22 Soups and Salads That Go Great With Any Meal

When I want something quick, comforting, and versatile, I always turn to soups and salads. They’re easy to prepare, pair well with almost any main dish, and make meals feel complete without much effort. Whether it’s a cozy bowl or a crisp mix of greens, these recipes bring the kind of balance and flavor that make everyday meals a little more special.

A bowl of minestrone soup with pasta, vegetables, and meat, with a spoon resting inside. — Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Turkey Taco Soup

A creamy dip with diced tomatoes and cheese, garnished with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro on top, served on a white plate. — Turkey Taco Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Turkey Taco Soup brings together bold flavors in one comforting bowl. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty but simple. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a balanced choice that pairs effortlessly with any meal spread. This soup adds warmth and variety without requiring extra effort in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Taco Soup

Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Tomato Egg Drop Soup is a light, flavorful option that feels comforting without being heavy. It comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy days or a quick starter. The blend of tomato and softly cooked egg gives it a homey touch that complements main dishes perfectly. It’s the kind of simple side that fits easily into any mealtime plan.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Kale Potato and Sausage Soup

Soup with minced meat, greens, and diced potatoes in a wooden ladle. — Kale Potato and Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Kale Potato and Sausage Soup is a hearty, one-pot meal that’s both filling and easy to prepare. With tender potatoes and flavorful sausage, it delivers comfort with minimal effort. This soup pairs well with lighter entrees, bringing balance to your table. It’s a great choice for when you need something wholesome that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Kale Potato and Sausage Soup

Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad

A fork holds a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomato, walnuts, and crumbled cheese over a bowl of salad in the background. — Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad combines crisp greens, juicy fruit, and a nutty crunch in one refreshing bowl. It’s quick to toss together and brightens up any main course with a touch of sweetness. The contrast of textures keeps every bite interesting, making it a great complement to heartier dishes. This salad adds a fresh, colorful side to any meal lineup.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

Close-up of a ladle holding a hearty soup with visible chunks of tomato, cabbage, ground meat, and grains in broth. — Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup brings all the comfort of traditional cabbage rolls without the extra work. Just set it and let it cook while you go about your day. Its rich flavor makes it a great match for simpler sides or light salads. It’s a reliable go-to when you want a hearty companion for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

Santa Fe Salad

A salad with grilled chicken, avocado, tomatoes, corn, black beans, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, and lime wedges, drizzled with dressing, served on a bed of lettuce. — Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Santa Fe Salad mixes crisp greens, beans, and a hint of spice for a colorful, flavorful dish. It’s quick to toss together and pairs well with grilled meats or soups. The mix of textures keeps it interesting without much effort. This salad brings a lively touch to any mealtime spread.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Green Bean Tomato Salad

A plate of green beans tossed with cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, accompanied by a fork, on a white surface. — Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green Bean Tomato Salad brings a fresh, crisp mix of textures that work beautifully alongside any entrée. It’s quick to make and ideal for days when you need something light but flavorful. The simple dressing ties everything together without overpowering the meal. This salad’s balance of freshness and crunch makes it a table favorite.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Salmon Salad

A grilled salmon fillet served on a bed of fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and olives on a white plate. — Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Salmon Salad is a protein-packed option that feels refreshing yet filling. It’s easy to assemble, making it great for quick lunches or light dinners. The mix of flaky salmon and crisp greens pairs smoothly with soups or warm bread. It’s a reliable side that adds both nutrition and flavor to any meal lineup.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Top view of a bowl of creamy tomato soup garnished with basil, served with a spoon and sunglasses on the side. — Crock Pot Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Tomato Soup offers classic comfort with little hands-on time. Let it simmer slowly while you focus on the rest of dinner. Its smooth, rich texture complements sandwiches, salads, or simple mains. This easy favorite is always a hit when you want a dependable soup that works with anything.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Bowl of broccoli salad with bacon and a fork on the side, placed on a white surface with a striped cloth nearby. — Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon mixes crunchy veggies with a savory touch of bacon for a crowd-pleasing combo. It’s quick to prepare and keeps well, making it great for busy days. The mix of textures makes it a nice counterpoint to soups or grilled mains. This salad adds both flavor and color to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of chicken and spinach soup with a spoon. — Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is creamy, hearty, and comforting in all the right ways. It’s a simple one-pot meal that works beautifully as a starter or light main. With tender chicken and soft gnocchi, it pairs perfectly with crisp salads or fresh bread. This soup is a dependable pick for any meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup delivers rich flavor in every spoonful while staying simple to make. It’s creamy and filling enough to serve alongside light salads or sandwiches. Great for cooler days, it adds a comforting touch to any menu. This soup brings balance and warmth to any meal combination.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

