Wondering what to eat with pasta salad? I've got you covered! I've compiled a list 36+ of the best options that pair perfectly with this classic salad (and all sorts of fun variations of it). From complementary salads and sides to grilled meats and refreshing drinks, I've got plenty of ideas for you!
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A dish that's synonymous with summer barbecues and picnics, pasta salad is one of those versatile recipes that is great for all sorts of occasions.
It makes a great side dish, contribution to a potluck or, depending on the recipe, can even be the perfect make ahead meal to prep for busy weeks (I prep Greek Chicken Pasta Salad at least once a month!).
So whether you're serving it as part of a potluck spread or just looking for something to enjoy alongside it as a meal, I have plenty of suggestions!
Salads
If you're serving your pasta salad to a crowd (or taking it to a potluck), you may like to include a few different types of salads at your spread for some variety. All of these are good complements to your pasta salad.
1. Green Salad- While they're delicious, let's face it, pasta salads tend to be on the hearty and heavy side. So a simple green salad can be a good pairing.
2. Caesar Salad- Always a crowd-pleaser, there's usually room on my plate for Caesar salad and pasta salad.
3. Coleslaw- A favorite salad to serve with a BBQ, you can serve the classic version or try Chimichurri Slaw or Creamy Lemon Tahini Slaw for some variation.
4. Potato Salad- Another hearty salad, a BBQ spread isn't quite complete without a creamy potato salad (in my opinion!).
5. Spinach Salad- Along the lines of serving a green salad, a spinach salad is another great option.
6. Caprese Salad- This salad is stunning and always impresses as part of a spread.
7. Fruit Salad- Complement your savory pasta salad with a sweet fruit salad.
8. Cucumber Salad- Such a simple summer side, this is the perfect crunchy and refreshing salad to accompany your hearty pasta salad.
9. Another Pasta Salad- And of course, there are so many different flavors of pasta salad that you can make that really, why not serve more than one? (I would happily take a scoop or both Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad and Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad on my plate!).
Vegetable Sides
Next up, let's talk about some other vegetable additions that would be great alongside your pasta salad.
10. Corn- Opt for corn on the cob or a corn kernel dish (such as this Cajun corn or a creamed corn) for a simple side.
11. Sautéed Vegetables- Try this Dill Carrots and Zucchini, Sautéed Carrots and Spinach or Parmesan Garlic Swiss Chard.
12. Roasted Vegetables- This Tomato Herb Baked Zucchini is full of fresh summer flavor and these Roasted Asparagus and Carrots are timelessly tasty.
13. Grilled Vegetables- If you're serving your pasta salad at a summer cookout, try grilling some bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus or mushrooms. (Here's a tutorial).
14. Crudité- For an easy, healthy side dish, you can eat your macaroni salad with some sliced carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers or whatever other fresh veggies you enjoy best. Feel free to serve them with a dip too (I love using hummus or Buffalo ranch).
15. Sweet Potato Wedges- Hot and crispy sweet potato wedges are tasty alongside a cold pasta salad.
16. Fries- Fries are always welcome. If you're serving mac salad with burgers, crispy baked fries are a nice complement.
17. Baked Beans- Another classic BBQ side, sweet and savory baked beans make a nice pairing with a creamy pasta salad.
BBQ Dishes
When it comes to what to eat with pasta salad, the first place my mind goes is a backyard barbecue or cookout.
18. Burgers- Whether you make classic beef burgers or another variation, pasta salad is a natural side.
19. Ribs- Slow cooked or smoked pork (or beef) ribs are another great option.
20. Smokies (or Hot Dogs)- This simple summer staple is perfect with pasta salad.
21. Skewers- I especially love Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad alongside juicy chicken kabobs.
22. Pork Chops- Grilled pork chops and a hearty serving of pesto pasta salad is my kind of summer meal.
23. Pulled Pork- Both pulled pork and pasta salad are crowd-pleasers so why not serve them together?
Meat and Seafood
While pasta salads are great with almost anything grilled, they are also a tasty side dish to roasted meats and fish as well.
24. Salmon- Roasted salmon pairs wonderfully with the flavors of this Greek Pasta Salad (simply leave out the chicken).
25. Baked Chicken- Whether baked chicken breasts or a whole roast chicken (especially if you season it with BBQ rub), pasta salad is a great side.
26. Pork Tenderloin- I love meal prepping roast pork tenderloin for the week and packing it up with some Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad for easy lunches.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches and salads are a natural pairing. And while pasta salads are on the heartier side, they are still tasty with a handheld.
27. BLT- A simple bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich cannot be beat.
28. Grilled Cheese- While my go-to side for a grilled cheese is tomato soup, the flavors of Buffalo chicken pasta salad are a tasty accompaniment as well.
29. Turkey Pesto Sandwich- This tasty sandwich is great when paired with a Caprese flavored pasta salad.
30. Egg Salad- Creamy egg salad and pasta salad are some of my lunch time favorites.
Desserts
Of course, we can't forget about the sweet finale to your meal.
31. Cookies- You can never go wrong with chocolate chip or snickerdoodles.
32. Rice Krispy Treats- This easy no-bake treat is perfect for packing along and is well received.
33. Brownies- Almost everyone loves chocolate so a tray of fudgy brownies is always a good idea.
34. Lemon Bars- The fresh and summery flavors of lemon bars pairs perfectly with the theme of a summer barbecue.
Drinks
And last, but certainly not least, enjoy your pasta salad with some refreshments.
35. Lemonade- So refreshing, lemonade is the perfect thing to make when you're serving a crowd. You can easily make a big batch and all you need is 3 ingredients. Or you can get fancy and make guava white tea lemonade or frozen strawberry lemonade.
36. Pina Coladas- Slushy, creamy and cool, a pina colada tastes like summer and is perfect for a backyard BBQ.
I hope this list has helped you come up with some ideas for what to serve with pasta salad! If you're looking for a pasta salad recipe, be sure to check out these tasty favorites.
Best Pasta Salad Recipes
Related: How to Cook Pasta for Pasta Salad
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