Let’s be honest – chicken alfredo is pure comfort food heaven. That creamy, cheesy sauce coating tender pasta and juicy chicken? It’s literally what dreams are made of! But sometimes, you need something fresh and crisp to balance out all that richness That’s where a good salad comes in
I’ve been making chicken alfredo for my family for years and finding the perfect salad pairing makes all the difference between a good meal and a GREAT one. Today I’m sharing my absolute favorite salads that pair beautifully with this classic Italian dish.
Why You Need a Salad with Your Chicken Alfredo
Before I dive into the specific salads let’s talk about why pairing a salad with chicken alfredo is such a smart move
- Balances the richness: Let’s face it, alfredo sauce is indulgent (hello, heavy cream and parmesan!)
- Adds nutritional value: Sneaks in those veggies that might otherwise be missing
- Provides texture contrast: Crisp salad + creamy pasta = texture heaven
- Freshens the palate: Brightens up each bite of that decadent pasta
My Top 15 Salads to Pair with Chicken Alfredo
1. Caesar Salad
Is there anything more classic than a Caesar salad with Italian food? The crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing are the perfect counterpoint to creamy alfredo sauce.
What I love about Caesar salad is how simple yet effective it is. When I make it at home, I toss shredded romaine lettuce with thick parmesan-coated croutons and a creamy homemade dressing. The garlicky, lemony flavors in the dressing cut through the richness of the alfredo beautifully.
2. Italian Salad
An easy Italian salad is my go-to when I need something quick but impressive. The fresh ingredients provide a lovely contrast to the creamy sauce in chicken alfredo.
My version includes crisp Romaine topped with tomatoes, pepperoncini, croutons, parmesan, olives, and radicchio. Unlike a boring garden salad, this one packs a flavor punch! I like to toss it with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs.
3. Green Salad
Sometimes the simplest option is the best! A basic green salad lets the chicken alfredo be the star while still providing that fresh contrast.
When I make chicken alfredo at home, I often prepare a simple green salad with chopped iceberg lettuce, black olives, grape tomatoes, and grated parmesan cheese. Just before serving, I toss it with Italian dressing – easy peasy but so effective!
4. Greek Salad
Nothing pairs better with Italian-style dishes like chicken alfredo than a vibrant Greek salad! The salty, briny flavors work amazingly well.
My Greek salad includes mixed lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese. I drizzle the whole thing with olive oil and lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the creaminess of the alfredo sauce.
5. Caprese Salad
Speaking of delicious salads, Caprese is always a crowd-pleaser at my house! The combo of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil drizzled with balsamic is practically perfect.
What’s great is that you can whip this up in like 25 minutes (or even faster if you cheat and use store-bought balsamic glaze like I sometimes do!). The fresh flavors are an excellent contrast to the rich alfredo sauce.
6. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
I love the peppery taste of arugula – it really adds a kick that stands up to the richness of chicken alfredo!
For a quick arugula salad, I toss the leaves with a simple lemon vinaigrette made from fresh lemon juice, olive oil, a touch of honey, and some black pepper. Sometimes I’ll add shaved parmesan or pine nuts for extra texture. The zingy citrus flavor is perfect against the creamy pasta.
7. Spinach Salad
Spinach salad adds a nutritional boost and a crispness that deliciously offsets the warmth and richness of chicken alfredo.
To make it more exciting, I add toppings like dried cranberries or sliced apples, then drizzle it with balsamic vinaigrette. The contrasting colors between the dark green spinach leaves and bright additions make for a beautiful presentation too!
8. Tomato Cucumber Salad
For an easy side dish that goes well with any Italian meal (especially chicken alfredo!), a simple tomato-cucumber salad is my go-to.
I use juicy tomato slices, crisp cucumbers, and sometimes crunchy bell peppers tossed in olive oil with fresh herbs. It’s the quickest and most delicious way to get your veggies! The freshness and acidity balance the creamy pasta perfectly.
9. Chickpea Salad
When I want something a bit more substantial, chickpea salad is my choice. High in fiber and protein, this mix of chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs is simple to prepare yet packed with flavor.
A light splash of lemon juice or vinegar brightens it up even more. The nutty flavor of the chickpeas pairs surprisingly well with the cheesy, creamy alfredo sauce.
10. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is simply irresistible alongside creamy chicken alfredo! The crunchy texture of finely grated cabbage (plus carrots or apples) provides the perfect contrast.
I like to make my coleslaw with a lighter dressing using Greek yogurt instead of all mayonnaise, which keeps it from competing with the richness of the alfredo. The slight sweetness and crunch are perfect companions to the pasta.
11. Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese
This is one of my more “fancy” options, but it’s worth the extra effort! The earthy sweetness of roasted beets with tangy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts creates an amazing flavor profile.
