This article was updated on the 29th of August 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your Salisbury steak, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 15 of the most popular side dishes for Salisbury steak.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best side dishes for Salisbury steak are brown butter-glazed carrots, grilled zucchini spears, and egg noodles. You can also serve some classic options like garlic mashed potatoes, peas and pancetta, or creamy garlic mushrooms. For fresher options, go with a brown and rice medley or an apple feta spinach salad.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Starchy Dishes
Starchy sides are a no-brainer to serve with Salisbury steak. After all, you’ll need something to soak up every drop of that amazing mushroom gravy!
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
4.6 ⭐️ (523 ratings) | 1 hour
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. They’re perfect for a cold winter’s day, and when you mix them with the gravy from the Salisbury steak, the yum factor is off the scale!
The secret to making this creamy garlic mash is to cook the potatoes with milk and herbs. This lets the flavors really infuse into the potatoes, making your mash even tastier.
Psst… cutting down on carbs? Mashed cauliflower is a great low-carb alternative to potatoes.
What readers are saying…
“The herby cream from cooking the potatoes is delicious mixed into the mash. Brilliant way to make mashed potatoes…“
“These potatoes were DELICIOUS!!!!! I only made 1/2 batch for hubby and I’m ashamed to tell you what little bit we have left!!!!! These are the best…never again will I make ‘regular mashed potatoes’!”
“These are probably the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had, I’ll be making these every year from now on.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Brown and Wild Rice Medley
5.0 ⭐️ (1 rating) | 50 mins
Okay, we’ve all heard about fried rice, but have you ever tried a brown and wild rice medley?
Wild rice has a deep, nutty flavor that goes well with the hamburger steak. And the brown rice will soak up all the gravy beautifully, so every mouthful will be packed with flavor.
On the Go Bites also tops this rice medley with toasted pecans for some crunch, but you can also use pistachios for an added pop of color and a bit of sweetness.
What readers are saying…
“LOVE this rice mixture. I have never been a fan of white unless it is short grain (as I remember sticky when we lived in Japan). Thank you so much for this recipe (bookmarking it).”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Buttered Egg Noodles
5.0 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 15 mins
Buttered egg noodles are great for a quick but satisfying weeknight meal. All you need is 15 minutes and a few ingredients.
Picky eaters won’t have a problem with this dish. After all, who can resist anything smothered with butter and parmesan cheese?
You can serve these easy buttery noodles alongside your Salisbury steak, but I prefer propping the juicy hamburger steak over the noodles and smothering everything with the mushroom gravy. Sounds divine, right?
What readers are saying…
“Sometimes when I have a bad day, all I need is a big bowl of butter noodles and a good movie. And maybe wine. But seriously, you can never go wrong with butter noodles!!“
“Delicious recipe. Really easy and fast.”
“My buttered noodles never looked this good. This is one of my favorite dishes and you’ve done a beautiful job showing it. It’s simple yet flavorful.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇮🇹 Gnocchi in Brown Butter Herb Sauce
💵 Baked Spaghetti Squash with Lemon Garlic Sauce
Crusty Bread Rolls
4.6 ⭐️ (95 ratings) | 9 hrs 12 mins
Who said you have to be a master baker to achieve beautiful artisan bread? It’s actually really easy to do at home!
These genius no-knead artisan bread rolls involve only five minutes of work. The rest is for rising and baking time. And despite little work, these rolls have delightfully thick crusts and a soft, chewy crumb perfect for mopping up your steak’s gravy.
What readers are saying…
“I can’t believe these mini loaves only take 3 ingredients and are so easy to make! They ARE just begging to be buttered!”
“Three ingredients = success! These rolls look soooo tasty!”
“I swear by this recipe! My husband and I have been using your recipe for the large loaf of this bread for a while now. We are in LOVE with it!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Sweet Potato Wedges
4.4 ⭐️ (18 ratings) | 50 mins
These wedges are the perfect sweet-savory addition to your Salisbury steak.
They’re baked for about 35 minutes and then broiled which gives them irresistibly crisp outsides while keeping the insides soft and fluffy.
Sweet potato wedges are best enjoyed with a dipping sauce, but you don’t need to whip one up when serving these with Salisbury steak. Simply dunk them in your steak’s mushroom gravy for the perfect bite.
What readers are saying…
“Marvelous! My picky husband even said they were the best rendition of a sweet potato he’s had, and he likes sweet potatoes.”
“Without a doubt these are the best SP fries I’ve ever made. They’re way better than the best-rated frozen fries. My husband loved them!”
“I just made these and they are delicious! The whole family enjoyed them.. even the kiddos.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
⌚ Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
🤩 Smashed Sweet Potatoes
😋 Baked Zucchini Sticks
Vegetables
Salisbury steak has your protein needs all covered, so all you need is something loaded with vitamins and nutrients to complete the meal.
