What To Serve With Pasta Salad (20 Tasty Side Dishes)

Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It’s a staple at summer BBQs, potlucks, and picnics, and for good reason. This cold pasta dish is easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

But, what’s a pasta salad without some tasty side dishes to go with it? That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best side dishes to serve with pasta salad. From roasted or fried chicken and sautéed green beans to garlic bread and fruit salad, these side dishes will elevate your main dish and complete your meal.

So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect accompaniments to your favorite pasta salad recipe.

1. Fried chicken

Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. One of our top picks is fried chicken.

The crispy and flavorful chicken is the perfect protein accompaniment to the creamy and savory pasta salad. The combination of the two dishes creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

We love to make buttermilk-fried chicken with chicken thighs. The dark meat adds even more flavor and juiciness to the dish.

We love: Buttermilk Fried Chicken (by Sugar & Soul)

2. Grilled steak

Pasta salad is a great side dish to serve with grilled steak. The coolness and lightness of the pasta salad are the perfect complement to the rich and hearty flavors of a juicy, grilled steak.

You can also add some grilled or roasted vegetables, like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, to the pasta salad for an extra layer of flavor.

Pasta salad is an easy and convenient side dish to serve at a barbecue or cookout, pairing well with classic BBQ dishes like hot dogs, deviled eggs, baked beans, and potato salad.

We love: How to Grill a Perfect Steak (by The Wooden Skillet)

3. Sautéed green beans

Sautéed green beans are the perfect side dish for any pasta salad. The crisp and fresh green beans add a pop of color and texture to the cold pasta dish.

Toss them in some olive oil and garlic for extra flavor, and you’ve got a simple and delicious side dish that is sure to please.

This versatile side dish goes well with any type of pasta salad, whether it’s a classic macaroni salad or something more creative BBQ chicken pasta salad with parmesan cheese. Serve sautéed green beans with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

We love: Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic Butter (by Sweet Peas and Saffron)

4. Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts are a perfect side dish to serve alongside cold pasta salad. The tangy and slightly sweet glaze goes well with the creamy pasta salad, creating a balanced and delicious dining experience.

Not to mention, this side dish is super easy to make. Simply roast the Brussels sprouts tossed in a sweet balsamic vinegar dressing. The result is perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts with a crispy exterior and a tender center.

Serve the roasted Brussels sprouts with an arugula salad and juicy cherry tomatoes for a refreshing and flavorful addition to the pasta salad.

We love: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts (by Taste And See)

5. Chicken tenders

Chicken tenders are the perfect side dish to serve with pasta salad. Their versatility and delicious flavor make them an easy addition to any meal.

You can serve the chicken tenders on their own, or pull them apart and mix them into the pasta salad for added protein. Their mild and slightly tangy flavor pairs well with the creamy pasta salad and its fresh vegetables.

For a complete meal, serve the pasta salad alongside a Caesar salad with chicken tenders.

We love: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (by Delicious Little Bites)

6. Grilled vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a perfect side dish for pasta salad. Not only does it add some extra vegetables to the meal, but also provides a nice balance to the carb-heavy pasta dish.

The charred and smoky flavors from the grilled vegetables add a delicious depth to the pasta salad.

Plus, grilled vegetables are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. You can use your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Season them with fresh herbs and spices like black pepper.

We love: Grilled Vegetables (with Best Marinade) (by Valentina’s Corner)

7. Chicken salad

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or as a main course. But if you want something more substantial to pair with your pasta salad, consider serving it with chicken salad.

Not only is chicken salad a classic dish, but it also provides a hearty and protein-packed option next to the light and refreshing pasta salad. Plus, the tangy and creamy dressing of the chicken salad complements the flavors of the pasta salad perfectly.

With easy recipes available for both dishes, this classic Italian-inspired meal is a great way to add variety to your weeknight dinner routine.

We love: Greek Salad with Chicken (by FoodieCrush)

8. Chicken burgers

Pasta salads are often served cold, making them a great option for those hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. And what better way to complete the meal than with a juicy and flavorful chicken burger?

Swap the creamy dressing for a tangy lemon vinaigrette in the pasta salad to pair with the smoky flavors of a BBQ sauce brushed on the chicken burgers. Top it off with some fresh mozzarella cheese and some cast iron grilled veggies, and you have a delicious and fulfilling meal.

This combination of classic pasta salad and flavorful chicken burgers is sure to become one of your favorite dishes, and a must-try for any pasta salad lover.

We love: Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach (by Taste And See)

9. Chicken wings

One of the best sides to serve with pasta salad is a classic favorite – chicken wings.

The tangy and spicy flavors of the wings pair well with the creamy and refreshing elements of the pasta salad, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

Plus, chicken wings are a crowd-pleasing favorite, so it’s a great option for serving at a party or gathering.

We love: Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Wings (by Old World Garden Farms)

10. Egg salad

Egg salad is another perfect side dish to serve with pasta salad. Its creamy, tangy flavors complement the fresh vegetables and herbs in the pasta salad, making it a classic side dish combination.

Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to fit your taste. Add some diced feta cheese for a salty kick or serve it with some golden brown garlic bread for a more filling option.

