Bushra Griffith
Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of salads. For a simple option, a garden salad with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced carrots, onions, and cucumbers can be a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty mac and cheese. If you're looking for something with a bit more crunch, a Caesar salad with shaved Brussels sprouts or romaine lettuce, topped with bacon and a tangy vinaigrette, can be a perfect match. For a heartier option, a macaroni salad with vegetables, cheese, and a creamy dressing can be a delicious side dish. This can be served with a range of mains, from pulled pork to smash burgers, adding a contrast of flavours and textures to the meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salad type | Garden salad, Caesar salad, Arugula salad, Mesclun salad |
| Salad ingredients | Lettuce, cherry tomatoes, carrots, onions, cucumbers, strawberries, pecans, feta, vinaigrette, cabbage, shaved Brussels sprouts, bacon, red bell pepper, deviled eggs, romaine, red cabbage, apple cider vinaigrette, Parmesan |
| Macaroni and cheese ingredients | Elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, Italian dressing, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, onion, celery, peas, bell pepper, mustard, salt, pepper, sugar, apple cider vinegar, dill |
| Macaroni and cheese accompaniments | Roasted vegetables, sautéed vegetables, carrot sticks, bagged salad, steamed frozen vegetables |
| Macaroni salad accompaniments | Chicken wings, chimichurri steak, sloppy Joes, pulled pork, smash burgers, baked salmon, zucchini fritters, sausage rolls, corn on the cob, deviled eggs, grilled vegetables, fried chicken, Caprese salad, BBQ ribs, garlic shrimp, potato skins, bruschetta |
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What You'll Learn
Salads with a tangy twist
Mac and cheese is a rich and hearty dish, so a fresh and tangy salad with a bit of crunch is a great pairing. Here are some ideas for salads with a tangy twist to serve alongside mac and cheese:
Green Salad with a Tangy Vinaigrette
A classic green salad with a tangy twist can be a great side to mac and cheese. Use a base of crunchy greens like romaine, red cabbage, or another firm lettuce. Add in some shaved Brussels sprouts, red onion, carrot, and bell pepper for colour and crunch. Top it off with a tangy vinaigrette—a mix of olive oil and vinegar, and maybe a touch of mustard or honey for extra flavour.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
A simple salad of halved cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumbers is a refreshing option. Add in some sliced red onions and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. You can also include other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad can also be a nice pairing with mac and cheese. The classic combination of romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a tangy Caesar dressing can cut through the richness of the mac and cheese.
Slaw
A slaw made with cabbage or shaved Brussels sprouts is another crunchy and tangy option. You can make a dressing with vinegar and a touch of honey or mustard.
Garden Salad
A garden salad with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced carrots, cucumbers, and onions can be a simple yet refreshing option. Top it off with a basic vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar, adding a bit more vinegar for a tangier twist.
These salads with a tangy twist will provide a nice contrast to the creamy, rich mac and cheese, making for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
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Salads with a sweet edge
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with various salads, especially those with a tangy and fruity element. Here are some ideas for salads with a sweet edge to serve alongside macaroni and cheese:
Strawberry, Feta, and Pecan Salad
A mixed lettuce salad with fresh strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and pecans can add a sweet and tangy contrast to the rich macaroni and cheese. However, as macaroni and cheese is already quite rich and hearty, you may want to skip the pecans or replace them with a lighter nut or seed, such as toasted pumpkin seeds.
Carrot, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad
For a simpler option, a classic garden salad with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced carrots, cucumbers, and red onions can be a refreshing accompaniment. Top it with a basic vinaigrette that's a little more acidic to balance the richness of the macaroni and cheese—try a ratio of 2 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar.
Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad
This salad has a slightly tangy dressing and a crunchy texture, creating an excellent contrast to the creamy macaroni and cheese. It's a versatile option that can be made with a base of shaved Brussels sprouts or cabbage. Adding mint and dill can make this salad extra refreshing.
Corn on the Cob
Sweet and juicy corn on the cob, especially when grilled or boiled and brushed with butter, can be a simple yet delicious pairing with macaroni and cheese. It adds a touch of sweetness and a summertime feel to your meal.
Fruit-Based Vinaigrettes
Instead of a traditional vinaigrette, you can incorporate sweetness into your salad by using a tangy fruit-based vinaigrette. Try an apple cider vinaigrette or a tomato vinaigrette to add a fruity twist to your salad, pairing well with the savoury notes of the macaroni and cheese.
