Discover what to serve with a pasta salad for any occasion! Explore delicious pairings, from grilled chicken to baked beans, plus tips and recipes for perfect sides.
I love pasta salad. Whether it’s a main meal in its own right, or a side dish served with a larger meal.
Pasta is exceptionally versatile and when it comes to a pasta salad, there are so many different ingredients, types of pasta and sauces that you can use. An easy chicken and bacon pasta salad with a creamy dressing is one of my favourites, and I love a prawn pasta salad.
I even love a really simple pasta salad with cos lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, salad cream, chicken nuggets and grated cheese. This is actually one of my guilty pleasures. I absolutely love it.
Sometimes, all I want with my pasta salad is a little parmesan or maybe some garlic bread, especially if there’s chicken or another protein in the salad.
But if the salads are lighter, I might add a more filling element, or eat it as part of a picnic or BBQ, with plenty of other dishes. Below is an in-depth look at what to serve with pasta salad.
Main Dish Pairings
If your pasta salad is fairly large, but hasn’t got anything like chicken, or fish, in it, then you might want to add some meat, or another large element to the side to create a tasty and filling main meal.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is great with a cold pasta salad, especially if there’s something a little smokey like diced crispy bacon in the salad.
You could either serve a grilled chicken breast on the side of your pasta salad or slice it into strips to add to the top.
I recommend seasoning simply with salt and pepper and using a creamy dressing for your salad.
Fried Chicken
If you want to add a bit of crunch, as well as some spice, to your pasta salad, then crispy fried chicken, with herbs and spices, could be a great complement!
With either a creamy, or tangy pasta salad, crispy chicken tenders or strips are an incredible addition to a cold pasta salad with crunchy lettuce. Either serve on the side or throw them on top.
Try classic buttermilk fried chicken, or southern fried chicken for a tasty meal.
Grilled Pork
Chicken is a popular addition to, or side for pasta salads but if you want a more robust flavour, grilled pork, either in strips or as a steak, offers an excellent option that pairs well with many pasta salad recipes.
Chopped grilled pork loin or chops with pasta salad is filling, tasty and a little different. Add a simple balsamic glaze for a super tasty dinner.
Burgers
Pasta salad is a great side dish for burgers. It’s lighter and more refreshing than something like chips or potato wedges, and ideal in the summer.
A large pasta salad makes a great shared side dish for BBQs.
Sandwiches and Wraps
A large sharer is also great with picnics, or dished out on the side of a lunchtime sandwich or wrap, to create a more filling, but still simple, lunch.
Side Dish Pairings
If your pasta salad already has a protein or heavy element, or you don’t want to add one, you might just need to add a more traditional side dish.
Baked Beans
Baked beans with pasta salad is not for me. At all. It’s weird.
But, baked beans are a fab side dish. Flavourful and packed with protein, they’re an easy, hearty side dish for any meal. Including pasta salad.
I’d serve them in a bowl or ramekin because I find the idea of baked beans touching my salad really odd, but you do you.
Cold Side Dishes
For me, cold sides are preferable. I like a dollop of coleslaw (either creamy or crunchy with a vinegarette), or maybe some crunchy veggie sticks with something like hummus or a soured cream dip.
Bread Options
Bread is the perfect side with a pasta salad, especially if you’ve got some dressing to soak up. I like crusty bread, garlic baguettes, or garlic flatbreads. You could even add some cheese for a more satisfying side dish for your pasta salad.
Menu Ideas for Different Occasions
Often, what you choose to serve with your pasta salad will depend on when or how you are eating it.
What to Serve with Pasta Salad for Lunch
Pasta salad is the perfect lunch. Easy, refreshing, filling and packed with nutrition. A creamy pasta salad with grilled chicken or chicken tenders, served with pitta bread and a fresh fruit salad would make an excellent lunch!
Another lunchtime pasta salad option is adding strips of grilled pork or fried chicken, and serving with cheesy bread sticks, and a side of coleslaw. You could also add some roasted veggies, perhaps on a cold day when you want some healthy comfort food at lunchtime.
What Goes with Pasta Salad for Dinner
For dinner, you might want to serve your pasta salad with something special, like baked salmon or grilled steak, adding a fluffy baked potato or some focaccia for a filling dinner.
Vegetarian and Vegan Pairings
Pasta salads are perfect if you don’t eat meat. They are filling, tasty and nutritious, and offer a valuable source of fibre and protein. You might want to use wholegrain pasta, and add grilled veggies, tofu skewers vegan “meat” options, like chicken made from pea protein, or halloumi cheese bites.
Add some hummus, bulger wheat or quinoa for more calories, and serve with vegan garlic bread or whole grain rolls.
Tips for a Perfect Pasta Salad Menu
For the perfect pasta salad, consider balancing flavours and offering complementary textures. I like to add some crunch, either with bread, or a crunchy coleslaw, and I like adding smoked flavours like crispy disked bacon or grilled meats.
You should also consider the dressing that you are using. A creamy dressing might be great with chicken, but you may prefer a tangy dressing with prawns or pork.
Another consideration is seasonality. Try to use seasonal, fresh veggies for the best flavours and textures whatever you serve with pasta salad.
FAQ
What are some good side dishes for pasta salad?
Fresh green salads, coleslaw, baked beans, and a variety of breads such as garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a crusty baguette are great side dishes for pasta salad.
Can pasta salad be a main course?
Yes, pasta salad can be a main course, especially if it includes protein like chicken, tuna, or tofu.
What goes well with chicken pasta salad?
Grilled pork, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, and simple coleslaw pair well with chicken pasta salad.
What can I serve with a pasta salad for a summer party?
Grilled meats like chicken or pork, fresh fruit salad, vegetable platters with dip, and cold side dishes like coleslaw are perfect for summer parties.
How do I make pasta salad more interesting?
Add a variety of textures and flavours by including ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Experiment with different dressings and proteins to keep it exciting.
Can I prepare pasta salad in advance?
Yes, pasta salad often tastes better when prepared in advance as the flavours have time to meld. Just be sure to add fresh ingredients like herbs or certain vegetables just before serving to keep them crisp.
What are some vegetarian options to serve with pasta salad?
Grilled vegetables, tofu skewers, hummus with pita, and quinoa salad are excellent vegetarian options to serve with pasta salad.
How can I keep my pasta salad fresh for a picnic?
Keep the pasta salad cool by storing it in an insulated container or cooler with ice packs. Wait to add delicate ingredients like fresh herbs or certain vegetables until just before serving.
What type of bread goes well with pasta salad?
Garlic bread, focaccia, sourdough, and whole grain rolls all pair wonderfully with pasta salad.
Can I use an Instant Pot to prepare dishes to serve with pasta salad?
Yes, you can use an Instant Pot to prepare dishes like BBQ ribs or pulled pork, which complement pasta salad well and save time on preparation.
There are so many things that you can serve with pasta salad, and very little that you can’t. Think about your diet and preferences, as well as when and how you’ll be serving pasta salad, and don’t be scared to experiment with different sides and combinations for the perfect meal.
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