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?
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.
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!
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