Pasta salad is a staple summer dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. It’s simple, filling, and refreshing, making it perfect for hot summer days.
The great thing about pasta salad is that it can be customized to your liking by adding different ingredients, but it’s always good to have a few side dishes to enhance the flavors. Here are 32 easy side dishes for pasta salad that will make your summer gatherings even more enjoyable.
When choosing side dishes for pasta salad, it’s important to consider the overall flavors and textures of the meal. You want to choose side dishes that complement the pasta salad without being too heavy or too similar.
For example, if you are making a creamy pasta salad, you may want to choose lighter side dishes, such as a fruit salad or a green salad. If you are making a pasta salad with a lot of meat and vegetables, you may want to choose side dishes that are a bit more neutral, such as bread or rolls.
32 Side Dishes for Pasta Salad
1. Garlic Breadsticks
Freshly baked sticks boasting a golden, buttery crust infused with aromatic garlic, perfect for sopping up the flavors of your pasta salad and adding a comforting touch to your meal.
2. Caprese Skewers
Delightful skewers featuring vibrant cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze, offering a burst of freshness that harmonizes beautifully with the pasta salad.
3. Grilled Vegetables
Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, kissed by the grill, exhibit a smoky depth of flavor that complements the pasta salad perfectly.
Their vibrant colors and rich taste elevate the overall dining experience.
4. Classic Caesar Salad
A blend of crisp romaine lettuce, tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing, and topped with crunchy, house-made croutons creates a refreshing contrast to the pasta salad, providing a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
5. Antipasto Platter
This platter boasts an assortment of tantalizing cured meats, a variety of cheeses, briny olives, and marinated vegetables, delivering a flavorful mosaic of tastes that pairs impeccably with the vibrant flavors of the pasta salad.
6. Herbed Focaccia Bread
Soft, pillowy focaccia bread infused with aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme serves as a delightful accompaniment to the pasta salad, offering a savory note and an excellent vehicle for savoring the salad’s juices.
7. Cucumber and Tomato Salad
A simple yet refreshing salad featuring slices of cool cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, dressed lightly in a vinaigrette, providing a crisp and fresh contrast to the pasta salad.
8. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
A hearty mix of chickpeas, cucumbers, red onions, and feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy lemon dressing, adds a zesty Mediterranean flair that complements the pasta salad’s flavors.
9. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Charred corn on the cob, slathered in butter and seasoned with salt, offers a delightful sweetness and smokiness, creating a perfect balance with the pasta salad’s profile.
10. Spinach and Strawberry Salad
Fresh spinach leaves, paired with ripe strawberries, nuts, and a tangy dressing, create a vibrant salad that introduces a sweet and tart element to your meal.
11. Potato Salad
Creamy and seasoned potato salad with a medley of herbs and spices serves as a comforting and fulfilling side that complements the pasta salad’s robust flavors.
12. Herbed Rice Pilaf
Fragrant rice cooked with a blend of herbs and aromatic spices delivers a flavorful side dish that adds depth to the meal and complements the pasta salad.
13. Bruschetta
Toasted baguette slices topped with a flavorful mix of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and drizzled with olive oil create a tantalizing appetizer that tantalizes the taste buds before enjoying the pasta salad.
14. Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Crisps
A colorful salsa made from a variety of fresh fruits, paired with crispy cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips, presents a delightful sweet and tangy addition to the meal.
15. Marinated Grilled Tofu
For a vegetarian option, marinated and grilled tofu provides a protein-packed addition with tantalizing flavors that blend well with the pasta salad.
16. Quinoa Salad
Nutrient-rich quinoa combined with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing creates a wholesome side dish that adds texture and a light, nutty flavor to the meal.
17. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)
Vine leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and spices offer a unique and flavorful side that complements the pasta salad’s palate.
18. Watermelon Feta Salad
A refreshing blend of juicy watermelon cubes, salty feta cheese crumbles, and fresh mint leaves provide a burst of contrasting flavors that awaken the palate.
19. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Oven-roasted broccoli florets seasoned with garlic and parmesan cheese add a savory and crispy element, enhancing the meal’s overall taste.
20. Crunchy Asian Slaw
A vibrant and crunchy slaw with an Asian-inspired dressing composed of sesame oil, soy sauce, and ginger brings a tangy and refreshing flavor to the table, balancing the pasta salad’s taste profile.
21. Crispy Onion Rings
Golden rings of thinly sliced onions, perfectly fried to crispy perfection, offer a satisfying crunch and indulgence that complements the pasta salad.
22. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic provide a comforting and velvety side dish that pairs well with the pasta salad.
23. Sautéed Garlic Green Beans
Fresh green beans sautéed with garlic provide a flavorful and nutritious side that introduces a vibrant and aromatic element to the meal.
24. Buttered Parmesan Cornbread
Rich and savory cornbread infused with parmesan cheese offers a comforting and flavorful side that pairs well with the pasta salad.
25. Coleslaw
A creamy and refreshing mix of shredded cabbage and carrots in a tangy dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the pasta salad’s flavors.
26. Deviled Eggs
Classic deviled eggs seasoned with mustard, mayonnaise, and paprika create a delightful appetizer or side dish that adds a rich and savory element to the meal.
27. Olive and Cheese Skewers
Skewers featuring a medley of olives and different cheeses offer a delightful nibble with contrasting flavors that complement the pasta salad.
28. Hummus and Pita Bread
Creamy hummus paired with soft, warm pita bread creates a flavorful combination that serves as a tasty and satisfying side dish.
29. Tabbouleh Salad
A herb-packed tabbouleh salad, featuring bulgur wheat, fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing, offers a refreshing taste and a medley of textures.
30. Marinated Artichoke Hearts
Tangy and flavorful marinated artichoke hearts present a unique addition to the meal, offering a briny and slightly citrusy taste that complements the pasta salad.
31. Stuffed Mushrooms
Flavorful mushrooms stuffed with a delectable filling of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheeses offer a savory and satisfying side dish that pairs well with the pasta salad.
32. Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy and indulgent mac ‘n’ cheese, with its comforting cheesy goodness, adds a satisfying touch to the meal, making it a delightful side for pasta salad.
Final Thoughts,
Pasta salad is an easy-to-make dish that can be easily customized to your liking. It is also a perfect choice for a summer gathering.
These 32 side dishes will surely make your pasta salad more enjoyable, refreshing, and flavorful. From zesty salads to crispy vegetables, you can complement your pasta salad with these side dishes and enjoy it with your family and friends.
