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Home » Recipes » Dinner Recipes » What To Serve With Pasta Salad (50 Best Recipes!)

What To Serve With Pasta Salad (50 Best Recipes!)

Published: May 30, 2023 by Lynn Polito · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

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When making pasta salad, these are the 50 best recipes when thinking about what to serve with pasta salad! They are mouthwatering, full of flavor, and a perfect dish to serve with your main course!

A spoon is holding a portion of the Bowtie Pasta Salad with italian Dressing over the large bowl.

Pasta salad is a delicious side dish to serve throughout the Summer. It is one of the best side dishes to your favorite main dish at a barbecue.

The great thing about pasta salad is that it is incredibly versatile! It is a great way to use up the veggies that are in your refrigerator too! Serve a creamy pasta salad or make one with olive oil and vinegar for a lightened up version!

How To Make Pasta Salad

This easy pasta salad recipe is perfect for Summer cookouts and is full of fresh ingredients.

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook based on the package instructions.
  • While the pasta is cooked to al dente, wash and chop all the vegetables. Place them in a large bowl. Cut the cheese into small pieces and add it to the large mixing bowl.
  • When the pasta is done cooking, drain it and run cold water over the pasta. Add the cooled pasta to the large bowl.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta and mix everything together. Serve or refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 2 hours.

Pasta Salad Variations

  • Change the dressing! A Caesar dressing, a ranch dressing, a lemon juice and olive oil dressing, or a Greek dressing, or your favorite creamy dressing are all great options to add different flavors to your pasta salad.
  • Change the vegetables! A great option to use all your veggies is to add them to a pasta salad. Use bell peppers, red onion, juicy cherry tomatoes, or cucumbers.
  • Change the cheese! Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, fresh mozzarella cheese, or goat cheese are all great additions to pasta salad.
  • Add protein! Chop up grilled chicken, add a can of chick peas or cannellini beans, or add chopped hardboiled egg to that pasta salad.
  • Add fresh herbs! Fresh basil, fresh parsley, fresh chives, or fresh tarragon are all a good idea to add to the pasta salad. Feel free to sprinkle some garlic powder in the dressing too!
a scoop of the pasta salad being put onto a plate

FAQs About Pasta Salad

Can pasta salad be made gluten free?

Yes! You can use your favorite gluten free pasta. Chickpea pasta or lentil pasta would also be delicious in pasta salad.

Can I make pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can make pasta salad up to 3 days ahead of time. Make sure to keep it refrigerated until you are ready to serve it. If you are adding things like lettuce or cucumbers, you might want to add those the day you are going to serve the pasta salad.

Why is pasta salad better the next day?

That is because the dressing has time to sink into the pasta salad and all the flavors can meld together. Pasta salad is usually better to make ahead of time for that reason.

Pasta Salad Recipes

Here are some of my favorite recipes!

  • Bowtie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
  • Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad
  • Greek Pasta Salad with Penne Pasta
  • Linguine Pasta Salad
  • Fresh Vegetables and Fresh Herb Classic Pasta Salad
  • Halloween Pasta Salad
  • Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad
  • Chicken and Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad

What To Serve With Pasta Salad

Your favorite Summer dishes are all delicious with pasta salad! Here are some ideas!

  • Hot dogs and hamburgers. Pasta salad is a great side dish to serve with hot dogs or a chicken burger with feta and spinach.
  • Chicken. BBQ chicken fried chicken, or simple grilled chicken are great with pasta salad!
  • Sandwiches. Finger sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, meatball subs, or a variety of wraps.
  • Other salads. Your favorite potato salad or a creamy macaroni salad would be delicious with a pasta salad! I love Instant Pot German Potato Salad all Sumer long!

Did you love this recipe? If you did, please leave a 5 ⭐️ rating below! Follow along on Instagram and Facebook!

Chicken Burgers with Feta and Spinach

Full of feta and spinach, these Chicken Burgers with Feta and Spinach are ready in under 30 minutes and are a perfect addition to your next barbecue! If you are looking for a change from the traditional burger, look no further!

Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers

Packed with flavor and ready in 30 minutes, this Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers recipe is so easy to make! The perfect dinner on a busy weeknight, let the Instant Pot do the hard work for you in this easy sausage and peppers recipe that the whole family will love!

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob (Fresh or Frozen!)

What's the easiest way to cook fresh or frozen corn cobs? In the Instant Pot of course! Instant Pot corn on the cob is ready in 10 minutes and cooks up perfectly every time!

Easy Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin

Tender, juicy, and ready in only 30 minutes, this Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin recipe is so easy to make! It's a perfect turkey dinner idea when you don't want to roast a whole turkey for hours!

Easy Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken

With only 4 simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes, this Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken is an easy and healthy dinner to make!

Spicy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken

With only 3 ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken is so flavorful and so versatile! Pile it high on a crusty roll, serve it on pizza, or add it to a taco for a spicy and simple weeknight dinner!

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

Ready in under 30 minutes, Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas are the perfect dinner to make on those busy weeknights! Let the Instant Pot do all the hard work for you, while you enjoy a flavorful and easy weeknight meal!

