Corned beef and cabbage is a classic Irish-American dish that is traditionally served on St. Patrick’s Day. While cabbage is the most common side, a fresh salad can add color, texture, and nutrients to this hearty meal But what salad goes best with corned beef? Here are 10 delicious salads to consider pairing with this iconic dish.
1. Strawberry Spinach Salad
This sweet and savory salad is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette dresses up the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner. The spinach offers an extra serving of greens in addition to the cabbage, while the strawberries provide a burst of color and natural sweetness to balance the saltiness of the beef. This salad works for any season – simply substitute pomegranate arils or sliced grapefruit when strawberries are out of season.
2. Classic Caprese Salad
The fresh ingredients of a Caprese salad – sliced tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil – make a simple yet delightful accompaniment to corned beef The tomatoes add a juicy crunch, while the mild mozzarella balances the spices used to cure the beef Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to allow the flavors to shine. For extra richness, add some sliced avocado.
3. Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad
The sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices in this salad provide a fresh contrast to the rich corned beef. Toss them together with some lime juice and cilantro for a tangy, Southwest-inspired accompaniment. The vibrant combination of yellow corn, red tomatoes, and green cilantro adds a festive pop of color to your St. Paddy’s Day spread. For extra protein, top with cooked shrimp.
4. Classic Waldorf Salad
Crunchy apples, celery, walnuts, and juicy grapes come together in this nostalgic salad that pairs perfectly with corned beef’s salty flavors. The mayonnaise-based dressing tends to the heavier side, helping to balance the heartiness of the beef. Customize your Waldorf salad with extras like chopped dates, raisins, or dried cranberries for added bursts of sweetness.
5. Kale & Quinoa Salad
For a healthy and hunger-busting side, try this protein-packed kale and quinoa salad. The quinoa adds heft while the kale offers a nutritious dose of vitamins A, C, and K. Toss in dried cherries or cranberries for tart sweetness, then dress with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich corned beef. The crunchy toasted nuts add satisfying texture.
6. Greek Salad
A classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta makes a bright, lively pairing with corned beef. The salty olives and briny feta complement the seasoned beef, while the crunch of fresh veggies balances the tender cabbage. For extra richness, add some roasted red peppers. Greek salad dressing brings all the flavors together.
7. Crunchy Broccoli Salad
With its combo of crisp broccoli florets, sweet dried fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy dressing, broccoli salad is a potluck staple. It’s also an excellent complement to corned beef. The broccoli adds vitamin C and antioxidants. For variety, use a mix of raisins, cranberries, and currants, and spike the mayo-based dressing with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice.
8. Tangy Coleslaw
A timeless pairing for corned beef, coleslaw offers the perfect crunch and tang. Opt for a creamy dressing spiked with vinegar, unless you want to cut the richness with a lighter vinaigrette style. Customize your slaw with shredded Brussels sprouts, green cabbage, kohlrabi matchsticks, grated carrots, sliced radishes, or red onion. Toasted nuts or seeds add extra texture.
9. German Potato Salad
Warm, buttery potatoes tossed in a bacon vinaigrette make a hearty, satisfy side to serve alongside corned beef and cabbage. To make it a meal, add chopped cooked sausages or crunchy bits of bacon. The vinegar in the dressing cuts through the richness of the beef. For variety, use red or Yukon Gold potatoes, or a mix, and garnish with fresh parsley.
10. Roasted Beet & Arugula Salad
For an elegant salad pairing, nothing beats the combination of beets, arugula, walnuts, and tangy goat cheese. Roast beets cut down the earthiness and bring out their natural sweetness. Bitter baby arugula balances the rich beef flavors. Toasted walnuts add crunch, while goat cheese contributes a tangy creaminess and hits of salt. Dress simply with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
With any of these fresh and vibrant salads, you can turn a humble corned beef and cabbage dinner into a meal that feels special enough for guests. The variety of flavors, colors, and textures complement the beef while adding nutrients. Pick your favorites from this list to brighten up your next St. Patrick’s Day feast.
FAQ
What pairs well with corned beef?
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Quorahttps://www.quora.comOther than cabbage, what are some good side dishes to eat with corned beef?Oct 17, 2015
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Quorahttps://www.quora.comWhat are some good side dishes to accompany corned beef? – QuoraApr 1, 2012 — What goes well with corned beef? Boiled cabbage, carrots and potatoes. A lot of people like a small amount of horse radish on the beef once on the pl…
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Pinteresthttps://www.pinterest.comWhat To Serve With Corned Beef: Our 15 Best Side Ideas – PinterestWhat To Serve With Corned Beef: Our 15 Best Side Ideas * Produce. • 1 Cabbage, Roasted Steaks. • 1 Cheesy mashed potatoes. • 1 Easy black eyed peas. • 1 Green …
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Allrecipeshttps://www.allrecipes.comIrish Boiled Dinner (Corned Beef) Recipe – AllrecipesFeb 17, 2025 — Easy boiled dinner of mouthwatering, tender corned beef with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. This is my Irish great-grandmother’s recipe. We serve i…
What do the Irish eat with corned beef?
Easy boiled dinner of mouthwatering, tender corned beef with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. This is my Irish great-grandmother’s recipe. We serve it with soda bread and cornbread at our house.
What can you have corned beef with?
Corned beef is delicious with potatoes in a corned beef hash, or as a filling for a pasty or pie. Choose between our hearty and satisfying recipes for corned beef hash and pies. Have this easy store-cupboard-ingredient recipe up your sleeve for a last-minute brunch or lunch for two.
How to make corned beef salad with mayonnaise?
All you have to do is combine mayonnaise, sesame oil and Knorr Liquid Seasoning. Toss greens and vegetables with the dressing, arrange on plate with the crispy corned beef on top. And that’s it! Serve this with your favorite soup or sandwich or eat it as a snack.
What to serve with corned beef & cabbage?
Here are 10 of the best salads to serve with corned beef and cabbage: 1. Broccoli Salad Broccoli salad is not just for kids! This dish is full of fiber and vitamins, making it a great option for a healthy side salad. The best part about broccoli salad is that it’s so versatile – you can add any kind of cheese, nuts, or dried fruit that you like.
What goes well with corned beef?
This corn tomato avocado salad is a flavorful southwestern style side that pairs beautifully with the savory corned beef. The combination of corn, tomatoes, red onion and avocados with the creamy cilantro lime dressing gives this dish a bright, zesty flavor that complements the hearty corned beef. For more heat, add some diced jalapeno to the mix.
Can you eat corn salad with corned beef?
Corn salad may not be a side dish you’re too likely to find at an Irish restaurant, but that doesn’t mean it can’t make a good accompaniment to your corned beef. This corn salad features several other flavorful vegetables, giving it an enticing and exciting flavor.
What goes well with corned beef slaw?
Spiced Red Cabbage Slaw For a flavorful slaw, red cabbage tossed with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper and caraway or cumin seeds is fantastic. The spices complement corned beef while the vinegary crunch cuts through the richness.
Can you use canned corned beef as a side dish?
The recipe often calls for canned corned beef, but you can serve it as a side dish for your home cooked meat for the same (or a better) effect. The creamy sauce has dijon mustard, dill relish, and celery seeds, so the flavor profile is the ideal accompaniment to corned beef. What to do with leftover corned beef?
What goes well with corn on the cob?
When kernels are sweet and juicy, simple steamed or boiled corn on the cob can’t be improved upon. Slather with butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and squeeze over some lime juice. Corn’s subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with corned beef. 10. Colcannon Potatoes