We love: Bacon Deviled Egg Salad (by The Toasty Kitchen)

11. Fried okra

Fried okra is a delicious and unexpected side dish to serve with pasta salad.

Its crispy exterior and tender interior add a fun texture to the meal. And its mild flavor pairs well with the pasta salad’s bold flavors.

So next time you’re looking for a perfect weeknight meal, try pairing your pasta salad with some fried okra for a delicious flavor combination.

We love: Fried Okra Recipe (by CopyKat Recipes)

12. Pimento cheese

Pimento cheese is a great option for a delicious side dish to serve with any pasta salad. This dish is always one of my favorite easy sides to make for a barbecue or potluck.

The creamy and tangy flavors of pimento cheese perfectly complement the different flavors of pasta salad. Plus, leftover pimento cheese can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or as a dip for chicken tenders.

This easy side can be made with just a few simple ingredients, including chopped pimentos, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and mayonnaise.

Try out this perfect weeknight side dish and make it a staple in your salad recipes.

We love: Homemade Pimento Cheese (by A Southern Soul)

13. Garlic bread

Garlic bread is a great side dish to serve with pasta salad. It’s a perfect pairing for this refreshing salad, adding a delicious way to round out the meal.

The crispy and buttery texture of pull-apart garlic bread provides a nice contrast to the creamy dressing and juicy cherry tomatoes in the pasta salad. Plus, it’s an easy side dish to make, making it a good idea for busy weeknights.

We love: Cheesy Garlic and Herb Bread (by Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen®)

14. Bean salad

Bean salad is a great side dish to serve with pasta salad. This flavorful and colorful combination of vegetables and legumes is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Not only is bean salad easy to make but it’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying option to pair with a main course such as pasta salad.

The variety of textures and flavors in bean salad, from the crisp red onions to the fresh herbs, adds depth and interest to the meal. You can also customize the salad with your favorite ingredients, such as red peppers, fresh tomatoes, and fresh basil.

We love: Mediterranean White Bean Salad (by Salt & Lavender)

15. Boneless pork ribs

Boneless pork ribs are a delicious and hearty main dish that pairs perfectly with pasta salad.

The savory and tender meat complements the fresh vegetables and adds a delicious flavor to the cold pasta salad.

For an extra burst of flavor, try serving the pasta salad and pork ribs with a green salad or garlic parmesan green beans.

We love: Easy Country-Style Pork Ribs in the Oven (by Baking Mischief)

16. Zucchini fritters

Zucchini fritters are a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with pasta salad. These crispy and flavorful fritters are a great way to add some extra veggies to your meal.

They are also a crowd pleaser that’s also super easy to make.

Customize your fritters with Italian seasoning when you serve them with an Italian pasta salad for a delicious side dish that will elevate your pasta salad to the next level. Serve with a lemon vinaigrette or Italian dressing for a burst of flavor.

We love: Cheesy Potato and Zucchini Fritters (by Stay at Home Mum)

17. Caprese salad

Caprese salad is a delicious side dish to serve with pasta salad. This fresh and flavorful salad is the perfect complement to any pasta salad recipe.

The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant fresh basil, with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, brings a burst of good flavor to the meal.

We love: Caprese Salad Recipe (by Natasha’s Kitchen)

18. Garlic knots

Garlic knots are the perfect side dish to serve with any pasta salad. These bread rolls are coated in butter, garlic, and herbs, giving them a delicious flavor that complements any pasta dish, but especially classic Italian pasta salad.

They are also a good idea for a get-together or party, as they are easy to make and can be served warm or at room temperature.

Add some grilled chicken and a green salad for a complete dinner party menu.

We ALWAYS love: Homemade Garlic Knots (Recipe + Video) (by Sally’s Baking Addiction)

19. Salmon patties

Salmon patties are an easy and delicious side dish to serve alongside pasta salad. Not only do they add protein to the meal, but the flavors also complement each other perfectly.

The light, flaky salmon goes well with the fresh vegetables and tangy dressing in the pasta salad. Plus, the crispy exterior of the patties adds a nice texture contrast to the soft pasta.

For a complete summer meal, serve the pasta salad and salmon patties with a Caprese salad, grilled corn, and some garlic knots. It’s a great picnic or backyard BBQ option that will keep things simple and delicious.

We love: Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe (by Kitchen Divas)

20. Fruit salad

Fruit salad is a great way to add a touch of sweetness and freshness to a meal of pasta salad. Serve it alongside the pasta salad or afterward as a light dessert.

Fruit salad is also a versatile side dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Use your favorite fruits or whatever is in season.

Not only does fruit salad add a burst of flavor to your pasta salad, but it also adds a variety of textures.

We love: Fruit Salad Recipe {with Honey Lime Dressing} (by Cooking Classy)

Don’t limit yourself to just traditional pasta salad accompaniments – there are so many delicious ideas out there that go along perfectly with this versatile dish.

You can’t go wrong with fried or grilled chicken, a few vegetable sides, and a refreshing salad to serve pasta salad as part of a complete meal.

Let me know in the comments how you served your pasta salad!