How To Make Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Instant Pot

Forget to defrost the chicken for dinner? No problem! You can easily make frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot! In 30 minutes, you'll have tender, juicy chicken thighs for dinner without having the headache of defrosting chicken!

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks are fall off the bone tender, so easy to make and full of flavor! When you can't get outside to barbecue chicken drumsticks, use your Instant Pot!

Chicken Drumstick Sheet Pan Dinner

Healthy, easy, and no fuss clean up, this chicken drumstick sheet pan dinner is a no brainer on busy weeknights! Add all the ingredients to a sheet pan, bake, and you'll have a delicious dinner on the table for your family in under an hour!

Sheet Pan Brats with Roasted Vegetables

Ready in 30 minutes, this easy, Sheet Pan Brats With Roasted Vegetables is satisfying and filling! Serve it over pasta, with warm crusty bread, or on it's own for a delicious low carb dinner!

Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken

Moist and tender, this Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken is easy to make and the Instant Pot does all the hard work! You'll have tender and juicy chicken breasts in less than an hour!

Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

Easy Juicy Air Fryer Hamburgers

These juicy Air Fryer Hamburgers are quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients and cook in less than 10 minutes. .

Photo Credit: naturallieplantbased.com

Southwest Black Bean Burger with Burger Sauce

These southwest black bean burgers are packed with flavor and drizzled with a creamy burger sauce that is out of this world. These are an easy weeknight meal or perfect for a picnic or BBQ!

Photo Credit: champagne-tastes.com

Campfire Burgers - Champagne Tastes

These campfire burgers are a quick outdoor meal featuring grilled avocado and the toppings of your choice! Make them with meat, vegetarian, or vegan patties.

Photo Credit: thecleaneatingcouple.com

Pineapple Grilled Chicken

This Pineapple Grilled Chicken Recipe is delicious and easy to make! A simple Hawaiian Grilled Chicken recipe that’s healthy and tasty!

Photo Credit: nibbleanddine.com

Chicken Caprese Sandwich

This chicken caprese sandwich is so simple but so flavorful! Pan-seared chicken, sliced tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil and pesto are all piled high on toasted bread. This hearty but refreshing sandwich can be made in only about 15 minutes!

Photo Credit: twocloveskitchen.com

Soy Garlic Chicken Wings

These soy garlic chicken wings are crispy, juicy, sweet, and savory. With one simple trick, you'll have consistently crispy wings every time without needing to deep fry them!

Photo Credit: foodworthfeed.com

Grilled Honey Balsamic Chicken

Grilled honey balsamic chicken breasts are grilled juicy and glazed in a sweet and tangy marinade! This grilled chicken recipe is perfect for your next barbecue and can be enjoyed on its own or in salads, pastas and sandwiches.

Photo Credit: cookingorgeous.com

Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

These juicy and crispy Baked Chicken Leg Quarters are not only budget-friendly, but they're also incredibly easy to make and full of flavor.

Photo Credit: www.lovefromtheoven.com

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Buttermilk Fried Chicken is down home comfort food at its best! This pan fried chicken recipe produces perfectly golden brown crispy chicken with a light herb-seasoned breading. If you’re looking for the perfect fried chicken recipe to add to your rotation, this one is a must-try!

Photo Credit: jamjarkitchen.com

Pesto Crusted Salmon - The Jam Jar Kitchen

This simple and delicious cream cheese and Pesto Crusted Salmon has a crispy Panko topping and takes less than 30 minutes to make! It works perfectly as a quick and easy weeknight meal but feels special enough for a dinner party or special occasion.

Photo Credit: wondermomwannabe.com

Pressure Cooker Ribs

Pressure Cooker Ribs are falling-off-the-bone delicious, and they’re so easy to make! You’ll never go back to slow cooker or grilled ribs. Plus, these ribs go great with pasta salad!

Photo Credit: clankitchen.com

Chicken Kebabs Recipe

This chicken kebab recipe is both healthy and easy to prepare. With a delicious marinade and customizable veggies, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Photo Credit: ourlovelanguageisfood.com

Grilled Beer Brats

Not your average sausage, a good old fashioned beer brat takes any summer meal, barbeque, or party to the next level!

Photo Credit: thehealthyepicurean.com

Chickpea Burgers

For the best and most flavorful chickpea burgers, look no further than these! They're made with chickpeas, lemon, greens and chives atop a whole grain bun with your favorite toppings and spicy garlic aioli.

Photo Credit: www.corriecooks.com

Korean Corn Dogs

These scrumptious snacks combine a crispy, golden batter with a mouthwatering blend of hot dogs, cheese, and a variety of toppings for an unforgettable eating experience.

Photo Credit: flavorthemoments.com

Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken

Grilled tequila lime chicken features tender, juicy tequila marinated chicken. It’s a flavorful, easy summer dinner that’s perfect for tacos, burrito bowls or served with your favorite sides!

Photo Credit: entirelyelizabeth.com

Smoked Pork Butt

Get your smokers out! This pulled smoked pork was made to serve with pasta salads. It is simple, juicy, and feeds a crowd!

