What To Serve with Pasta Salad - 29+ of the Best Recipes (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Cooking Chat · This post may contain affiliate links

Wondering what to serve with pasta salad? We’ve collected over 30 recipes to inspire you! From delicious main dishes to salads and other veggies, there is a lot to choose from here.

Although it is technically still spring, Memorial Day Weekend feels in many ways like the start of the summer. Today in New England, the temps will be approaching 90 degrees, so that feeling is underscored here!

Along with summer, we have cookouts, picnics, and simple meals out on the deck or by the pool. Pasta salad is a mainstay for these summer meals. So today we are helping to answer the question, “What to serve with pasta salad?” with this delicious collection of recipes from Cooking Chat and other awesome blogs.

If you’re looking for more summer meal inspiration, be sure to check out our 59+ Grilling Recipes for Labor Day Weekend!

Jump to:
  • Pasta salad recipes
  • Main dish recipes to go with pasta salad
  • Vegetable sides
  • Other salad recipes

Pasta salad recipes

We suspect you have come here with a pasta salad made or at least a recipe in mind. But in case you need ideas for pasta salad recipes, too, we are starting with a quick like of options.

Main dish recipes to go with pasta salad

OK, when I think about pasta salad, summer cookouts and other gatherings with a good crowd and a lot of simple food options come to mind. Let’s start by looking at some main dish recipes that go with pasta salad. We’ve got burgers, chicken, ribs, vegetarian options and more! If you have other ideas, please let me know in the comments.

Main Course Recipes

Main courses to serve with pasta salad, including burgers, ribs, chicken and vegetarian options.

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Photo Credit:www.saltandlavender.com

The Best Ground Chicken Burgers

These ground chicken burgers are a summer staple to serve alongside pasta salad! They're perfectly juicy and delicious every time.

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Easy Grilled Steak Tips

A flavorful marinade makes these Easy Grilled Steak Tips a tasty recipe from the grill! Takes under 10 minutes on the grill.

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Photo Credit:foodmeanderings.com

Skillet Fried Chicken

This skillet fried chicken is not only easy to make, it has a healthier, unique coating and it's super quick (with my shortcut method.) Eat them hot or cold, these breaded pan fried chicken thighs also make a great picnic chicken

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Photo Credit:theshortordercook.com

Italian Chicken Drumsticks

For a wonderful grilled recipe with a taste of Italy, try these Italian Chicken Drumsticks. This recipe with fresh lemon juice, garlic, & fresh herbs pairs wonderfully with pasta salad.

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Photo Credit:theshortordercook.com

Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers

For a quick & easy Italian recipe to enjoy with pasta salad, there’s nothing better than Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers. In just a few minutes, juicy Italian sausage with tomatoes, sweet peppers, & onions is ready for all to enjoy.

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Photo Credit:www.sweetandsavourypursuits.com

Kafta Kebabs

These Kafta Kebabs are made with lean ground beef and a handful of basic ingredients.

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Photo Credit:twohealthykitchens.com

Italian Grilled Hamburgers

These flavor-packed Italian Grilled Hamburgers feature a unique mix of ground beef and Italian sausage, all seasoned with zesty, savory Italian spices, and piled high with grilled peppers and onions, juicy tomato, and a warm, melty slice of fresh mozzarella. They’re easy to make, plus you can prep them in advance!

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Photo Credit:sweetpealifestyle.com

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Thighs

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Thighs are the super quick and easy meal prep chicken recipe you need! The cool ranch is mixed with spicy hot sauce for the perfect chicken marinade!

What To Serve with Pasta Salad - 29+ of the Best Recipes (10)

Photo Credit:recipesfromapantry.com

Grilled Chicken Tenders

Easy Grilled Chicken Tenders are flavorful and cook fast so they are perfect for serving as a weeknight dinner. Serve with pasta salad or stir-fried veggies to make it a complete, family-friendly meal.

What To Serve with Pasta Salad - 29+ of the Best Recipes (11)

Photo Credit:www.killingthyme.net

Grilled Mahi-Mahi

Looking for a good mahi-mahi recipe? This Chili-Seasoned Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Lime Butter is the perfect summer dish.

What To Serve with Pasta Salad - 29+ of the Best Recipes (12)

Boneless Pork Ribs

EasyBoneless Baked Pork Ribsrecipe, withbarbecue sauceflavor, comes together in just over 30 minutes. Recipe uses loin cut country style pork ribs. We have two good wine pairing ideas for this recipe.

