Perfect Pairings: The Best Side Salads to Serve with Standard Meat Entrees

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While we’re always adding new and innovative options to our list of fresh veggies and salads, five of our Chopped Salad Kits have become undisputed heroes of the salad realm: Mexican Street Corn, Mediterranean Crunch, Avocado Ranch, Maple Bourbon Bacon, and Sweet Kale. Always popular and available year-round, these five kits have become cherished culinary companions to scores of veggie appreciators and salad fanatics alike. 

Their popularity also comes along with some very understandable culinary-related questions — mainly, what entrees should you pair them with when making a full meal? 

Well, we’ve got some tasty ideas below. (Spoiler alert: go ahead and fire up your grill.)

The bold and spicy flavors of street vendor-style Mexican corn on the cob come alive in the form of this unique Chopped Salad Kit. Featuring smoked paprika cornbread crumbles, crispy corn, parmesan cheese, and a creamy elote dressing on a bed of green leaf lettuce, shredded broccoli & cabbage, and carrots, this salad delivers an explosion of tastes.

Pairing Suggestion: Grilled Chicken

Tender and juicy grilled chicken breast or thigh meat seasoned with Mexican spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic complements the flavors of the salad perfectly. And feel free to top it with fresh avocado! 

Additional Pairing Options: Grilled or sautéed shrimp seasoned with Mexican spices, pulled pork.

A longtime favorite, our Sweet Kale Chopped Salad Kit boasts a hearty mix of fresh broccoli, Brussels sprouts, radicchio, and kale topped with plenty of cranberries and pumpkin seeds to provide some added tang and crunchy texture. And let’s not forget that Creamy Poppyseed Dressing that gives the salad a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Pairing Suggestion: Roasted Turkey

The rich, savory flavor of roasted turkey complements the sweet and tangy notes of the poppyseed dressing. Plus, as we all know, cranberries are always a welcome addition to turkey. Sprinkle with additional pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch!

Additional Pairing Options: Grilled salmon, honey balsamic chicken

Featuring a medley of radicchio, escarole, endive, and broccoli, this kit is elevated with creamy feta cheese, crispy pita-style chips, and a fragrant basil balsamic vinaigrette. And while the Mediterranean Crunch Chopped Salad Kit is a beloved vegetarian favorite, it complements a variety of meat options (as does our organic version!).

Pairing Suggestion: Grilled Lamb

Marinated in a blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices, grilled lamb adds depth and richness to the salad, while its tender texture complements the crispness of the greens and the creaminess of the feta cheese. Top it off with a dollop of tzatziki sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Alternative Pairing Options: Grilled chicken seasoned with Mediterranean spices or seared tuna.

Sporting a Southwest flair, this salad includes crisp romaine, cabbage, carrots, and green onions are combined with our creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing and topped with crisp corn & taco-seasoned cheese. This zesty blend of textures and flavors goes well with several different types of meats, but we do have a favorite…

Pairing Suggestion: Marinated Steak

A nice steak seasoned with ample Mexican-inspired spices is a perfect companion to the tastes of the Avocado Ranch Chopped Salad Kit. Any cut will suffice, but it’s hard to go wrong with a ribeye or New York strip. Grilled flank steak is also an excellent choice!

Additional Pairing Options: Grilled shrimp, carnitas

Our Maple Bourbon Bacon Chopped Salad Kit offers a tantalizing blend of smokey, savory, and sweet flavors. Romaine, broccoli, cabbage, green onion, and carrot provide a fresh foundation for toppings of crispy golden honey almonds and bits of uncured bacon. And then there’s our Bacon Bourbon Vinaigrette dressing to finish it all off. Yes, this is still a salad — trust us. 

Pairing Suggestion: Maple Glazed Salmon

Why not add a little more mapley goodness to the equation? Maple-glazed salmon is an obvious choice — especially on the grill. The sweet and smoky flavors of the salmon complement the savory bacon and honey almonds, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Try drizzling it with a little more of our Bacon Bourbon Vinaigrette for an extra burst of flavor!

If salmon and maple is making your mouth water, you can also try this recipe for Salmon and Air Fryer Spicy Maple Brussels Sprouts. Instead of prepping the side salad, you’ll be using our Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts as the perfect side dish to tender salmon. 

Additional Pairing Options: Honey mustard chicken, smoked turkey with barbecue sauce.