For the home chef looking to up their game in the kitchen, a chef salad is a must-try.
It’s easy to make and features a mix of flavors, textures, and colors that will please the palate.
But what should you serve with it?
That’s one question many home chefs (and restaurant cooks) struggle with!
The good news is that there are plenty of options out there for delicious side dishes that go great with this special salad.
In this post, we’ll be exploring 10 different side dishes you can easily prepare at home to accompany your chef salad – some traditional pairings as well as some unique items from around the world!
Read on for all our top picks – plus tips on how to enhance each dish and get creative.
What to Serve with Chef Salad? 10 Side Dishes
1 – Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Scalloped potatoes and ham is a classic dish that is always a hit.
This dish is packed with flavor and has a great texture.
The potatoes are nice and creamy, while the ham adds a great salty flavor.
To elevate this dish, you can try adding some shredded cheese to the top of the potatoes.
This will give the dish an extra cheesy flavor that everyone will love.
You can also add some chopped green onions to the top of the dish for a little bit of color and flavor.
2 – Baked Beans with Bacon
When it comes to side dishes, baked beans are a classic.
They’re simple to make, and they go with just about everything.
But if you’re looking for something a little bit more special, try adding some bacon to the mix.
The bacon adds a great smoky flavor and a bit of texture to the dish.
Plus, who doesn’t love bacon?
There are a few things to keep in mind when making this dish.
First of all, make sure that you use good quality bacon.
It really makes a difference in the flavor of the dish.
Secondly, be careful not to overcook the beans.
You want them to be tender but not mushy.
Here are a few tips for elevating this dish:
- Use high quality bacon – This is really important for the flavor of the dish. Make sure to get good quality bacon from your local butcher or farmer’s market.
- Cook the beans until they’re tender but not mushy – This is key for getting the perfect texture. overcooked beans will be mushy and undercooked beans will be tough.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs – This is a great way to add a bit of color and flavor to the dish. Try thyme, rosemary or oregano.
3 – Lemon-Garlic Green Beans with Crispy Pancetta
These green beans are the perfect side dish to any meal.
They are packed with flavor from the garlic and lemon, and the pancetta adds a nice salty crunch.
The best part is that they are so easy to make.
The key to making this dish great is to get the right balance of flavors.
You don’t want the garlic or lemon to be too overpowering, but you also want them to be present.
I like to add a little extra lemon zest to really brighten up the dish.
As for the pancetta, it’s important to cook it until it’s nice and crispy.
This will give the beans a great texture contrast.
Here are a few tips for elevating this dish:
- Add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Swap out the pancetta for bacon or Prosciutto for a different twist.
- Serve the beans over some cooked quinoa or rice for a complete meal.
4 – Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to accompany your chef salad, look no further than roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon.
This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
The key to making this dish great is to get the Brussels sprouts nice and crispy.
The best way to do this is to roast them in the oven until they’re golden brown.
You’ll also want to make sure that you cook the bacon until it’s nice and crisp.
Once both of these elements are cooked to perfection, simply toss them together in a bowl and enjoy.
If you’re looking for an extra bit of flavor, you can also add some shredded Parmesan cheese to the mix.
This will take the dish from good to great in no time.
5 – Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
Looking for a delicious and easy side dish? Look no further than roasted sweet potatoes with peans.
This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s so simple to make.
Sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection and then topped with a crunchy pecan topping.
The result is a side dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Roasting the sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness, and the pecans add a lovely crunch.
This dish is also packed with vitamins and minerals.
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, and they’re also a good source of fiber.
The pecans add protein and healthy fats.
This dish can be easily elevated by adding a few extra ingredients.
Try topping the roasted sweet potatoes with crumbled bacon or shredded cheese.
Or, for a bit of sweetness, drizzle them with honey or maple syrup.
However you choose to enjoy them, roasted sweet potatoes with pecans are sure to be a hit.
6 – Honey-Glazed Carrots
These honey-glazed carrots are the perfect side dish to any meal.
