If you’re looking for a way to fill out a meal, pasta salad is an obvious go-to.
It’s so quick and versatile, able to be dressed up or down in a variety of ways.
But there’s one thing it needs that isn’t always given enough attention: sides!
Knowing which dishes work best with your favorite pasta salads can take your dinner game up a notch—so if you’re stuck on what to put next to it, then look no further!
In this blog post, we’ll provide you with 15 side dish ideas sure to complement just about any type of pasta salad.
From seasoned roasted veggies and zesty bean salads to crispy veggie fritters and flavorful garlic breads—read on for lots (and lots!) of inspiration!
What to Serve with Pasta Salad? 15 Worth-trying Side Dishes
1. Green Beans Almondine
Looking for a delicious and easy way to spruce up your usual pasta dish? Look no further than green beans and almondine.
This simple side dish is the perfect complement to any pasta dish, and it’s so easy to make.
Plus, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients.
Green beans almondine is a great recipe to try if you’re looking for something new and exciting.
The dish is loaded with flavor, thanks to almonds and lemon juice.
And the green beans add a beautiful pop of color.
Plus, this dish is relatively healthy since it’s made with fresh green beans and almonds.
If you’ve never made green beans almondine before, don’t worry. It’s actually very easy to make.
Simply blanch the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes, then saute them in olive oil with garlic and sliced almonds.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
This dish is best served warm or at room temperature.
So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to spruce up your next pasta dish, give green beans almondine a try.
2. Homemade Breadsticks
Breadsticks are the perfect side dish to any meal, and this recipe for homemade breadsticks is the perfect way to enjoy them.
They’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices.
Plus, they’re a great way to use up any leftover bread dough you might have.
This recipe for homemade breadsticks is simple and straightforward and yields delicious results every time.
The breadsticks are fluffy and full of flavor and go perfectly with any dipping sauce.
I like to add a little garlic powder to mine, but you can really use any herbs or spices you like.
To make these breadsticks, simply roll out your dough on a floured surface, then cut into strips and bake at a high temperature until golden brown.
These breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but will keep in an airtight container for a few days.
3. Garlic Knots
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to serve with your pasta salad, look no further than garlic knots.
These little bites of heaven are bursting with flavor and will have your guests coming back for more.
Plus, they’re super easy to make – even if you’re not a seasoned chef.
So what makes garlic knots so darn good? Well, for starters, they’re made with fresh garlic, which gives them a lovely savory flavor.
But that’s not all – these knots are also infused with olive oil and herbs, giving them a delightful aroma and taste.
Trust us; once you’ve tried one of these bad boys, you’ll be hooked.
Still not convinced? Here are some tips on how to make the perfect garlic knot:
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor. If you can’t find any, you can always use powdered garlic.
- Be generous with the olive oil – it really makes a difference.
- Add some dried oregano or basil for an extra herby flavor.
4. Hot Chicken Wings
Hot chicken wings are always a good choice when you’re looking for something delicious to eat.
They’re perfect for parties, game days, or just a casual night with friends.
And if you’re looking for a new recipe to try, hot chicken wings are definitely worth a shot.
One of the best things about hot chicken wings is that they’re so versatile.
You can make them as spicy or as mild as you like, and they’re always packed with flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try different sauces and spices to change the taste.
Making hot chicken wings is also relatively easy.
All you need is a good recipe and some simple ingredients.
The most important tip is to make sure that the chicken wings are cooked all the way through before you add any sauce or spices.
This will prevent them from getting burnt or drying out.
5. Chipotle Chicken Panini
This chipotle chicken panini recipe is one that you definitely need to try.
Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also super easy to make.
The best part about this dish is that it can be made in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
The chipotle chicken panini is loaded with flavor thanks to the addition of chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and cilantro.
The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and slightly spicy flavor that will leave you wanting more.
If you’re looking for a bit of a kick, then this recipe is definitely for you.
When it comes to making the perfect chipotle chicken panini, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind.
First, be sure to use good quality bread so that your sandwich doesn’t become soggy.
Secondly, if you want your sandwich to be extra cheesy, then be sure to add some extra cheese on top before you grill it.
Lastly, if you’re looking for an even spicier sandwich, then try adding some jalapeno peppers to the mix.
6. Southern Baked Beans
Southern baked beans are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion.