Photo Credit: www.lovefromtheoven.com

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Air Fryer Hot Dogs just might forever change how you make your hot dogs! Cooking hot dogs in the air fryer gives you the juiciness of a rotisserie and the char of an outdoor grill!

Photo Credit: deliciousonadime.com

Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven)

These Ground Beef Kebabs are easy to make and easy on the wallet! They're delicious any time of year, whether you're grilling or cooking in the oven.

Photo Credit: cinnamonandsageco.com

Sriracha Mayo Burgers

These Sriracha Mayo Burgers are the perfect way to add a little something special to an already delicious burger. With a juicy burger, spicy jalapeños, fresh tomatoes and a mouth watering Sriracha Mayo sauce, you won’t want to eat a burger any other way!

Photo Credit: foodwineandlove.com

Easy Grilled Mushroom Skewers

Easy Grilled Mushroom Skewers, a simple vegan recipe for a delicious tasting barbecue side dish. Low carb and Mediterranean diet.

Photo Credit: princesspinkygirl.com

The BEST Grilled Chicken Wings

This is a classic grilled chicken wing recipe that makes juicy and flavorful chicken wings. Serve these up with your favorite dipping sauces, and you have the ultimate appetizer or easy meal.

Photo Credit: www.midwexican.com

Instant Pot Porchetta Roast

If you want a bold, Italian-flavored pork bomb in a fraction of the time, this Instant Pot Porchetta Roast recipe is guaranteed to please!

Photo Credit: www.realfoodwithsarah.com

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. They are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, or for meal prepping for the week.

Photo Credit: longbournfarm.com

Grilled T Bone Steak Recipe

T-Bone Steak on the Grill served with garlic herb butter is what summer nights were made for! Perfectly grilled Steak layered with herby, buttery flavor.

Photo Credit: platein28.com

The Easiest Turkey Burger Sliders

We have the most simple, tasty and juicy turkey burger sliders! These sliders are a perfect choice that will leave the entire family fully satisfied.

Photo Credit: sweetlysplendid.com

Pit Boss Beer Can Chicken Recipe

 Pit Boss Beer Can Chicken is the most tender, juicy chicken you’ve ever had! Everyone will love the smoky flavor and it goes great with all the fun, summer dishes!

Photo Credit: www.everydayeileen.com

Easy Cheeseburger Sliders

Cheeseburger Sliders with an aromatic Garlic Ketchup and simple and delicious. These sliders are baked and would pair well with pasta salad for an easy, tasty lunch or dinner.

Photo Credit: pipandebby.com

Easy Fried Walleye Recipe

Fried walleye is a must-try Minnesota classic food! Friday fish fries are held throughout the state all summer long and walleye is the headliner. Whether you enjoy it on a sandwich slathered in tartar sauce or eaten solo, it’s a delicious meal.

Photo Credit: whitekitchenredwine.com

Simple Grilled Chicken Sliders - Simple 30 Minute Dinner

An easy marinade of garlic powder, lemon pepper, and Italian dressing mixed with chicken thighs. Throw them on the grill and stack them up with cucumber slices, and avocado ranch dressing!

Photo Credit: wornslapout.com

Versatile Dutch Oven Pulled Pork

Using economical pork shoulder, this easy Dutch oven pulled pork recipe goes right into the oven after braising -- and makes the juiciest, moistest pork that can be used for so many meals!

Photo Credit: thealmondeater.com

Air Fryer Steak Bites

These Air Fryer Steak Bites are juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside! Ready in 20 minutes and dressed in herb garlic butter, this is an addictive and naturally low-carb, high-protein snack or main the whole family will love.

Photo Credit: www.themagicalslowcooker.com

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Tender meat served on French rolls with provolone cheese and a side of flavorful au jus for dipping, resulting in a delicious and satisfying sandwich that's sure to please.

Photo Credit: www.binkysculinarycarnival.com

Smoked New York Strip

This Smoked New York Strip is one of the most delicious ways to cook this special cut of beef. Tender, juicy and a bit smoky.

Photo Credit: www.healthylifetrainer.com

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs (Bone In)

A delicious and easy to make oven baked chicken thighs goes so well with pasta salad. It is so simple and easy to make.

Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

Easy Korean Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs are deliciously fall-off-the-bone tender that take less than 5 mins of prep work. These go great with your favorite pasta salad.

Photo Credit: simplyscrumptiouseats.com

Bacon Wrapped Chicken

This tasty bacon wrapped chicken is a great pair with any pasta side dish. A family favorite in the making.

Photo Credit: www.ambitiousfoodie.com

Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken • Ambitious Foodie

This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken is so juicy and packed with flavor. It does require some time for marinating but is definitely worth the wait. The marinade is full of garlic, onion, lemon, and spices.

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Comments

  1. Elizabeth S

    June 08, 2023 at 4:06 pm

    There are so many delicious options here! I am especially excited about the pellet smoker and BBQ grilling recipes. Thank you!

    Reply

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Hey there! I'm Lynn and I'm based just outside of Boston. I'm a wife and mom of two with a passion for cooking and creating homemade food for my family.

Whether it's creating new recipes, or exploring tried and true classics, I am constantly trying to show that homemade doesn't have to be hard

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