What To Serve with Pasta Salad - 29+ of the Best Recipes (13)

Photo Credit:mondayismeatloaf.com

Instant Pot French Dip

French dip sandwiches are a classic side to lunchtime favorites like pasta salad! A savory main that pairs well with any type of side!

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Photo Credit:theviewfromgreatisland.com

Tropical Hot Dog Bar

A fun summer hot dog bar with lots of colorful toppings.

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Photo Credit:flavorthemoments.com

Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers are tender, juicy shrimp marinated in warm spices and fresh lime juice, then grilled to perfection. This is an easy dinner that cooks up in mere minutes!

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Photo Credit:www.allergyfreealaska.com

Flanken Ribs

Fire up the grill and grab yourself a pack of flanken ribs, because this beef ribs recipe is going to knock your socks off!

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Photo Credit:www.chocolatemoosey.com

Avocado Burger

Bring the flavors of California to your kitchen with this juicy Avocado Burger with pickled red onion, cucumber, and sprouts. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Photo Credit:inthekitch.net

Grilled Pork Skewers with Jerk Sauce

These jerk pork skewers are hot, tangy, and full of that classic barbecue flavor for the perfect summertime meal.

Vegetable sides

When you’re wondering what to serve with pasta salad, it’s good to have some more veggies on the plate along with the pasta salad and main course dishes. Here are some tasty and healthy vegetable side options.

Vegetable Sides

Here are some vegetable sides, in addition to the salads above, that you might like to serve with along with some pasta salad.

What To Serve with Pasta Salad - 29+ of the Best Recipes (20)

Photo Credit:dizzybusyandhungry.com

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

A side of asparagus and bacon will make any pasta dish taste heavenly! Serve it with cold or warm pasta any time.

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Photo Credit:mediterraneanlatinloveaffair.com

Cast Iron Broccolini

Broccolini is a favorite side dish to serve with any meal, especially with pasta.

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Sautéed Arugula with Red Bell Peppers

Sautéed Arugula with Red Bell Peppersand plenty of garlic is a tasty and easy vegetable side dish.

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Photo Credit:nourishplate.com

Veggie Kabobs With Halloumi

These grilled veggie kabobs with halloumi are so delicious, flavorful, and very easy to make! A great grilling side (or main) that everyone will love.

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Photo Credit:www.rachaelhartleynutrition.com

Mexican Zucchini Boats

These grilled Mexican zucchini boats, inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn, are the perfect side dish for summer grilling! Hallowed out zucchini halves are rubbed with a flavorful mix of spices, grilled, then fill with creamy cotija before finishing off with a splash of lime.

Other salad recipes

Our family often has a green salad option alongside the pasta salad. It’s always good to get those veggies; and in summer,

Other Salad Recipes

Green salads and other salads packed with vegetables can be a good accompaniment for pasta salad.

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Photo Credit:theviewfromgreatisland.com

Mediterranean Bean Salad

This colorful Mediterranean bean salad is a delicious and healthy side for any summer meal.

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Photo Credit:happykitchen.rocks

Tomato Mozzarella Salad

Classic Insalata Caprese (Tomato Mozzarella Salad) is the perfect quick appetizer or salad packed with summer flavors! Light, refreshing and so easy to make! A great way to enjoy in-season tomatoes at the fullest.

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Photo Credit:www.byandreajanssen.com

Salad Recipe with Bulgur

Kisir is also known as Turkish Bulgur Salad is one of the tastiest and easiest salad recipes I know. Ready in just 10 minutes. With a taste explosion due to the pomegranate, bulgur, spring onions, and parsley mix.

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Photo Credit:meaningfuleats.com

Summer Corn Salad

This summer corn salad recipe can’t be beat! So simple, but completely delicious with fresh corn, feta cheese, tomatoes an apple cider vinegar dressing.

What To Serve with Pasta Salad - 29+ of the Best Recipes (29)

Kale Caprese Salad

Thinly sliced kale along with traditional Caprese salad ingredients–basil, tomatoes and mozzarella–combine for a healthy and heartyKale Caprese Salad.Enjoy along with grilled meats, pasta salad and other summer food.

What To Serve with Pasta Salad - 29+ of the Best Recipes (30)

Photo Credit:daisiesandpie.co.uk

Rocket Salad

Parmesan cheese and pine nuts are sprinkled on top of a simple Italian-style rocket (arugula) salad in this recipe. Extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt are all that's needed for this dish.

