Ever found yourself staring at a pot of split pea soup and thinking, “What on earth do I serve with this?” We’ve all been there. It’s like trying to pick the perfect outfit for a first date.
Choosing sides is serious business. It can make or break a meal. Our kitchens have seen successes and, well, learning opportunities.
We remember the Great Crouton Incident like it was yesterday. Too crispy, too soon. What a scene.
And then, the revelation that not all breads are created equal. Who would’ve thought, right?
This is not your average “peas and carrots” guide. We’re gearing up to introduce you to seven sidekick dishes that are about to elevate your split pea soup from “Hmm, nice” to “Wow, tell me more!”
Get ready. Your soup won’t know what hit it.
What to Serve with Split Pea Soup? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Side dishes are a great way to add flavor and nutrients to your meal.
Split pea soup is no exception, so don’t forget about these tasty additions when you’re throwing together dinner tonight.
You can serve them before or after eating depending on what time of day you want to eat.
The nice thing about these dishes is that most of them will be easy to make and won’t take much time for you to prepare.
There are many different side dishes you can serve with split pea soup.
Of course, you want to make sure you don’t overpower the flavor of your main dish, so choose one that will balance out the meal well.
If you’re looking for something light and fresh, then try coleslaw or buttered green beans, which are both full of veggies like carrots.
If you want something a little heartier, mashed potatoes are always a great choice.
Choosing the right side dish is important because it can help enhance your soup experience.
Here’s a detailed answer with a table comparing the key characteristics of the 7 best side dishes to serve with Split Pea Soup:
| Side Dish | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Coleslaw | Creamy and refreshing, adds a cool contrast to the warm and hearty soup |
| Roasted Green Beans | Crispy and flavorful, offers a healthy and vibrant addition to the meal |
| Buttered Noodles | Comforting and filling, complements the richness of the split pea soup |
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and velvety, provides a comforting and satisfying accompaniment |
| Dinner Rolls | Soft and warm, perfect for dipping into the soup or enjoying on their own |
| Cheddar Biscuits | Cheesy and flaky, adds a delightful twist to the traditional soup and bread combo |
| Beet Salad with Goat Cheese | Fresh and tangy, brings a colorful and light element to balance the soup |
Now let’s dive into each side dish in more detail:
1 – Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a popular side dish that will pair well with just about any entrée.
It’s simple to prepare, and the crunchy cabbage and carrots add a nice texture to your meal.
It can be served either cold or warm, so you can serve it both before and after eating.
Coleslaw is very easy to make, and it only requires a few ingredients.
A mix of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt forms the dressing to add flavor to this version.
You can add other seasonings like black pepper or even red pepper flakes for some extra kick.
2 – Roasted Green Beans
Roasted green beans are a great alternative to the normal steamed version you might serve with other meals.
If you’re looking for something light and fresh, this is the side dish for you.
The roasted green beans boast a rich flavor that will enhance your main dish, perfect for low-calorie dieters.
Preparing these green beans is super easy and doesn’t take much time.
The sweetness from the olive oil and salt adds to the flavor, giving it a nice depth that will make your mouth water.
Top it off with some grated parmesan cheese for an even more delectable flavor.
3 – Buttered Noodles
Buttered noodles make a great side dish to serve with split pea soup.
They pair well together, and the buttered noodles taste like macaroni and cheese without all of the guilt.
You can also add vegetables like mushrooms and onions for an even healthier side dish option.
Boil some water, throw in some noodles, and simmer until tender.
You can then stir through some butter, milk, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder for an extra kick.
Even after you’ve gotten tired of split pea soup, you can still enjoy your noodles.
4 – Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with just about any meal.
They’re pretty easy to make, and they’re full of lots of great nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Make homemade mashed potatoes or use some store-bought versions for an easy dinner solution.
Boil the potatoes until they’re tender, then mash them up with a fork or potato masher, adding in some butter and milk for creaminess.
You can add other seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make it even better.
You can also make them healthier by using low-fat sour cream and low-fat milk in place of butter and regular milk.
5 – Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls make a great side dish to serve with split pea soup because they taste delicious fresh from the oven.
You can prepare them quickly when you have just a few minutes to spare, or you can make them ahead of time, so they’re fresh and warm when dinner rolls around.
They’re best when they’re brushed with melted butter just before popping them in the oven.
You can also use them to soak up all of the soupy goodness once you’ve finished your entrée.
Go light on the butter or skip it altogether if you’re trying to eat healthy for your next meal.
6 – Cheddar Biscuits
Biscuits are a fantastic side dish option that will pair well with split pea soup.
They’re perfect for dipping into the stew-like soup, and they’re also great when slathered with butter.
You can choose to make these biscuits from scratch, but plenty of store-bought options are available for those who don’t have time.
Mix up the ingredients like flour, salt, and baking powder into a soft dough before spreading it out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
You can then bake them until they turn golden brown and crispy on top, or you can brush them with butter once they come out of the oven.
7 – Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Beet salad makes a great side dish to serve with split pea soup because it’s rich in flavor and won’t take long to make.
You can also switch up the ingredients to change things up or use your favorite toppings.
Try pairing it with beets for an interesting and unique flavor combination if you like goat cheese.
To make this beet salad, mix some beets with chopped-up onion and add the crumble on top.
You can also add in nuts and sesame seeds for some added crunch.
Be sure to store this beet salad in the fridge until you’re ready to eat it.
It will stay fresh for a week or two, making it easy to prepare when you have time.
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