Look no further if you’re looking for the perfect side dish idea for what to serve with pasta salad! Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or family dinner, a pasta salad is always a great option.
But what should you serve alongside it to make your meal complete? So, in this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best ideas for what to serve with pasta salad.
From salads to vegetables to sandwiches, we have a variety of recipes to choose from so you can create an amazing meal.
Read on to find out what to serve with pasta salad!
1. Italian Chicken Drumsticks
This is the first on our list of what to serve with pasta salad. Italian Chicken Drumsticks are an ideal choice to serve alongside a pasta salad.
These juicy, tender chicken legs are marinated in Italian herbs and spices for an intense flavor.
To make these flavorful drumsticks, marinate the chicken overnight with olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, and red pepper flakes.
Then bake in the oven at 375°F for 40 minutes or until cooked through. Serve the Italian Chicken Drumsticks hot or at room temperature with a side of your favorite pasta salad. Enjoy!
2. Skillet Fried Chicken
This comes second on our list of what to serve with pasta salad. Skillet-fried chicken is the way to go for a hearty addition to your pasta salad. It’s a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to your dish.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper, heat some oil in a large skillet, then cook it over medium-high heat until it’s golden brown and cooked.
Cut the chicken into pieces before adding it to the pasta salad, and you have a delicious, filling meal. Serve it with a side of arugula or Caprese salad for added nutrition.
3. Grilled Steak Tips
Grilled steak tips are easy and tasty side dish ideas for what to serve with pasta salad. You can marinate the steak tips overnight in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs of your choice.
To grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the steak tips for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Serve with your favorite accompaniment, and enjoy!
For extra flavor, you can add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, or even soy sauce to the marinade.
The combination of marinade and the smoky flavor from the grill will make for an unforgettable side dish that pairs perfectly with your pasta salad.
4. Ground Chicken Burgers
Ground chicken burgers are a great addition to any pasta salad. They’re full of flavor and provide plenty of protein to make the meal even more filling.
To make them, mix ground chicken with garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and your favorite seasonings.
Meanwhile, grill them up and serve them alongside your favorite pasta salad for an easy and delicious meal. You can also top them off with a few cheese slices for an extra special touch.
No matter how you make them, ground chicken burgers are sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
5. Instant Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers
This is the next on our list of what to serve with pasta salad. Instant Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers is the perfect side dish to serve alongside a pasta salad.
This dish is made with Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and seasonings cooked together in an Instant Pot for an easy, flavorful meal.
The result is juicy Italian sausage and a flavorful mix of peppers and onions that perfectly match any pasta salad recipe.
Plus, this dish can be prepared in less than 30 minutes! Serve this with a side of pasta salad for a delicious, complete meal.
6. Kafta Kebabs
Kafta kebabs make a great side dish to serve with pasta salad. They are made from ground meat, spices, and herbs and are usually cooked on skewers over an open flame.
The smoky flavor of the kafta pairs nicely with the tangy flavors of a good pasta salad. Kafta kebabs can be served as an appetizer or as a main course, depending on the size of the kebab.
Additionally, they can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This makes them an ideal side dish for any dinner party or gathering.
7. Italian Grilled Hamburgers
Wondering what to serve with pasta salad? Italian-style grilled hamburgers are a great addition to any pasta salad.
This dish is a classic Italian comfort food that can be served as an appetizer or main course. To make this delicious dish, start by mixing together your favorite ground beef, Italian sausage, and grated parmesan cheese in a bowl.
Form the mixture into patties, season with salt and pepper, and cook on a hot grill until the burgers are cooked through.
Serve with various condiments, such as mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, and pickles. Enjoy the delicious flavor combination of your Italian-style grilled hamburgers and pasta salad!
8. Buffalo Ranch Chicken Thighs
If you’re looking for a side dish with a little more flavor, then buffalo ranch chicken thighs are the perfect accompaniment to your pasta salad.
This spicy and savory dish is full of flavor and adds a delicious kick to the pasta salad.
Chicken thighs are marinated in a delicious blend of buffalo and ranch seasonings and then cooked in a skillet until they’re perfectly cooked and juicy.
The chicken thighs pair perfectly well with what to serve with pasta salad, making it an excellent choice for a complete meal.
9. Grilled Chicken Tenders
Grilled chicken tenders are a classic choice to pair with pasta salad. Not only are they easy to prepare and cook, but they also provide a juicy, flavorful addition to the dish.
Whether you season them with Italian spices or your favorite flavors, grilled chicken tenders are sure to add a delightful twist to any pasta salad dish.
Try pairing grilled chicken tenders with a hearty pasta salad for a quick and simple dinner option. The contrast of textures will surely please even the pickiest of eaters.
To make grilled chicken tenders, season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any other herbs or spices you choose.
Place them on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Serve them with your favorite pasta salad for an enjoyable and filling meal.
With grilled chicken tenders as an accompaniment, your pasta salad will surely be a hit!