Brown Butter Glazed Carrots
5.0 ⭐️ (1 rating) | 30 mins
In a rush? Take a look at your refrigerator and see if you have carrots. Then glaze them with a butter and maple syrup mix and toss them in the oven.
In 20 minutes they’ll have turned into the most delicious carrots you’ve ever tasted. Roasting enhances the carrots’ natural sweetness, and the maple syrup helps create those lightly charred edges.
Serve these buttery glazed carrots alongside your Salisbury steak for a deliciously cozy dinner.
What readers are saying…
“Such a simple way to make carrots feel so special.”
“I am swooning over these carrots! This recipe reminds me a lot of one my mom would make growing up, but cleaner and healthier! Nostalgic dishes like this are always the best!”
“Maple glazed carrots are my favorite!! I love how these are slightly sweetened but still loaded with all the cozy flavors!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥵 Honey Sriracha Roasted Carrots
🤩 Low-carb Carrot Mash with Ginger and Garlic
Peas and Pancetta
4.8 ⭐️ (31 ratings) | 5 mins
Want to make your Salisbury steak feel like a real steak? Serve it with the classic Italian side of peas and pancetta.
It’s excellent for when you need something fancy but easy to make, like for a date night or a dinner party. The vibrant green peas and pink pancetta will look great next to the duller browns of the meat and the sauce. And whenever I’m in the mood for something a bit indulgent, I add a splash of heavy cream to these peas towards the end of cooking.
Psst… no pancetta? You can use prosciutto or bacon instead.
What the chef says…
“You may make this recipe using either fresh or frozen peas. Frozen peas are beneficial for many reasons, mostly their convenience. However, I enjoy the brightness and freshness of fresh peas.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Herb-Roasted Acorn Squash
4.9 ⭐️ (187 ratings) | 25 mins
Acorn squash is the epitome of fall, and pairing it with your Salisbury steak will make you feel all warm and cozy inside.
The Real Food Dietitians season the acorn squash with a herby parmesan mixture, which gives it a delectable savory kick. I like using fresh herbs for this, but you can also use dried herbs in a pinch.
Can’t find acorn squash? Swap it for pumpkin, butternut squash, or even sweet potatoes.
What readers are saying…
“This is my go-to recipe for acorn squash!!! Delicious and have converted many friends to the deliciousness of squash instead of rice or potato carb-loaded side dish.”
“Love the sweetness of the squash with the savory coating. My husband went back for seconds!”
“I don’t like squash, never did. But thought I’d try savory… Absolutely delicious! I ate the skin, too. And I went back for seconds. This recipe is a keeper!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😍 Cheesy Zucchini Squash Casserole
🌶 Sweet and Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash
Lemon Spritz Asparagus and Broccoli
5.0 ⭐️ (3 ratings) | 15 mins
Most of the time, taking a simple and uncomplicated route is best, like with this sauteed asparagus and broccoli dish.
It’s a great summer-inspired side to brighten your Salisbury steak. The veggies are perfectly tender but still have some bite, while the acidity from the lemon dressing helps cut through the richness of your steak and keeps it from becoming too heavy.
Little Bits of Lemon finishes this veggie dish off with a sprinkle of goat cheese and almonds, but you can leave them off if you don’t have them.
What readers are saying…
“This dish is lovely, the dressing is what makes it, I used goat cheese and sprinkled in some Aleppo pepper for a little extra zip!”
“Great flavors! Love the asparagus/broccoli’s tender but crunchy combination.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
⏲ Garlicky Roasted Broccoli and Mushrooms
🥗 Broccoli Honeycrisp Slaw
Sheet Pan Garlic Mushrooms
4.9 ⭐️ (10 ratings) | 30 mins
I know what you’re thinking. Salisbury steak already has mushrooms in the sauce… but there’s nothing wrong with double mushrooms!
Especially if you douse the mushrooms in a garlic sauce to keep them nice and juicy (you can never have too much garlic either).
Another thing I love about these mushrooms is how easy they are to make. The oven does the cooking for you, and the mushrooms need very little prep work. Plus, they’re roasted in one baking sheet, making clean-up a breeze too.
What readers are saying…
“OMGoodness……this is sinfully good… Used salted butter but reduced the amount of salt suggested in the recipe. My sons loved it… It will definitely become part of our regular recipes!”
“Made this last night…saw it on FB and thought ‘that sounds kinda yummy’…OMG…it wasn’t just yummy, it was DAMN Delicious!”
“I don’t like mushrooms—that is, I didn’t THINK I liked mushrooms until today. TO DIE FOR! We ate them off of the sheet pan.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Sauteed Lemon Butter Parmesan Green Beans
4.3 ⭐️ (35 ratings) | 15 mins
As much as I love plain sauteed green beans, they admittedly get boring quickly. Good thing you can easily jazz them up with a few simple ingredients, like with this recipe.
The butter and parmesan infuse the beans with the right amount of richness, while the addition of lemon juice adds a brightness that keeps the flavors balanced.
