it with a few pieces of brown rice cooked in chicken or vegetable stock for a hearty, satisfying lunchtime meal.

8. Roast Garlic

Roast Garlic

Roasting garlic creates a delicious, mellow taste that really brings the flavour of the broccoli to life! I like to serve my broccoli salad with a sprinkling of salt and pepper.

If you have a favourite garlic bread recipe that you like to use for sandwiches, you can adapt it by using a portion of the bread you bake in place of the standard sliced loaf.

9. Garlic Herb Bread

Garlic Herb Bread

I don’t like to eat plain old white bread with broccoli salad, so I’m always looking for a tasty alternative. You can easily make your own garlic herb bread by mixing some garlic-infused butter and extra virgin olive oil, then adding chopped fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or even rosemary. You can also add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if you like. I like to serve my broccoli salad with this bread alongside it. It’s a great addition to a vegetarian meal as well as a regular lunch.

10. Sesame Roasted Vegetables

Sesame Roasted Vegetables

A quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for serving with broccoli salad! I like to use this recipe because it comes together in less than 10 minutes, and tastes great even when reheated. It’s so simple to make, you won’t have to leave your lunch guests waiting around to be fed.

11. Steamed Kale

Steamed Kale

If you really want a side dish that packs a punch, try steaming some kale. It’s a great choice when you want something that’s healthy but still satisfying. Steam a bunch of kale (I like to use a small basket or colander), and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. I prefer to serve this with a little squeeze of lemon juice, and if you want to make it extra delicious, add some balsamic vinegar too.

12. Croutons

Croutons

Croutons are great for topping salads and soups as well as burgers, pizza, and roast chicken. You can make your own with bread and a little olive oil, or buy ready-made ones. If you can find them, I highly recommend making your own!

13. Green Beans

green beans

If you’re serving a salad for lunch or dinner, I think green beans are always a good choice! They’re high in fibre and have a really fresh, clean taste that won’t get in the way of the other flavours in the dish.

Cook them in boiling water for around 8-10 minutes until just tender, drain, and then serve with some extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper.

14. Cheese

Cheese

If you want to serve broccoli salad with cheese, I would suggest you choose something tasty and nutritious, but not so heavy that it will add too many extra calories. Try a mix of mozzarella, cheddar and parmesan cheeses for a really tasty combination. You can make your own pesto mayonnaise by whisking together equal parts of mayonnaise and pesto paste until creamy. This is a great option when you’re serving broccoli salad to a crowd and you don’t want the meal to be overly heavy!

15. Pesto Mayonnaise

Pesto Mayonnaise

Pesto mayonnaise adds a wonderful taste and texture to broccoli salad without adding extra calories, so I would recommend this as a healthy option. I like to make my own pesto from scratch, but if you want a quick alternative, choose a good quality store-bought variety. You can find these in most supermarkets, or at the deli counter at your local grocery store.

16. Crispy Fried Bread

Crispy Fried Bread

A crispy fried bread is a great option if you want to add some crunch to your broccoli salad without too much effort. I like to use sliced baguette bread, as it works really well with the broccoli salad and is a great way to get some fibre into your diet.

17. Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a classic choice for what to serve with broccoli salad, and they are easy to prepare. Cook them in hot, boiling water until cooked through, then remove them from the pan and leave to cool.

You can then shred them using kitchen scissors and then dress them with some lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper. If you have any leftover chicken wings, wrap them in foil and reheat them in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.

18. Crispy Fried Courgettes

Crispy Fried Courgettes

A broccoli salad without courgettes just doesn’t feel right! Make sure to get the best quality courgettes you can find so you can enjoy them in the crispiest, crunchiest way possible.

I like to slice the courgettes lengthwise, then cut the slices into half moons, and fry in low-calorie cooking spray until golden brown and crispy. If you want to be really fancy, you can make your own dressing using a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and freshly grated lemon zest.

19. Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese

Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese

Smoked salmon is one of my favourite foods, but you can never have too much of it! This version adds a little more of a Mediterranean twist by adding cream cheese for that extra richness.

A few sprigs of dill is nice to serve alongside, as it adds a freshness that goes really well with the fish.

20. Greek Lemon Rice

Greek Lemon Rice

Greek lemon rice is one of my favourite side dishes. It’s a simple yet very flavourful dish that I like to serve with grilled lamb or chicken for dinner. It’s also a really versatile choice when you’re looking for something to make ahead and reheat later.

You can make your own using rice, stock, and a generous pinch of salt, or you could always find a ready-made Greek lemon rice mix from your local supermarket.

FAQ

What to eat with broccoli slaw?

The best side dish that goes well with broccoli slaw is a crispy potato or salad. This is because the crunchy texture of the potato will contrast the smooth consistency of the slaw and make for a fun combination.

What dressing goes with broccoli salad?

The best dressing for broccoli salad is one that is tangy and sweet at the same time. A classic vinaigrette, like one that uses vinegar, oil and sugar, pairs well with the acidity of the broccoli.

For a more sophisticated version, try a raspberry vinaigrette. This light and fruity dressing is great for both sweet and savory dishes. You can also use it as a dip for fruit.

Conclusion

So, what can you eat with broccoli salad?

There are so many options for you to choose from when it comes to pairing with broccoli salad. The classic dish of mashed potatoes or potato salad is a great choice, as they go well with the creamy consistency of the salad.

You could also opt for a salad with a more mild dressing. Some of the best options include spinach salads with a simple vinaigrette, a salad with citrus and a light vinaigrette, or even a salad with a mustardy dressing.

broccoli salad

What to Serve with Broccoli Salad – 20 Side Dishes

Broccoli salad is one of the most popular side dishes in America. It’s a healthy, filling dish that can be served with many different types of sides. Some of the best side dishes that go with broccoli salad are potato salad, corn on the cob, macaroni salad, and even a classic tomato salad.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Lemon Wedges
  • Watercress
  • Roasted Sweet Potatoes
  • Cucumber Salad
  • Mixed Leaf Salad
  • Garlic Bread
  • Brown Rice
  • Roast Garlic
  • Garlic Herb Bread
  • Sesame Roasted Vegetables
  • Steamed Kale
  • Croutons
  • Green Beans
  • Cheese
  • Pesto Mayonnaise
  • Crispy Fried Bread
  • Chicken Wings
  • Crispy Fried Courgettes
  • Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese
  • Greek Lemon Rice

Instructions
 

  • Pick any of these delicious side dishes.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Be ready to eat in less than 25 minutes!
Keyword Broccoli Salad side dishes, What to Serve with Broccoli Salad
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.

Recipe Rating