Wondering what to serve with pasta salad? From juicy grilled meats to fresh, flavourful sides, we’ve got the perfect pairings to complete your meal!
Let’s talk pasta salad—it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, right? Whether you load it with veggies, dress it in a zesty vinaigrette, or pack it with creamy goodness, pasta salad always shines as a side dish. But let’s be real: pasta salad doesn’t usually steal the whole show. So, what should you serve with it to round out your plate and turn it into a meal to remember?
From smoky grilled meats to crusty bread and bright, fresh veggies, there’s no shortage of delicious pairings for pasta salad. It’s all about balance, texture, and making sure there’s something for everyone at the table. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a potluck, or just throwing together an easy dinner, these delicious side dishes for pasta salad have got you covered. Keep reading for ideas that’ll take your pasta salad game to the next level!
LOOKING FOR A GOOD PASTA SALAD RECIPE? Try my fresh and flavourful tuna pasta salad!

PERFECT PAIRINGS: WHAT TO SERVE WITH PASTA SALAD
SIMPLE GRILLED CHICKEN
Simple grilled chicken is a classic for a reason—it’s juicy, flavourful, and pairs perfectly with pasta salad. Whether you keep it basic with salt and pepper or spice it up with your favourite seasonings, you can’t go wrong. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and adds just the right amount of protein to round out your meal. Bonus: it’s just as good hot off the grill as it is cold the next day!
BLUE CHEESE STUFFED BURGERS
Blue cheese stuffed burgers are the ultimate indulgence and a killer pairing for pasta salad. The creamy, tangy blue cheese inside a juicy burger patty is a flavour bomb waiting to happen. Grill them up, and let that cheese ooze out just enough to make everyone at the table jealous. They’re fancy enough for a special occasion but easy enough for any backyard BBQ.
SLOW COOKER PORK ROAST
A slow cooker pork roast is the ultimate hands-off dish that pairs perfectly with pasta salad. Let the slow cooker work its magic while the pork becomes tender and juicy, soaking up all those rich flavours from the seasonings and herbs. The best part? It’s so easy to throw together, and the aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone’s mouth watering. Serve it alongside your pasta salad for a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any gathering.
OVEN BAKED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
Oven-baked chicken drumsticks are a simple, tasty choice that pairs perfectly with pasta salad. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, they’re seasoned just right with herbs and spices for a crowd-pleasing bite. Whether you go for a classic seasoning or something with a little kick, they’re an easy, hands-off option that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re delicious served hot or cold, making leftovers a win!
'HIDDEN' ZUCCHINI TURKEY BURGERS
‘Hidden’ zucchini turkey burgers are a sneaky way to pack in some extra veggies while keeping things juicy and flavourful. The zucchini adds moisture without taking away from that classic turkey burger taste, making them perfect for anyone looking to sneak in a little extra nutrition. Grilled or pan-fried, these burgers are full of flavour and just the right texture—making them a great choice to pair with a fresh pasta salad. They’re a light yet satisfying option everyone will love!
EASY BROILED COD
Easy broiled cod is a light and flaky fish that’s a perfect match for pasta salad. With just a few simple seasonings, you can have a flavourful dish ready in no time. The broiling process gives it a nice crisp on the outside while keeping the inside tender and moist. It’s a refreshing, light addition to your meal that doesn’t overpower the flavours of the pasta salad.
GREEK STYLE PORK SOUVLAKI
Greek-style pork souvlaki is a flavour-packed option that’s sure to elevate your pasta salad spread. Marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and a mix of herbs, these tender skewers bring a Mediterranean twist to your meal. Grilled to perfection, they’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of fresh, zesty flavour. Perfect for serving alongside your pasta salad, they’ll add a nice balance of protein and brightness to your plate.
CHEESY CAULIFLOWER PARMESAN
Cheesy cauliflower parmesan is a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect with pasta salad. This dish takes tender cauliflower, smothers it in marinara sauce, and tops it off with melty parmesan and mozzarella for that perfect cheesy goodness. It’s like a veggie-loaded twist on the classic chicken parmesan, and it brings all the savory flavours without feeling heavy. Plus, it’s an easy, satisfying side that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
CARIBBEAN JERK CHICKEN
Caribbean jerk chicken brings bold, smoky, and spicy flavours to the table, making it an exciting addition to your pasta salad spread. Marinated in a rich blend of spices like allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers, it’s got a punch of heat and a whole lot of personality. Grilled to perfection, the crispy char and juicy interior create the perfect balance with a refreshing, cool pasta salad. This is a dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
JUICY BAKED PORK CHOPS
Juicy baked pork chops are the perfect mix of savory and tender, making them an ideal pairing for pasta salad. Seasoned with just the right spices, these chops bake up crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They’re easy to prepare, and the best part? They stay juicy without needing much fuss. Serve them alongside your pasta salad for a meal that’s satisfying, simple, and packed with flavour.
PUB STYLE HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN WINGS
Pub-style honey garlic chicken wings are a sweet and savory treat that’s impossible to resist. Coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze, these wings have the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and a little kick. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavour—making them the perfect finger food to enjoy alongside a fresh pasta salad. Ideal for game day or casual dinners, they’ll definitely be the star of the meal!
BEEF BRISKET SANDWICHES
Beef brisket sandwiches are a hearty, flavourful choice that pairs perfectly with pasta salad. Tender, slow-cooked brisket piled high on a soft bun, topped with cruncy coleslaw, is the ultimate comfort food. The smoky, savory flavour of the brisket complements the fresh, zesty pasta salad beautifully.
RESTAURANT STYLE RIBEYE STEAK
Restaurant-style ribeye steak is a juicy, tender cut that’s sure to impress when paired with pasta salad. Grilled or seared to perfection, it boasts a rich, beefy flavour with a perfect crispy crust. A sprinkle of salt and pepper is all it needs to shine, though you can always elevate it with a garlic butter finish. It’s a steak lover’s dream and makes a bold, satisfying addition to your pasta salad spread.
INSTANT POT BABY BACK RIBS
Instant Pot baby back ribs are a game-changer when it comes to pairing with pasta salad. These ribs cook up incredibly tender in a fraction of the time. With a crispy exterior and melt-off-the-bone interior, they’re the perfect finger food to enjoy alongside your fresh, crisp pasta salad. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a BBQ feast, these ribs are sure to steal the show!
NO KNEAD FOCACCIA
No knead focaccia is the ultimate side to serve with pasta salad. This easy, no-fuss bread is golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft, airy interior that’s perfect for soaking up any extra dressing or sauce. Topped with fresh herbs, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, and a pinch of sea salt, it adds a delicious, rustic touch to your meal. Whether you’re using it to mop up your pasta salad or just enjoying it on its own, this focaccia is sure to be a hit!
So there you have it—plenty of delicious options to serve with pasta salad! Whether you’re grilling up some juicy burgers, roasting tender chicken, or slow cooking a flavourful pork roast, these pairings are sure to elevate your meal. From hearty meats to fresh, lighter sides, you’ll find the perfect balance to complement your pasta salad. Whatever the occasion, these dishes are easy to make and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
The beauty of pasta salad is how versatile it is, and with these tasty pairings, you’ll create a meal that’s not only balanced but packed with flavour. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, a casual dinner, or just looking for some meal inspiration, these options will never disappoint. So next time you’re wondering what to serve with pasta salad, you’ve got a whole range of delicious choices that are sure to make your meal unforgettable!
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