What To Serve With Pasta Salad? 15 BEST Side Dishes

Pasta salad is that versatile dish that works great at picnics, barbecues, or as a quick weeknight dinner. Its flavors can range from creamy to tangy, but what do you serve alongside it to make your meal complete?

Here are 15 amazing side dishes that you can pair with your pasta salad for a delightful dining experience.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with pasta salad are chicken wings, salmon burger, ham and cheese pinwheels, boneless pork ribs, Impossible Burger, deviled eggs, zucchini fritters, Buffalo chicken pizza, green shakshuka, ricotta cheese with herbs, garlic bread, spicy cauliflower wings, apple walnut salad, and corn on the cob.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Chicken Wings

Spicy or sweet, chicken wings are a crowd-pleaser that can perfectly accompany a pasta salad. Choose a flavor that complements your salad—like garlic parmesan wings with a creamy pasta salad or buffalo wings with a tangy vinaigrette pasta. The wings add protein and spice, balancing out the cool, refreshing pasta salad.

2. Salmon Burger

For a healthier touch, consider a salmon burger. Rich in omega-3s, it's a nutritious yet delicious choice that pairs exceptionally well with the lightness of a vegetable-based pasta salad. This combination brings together land and sea for a well-rounded meal.

3. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

These are a hit for both adults and kids. Filled with ham and your choice of cheese, these pinwheels offer a tasty bite that's both salty and creamy. They serve as an excellent contrast to a tangy pasta salad, creating a combination of flavors that's hard to beat.

4. Boneless Pork Ribs

Smoky, juicy, and a little sweet, boneless pork ribs can bring a hearty, meaty element to your meal. They're especially good if your pasta salad is on the lighter, veggie-heavy side, adding a robust touch to a lighter dish.

5. Impossible Burger

For a plant-based option, the Impossible Burger is just that—impossible to resist. Juicy and meat-like, it's a great plant-based protein to serve alongside a vegan or vegetarian pasta salad. Whether you're vegan or just want to eat more plant-based foods, it's a win-win.

6. Deviled Eggs

For something a bit more classic, deviled eggs are always a safe bet. The creaminess of the yolk filling can complement the textures in your pasta salad, and the two together can be surprisingly filling. Easy to make in advance, they're perfect for picnics or potlucks.

7. Zucchini Fritters

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, zucchini fritters offer a veggie-forward option that's big on flavor. The slight crunch contrasts nicely with the soft pasta, and the fritters can be seasoned to align with the flavor profile of your salad.

8. Buffalo Chicken Pizza

For a fusion of Italian and American cuisine, a slice or two of Buffalo chicken pizza can be a spicy, cheesy addition to your meal. It combines particularly well with a simple, Italian dressing-based pasta salad, letting both the pizza and the salad shine.

9. Green Shakshuka

If you're leaning towards something a bit unconventional yet wholesome, green shakshuka is the way to go. Made with green peppers, spinach, and eggs, it's a flavorful dish that's packed with nutrients. The hearty eggs and veggies provide a comforting balance to the cool and refreshing pasta salad, making your meal diverse in both texture and taste.

10. Ricotta Cheese

A bowl of herbed ricotta can be an elegant yet simple addition to your table. Light and creamy, ricotta pairs well with pasta salad, especially if you've got a lot of veggies or a tangy vinaigrette going on. Spread it on some warm bread or enjoy it as is, and you've got yourself a creamy counterpoint to your pasta dish.

11. Garlic Bread

Can you ever go wrong with garlic bread? Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and flavored with garlic and herbs, it’s the perfect side to any pasta dish. It's especially good for scooping up any extra dressing or ingredients that have made their way to the bottom of your pasta salad bowl.

12. Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

If you're looking for something a bit more upscale, balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts offer a rich, savory flavor. Their natural bitterness is offset by the sweetness of the balsamic glaze, and they bring a pop of color and a burst of nutrients to your meal.

13. Spicy Cauliflower Wings

For a spicy, vegetarian option, try some cauliflower wings. Breaded and baked (or fried), then tossed in your favorite wing sauce, these offer a tangy kick that can liven up your pasta salad meal. Plus, it's a fun way to get your veggies in.

14. Corn on the Cob

Nothing says summer like grilled corn on the cob. Charred to perfection and slathered in butter, it's a simple yet flavorful side that screams barbecue season. It adds both texture and a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with a summery pasta salad.

15. Apple Walnut Salad

For a sweet and crunchy element, an apple walnut salad brings crisp apple slices, crunchy walnuts, and maybe even a little blue cheese or feta into the mix. The sweetness of the apples complements the savory elements in your pasta salad, rounding out your meal.

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