They are packed with flavor and can be easily customized to suit your taste.
Here are some tips on how to make the perfect southern baked beans:
The first step is to choose the right type of beans.
There are many different types of beans that can be used for this dish, but the most popular choices are pinto beans, navy beans, and black beans.
You can use one type of bean or a combination of different types.
Once you have chosen your beans, it’s time to start cooking them.
The best way to cook southern baked beans is in a slow cooker.
This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a delicious dish.
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also cook them on the stovetop.
When it comes to flavoring your baked beans, there are endless possibilities.
You can add in bacon, sausage, pulled pork, or even grilled chicken.
You can also add different types of seasonings, such as BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or even brown sugar.
7. Sweet Potato Casserole
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish to bring to your next potluck or family gathering? Then look no further than this sweet potato casserole recipe.
Made with just a few simple ingredients, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone.
The great thing about this recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time.
Simply bake the sweet potatoes, mash them up, and then mix in all of the other ingredients.
Then, just before you’re ready to serve, pop it in the oven to reheat.
This dish is also very versatile – feel free to add in some chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a little bit of spice if you want to give it an extra kick.
8. Grilled Buttered Corn On The Cob
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to go with your pasta salad, look no further than grilled buttered corn on the cob.
This dish is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients, but it’s packed full of flavor.
The key to making this dish taste great is to use fresh corn – if you can get it straight from the farm, even better.
When grilling the corn, be sure to butter it generously so that the kernels are nice and coated.
This will help them to caramelize and develop a nice char on the grill.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings as well – a little bit of chili powder or paprika can really take this dish to the next level.
9. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a great recipe to try if you’re looking for something new and delicious.
These eggs are typically filled with a mixture of egg yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and spices, and then they’re topped with a sprinkle of paprika.
They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or any other event where you want to serve something that will impress your guests.
One of the best things about deviled eggs is that they’re incredibly easy to make.
You can hard-boil the eggs ahead of time, so all you need to do before your guests arrive is mix together the filling and pipe it into the egg whites.
If you want to save even more time, you can use pre-made egg salad as the filling.
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Just be sure to add in some extra spices to give it a little kick.
When it comes to flavor, deviled eggs are pretty versatile.
You can make them as spicy or as mild as you like, depending on your preferences.
If you want to add a bit of heat, try adding some cayenne pepper to the filling.
For a more subtle flavor, stick with classic yellow mustard.
No matter what flavors you choose, your guests are sure to love these bite-sized appetizers.
10. Ground Chicken Burgers
Ground chicken burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to beef burgers.
They are leaner than beef, so they are lower in fat and calories.
They are also packed with protein, making them a great option for a post-workout meal.
Ground chicken burgers can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried.
They can be made into patties or meatballs.
And they can be flavored with any number of spices and herbs.
When it comes to taste and texture, ground chicken burgers are similar to beef burgers.
They are juicy and flavorful. And when cooked correctly, they are moist and tender.
Here are some tips for making perfect ground chicken burgers:
- Use dark meat ground chicken for the juiciest burgers. .
- Add some fat to the mix. A small amount of bacon fat or olive oil will help to keep the burgers moist and flavorful. .
- Mix in some barbecue sauce, ketchup, or other favorite condiments before cooking. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the burgers. .
- Be sure to cook the burgers all the way through. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. .
- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each bite is as juicy as possible.
- Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings, and enjoy.
11. Easy Grilled Steak Tips
Looking for an easy and delicious recipe to try this summer? Look no further than grilled steak tips.
This dish is perfect for a summer BBQ or cookout and is sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
Grilled steak tips are a great recipe to try because they are so easy to make.
All you need is some good-quality steak, a little bit of seasoning, and your grill.
Season your steak with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like, then throw it on the grill.
Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side or until the steak is cooked to your liking.
One of the best things about grilled steak tips is that they are packed with flavor.
The char from the grill gives the steak a nice smoky flavor, while the seasoning adds a touch of savory goodness.
Steak tips are also super versatile – you can eat them plain or add them to salads, pasta dishes, or wraps.
12. Italian Chicken Drumsticks
If you’re in the mood for some delicious Italian food, then you’ll want to try out this recipe for Italian chicken drumsticks.
This dish is packed with flavor, and it’s also relatively easy to make.