Recipe creator Byron also adds pine nuts for extra crunch, but I use almonds because they’re what I typically have on hand.
What readers are saying…
“Not only does this dish look delicious, but I also love the flavor combination.”
“I love the freshness of lemon on these beans and the pine nuts gave it such a nice crunch, it’s really a perfect side dish with any meal.”
“That lemon butter adds so much freshness and flavor to this dish that the humble green beans are elevated! Perfect and versatile side dish!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🦃 Green Bean Casserole
🌞 Green Bean Salad with Lemon and Dill
Light and Fresh Dishes
Salisbury steak is a pretty rich dish, so fresh and light sides are a good choice if you want something filling but won’t weigh you down right after.
Apple Feta Spinach Salad
4.9 ⭐️ (29 ratings) | 28 mins
This isn’t your typical spinach salad. It’s more on the sweet tangy side, thanks to the combination of the apples and the maple cider vinaigrette. And I love the crunch that you get from the nuts — the recipe uses pecans but I sometimes use walnuts or almonds instead.
This salad is simple, but it’s the perfect accompaniment when you want something light and fresh with your Salisbury steak.
What readers are saying…
“This is definitely on repeat at our house, it has so much flavor and we love the crunch of the apples. It’s a nice way to change things up from a plain old mixed greens salad…”
“My go-to salad! I love it.”
“I made this salad today and it was a hit! My husband even had a second serving, which is rare when it comes to salads.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌞 Apple Slaw
💃 Classic Waldorf Salad
🥒 Cucumber Apple Salad
Pickled Red Cabbage
4.9 ⭐️ (65 ratings) | 1 hr 15 mins
What’s better than a Salisbury steak? Salisbury with pickled cabbage on the side, of course.
Pickled red cabbage adds a brilliant pop of color to your plate, and the sour, tart flavor from the brine is exactly what you need to offset the richness of the gravy and hamburger steak.
Another thing I love about this quick pickle is it lasts for up to a month in the fridge, so you can make a big batch and use the extra for other dishes like fish tacos, burgers, and fried chicken. Now that’s what I call a win-win!
What readers are saying…
“Great recipe – I have shared this with my mother-in-law and she was very pleased with the outcome.”
“This is such a fun way to enjoy cabbage! I’m impressed with how long pickled cabbage will last in the fridge! Nice to know I can enjoy it for a couple of weeks!”
“I’m such a fan of pickled veggies – they add such great depth of flavor, tanginess, and crunch to LOTS of things I make.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Bistro Salad
4.9 ⭐️ (16 ratings) | 45 mins
Bring a delicious French twist to your Salisbury steak with a serving of this Bistro Salad.
This leafy salad is chock-full of bright, vibrant flavors that perfectly contrast with the rich, savory notes of your hamburger steak and mushroom gravy.
The pickled onions add an extra tangy kick, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip the pickling and add the onions raw — the lemon vinaigrette is bright enough to carry this salad!
What readers are saying…
“This salad is so simple yet so delicious, we loved the fresh flavour with the herbs, I’ll be making this lots this summer.”
“Will definitely be making this once a week, at least.”
“I’ve already made this salad three times in a week! It is so bright and simple yet complex and flavorful. It’s going to be a regular run the rotation from here on out.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇫🇷 French-style Grated Carrot Salad
🇮🇹 Italian Chopped Salad
🇬🇷 Greek Salad
Cucumber Tomato Quinoa Salad
4.5 ⭐️ (108 ratings) | 35 mins
Think leafy greens aren’t filling enough? Try whipping up this quinoa salad instead.
The quinoa base is filling without being heavy while the tomatoes and cucumbers bring the freshness you need with your Salisbury steak. These elements are tied together with a simple zesty lime dressing that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Psst… leftovers make for a great packed lunch for the next day.
What readers are saying…
“Made this salad tonight. It was super yummy! I loved the fresh flavors of the cilantro and lime.”
“Great salad, thank you, and yes the quinoa trend had faded, but nice reminder about why it became so popular in the first place the high nutritional value.”
“This was delicious! I halved the recipe successfully, as well. Very easy to make…”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍂 Warm Quinoa Salad with Roasted Veggies
🌅 Mediterranean Couscous
What To Serve With Salisbury Steak – 15 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion brown butter-glazed carrots
- 1 portion peas and pancetta
- 1 portion roasted garlic mashed potatoes
- 1 portion garlic mushrooms
- 1 portion pickled red cabbage
- 1 portion crusty bread rolls … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your Salisbury steak according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: roasted garlic mashed potatoes, brown butter glazed carrots, brown and wild rice medley, peas and pancetta, apple feta spinach salad, buttered egg noodles, parmesan herb-roasted acorn squash, lemon spritz asparagus and broccoli, garlic mushrooms, pickled red cabbage, and crusty bread rolls.
- .Serve immediately and enjoy!