Generally, if you have a flavoursome or spicy meal, a leafy lettuciy side dish can be the perfect foil. Rather like boiled rice with curry, or mash with a beef stew.
Some of John FS combinations sound good , so might give them a try and would probably add some herb leaves.
When I see a restaurant offering a salad dish, I fully expect a load of lettuce, cucumber and toms but also expect a good portion of the fish, chicken etc atop the green base.
If a salad appears with no green or red leaves, to me it's not a salad but rather just another meal.