Plus, it’s a great option if you’re looking for something that’s a little bit different from your usual fare.
One of the things that makes this dish so tasty is the fact that it uses a variety of herbs and spices.
These include oregano, basil, garlic powder, and paprika.
Combined, these ingredients give the chicken a really nice flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any special equipment or ingredients.
All you need are some chicken drumsticks, a few pantry staples, and an oven.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Italian dish, then this recipe for Italian chicken drumsticks is definitely worth trying.
The combination of herbs and spices gives the chicken a fantastic flavor, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for something a little bit different from your usual fare.
13. Italian Grilled Hamburgers
Italian grilled hamburgers are a great recipe to try if you’re looking for something new and delicious.
The combination of flavors in this dish is truly unique and will leave you wanting more.
Plus, the tips we’ve included below will help you make the perfect burger every time.
The key to making a great Italian grilled hamburger is all in the preparation.
First, you’ll want to start with high-quality beef that has been ground fresh.
If you can, find a butcher who will grind the beef for you on the spot.
This will ensure that your burgers are as fresh as possible.
Next, it’s important to season the beef well before cooking.
We recommend using a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
This will give your burgers plenty of flavor without overwhelming them.
Once your burgers are seasoned, it’s time to grill them.
Be sure to preheat your grill before adding the burgers so that they cook evenly.
We recommend cooking them over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side or until they’re cooked through.
And there you have it. A delicious and easy recipe for Italian grilled hamburgers that are sure to please everyone at your next cookout.
Serve them on a bed of greens with some roasted potatoes on the side, and enjoy.
14. Grilled Mahi-mahi
If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy recipe to try this summer, look no further than grilled mahi-mahi.
This fish is not only packed with protein and nutrients, but it also has a light, delicate flavor that pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
Plus, grilling mahi-mahi is quick and easy – perfect for a weeknight meal.
When it comes to flavor, mahi-mahi is pretty versatile.
You can marinate it in a citrusy vinaigrette or simply brush it with olive oil and lemon juice before grilling.
If you want to give your mahi-mahi a little extra kick, try adding some spice with a paprika-based rub or topping it with salsa or chimichurri sauce.
No matter how you flavor your grilled mahi-mahi, it’s sure to be a hit.
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect dish:
- Be sure to preheat your grill before cooking the fish. The ideal temperature for grilling mahi-mahi is 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When placing the fish on the grill, be careful not to overcrowd the grill grates. This will prevent the fish from sticking and make flipping them much easier.
- Mahi-mahi is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and avoid overcooking the fish.
15. Tropical Hot Dog Bar
Trying to decide what to serve with your pasta salad? Why not try a tropical hot dog bar? This recipe is perfect for summertime BBQs and potlucks.
The best part about this dish is that it is so versatile – you can add whatever toppings you like.
When it comes to flavor, the sky is the limit with a tropical hot dog bar.
You can go as sweet or as savory as you like.
For a sweeter option, try adding pineapple chunks or mango slices to your hot dogs.
For a more savory option, try topping your hot dogs with cilantro and diced onions.
No matter what toppings you choose, they’re sure to be delicious.
One tip to keep in mind when making this dish is that the hot dogs will cook faster than the buns.
To avoid burnt buns, put them on the grill first, and then add the hot dogs once the buns are nice and toasty.
Conclusion
This blog post has shared with you 15 different types of dishes that you could serve as sides with your pasta salad.
They are all easy to make and are guaranteed to leave your guests satisfied.
I hope you found this post helpful and that you’ll be able to try out some of these recipes soon.
Let us know which ones you liked the best.
What to Serve with Pasta Salad? 15 Worth-trying Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Green Beans Almondine
- 2. Homemade Breadsticks
- 3. Garlic Knots
- 4. Hot Chicken Wings
- 5. Chipotle Chicken Panini
- 6. Southern Baked Beans
- 7. Sweet Potato Casserole
- 8. Grilled Buttered Corn On The Cob
- 9. Deviled Eggs
- 10. Ground Chicken Burgers
- 11. Easy Grilled Steak Tips
- 12. Italian Chicken Drumsticks
- 13. Italian Grilled Hamburgers
- 14. Grilled Mahi-mahi
- 15. Tropical Hot Dog Bar
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If youu0026#x27;re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!