Chopped Greek Salad

A fresh greek salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumbers, olives, and peppers, served with a fork and a glass of water on the side. — Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chopped Greek Salad brings fresh veggies, tangy cheese, and a simple dressing together in one bowl. It’s quick, colorful, and full of bright flavors that complement a range of main dishes. Perfect for busy days, it’s light yet satisfying. This salad easily earns its place next to hearty soups or meats.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A fresh salad with mixed greens, sliced strawberries, blueberries, red onions, walnuts, and feta cheese on a white plate. — Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing adds a sweet and tart touch that brightens any meal. The fresh fruit and crisp greens make it a refreshing side that takes minutes to prepare. It’s a great way to add color and texture to your table. This salad pairs effortlessly with warm or savory dishes.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Shrimp and Corn Bisque

A close-up image of a spoonful of creamy shrimp bisque garnished with herbs, hovering above the rest of the soup in a bowl. — Shrimp and Corn Bisque. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and Corn Bisque combines creamy texture with subtle sweetness from the corn and seafood. It feels rich yet approachable, perfect for pairing with lighter salads or breads. Ready in under an hour, it makes dinner feel just a bit special. This bisque works beautifully as part of a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Bisque

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of coleslaw with purple cabbage, carrots, pine nuts, and cranberries, served on a white dish with a red and white checkered napkin nearby. — Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli Slaw Salad offers crunch, color, and a quick prep time that fits into any schedule. Its fresh flavor complements heavier dishes and brings balance to the plate. This easy side can be made ahead, making meal planning simple. It’s the kind of salad that quietly ties everything together.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Apple Salad with Kale and Almonds

A salad featuring grilled peaches, feta cheese, red onion, raisins, and spinach in a white bowl, with a small pitcher of dressing and a red checkered cloth beside it. — Apple Salad with Kale and Almonds. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Apple Salad with Kale and Almonds brings crisp texture and a touch of sweetness to the table. It’s quick to assemble and stays fresh, making it great for weeknight dinners. The mix of flavors pairs easily with soups, chicken, or pork dishes. This salad adds a wholesome boost to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad with Kale and Almonds

Easy Radish Salad

A plate of radish salad with diced celery and a creamy dressing, accompanied by a glass of water and salt and pepper shakers. — Easy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy Radish Salad is a bright, crunchy side that’s as refreshing as it is quick. The sharp flavor of radish adds a nice contrast to rich mains or creamy soups. With just a few ingredients, it comes together in minutes. This simple salad fits neatly into any mealtime plan.
Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

A bowl of bean soup with chunks of ham and diced vegetables, served in a rustic terracotta bowl with a spoon on the side. — Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Navy Bean and Ham Soup is a timeless comfort dish that’s easy to make ahead. Hearty beans and smoky ham come together for a warm, filling bowl. It pairs perfectly with lighter salads or crusty bread for balance. This soup brings a home-cooked touch to any meal lineup.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Lemon chicken soup in a white bowl with lemon slices. — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup offers a light, tangy flavor that feels refreshing and cozy all at once. It’s easy to make and perfect for pairing with hearty salads or breads. The hint of lemon keeps it bright, making it a nice contrast to richer dishes. This soup is a simple yet flavorful way to round out any menu.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

A ladle serving vegetable soup with tomatoes, potatoes, and green peas into a white bowl, with a blurred bowl in the background. — Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup is a hands-off meal that brings comfort and color to your table. Packed with vegetables, it’s a great way to complement grilled meats or sandwiches. You can let it cook while you handle the rest of dinner. This soup is a dependable addition that works with nearly anything.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Minestrone Soup with Sausage adds a hearty, flavorful twist to a classic favorite. It’s packed with veggies, beans, and sausage for a filling yet balanced bowl. Ideal for busy nights, it pairs perfectly with salads or crusty bread. This soup makes a complete meal that still fits alongside other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

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