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Home - Recipes - Side Dishes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

The 10 Salads that Go with Corned Beef and Cabbage

What could be better than classic Irish cuisine? Corned beef and cabbage is filling, flavorful, and comforting.

But what if you want to liven things up a bit? With ten delicious salads cooked up with corned beef and cabbage in mind, you'll never run out of side dish ideas.

Whether you like your salads creamy or crunchy, sweet or tangy, there are so many options available.

Perfect for all kinds of occasions from St. Patrick's Day celebrations to tasty weeknight dinners, these 10 salads will make your mouth water without fail.

So get ready to explore the world beyond coleslaw with these unique dishes - don't forget to have your forks and knives at the ready for an unforgettable meal.

Table of Contents

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  • 10 Salads That Complement Corned Beef and Cabbage
    • 1. Wedge Salad
    • 2. Caesar Salad
    • 3. Kale Salad
    • 4. Greek Salad
    • 5. Strawberry Spinach Salad
    • 6. Caprese Salad
    • 7. Corn Tomato Avocado Salad
    • 8. Waldorf Salad
    • 9. Crunchy Broccoli Salad
    • 10. Southwest Chicken Chopped Salad
  • Frequently Asked Questions

10 Salads That Complement Corned Beef and Cabbage

The 10 Salads that Go with Corned Beef and Cabbage Save for Later!

Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional Irish meal that has grown to become popular all over the world, especially in the United States.

While it is delicious on its own, adding some side dishes can take a simple dinner to the next level.

Here are ten salads that perfect complements for this hearty dish - also see salads to serve with lasagna for similar pairings.

1. Wedge Salad

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This classic wedge salad pairs well with a filling portion of corned beef and cabbage.

Iceberg lettuce is cut into thick wedges before being topped with bacon, tomatoes and creamy blue cheese dressing - explore dressing options for tuna salad that pair well for more creamy ideas.

This salad pairs well with many meals, but the combination of savory corned beef, smoky bacon and tangy blue cheese make it a good match for your Irish-themed feast.

2. Caesar Salad

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No St. Patrick's Day meal would be complete without a delicious, hearty plate of corned beef and cabbage.

A great traditional side to pair with this iconic dish is the classic Caesar salad.

This dish combines crisp romaine lettuce, flavorful garlic, nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and crunchy croutons for an unforgettable flavor combination - see cheese for Caesar salad options and substitutes to tweak the flavor.

To make the dressing, combine olive oil, freshly minced garlic and anchovy paste in a bowl and mix until blended.

Add Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, cracked black pepper and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to the blend for an extra zing of flavor.

Toss the dressing into crisp romaine leaves in a salad bowl, top with croutons and enjoy.

3. Kale Salad

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This hearty salad stands up to the strong flavors of corned beef and cabbage.

Kale is a good addition to any salad due to its high levels of vitamins A, C and K.

Also, kale contains anti-inflammatory health benefits.

This warm salad is loaded with caramelized onions, sautéed curly kale and Brussels sprouts and is topped with a honey mustard vinaigrette - consider dressings for potato salad with complementary flavors for a similar tangy touch.

Serve it alongside your corned beef for a truly tasty experience.

4. Greek Salad

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This Greek salad combines tangy feta cheese and olives with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers.

Create a delicious dressing by combining olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar and dijon mustard - find dressings that go well with Greek salad for more variations.

Make sure to season the salad with salt and pepper.

Top the salad with thinly sliced red onion and freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Combined with corned beef and cabbage, this easy-to-assemble salad makes a perfect accompaniment for a St. Patrick's Day meal or any other occasion throughout the year.

5. Strawberry Spinach Salad

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Strawberry Spinach Salad is a great complement to the flavors of Corned Beef and Cabbage.

Sweet and flavorful strawberries go well with tart, earthy spinach, making this salad a perfect balance for the meaty-tangy-savory dish - also see sauces for spinach and ricotta ravioli for complementary sauce ideas.

This salad is also easy to prepare, so it can be made quickly with minimal effort.

To make Strawberry Spinach Salad first you will need to gather your ingredients.

You will need two cups of fresh spinach leaves, one cup of sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen), half a cup of feta cheese crumbles, one tablespoon each of honey and balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and two teaspoons of olive oil.

Once all the ingredients have been gathered together you can begin creating the salad.

In a bowl combine the spinach leaves, strawberries and feta cheese crumbles together until everything is evenly mixed.

Then in another small bowl whisk together the honey, balsamic vinegar, salt and olive oil until combined evenly then pour over top of the spinach mixture and toss together gently until everything is coated in the dressing.

