Andy Montoya
Broccoli cheese soup is a hearty meal, and a fresh, crunchy salad can be the perfect side dish to balance its richness. Salads with sweet pears or crunchy apples are a great pairing with cheesy soups, and a warm potato salad is another option to add a little protein to the meal. If you're looking for something lighter, a Mediterranean chopped salad or a couscous salad with tomatoes and cucumbers are tasty and healthy additions to your meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Crunchy or crispy |
| Ingredients | Kale, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pears, apples, Brussels sprouts, basmati rice, couscous, tomatoes, cucumbers, nuts |
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What You'll Learn
Salads with sweet pears or crunchy apples
For a simple salad, you could combine sliced apples or pears with mixed leaves, such as rocket or spinach, and a light vinaigrette dressing. To add some crunch, you could also include nuts or seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
If you're looking for something a little more substantial, you could try a cranberry apple salad, which combines crunchy Brussels sprouts and fluffy basmati rice. Or, for a heartier option, a warm potato salad with crispy bacon and sliced green onions would also pair well with the soup.
Finally, if you're looking for a vegan option, you could try a tempeh "bacon" salad, marinated in teriyaki sauce and Old Bay seasoning, for a unique and refreshing take on a classic.
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Mediterranean chopped salad
A crunchy or crispy, fresh salad can balance the richness of broccoli cheese soup. A Mediterranean chopped salad is a colourful, fresh side dish that pairs well with a bowl of warm soup.
This salad is a great option if you are looking for something light and healthy to accompany your soup. It is packed with vegetables and has a variety of textures and flavours that will complement the soup without overwhelming it.
To make a Mediterranean chopped salad, you will need a variety of fresh vegetables, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. You can also add some chopped olives, feta cheese, and a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil. For a heartier salad, you can include some cooked grains like couscous or quinoa.
To dress the salad, a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs is a great option. You can also add some crushed garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. If you want a creamier dressing, you can blend in some Greek yoghurt or mayonnaise.
The key to a great Mediterranean chopped salad is to chop all the ingredients into small, uniform pieces so that you get a bit of everything in each bite. This salad is best served fresh, but you can also make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours until you are ready to eat.
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Couscous salad
A crunchy or crispy, fresh salad can balance the richness of broccoli cheese soup. One option is a couscous salad with juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers. This is a tasty and healthy addition to your meal.
To make a couscous salad, you will need to cook the couscous according to the package instructions. Then, chop up the tomatoes and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. You can also add in some diced red onions or shallots for extra flavour. For the dressing, a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic would pair well with the other ingredients.
To assemble the salad, toss the cooked couscous with the chopped vegetables and dressing until everything is well combined. You can serve it immediately or chill it in the fridge until ready to serve. This salad is best enjoyed the same day it is made, as the couscous can get soggy over time.
If you want to add some protein to the salad, you could include some crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken. You could also experiment with different herbs and spices to add extra flavour, such as parsley, mint, cumin, or paprika.
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Potato salad
Broccoli cheese soup is a rich and filling dish, so it is best paired with a lighter salad. A crunchy or crispy salad with a fresh taste can balance the soup's richness. A warm potato salad is a great option to pair with broccoli cheese soup. To make a warm potato salad, you will need creamy baby red potatoes, crispy crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, fresh herbs, and a warm mustard vinaigrette dressing. You can also add croutons or pumpkin seeds for added texture.
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Tossed salad
A tossed salad is a great side dish to serve with broccoli cheese soup. This is because the soup is quite rich and filling, so a lighter salad is a good way to round out the meal.
To make a tossed salad, you can use a variety of ingredients such as leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. For example, you could include kale, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, cucumbers, apples, and pears. To add some crunch and texture, try adding croutons, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds. If you want to include some protein, you could add bacon or black bean fritters.
Ingredients:
- Leafy greens (such as kale or spinach)
- Chopped vegetables (such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or Brussels sprouts)
- Fruit (such as apples or pears)
- Nuts or seeds (such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds)
- Optional: croutons, bacon, or black bean fritters for extra crunch and protein
Directions:
- Wash and chop all of your ingredients.
- In a large bowl, combine the leafy greens, vegetables, and fruit.
- Sprinkle the nuts or seeds on top, and add any optional ingredients you desire.
- Toss the salad gently to mix all the ingredients.
- Serve the tossed salad alongside the broccoli cheese soup.
This tossed salad recipe is a fresh and healthy option that will complement the richness of the soup. You can adjust the ingredients and quantities to your taste and preference. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Salads with a crunchy or crispy texture are a good match for broccoli cheese soup. Salads with sweet pears or crunchy apples are also a good pairing with a cheesy soup.
A cranberry apple salad with crunchy Brussels sprouts and fluffy basmati rice is a good option. You could also try a couscous salad with juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers.
Nuts and seeds are a good addition to a salad to pair with broccoli cheese soup. Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds add a good crunch and an extra burst of protein.
Croutons are a classic salad topping that would add a crunchy texture.
A warm potato salad with crispy crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, fresh herbs, and a warm mustard vinaigrette dressing would be a good pairing.
