Pasta salad is a quintessential side dish, perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and summer gatherings. But if you’re wondering What To Serve With Pasta Salad to create a complete and satisfying meal, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of 16 mouthwatering dishes that pair exceptionally well with pasta salad, transforming it from a simple side to part of a truly memorable meal. From juicy burgers and grilled steaks to flavorful pizzas and satisfying sandwiches, get ready to discover your new favorite pasta salad pairings.
Assortment of dishes to complement pasta salad, including turkey pesto sliders, prosciutto arugula pizza, quinoa turkey peppers, and a wagyu burger, presented to inspire delicious meal combinations.
Our Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a go-to favorite, bursting with Mediterranean flavors like olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Its vibrant and refreshing taste makes it incredibly versatile, pairing well with a wide array of main courses. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch or a weekend BBQ, finding the perfect accompaniment to your pasta salad is key to a balanced and delicious dining experience.
Below, explore our curated collection of 16 recipes that we love to serve alongside pasta salad. These pairings are guaranteed to elevate your next meal, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will please everyone at the table.
1. Cast Iron Skillet Burger
For a classic and satisfying pairing, you can’t go wrong with a juicy burger. Our Cast Iron Skillet Burger recipe is quick, easy, and results in incredibly tender stovetop patties. The beauty of cooking burgers in a cast iron skillet is the perfect sear and even cooking they achieve.
Assortment of dishes to complement pasta salad, including turkey pesto sliders, prosciutto arugula pizza, quinoa turkey peppers, and a wagyu burger, presented to inspire delicious meal combinations.
While the burgers are sizzling away, you can whip up a batch of pasta salad. The cool and zesty pasta salad provides a wonderful counterpoint to the richness of the burger. Customize your burger with all your favorite toppings and enjoy this classic duo for a delightful lunch or dinner.
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2. Hawaiian Roll Turkey Pesto Sliders
Looking for something fun and shareable? Hawaiian Roll Turkey Pesto Sliders are the answer. These delightful sliders are made in one pan and feature savory turkey, melted Swiss cheese, fragrant pesto, and a touch of honey, all nestled in sweet Hawaiian rolls.
Delicious Hawaiian roll turkey pesto sliders, a perfect appetizer or light meal option to serve with pasta salad.
The slight sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls and the herbaceous pesto create a flavor profile that complements the refreshing nature of pasta salad beautifully. These sliders are perfect for parties or a casual weeknight meal, and the pasta salad adds a light and refreshing side to balance the richness of the sliders.
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3. BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs
For a comforting and flavorful main course, try BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs. This simple oven recipe guarantees juicy and tender barbecue chicken with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have flavorful chicken baking in the oven.
The smoky and slightly sweet BBQ flavor of the chicken thighs is a fantastic match for the bright and tangy pasta salad. The heartiness of the chicken combined with the lightness of the pasta salad creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
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4. Bavette Steak (Flank Steak)
Elevate your pasta salad meal with a gourmet touch by serving it with Bavette Steak. This flavorful beef cut, also known as flank steak, broils to a perfect medium-rare in just minutes. Our recipe features a simple yet impactful preparation of stuffing the steak with garlic cloves and broiling it to juicy perfection.
Perfectly sliced bavette steak with a medium-rare center, showcasing its juiciness and flavor, ideal for pairing with pasta salad.
The rich, savory flavor of the bavette steak is wonderfully balanced by the refreshing and lighter pasta salad. This pairing is ideal for a slightly more sophisticated lunch or dinner, offering a delicious contrast in textures and flavors that is both satisfying and elegant.
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5. Caprese Sandwich with Truffle Salt
For a vegetarian option that’s bursting with flavor, consider a Caprese Sandwich with Truffle Salt. This show-stopping picnic panino is incredibly easy to make and requires only fresh, high-quality ingredients: a crusty baguette, creamy water mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of luxurious truffle salt.
The classic Italian flavors of the Caprese sandwich – fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil – are naturally enhanced by the zesty Italian dressing often found in pasta salad. The truffle salt adds a unique depth of flavor, making this sandwich and pasta salad combination a truly delightful and sophisticated vegetarian meal. It’s perfect for a picnic, light lunch, or a casual summer dinner.