Serve alongside your Corned Beef and Cabbage dish for an easy and delicious full meal.

6. Caprese Salad

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This classic Italian salad is composed of slices of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes and sweet basil, all of which are drizzled with a light balsamic vinaigrette - see dressings for salmon salad with bright vinaigrettes for similar dressing ideas.

It can be served as a side dish or on its own as an entrée.

The combination of flavors in the Caprese salad and the accompanying vinaigrette balances nicely with salty corned beef and cabbage.

If you'd like to take this one step further, consider adding some grilled onions or bell peppers for texture and appearance.

7. Corn Tomato Avocado Salad

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This corn tomato avocado salad is a flavorful southwestern style side that goes well 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 goes with the hearty corned beef - try dressings for jerk chicken salad with bold citrus notes for a comparable punch.

For more heat, add some diced jalapeno to the mix.

This makes a great summer side dish or you can make it year round.

The combination of fresh ingredients gives it a nice balance of colors and flavors.

To make this easy salad even simpler, you can use canned corn or frozen corn kernels instead of cooking fresh corn on the cob.

Enjoy this delicious side all year long.

8. Waldorf Salad

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This traditional Waldorf Salad will bring a fresh crunch to your Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner.

The combination of crisp apples, celery, and walnuts in a creamy mayonnaise dressing is the perfect side for a savory entrée.

To make this salad even more flavorful, add chopped fresh herbs such as dill or chives.

You can also adjust the amount of mayonnaise to suit your taste - try adding Greek yogurt or buttermilk for an extra tangy flavor.

  • 2 tart apples (such as Granny Smith), cored and diced.
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped.
  • ½ cup walnuts, chopped.
  • ½ cup mayonnaise.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a large bowl, combine apples, celery, and walnuts.
  • In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour dressing over fruit and nut mixture and toss until well combined.
  • Refrigerate Waldorf Salad until ready to serve with Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner.

9. Crunchy Broccoli Salad

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Crunchy Broccoli Salad is a delicious side dish that goes well with Corned Beef and Cabbage.

This salad combines crunchy broccoli florets, sweet raisins, savory red onion and pungent feta cheese in a creamy dressing.

It's the perfect combination of flavors, textures and colors for your St. Patrick's Day feast.

To make this healthy salad, combine one chopped head of broccoli florets with one-fourth cup raisins, two tablespoons of sliced red onion, one-fourth cup feta cheese crumbles, and one tablespoon each of olive oil and low-fat yogurt.

For the dressing, whisk together two tablespoons white wine vinegar, two tablespoons freshly minced parsley or cilantro leaves, one teaspoon mustard powder or prepared mustard, two teaspoons honey or agave syrup and a pinch each of salt and pepper.

Drizzle over salad ingredients and mix gently to coat evenly.

Serve this Crunchy Broccoli Salad at room temperature alongside your favorite Corned Beef dish.

10. Southwest Chicken Chopped Salad

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This Southwest Chicken Chopped Salad is a bright and crunchy mix of lettuce, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado and smoked chicken.

Mixed together with a creamy honey cilantro dressing for an extra pop of flavor.

A good addition to any St. Patrick's Day menu as it brings together an elegant and daily meal in one bowl.

For added protein to complete the meal add in cooked crumbled bacon or grilled sausage.

This tasty salad can be easily adapted to fit any dietary needs or tastes - try adding diced jalapenos for some heat or quinoa or even grape tomatoes for a different texture or flavor.

Enjoy the fresh ingredients combined in one delicious bowl.

The 12 BEST Rice Side Dishes for Salmon are useful with many seafood-forward menus. rice side dishes for salmon pairs well with lighter plates. dessert ideas to serve with taco salad offers sweet endings if the meal leans casual.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pairing for The 10 Salads that Go with Corned Beef and Cabbage?

A pairing that balances the richness or freshness of The 10 Salads that Go with Corned Beef and Cabbage works best. Consider the texture and flavor of the main dish when making your choice.

What should you avoid pairing with The 10 Salads that Go with Corned Beef and Cabbage?

Avoid options that are too sharp, heavy, or overpowering for The 10 Salads that Go with Corned Beef and Cabbage. Strong flavors can clash with the main dish rather than complement it.

What texture should the side dish add?

Aim for a contrast - if the main dish is soft and saucy, a crispy or firm side adds welcome variety. If it is already textured, a smooth or creamy option rounds things out.

How far ahead can you prep the sides?

Most grain and roasted vegetable sides can be prepped a day ahead. Store separately and reheat before serving.

Fresh salads and anything with a sauce are better made same-day.

Explore more: This post is part of our Side Dish Pairing Guide.
Andrew Gray

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