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    Home » Blog » Uncategorized

    What to Serve with Pasta Salad

    Published: Mar 18, 2023 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    Pasta salad is one of the ultimate go-to dishes when it comes to summer events. Whether it's a picnic at the park, a backyard barbecue, or just a casual night in with friends, pasta salad consistently delivers on flavor and convenience. But what to serve with pasta salad?

    Collage of four delicious recipes. The title "What to Serve with Pasta Salad" is in the center of the collage.

    While most people know how to make pasta salad and what ingredients they need, few are aware of all the different types of sides that can be served alongside their tasty dish. Read on for some ideas that will take this classic Italian dish up several notches.

    Health Benefits of Pasta Salad

    Pasta salads are a great source of nutrition, as they contain essential vitamins and minerals. Whole wheat or whole grain pasta is especially beneficial, as it is high in dietary fiber and protein.

    Adding various vegetables to your pasta salad also provides additional benefits, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Eating a variety of healthy ingredients can support your body's natural defenses and help you maintain a balanced diet.

    Why You Should Serve Sides with Pasta Salad

    When it comes to serving sides, there are plenty of options. You could choose a cold vegetable-based salad like cucumber or tomato, which is great for adding color and flavor to your dish.

    Alternatively, you could opt for something warm such as garlic bread or focaccia. Or, why not try some freshly cooked vegetables in olive oil and garlic? Whatever you choose, the combination of pasta salad with a side dish is sure to be a hit.

    Things to Keep in Mind When Deciding on Pairings

    When you’re putting together your side dishes, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, think about the ingredients that are included in the pasta salad. For example, if it contains olives and capers, you may want to steer clear of other salty or briny items on the side.

    Secondly, consider the texture of the pasta. If your salad contains macaroni, it may be better to opt for a softer side dish such as mashed potatoes or rice.

    Finally, look at any colors and flavors in the pasta salad and see if you can complement them with additional ingredients.

    Overall, getting creative with sides when serving pasta salad is the key to making a truly delicious dish. With a bit of imagination and the right ingredients, you can take this classic Italian favorite to the next level. Whether it’s a cold salad or warm cooked vegetables, your guests are sure to be impressed with your menu.

    What to serve with pasta salad

    When trying to decide what to serve with pasta salad, it is a good idea to think of a protein dish. Adding protein makes it a full and complete meal. There are times when my family has pasta as is, and makes it a meal.

    Other times we serve something with it to make it a complete meal. You can not go wrong either way. The following are some of our favorite go-to choices when it comes to what to serve with pasta salad.

    Turtle Backs
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    Turtle Backs
    Smothered Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy
    This smothered hamburger steak with onion gravy recipe is a classic. Juicy fried hamburger steaks are seasoned with onion soup mix and cooked to perfection. Add a savory simple mushroom and onion gravy plus a side of potatoes or rice for a meal everyone will love.
    Get the Recipe
    Hamburger steak with onion and mushroom gravy on a plate with mashed potatoes and broccoli.
    Best Ground Pork Burger
    Ground pork burgers make a nice change to hamburger night! Make the best pork patties with fresh ground pork, your favorite barbecue sauce, minced onion, and a few other ingredients for a quick and easy dinner everyone will love!
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    Pork burger cut in half in a brown paper container with fries.
    How to Cook Hamburgers in Air Fryer
    How to Cook Hamburgers in Air Fryer recipe shows how easy cooking hamburger patties in your air fryer is. Air Fryer Hamburgers are delicious!
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    Air Fryer Fried Chicken Thighs
    Air fryer fried chicken thighs cook up perfectly every time. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, chicken thighs never tasted so good!
    Get the Recipe
    Air Fried Garlic Parmesan Popcorn Chicken
    This air fried popcorn chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Try this air fryer popcorn chicken for yourself today!
    Get the Recipe
    Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
    Air fryer parmesan crusted chicken is full of delicious flavor, a wonderful crust, and very little work. It's the perfect weeknight meal.
    Get the Recipe
    How to Smoke Burgers
    Making smoked burgers is the perfect alternative for your summer grilling! This recipe walks you through everything you need to know to make the best, moist and juicy, smoked hamburgers.
    Get the Recipe
    Smoked Hot Dogs
    Smoked Hot dogs are so easy to make and taste delicious. Your entire family is going to love these smoked hot dogs, And, I'm here to teach you how to make smoked hot dogs.
    Get the Recipe
    Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
    Air fried corn on the cob is a simple and fast way to cook this summer favorite. So tasty, this great side dish is ideal for grill nights or any night of the week
    Get the Recipe
    Smoked Barbecued Baked Beans
    These smoked BBQ beans are loaded with delicious flavor. These smoked BBQ baked beans are completely from scratch but so easy to make.
    Get the Recipe
    Hot Dog Burnt Ends
    These hot dog burnt ends, also called poor man's burnt ends, are crispy and caramelized on the outside and juicy on the inside.
    Get the Recipe
    Easy Hamburger Pinwheels
    This Easy Hamburger Pinwheels or Cheeseburger Roll Ups recipe with ground beef or other meat shows you how to cook pinwheels with bacon, cheese and more.
    Get the Recipe
    Easy Hamburger Pinwheels
    Slow Cooker Kielbasa Baked Beans
    Oh my, these are some of the best slow cooker beans you'll ever eat. All you do is put everything in the Crock Pot, and let it cook. You can leave it all day, just give it a good stir, and your beans are ready to serve. The flavor is just delicious, and they'll go great with burgers, or a steak. Everyone will love these and trust me, they'll come back for seconds. Keep this one in your favorites!
    Get the Recipe
    Savory Corn Muffins with Bacon, Cheese and Onion
    This is it if you're looking for the best corn muffin recipe. Savory corn muffins with bacon, cheese, and onion are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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    Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
    Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are so quick and easy to make! Your favorite sandwich meat, cheese, garlic butter and refrigerated pizza dough is all you need!  The possibilities are truly endless and a delicious result every time.
    Get the Recipe
    Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
    Margarita Grilled Chicken
    Margarita Grilled Chicken is flavorful with a hint of citrus. This dish is not only easy to make, it's healthy and tastes just like Chili's Margarita grilled chicken. Top that!
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    Football Deviled Eggs With or Without Bacon
    Best football deviled eggs with or without bacon, is an easy twist on the simple classic recipe for those who want to make deviled eggs.
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    Broccoli Cornbread with Cheese
    This Broccoli Cornbread recipe takes classic cornbread up a notch. Broccoli cornbread with cheese is a favorite Southern side that goes with practically anything. The addition of broccoli and Cheddar helps make this cornbread incredibly savory, moist, and oh-so-delicious.
    Get the Recipe
    Easy Beans, Bacon and Chicken
    Easy Beans, Bacon and Chicken is made with baked beans in tomato sauce, bacon and chicken. Fast and fabulous recipe is perfect for any day of the week!
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    Easy Beans, Bacon and Chicken
    How to Make Margherita Pizza
    Have a taste of Italy at home with this Margherita pizza recipe. Topped with Italian tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella cheese, and basil this classic pizza has the traditional flavors of authentic Italian pizza. This version homemade version is made in a Dutch oven.
    Get the Recipe

    Pasta salad is a classic Italian side dish that can be enhanced with a variety of sides. Consider adding a cold vegetable-based salad or warm cooked vegetables to your pasta salad for additional flavor and nutrition. Protein dishes are also great additions to make it into a full meal.

    With some creativity and the right ingredients, you can take this traditional dish up several notches. Enjoy!

    Collage of four delicious recipes. The title "What to Serve with Pasta Salad" is in the center of the collage.
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    Ken and Karin

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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