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6. Elotes Style Corn with Furikake
Add an unexpected and exciting twist to your pasta salad meal with Elotes Style Corn with Furikake. Inspired by Mexican street corn (elotes) and elevated with Japanese flavors, this dish is packed with umami. The combination of creamy mayo, cotija cheese (or parmesan), chili powder, and furikake creates a unique and addictive flavor profile.
Elote-style corn adorned with furikake and kewpie mayo, offering a flavorful and unique side dish option alongside pasta salad.
Whether you enjoy it on the cob, cut into smaller portions, or served as a salad, Elotes Style Corn with Furikake provides a wonderful contrast to the pasta salad. The creamy, spicy, and savory corn complements the refreshing and often tangy pasta salad, creating a balanced and adventurous flavor experience.
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7. BBQ Pulled Chicken Burgers
For a fun and flavorful twist on burgers, try BBQ Pulled Chicken Burgers. These burgers feature tender, slow-cooked pulled chicken tossed in a tangy BBQ sauce and topped with crunchy coleslaw on buttery brioche buns.
The sweetness and tanginess of the BBQ pulled chicken, combined with the creamy coleslaw and soft brioche bun, create a delightful textural and flavor contrast with the pasta salad. The pasta salad acts as a refreshing side, cutting through the richness of the BBQ and adding a light and zesty element to the meal. Perfect for weekend BBQs or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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8. Prosciutto Ricotta Pizza
Pizza night just got even better with pasta salad on the side! Prosciutto Ricotta Pizza is a sweet and savory white pizza that’s packed with rich flavors. It features a golden crust topped with creamy mozzarella and ricotta, salty prosciutto, peppery arugula, and a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey.
The combination of salty prosciutto, creamy ricotta, and peppery arugula offers a sophisticated flavor profile that is beautifully balanced by the refreshing pasta salad. The pizza provides the hearty main course, while the pasta salad adds a light and zesty side, making for a complete and satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing.
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9. Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro
For a restaurant-worthy meal at home in just 30 minutes, try Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro. This recipe features juicy Italian-seasoned chicken breasts stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese and cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce.
The comforting and familiar flavors of Italian chicken pomodoro are elevated by the creamy melted mozzarella inside the chicken. Serving this dish with pasta salad creates a delightful Italian-inspired meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The pasta salad acts as a lighter side, complementing the richness of the chicken and tomato sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner option that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
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10. Tamago Sando (Japanese Egg Salad Sandwich)
For a unique and delightful lunch option, try Tamago Sando (Japanese Egg Salad Sandwich). This Japanese egg salad sandwich features a rich and creamy egg salad made with Kewpie mayo and a perfectly jammy egg in the center, all served on soft, white bread.
The creamy richness of the Tamago Sando is wonderfully contrasted by the zesty and refreshing pasta salad. This pairing is ideal for a light yet satisfying lunch, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The Tamago Sando provides a unique and flavorful main, while the pasta salad adds a familiar and refreshing side.
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11. Flank Steak Salad
If you’re looking for a lighter and healthier steak option, try Flank Steak Salad. This salad is a healthy spin on a traditional steak meal, featuring tender garlic steak, crisp lettuce, and a medley of fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy lemon-balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a complete meal in itself, but pairing it with pasta salad elevates it further.
The lean protein of the flank steak and the fresh vegetables in the salad make this a nutritious and satisfying meal. Serving it with pasta salad adds another layer of flavor and texture, making it even more substantial and enjoyable. The tangy balsamic dressing in the steak salad and the zesty dressing in the pasta salad create a harmonious flavor profile.
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12. Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
For a healthy and satisfying vegetarian-adaptable main course, consider Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers. These Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious and nutritious combination of seasoned ground turkey (easily swapped for plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option), quinoa, feta cheese, and vibrant vegetables, all stuffed into colorful bell peppers.
These stuffed bell peppers are a complete meal on their own, packed with protein, fiber, and vegetables. Pairing them with pasta salad adds a refreshing and zesty side that complements the savory and slightly earthy flavors of the stuffed peppers. The pasta salad provides a lighter element to balance the heartiness of the stuffed peppers, making for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
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13. Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters
Add a crispy and flavorful side to your pasta salad with Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters. These fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, boasting a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors with tons of texture from the corn and zucchini.
The crispy texture and slightly sweet and savory flavor of the corn and zucchini fritters provide a wonderful contrast to the softer texture and zesty flavor of the pasta salad. Topping the fritters with Greek yogurt, fresh basil, and roasted corn enhances their flavor and texture even further. This pairing offers a fun and flavorful vegetarian meal option or a delightful side dish combination.