What To Serve with Pasta Salad - 29+ of the Best Recipes (31)

Spinach and Pear Salad

OurSpinach and Pear Saladrecipe shows how you can elevate a basic salad with a few additional ingredients. Ripe pears add delicious flavor to a spinach salad. Then we add a touch of spice to the simple dressing for a salad that might steal the show at your dinner table!

If you are still looking for some more ideas, our “What to serve with pork ribs?” collection has some additional recipes that could work nicely with pasta salad.

What To Serve with Pasta Salad - 29+ of the Best Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How many people does 2 pounds of pasta salad feed? ›

To make enough macaroni salad for 10 people, you'll need approximately 2-3 pounds of uncooked pasta. This amount should give you between 12-24 cups of cooked pasta, depending on whether you're using regular or small elbow macaroni. To ensure that everyone gets some, it's best to avoid making a bit more than necessary.

What goes with a salad for dinner? ›

What to Serve with A Salad as The Main Dish? 12 BEST Options
  • Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce. What is this? ...
  • Fettuccine Alfredo. What is this? ...
  • Macaroni and Cheese. Macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish that can be the perfect accompaniment to a salad. ...
  • Pizza. ...
  • Quiche. ...
  • Ratatouille. ...
  • Shepherd's Pie. ...
  • Chili.

What do Italians eat with pasta? ›

Italians take great pride in their pasta, and like risotto, it is often served as a standalone dish without any additional side dishes such as salad or potato chips. As a main course, pasta is hearty enough to satisfy even the most ravenous appetites.

What are the three most popular pasta dishes? ›

The most famous pasta dishes are: Spaghetti Bolognaise. Lasagne. Fettuccine Alfredo.

Should you rinse pasta when making pasta salad? ›

The starch in the water is what helps the sauce adhere to your pasta. The only time you should ever rinse your pasta is when you are going to use it in a cold dish like a pasta salad or when you are not going to use it immediately. In those cases, rinsing the pasta helps to stop the cooking process.

Why does pasta salad taste better the next day? ›

The pasta, vegetables, and cheeses get time to absorb the dressing and take on additional flavor. They absorb the seasoning from the dressing, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as possible. The second time you dress it should be right before you serve the salad.

Is it OK to make pasta salad the day before? ›

The great part about pasta salads is they can be made ahead of time and they store great in the fridge.

How much fresh pasta do I need for 20 people? ›

If you're having pasta as your main meal, we'd suggest the following quantities: 100g of dried pasta per person. 120g of fresh pasta per person. 130g of gnocchi per person.

How many people does 1 lb of pasta salad serve? ›

How Many People Does 1 Pound of Macaroni Salad Serve? One pound of macaroni salad creates 7 1/2 to 8 large spoon fulls or 1/2 cup servings.

How much pasta do I need for 8 people as a side dish? ›

Determine the Amount of Pasta Needed

Depending on the number of guests, decide if the pasta will be a main dish or a side dish. Main dish servings allow for four people per pound of dried pasta., while for side dishes plan to make 1 pound of dried pasta for every six people (see Reference 1).

What can I add to salad to make it more filling? ›

Fruit and vegetables are great sources of fibre but if you want to 'beef' your salad up a bit try adding some chick peas, lentils, buckwheat, quinoa or other kind of bean such as butter, kidney or black.

What are the 5 salads? ›

The basic parts of a salad are the base, the body, the garnish, and the dressing. The five basic types of salad are green salads (tossed or composed), bound, vegetable, fruit, and combination.

What are the 4 ways salads can be served? ›

After a deep dive into all things salad, I discovered that the five salad types served throughout the course of a meal are The Starter, The Accompaniment, The Main Course, The Intermezzo and the always lovely, Dessert Salad.

What doesn t go with pasta? ›

You cannot have pasta and steak. And of course meatballs don't go on spaghetti. Or chicken. In Italy there are no dishes featuring pasta and chicken,” she says.

How do you serve pasta traditionally? ›

''In Italy it is customary to first place the pasta in a bowl or on a plate,'' Mr. Giovanetti said. ''You then spoon the sauce on top and finally cheese, if you use it at all. You use your fork and spoon to toss the pasta with sauce and cheese, and you then eat it with your fork alone.

Is pasta a side or meal? ›

Pasta can be whatever you want it to be. In a traditional Italian meal it is served as a second course, the primo, before the entree. In a casual setting it can be an entree. In America pasta has become a complex concoction and made its way to the entree section of the menu.

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