How Does Chicken Noodle Soup Pair? Savory Side Dishes & Combinations to Enhance Your Dinner
One of those comfort foods that can make you feel better and keep you warm on even the coldest days is chicken noodle soup. This traditional soup, whether prepared at home or purchased from the shop, is easy, filling, and adaptable. To round out the meal, though, what do you serve with chicken noodle soup? Even though the soup is substantial enough on its own, it can be enhanced by serving it with the appropriate sides to create a more savory and well-balanced meal.
We’ll look at a number of delectable sides and accompaniments that go well with chicken noodle soup in this article. These recipes can help you elevate your chicken noodle soup to new heights, from crunchy bread to crisp salads.
1. Rolls or Crusty Bread
Nothing tastes better than fresh, crusty bread with a hot cup of chicken noodle soup. Bread, whether it’s a baguette, sourdough loaf, or plain dinner rolls, makes it possible to mop up every last drop of broth, giving your meal an additional layer of comfort. Here are a few excellent choices:
Sourdough Bread: The gentle flavors of the soup are perfectly balanced by the acidic taste of the sourdough.
- Garlic Bread: Garlic bread adds a rich, fragrant flavor that complements the soup’s savory broth and gives it an extra flavor boost.
- Dinner Rolls: A family favorite, these soft and pillowy rolls are simple to rip apart and dip into the soup.
Tip: Try toasting the bread with a little butter or olive oil to give it some crunch and taste as an added bonus.
2. Light Vinaigrette Green Salad
The warm, flavorful chicken noodle soup is a welcome counterpoint to a crisp green salad. In addition to providing a nutritious side dish, the crisp veggies and mild dressing help counterbalance the soup’s richness. Here are some suggestions for the ideal salad:
Mixed greens such as baby kale, spinach, or arugula.
The tangy, fresh flavor of a citrus vinaigrette made with lemon or orange juice enhances the savory flavor of the soup.
Ingredients that provide texture and freshness include avocado, red onion, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
Herbs such as dill or parsley can bring the tastes together and make everything taste better.
Add roasted veggies such as sweet potatoes, carrots, or beets if you like a heartier salad. By doing this, the salad feels heavier without overpowering the soup.
3. Sandwich with Grilled Cheese
Consider a grilled cheese sandwich and chicken noodle soup the quintessential comfort food combination. The melted cheese offers a creamy texture that improves the soup’s flavor, and the grilled cheese’s crispy, buttery crust contrasts beautifully with the warm, broth-based soup. You can use the following to add some creativity to your grilled cheese:
For a range of flavors and textures, use different cheeses such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar.
For extra depth and sweetness, use caramelized onions or tomato slices inside the sandwich.
To make the sandwich more fragrant, add herbs like basil or thyme.
Try a bacon grilled cheese or a cheese-stuffed grilled cheese for a richer, more decadent choice.
4. Steamed or Roasted Vegetables
Roasted or steamed veggies are a great option for a lighter, healthier side. The caramelization from roasting adds more flavor, and the roasted vegetables’ inherent sweetness balances the savory chicken noodle soup. The following are some excellent choices to go with chicken noodle soup:
The somewhat sweet aromas of roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips complement the soup’s savory broth.
Steamed cauliflower or broccoli: These veggies are mild and soft, adding nutrition and texture to the dish without overwhelming the soup.
A delightful nutty flavor that complements chicken noodle soup is added by roasted Brussels sprouts, which are crispy on the outside and delicate on the inside.
5. Breadsticks or Crackers
If you like your soup with a crunchy accompaniment, breadsticks or crackers are ideal. Eating is made more enjoyable by the contrast in texture between the creamy soup and the crunchy sides. Select from:
A traditional option for a fast, salty crunch is saltines.
The dish is enhanced by the addition of Ritz crackers, which are flaky and buttery.
A delightful texture is added to every meal by dipping soft, chewy breadsticks into the soup.
For an additional layer of taste, you can even get creative and season your breadsticks or crackers with parmesan cheese or herbs.
6. A salad of fruits
A fruit salad can provide a natural sweetness that counterbalances the savory flavors of chicken noodle soup if you’re searching for a lighter, more refreshing side dish. Choose fruits that enhance the flavor profile of the soup, like:
Citrus fruits, such as pineapple, oranges, or grapefruit, provide a vibrant and zesty contrast.
- Grapes, pears, or apples for their juicy, delicious taste.
- For extra taste, add a sprinkle of fresh mint or a drizzle of honey.
For people who prefer a light, nutritious side dish without feeling overly full, a fruit salad is a fantastic choice.
7. Cabbage Salad or Coleslaw
The combination of chicken noodle soup and a light, acidic coleslaw or cabbage salad might be unexpected but delicious. While the acidity of the dressing balances the soup’s richness, the crunchy cabbage and the creamy, tangy sauce offer a pleasing tactile contrast. Try:
A traditional coleslaw consisting of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a dressing made with mayonnaise.
Made with cabbage, onion, and a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing, this slaw is lighter and vinegar-based.
For added sweetness and texture, add ingredients like apple pieces, raisins, or nuts.
8. Potatoes Baked
Try baked potatoes if you’re in the mood for something heartier to go with your chicken noodle soup. They create a hearty side dish and are a wonderful source of comfort. Here’s how to improve them:
For a traditional loaded baked potato, serve them with butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives.
For added richness, sprinkle them with shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits.
Instead of sour cream, you may use Greek yogurt and fresh herbs to top them for a healthier option.
9. Cornbread
cornbread is a terrific option if you’re craving something a little different yet just as comforting. It complements the rich, flavorful broth of chicken noodle soup perfectly, thanks to its somewhat sweet taste. For a little extra richness, serve it with a pat of butter. Another option is to try:
A little spiciness can be added with Jalapeño cornbread.
Honey cornbread to counterbalance the saltiness of the soup.
10. Olives or pickles
Olives or pickles can provide a crisp, tart side addition that balances the soup’s richness. Try:
For a crisp, briny bite, try bread-and-butter pickles or dill pickles.
Mixed olives, such green or Kalamata olives, to add a salty, briny touch.
Final Thought: The Ideal Combinations for Chicken Noodle Soup
Depending on the occasion or mood, chicken noodle soup is a comfortable and adaptable dish that goes well with a range of sides. Every bowl of soup has the ideal side dish to go with it, whether you’re in the mood for something light like a crisp salad or something hearty like grilled cheese or roasted veggies.
A variety of flavors and textures, such as something creamy, something crunchy, and something refreshing, should be included in a well-balanced meal. You can elevate your chicken noodle soup from OK to great with the correct side dish.
Try one of these delicious pairings the next time you prepare a pot of chicken noodle soup to enhance and further delight your meal. Have fun!