They are sweet and savory, with a slight crunch from the carrots.
The honey glaze is the perfect finishing touch.
These carrots are best served warm, straight out of the oven.
The honey glaze will be melted and slightly sticky, making it easy to spoon over the carrots.
For an extra bit of sweetness, try adding a sprinkle of brown sugar on top.
If you want to elevate this dish, try serving it with roasted garlic.
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The combination of sweet and savory will be irresistible.
7 – Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty side dish to serve with your chef salad, look no further than cornbread stuffing with sausage.
This dish is packed with flavor and will surely satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Plus, it’s easy to make and can be easily elevated with a few simple tips.
The key to great cornbread stuffing is all in the bread.
You’ll want to use a high-quality cornbread that’s nice and moist.
If your cornbread is on the dry side, simply add a bit more broth or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
As for the sausage, any type will do but we recommend using a mild or sweet Italian sausage for best results.
Once you’ve got your bread and sausage sorted, it’s time to start assembling the dish.
Start by sauteing some onions and celery in a bit of olive oil until they’re softened.
Then, add in the crumbled cornbread and sausage and mix everything together until well combined.
For an extra bit of flavor, you can also add in some sage, thyme, or rosemary.
To finish things off, simply transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
And that’s it.
In just a few short steps, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with chef salad.
So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you.
8 – Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a holiday staple, but it doesn’t have to be relegated to just once a year.
This sweet and tart side dish can easily elevate any meal, whether you’re serving it alongside roasted chicken or grilled pork chops.
The key to a good cranberry sauce is finding the right balance of sweetness and acidity.
You don’t want it to be too sugary, but you also don’t want it to be too tart.
The best way to achieve this is by using fresh or frozen cranberries and adding just enough sugar to offset their natural tartness.
Once you’ve perfected the flavor of your cranberry sauce, it’s time to think about texture.
If you prefer a smooth sauce, simply give it a quick whirl in the blender before serving.
If you prefer a chunkier sauce, leave it as is or give it a rough chop with a knife.
9 – Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a holiday classic for a reason – its rich, comforting flavor and creamy texture are the perfect antidote to chilly weather.
But if you’re looking to elevate your pumpkin pie game this year, here are a few tips.
First, try using fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned.
It may seem like extra work, but the difference in taste is noticeable.
Plus, you can control the sweetness of the filling by adding less sugar.
Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices.
In addition to the traditional cinnamon and nutmeg, try adding a touch of cardamom or cloves for an unexpected twist.
Finally, give your pie crust a little TLC.
Blind baking (baking the crust before adding the filling) will help prevent it from getting soggy.
And if you really want to impress your guests, make your crust from scratch – it’s not as difficult as you might think.
10 – Apple Pie
There are few things as American as apple pie.
This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to family reunions.
But what makes apple pie so special?
For starters, the taste is unbeatable.
The combination of sweet apples and flaky crust is simply delicious.
The texture is also perfect – the apples should be soft but not mushy, and the crust should be crispy.
There are a few tips to elevate your apple pie game.
First, use a variety of apples for different flavors and textures.
Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with the filling – adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can really take the flavor up a notch.
Finally, make sure the crust is properly cooked – it should be golden brown and flaky.
Conclusion
To sum everything up, I’ve given you 10 amazing side dishes that go great with chef salad.
Whether you’re looking for something to complete the meal or just want to try something new, these dishes are sure to impress.
So go ahead and try them out for yourself.
And if you have any other suggestions, be sure to let us know in the comments below.
What to Serve with Chef Salad? 10 Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 – Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
- 2 – Baked Beans with Bacon
- 3 – Lemon-Garlic Green Beans with Crispy Pancetta
- 4 – Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- 5 – Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
- 6 – Honey-Glazed Carrots
- 7 – Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage
- 8 – Cranberry Sauce
- 9 – Pumpkin Pie
- 10 – Apple Pie
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!