10. Grilled Mahi-Mahi
Grilled Mahi-Mahi is perfect regarding what to serve with pasta salad. It’s light and flaky, with a subtle sweetness that complements the herbs and spices in the pasta.
The best part is that Mahi-Mahi is incredibly easy to grill, requiring only a few minutes of preparation and cooking time.
Serve it with a side of your favorite marinade or sauce, and you have a tasty, healthy dish that will impress you!
11. Boneless Pork Ribs
Boneless pork ribs make an excellent side for what to serve pasta salad. Not only are they quick and easy to prepare, but they also provide a delicious flavor contrast to the pasta. To cook, season with salt and pepper, and then grill or bake until cooked through.
The result will be tender and juicy pork ribs that will go perfectly with your pasta salad. Serve with a simple side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
If you’re looking for something a bit more special, consider adding delicious barbecue sauce to your pork ribs before cooking.
The tangy and sweet flavors of the barbecue sauce will bring out the best in the ribs and complement the flavors in the pasta salad perfectly. Your family and guests will surely enjoy this tasty combination.
12. Instant Pot French Dip
What to serve with pasta salad? Instant Pot French Dip is a great side dish for pasta salad. This hearty meal is made in the pressure cooker in no time at all!
The tender, juicy beef slices are served on warm hoagie buns, topped with melted cheese, and served with a flavorful au jus for dipping.
This French Dip sandwich perfectly complements a cool and creamy pasta salad. It’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
13. Tropical Hot Dog Bar
A Tropical Hot Dog Bar is an excellent side to serve with pasta salad. The bar includes a variety of tropical ingredients such as pineapple, mango, jalapeño, cilantro, and spicy mayonnaise. It’s easy to assemble and customizable for any crowd.
Try pairing this with a tangy and delicious pasta salad to balance out the flavors and make your meal complete. Everyone will love the flavorful combination of sweet and spicy.
You can whip up a mouthwatering side dish with just a few simple ingredients that pair perfectly with your pasta salad.
14. Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp skewers are a great accompaniment to any pasta salad. Marinating the shrimp in a mix of chili, lime juice, and olive oil will give it a delicious flavor that perfectly complements the cold, creamy pasta salad.
To make the skewers, start by threading the shrimp onto metal or wooden skewers, then brush them with the chili-lime marinade.
Grill them for a few minutes until they turn pink and juicy; this is what to serve with pasta salad. The combination of flavors is sure to be a hit with your guests!
15. Flanken Ribs
Flanken ribs are a great choice when looking for what to serve with pasta salad. These short ribs offer a delicious, tender cut of meat that can be marinated and cooked on the grill or in the oven.
The rich, slightly sweet flavor makes them a great addition to the mix of flavors already present in pasta salads.
For a more classic option, serve them with a side of grilled vegetables and a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for a truly delicious dish.
16. Avocado Burger
This simple yet delicious burger is great to serve with a pasta salad. The avocado adds a creamy and flavorful element that complements the dish perfectly.
The best part is that it’s super easy to make – grill your beef patties, top them with avocado slices and any other desired toppings, and you’re good to go!
Serve with a side of chips or fries for the full burger experience. Not only will your guests be impressed by the presentation, but they’ll also appreciate how filling and flavorful the burger is. Enjoy!
17. Grilled Pork Skewers with Jerk Sauce
What to serve with pasta salad? Grilled pork skewers with jerk sauce are a delicious and flavorful way to add protein to a pasta salad.
The marinade for the skewers is easy to make and infuses your meal with aromatic herbs and spices.
The jerk sauce combines Jamaican-style seasonings, such as allspice, thyme, garlic, and hot pepper. It’s smoky, spicy, and tangy.
Serve this flavorful combination with a simple side salad of arugula and a squeeze of lime juice. Or you could go with a Caprese salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. These sides would be the perfect accompaniment to this pork and jerk combo.
18. Bacon-wrapped Asparagus
Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a delicious and easy side dish to serve with your favorite pasta salad.
The salty, smoky flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the earthy sweetness of asparagus for a truly scrumptious combination.
Wrap asparagus spears in bacon, sprinkle with a bit of garlic and seasonings, and bake in the oven until cooked through. This simple side dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
19. Cast Iron Broccolini
Cast iron broccolini is a delicious side dish that goes perfectly with pasta salad. This dish is easy to make and doesn’t require too much effort or time. All you need is fresh broccolini, a cast-iron skillet, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
You start by heating up the skillet with olive oil on medium-high heat. Then add in the broccolini, salt, and pepper.
Saute the broccolini until it’s cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Serve the cast iron broccolini alongside your favorite pasta salad for an easy and delicious meal.
20. Sautéed Arugula With Red Bell Peppers
This sautéed arugula with red bell peppers is perfect for what to serve with pasta salad. The slightly bitter arugula, sweet red bell peppers, and garlic make for a delicious complement to your favorite pasta salad.