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Salads with cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with various salads to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for salads with cheese that can be served alongside macaroni and cheese:
Green Salad with Tangy Vinaigrette
A crisp and tangy green salad can be a perfect side dish to balance out the richness of macaroni and cheese. Consider using crunchy greens such as romaine lettuce, red cabbage, or shaved Brussels sprouts as a base. Add in some red onion, carrot, bell pepper, and grape tomatoes for colour and flavour. Top it off with a tangy vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar, or even a hot bacon vinegar dressing for an extra kick.
Caesar Salad with Shaved Parmesan
For a refreshing take on a classic, try a Caesar salad with a twist. Start with a base of crisp arugula, and add in some shaved Brussels sprouts for texture. Toss with a tangy Caesar dressing and finish with shaved Parmesan cheese. The saltiness of the Parmesan and the crispness of the salad make it an excellent pairing with macaroni and cheese.
Macaroni Salad with Cheese
This salad combines the best of both worlds, featuring macaroni pasta, cheese, and a variety of vegetables. The traditional version includes elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and vinegar, along with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, celery, and peas. You can also add hard-boiled eggs and diced ham for extra protein. This salad is a tasty and creamy side dish that complements the heartiness of macaroni and cheese.
Caprese Salad with Mozzarella
A classic Caprese salad is a simple yet elegant choice, featuring fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, and basil. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a refreshing and light salad. It adds a touch of Italian flair to your meal and provides a nice contrast to the richness of macaroni and cheese.
Potato Skins with Cheese
Potato skins loaded with cheese, bacon, and sour cream make a hearty and indulgent side dish. The crispy texture of the potato skins pairs perfectly with the smoothness of macaroni and cheese. The saltiness of the bacon and the tang of the sour cream create a flavourful combination that enhances the overall dining experience.
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Salads with fruit
Macaroni and cheese is a rich and hearty dish, so a fresh and tangy salad with fruit can be a great pairing.
One option is to make a summer fruit salad. This salad is filled with colourful, in-season fruit and a bright honey-lime dressing. You can use a variety of fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mango, pineapple, oranges, and grapes. The key is to use fresh, ripe fruit and chop them into bite-sized pieces. You can also add a citrusy sauce or a honey-lime dressing, which brings out the best in every bite. This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavours to meld.
Another option is to create a mixed green salad with fruit. You can use lettuce, strawberries, pecans or walnuts, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, sliced carrots, onions, and cucumbers. A basic vinaigrette or a tangy tomato or apple cider vinaigrette can be used as a dressing.
If you're looking for a heartier salad, you can try a macaroni and cheese salad. This salad combines cooked macaroni with vinegar, cheese, peppers, celery, green onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and seasonings. It's a unique and tasty side dish that complements the macaroni and cheese nicely.
Fruit salads are versatile and can be customised to your taste and the ingredients you have on hand. They are a refreshing and healthy option to serve alongside macaroni and cheese.
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Salads with meat
When serving macaroni and cheese, it is best to pair it with a fresh and crunchy salad to balance out the rich and hearty nature of the dish.
A simple garden salad with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced carrots, cucumbers, and onions is a great option. Top it off with a tangy vinaigrette dressing to add some acidity and freshness to the meal. You can also add some dandelion leaves, which are packed with nutrients and have a bitter taste that can help cut through the richness of the macaroni and cheese.
If you want to include meat in your salad, there are several options to consider. Bacon is a popular choice, as suggested by some sources. You could include it in your salad as a topping or even in the dressing, such as a hot bacon vinegar dressing. For a heartier option, you could serve a steak salad, such as a chimichurri steak salad. The bright, herby flavors of the chimichurri sauce, made with parsley, garlic, and vinegar, will complement the macaroni and cheese nicely. Another option is to include some sliced chicken, such as grilled chicken or chicken wings, which can add a nice protein boost to your salad.
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Frequently asked questions
Some vegetable-based salads that pair well with macaroni and cheese include a garden salad with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced carrots, onions, and cucumbers, and a basic vinaigrette. You can also try a Brussels sprout Caesar salad, an arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, or a cabbage slaw.
While some may not favour the combination of fruit with macaroni and cheese, a tangy and fruity salad, such as one with strawberries and feta, can complement the rich and hearty nature of the dish.
Chicken wings, smash burgers, and pulled pork are some protein-based salads that can be served alongside macaroni and cheese.
Yes, there are recipes for macaroni and cheese salads that incorporate ingredients like mayonnaise, cheese, vinegar, and vegetables such as peppers, celery, onions, and tomatoes.