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14. Burrata Caprese with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your appetizer or side dish game with Burrata Caprese with Balsamic Glaze. This show-stopping Italian dish features creamy burrata cheese, juicy ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze.
A beautifully plated burrata caprese with parmigiano reggiano crackers, balsamic glaze, and wine, an elegant appetizer or side dish option.
The creamy burrata, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil create a classic Italian flavor combination that is both elegant and simple. Serving Burrata Caprese with pasta salad creates a delightful Italian feast. The richness of the burrata is balanced by the refreshing pasta salad, and both dishes share similar Italian-inspired flavors, making them a harmonious pairing. Serve with sliced toasted baguette or crackers for scooping up the creamy burrata.
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15. Wagyu Beef Cheeseburger
Indulge in a truly decadent burger experience with a Wagyu Beef Cheeseburger. Wagyu beef patties are known for their incredible marbling and rich flavor, and this burger recipe takes it to the next level. Served on toasted brioche buns with a homemade wasabi mayo spread, Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, and arugula, this burger is a gourmet delight.
The rich and decadent Wagyu beef cheeseburger is perfectly balanced by the light and refreshing pasta salad. The wasabi mayo adds a unique and slightly spicy kick that complements the other flavors beautifully. This pairing is perfect for a gourmet burger night at home, offering a luxurious and satisfying meal that’s elevated by the simple yet flavorful pasta salad side.
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16. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with Miso
For a unique and flavorful side, try Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with Miso. This cornbread is moist, tender, and cheesy, with a hint of sweetness and a touch of spice from the jalapeños, all enhanced by the umami depth of miso.
Sliced jalapeño cheddar cornbread with miso, served with butter and honey, a unique and flavorful bread option to accompany pasta salad.
The slightly sweet, spicy, and cheesy cornbread provides a wonderful textural and flavor contrast to the pasta salad. The cornbread is hearty and comforting, while the pasta salad is light and refreshing. This pairing is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or any meal where you want a flavorful and satisfying side dish combination.
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Related Recipes
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
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What to Serve With Pasta Salad: 16 Tasty Dishes
Not sure What to Eat with Pasta Salad? Below we list all of our favorite dishes that pair perfectly with pasta salad, including juicy burgers, tender bbq chicken, flavor-packed pizza, and scrumptious sandwiches.
Prep Time 7 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course: Main Course, Side Dish, Sides
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 513kcal
Author: Kathleen Higashiyama
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil vegetable, avocado, or grapeseed oil
- 1 lb ground beef 85% lean / 15%fat
- 4 burger buns
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cheese slices optional
- 4 tomato slices optional
- lettuce optional
- grilled or sliced raw onion optional
- ketchup optional
Instructions
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Mix meat and form patties – In a mixing bowl, combine beef, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined, careful to not over mix. Form the meat into 4 equal-sized patties and use your thumb to make an indentation in the middle of each patty. This prevents the meat from puffing up in the center when cooked.
1 lb ground beef, 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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Cook patties – Heat a skillet or griddle on medium heat and add oil. Once the skillet heats for about 2 minutes, add the patties to the pan. For medium rare, cook for 4 minutes on each side; for medium, cook 5 minutes on each side. If the pan is small, cook 2 patties at a time.
1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
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Add cheese – In the last minute of cooking, add cheese on top of each patty if desired and place a lid on the skillet to allow the cheese to melt. Remove the lid from the skillet and remove the skillet from the heat.
4 cheese slices
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Toast buns – While the patties cook, toast the hamburger buns until just golden brown and still soft.
4 burger buns
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Assemble burgers – Assemble on toasted buns with ketchup or your favorite spread, lettuce, tomato, raw sliced or grilled onions, or with your preferred toppings.4 tomato slices,lettuce,grilled or sliced raw onions,ketchup
4 tomato slices, lettuce, grilled or sliced raw onion, ketchup
Notes
Storage Top tips– Be careful to not over mix patties or the burgers will be tough.
- Keep a close eye on your burger patties to ensure they cook to the desired level (we love ours medium rare).
- Drizzle any leftover juice in the pan onto the meat when you make the burger for extra flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 513kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1010mg | Potassium: 465mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 395IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 232mg | Iron: 4mg
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