Sauté the ingredients in a pan until lightly wilted and serve. For added flavor, you can add a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for extra taste. This side dish is easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
21. Veggie Kabobs with Halloumi
Veggie kabobs with halloumi are a great side dish to serve with a pasta salad. They are easy to make and can be customized to your tastes.
You can use any vegetable you like, such as mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and more.
The addition of halloumi cheese adds a delicious salty flavor and helps the veggies stay juicy and flavorful.
Serve these veggie kabobs as-is, or top them with a simple vinaigrette for extra flavor. These kabobs are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
22. Mexican Zucchini Boats
This is the next on our list of what to serve with pasta salad. Mexican Zucchini Boats are a great choice if you’re looking for a delicious and easy side to pair with your pasta salad.
These flavorful boats are made with zucchini, black beans, corn, red peppers, onions, garlic, chili powder, and cumin, all topped with melted cheese and baked in the oven.
The result is a colorful, nutritious side dish that will add lots of flavor to any pasta salad. Top the zucchini boats with shredded chicken or beef for a protein-packed version.
For a healthier take on this side dish, opt for low-fat cheese or skip it altogether. The vegetables provide plenty of flavor and texture so that you won’t miss the extra cheese.
Serve these Mexican Zucchini Boats alongside a classic Italian pasta salad, or whip up an easy taco salad with your favorite veggies and dressings. Either way, you’ll have an incredibly flavorful side dish to enjoy.
23. Mediterranean Bean Salad
This hearty, flavorful salad is perfect for any summer get-together. With a mix of beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese tossed in a simple vinaigrette dressing, this salad is packed with flavor.
The beans add protein and fiber, while the feta cheese provides a tangy and salty flavor that pairs nicely with the other ingredients.
Serve this Mediterranean Bean Salad alongside your favorite pasta salad for a complete meal. Add a few slices of grilled chicken or shrimp to make it even more hearty!
24. Tomato Mozzarella Salad
Wondering what to serve with pasta salad? Tomato mozzarella salad is a classic Italian side dish that pairs perfectly with a bowl of pasta salad.
The simple combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil creates a flavor-packed salad with everyone reaching for seconds.
It is also quick and easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a few minutes of preparation.
To make the perfect tomato mozzarella salad, use the freshest tomatoes you can find and mix them with quality olive oil, salt, pepper, and a generous amount of fresh basil.
Add some slices of creamy mozzarella, and you’ve got a delicious side dish that will add flavor to any meal.
25. Bulgur
Bulgur is an excellent side dish for any pasta salad. It has a slightly nutty flavor and is a great plant-based protein source.
To make a salad with bulgur, start by cooking the bulgur according to the package directions. Once cooked, mix in diced tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper with a lemon-dill dressing.
Top it off with feta cheese and fresh herbs. This salad is light and fresh and pairs well with any pasta salad.
For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked lentils or garbanzo beans to the bulgur. This will give the salad more protein and fiber, making it a complete meal.
To finish, garnish the salad with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or mint for added color and flavor. Enjoy this healthy and delicious side dish next to your favorite pasta salad.
26. Summer Corn Salad
What to serve with pasta salad is not complete without mentioning summer corn salad. Summer Corn Salad is a delicious and easy side dish to serve with pasta salad.
This simple yet flavorful dish can be made with fresh corn, onion, red bell pepper, celery, and parsley, then tossed with a creamy vinaigrette dressing.
Also, you can add additional ingredients such as diced tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, or avocado for a delicious and filling side dish that your guests will love. Summer Corn Salad will surely be a hit with everyone at your table!
27. Kale Caprese Salad
Kale Caprese salad is a delicious and nutritious side dish regarding what to serve with pasta salad.
It’s a wonderful combination of fresh, crisp kale, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and zesty basil with a light balsamic vinaigrette.
This flavorful salad can be served warm or cold and is a perfect accompaniment to any pasta dish.
28. Rocket Salad
Rocket Salad is a great side dish to serve with pasta salad. This Mediterranean-inspired salad is packed with flavor, nutrition, and texture.
It is simple to prepare and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients, such as tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, cucumbers, and red onions.
The combination of peppery rocket leaves, creamy feta cheese, crunchy vegetables, and tangy vinaigrette dressing makes it the perfect accompaniment to a delicious pasta salad.
If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish to pair with pasta salad, look no further than Rocket Salad!
29. Spinach and Pear Salad
This is the last on our list of what to serve with pasta salad. Adding a Spinach and Pear Salad to your pasta salad is an excellent way to make it a more filling and nutritious meal.
The combination of the leafy green spinach, sweet juicy pear, savory olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Parmesan cheese provides a delicious flavor combination.
This salad can easily be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for when you’re ready to serve. When paired with a flavorful pasta salad, this salad makes a perfect side dish that will surely be a hit at any dinner table.
Conclusion
Are you looking for the perfect side dishes ideas for what to serve with pasta salad? You’re in luck.
This blog post will discuss the best sides to serve with a pasta salad and give you some ideas for creating the perfect meal. From light salads to savory proteins, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