I dress this salad with a honey balsamic dressing that ties everything together. The colors are beautiful too – pinkish-red beets against vibrant green lettuce leaves make it look like an edible work of art next to your chicken alfredo!
12. Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad makes an excellent accompaniment for hearty pastas like chicken alfredo because it adds a cheerful pop of color and texture.
My version has a creamy base made from Greek yogurt, crunchy bacon bits (because why not?), sweet cranberries, salty sunflower seeds, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. It combines all my favorite flavors into one perfectly balanced bite!
13. Quinoa Salad
For those who want a really filling addition to their meal, quinoa salad is the way to go! It adds some extra nutrition to your dinner plate without compromising on taste.
I like to make mine Mediterranean-style with herbs like parsley and mint, feta cheese, olives, and bell peppers. The different textures and flavors complement the creamy chicken alfredo beautifully.
14. Three Bean Salad
This vibrant bean-based side dish has such an inviting array of colors that it brightens any table setting! The mix of different beans provides great texture variety.
I use green beans, chickpeas, and black beans dressed with red wine vinegar and olive oil. The tangy dressing and varied textures work well with the smooth, creamy alfredo.
15. Waldorf Salad
A classic Waldorf salad is a smart option when you want to add crunch, sweetness, and a hint of tartness to your chicken alfredo meal.
The combination of apples, celery, walnuts, and raisins provides a great contrast to the richness of the pasta. I make my own mayonnaise-based dressing with plenty of lemon juice for a tangy flavor that cuts through the creamy alfredo sauce.
Tips for Pairing Salads with Chicken Alfredo
After years of serving chicken alfredo to my family and friends, I’ve picked up a few tips:
- Consider contrast: Choose salads with acidic or tangy elements to balance the creamy sauce
- Think about texture: Crunchy salads work best against the soft pasta
- Keep it simple: Let the chicken alfredo shine as the star
- Prep ahead: Make your salad while the pasta cooks to save time
- Dress at the last minute: Add dressing right before serving to keep everything crisp
A Complete Chicken Alfredo Meal
For the ultimate chicken alfredo dinner, here’s what I recommend:
- Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (obviously!)
- Your choice of salad from the list above
- Garlic bread (because is it really an Italian meal without it?)
When I make garlic bread at home, I spread butter over halved rolls, sprinkle with granulated garlic and Italian herbs, then lightly spray with oil before broiling for about 3 minutes until slightly browned. It’s the perfect vehicle for sopping up any extra alfredo sauce!
Final Thoughts
Chicken alfredo is definitely a rich, indulgent dish, but pairing it with the right salad creates a balanced and satisfying meal. Whether you go for a classic Caesar, a simple green salad, or something more creative like a roasted beet salad, the fresh, crisp elements will complement the creamy pasta perfectly.
My personal fave? I’m torn between the Italian salad and the arugula with lemon vinaigrette! But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these options.
What’s your favorite salad to serve with chicken alfredo? I’d love to hear your combinations in the comments below!
Now excuse me while I go make some chicken alfredo for dinner… writing this has made me super hungry!
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Baked Ziti
Chicken broccoli Alfredo may be one of the most popular dishes of all time.
Every single graduation party, birthday party, even funeral I’ve been to in my Italian family has had this as a part of the menu.
But we made this into a baked ziti.
And to be honest, it’s the best version of this dish that I have ever had.
Again, you want to be stirring some warm tomato sauce into your ricotta cheese mixture, that’s just a given.
But the secret is in the broccoli.
We douse our broccoli in tons of fresh chopped garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and grated cheese, and mix it all around so that every florette gets coated in all of that cheesy goodness.
A viral TikTok video.
That’s how you know it’s good.
Chicken Rabe Baked Ziti
Okay okay, we get it. We used rigatoni and not ziti.
Ziti is more than acceptable to use with this though, and the phrasing rolls off of your tongue better.
But trust me, this is just as delicious as it looks.
The tiny bit of marinara sauce.
It makes the ricotta cheese nice and creamy, and eliminates the need to use an egg.
To be honest, I think it adds a nice robust flavor to everything, too.
Pair this with the cheesy, bitter broccoli rabe and the chicken, you’ll have a dish that’s so irresistible you won’t be able to put it down.
Chicken Alfredo Salad – healthy option – 631 calories
FAQ
What is a good side dish for chicken alfredo?
- Homemade Garlic Bread.
- Parmesan Roasted Green Beans.
- Easy Southern Collard Greens with Bacon.
- Homemade Texas Toast.
- Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower.
- Green Bean Casserole.
- Maple Oven Roasted Carrots.
- Easy Balsamic Roasted Vegetables.