Wondering what to serve with pasta salad? Check out these 21 delicious ideas to serve with your next summer BBQ. Meat, fish and vegan options to choose from!
Pasta salad is a summer staple. Served alongside a BBQ or picnic, it screams sunshine!
I love pasta salad so much, you can eat it hot or cold and add whatever ingredients you fancy to it!
It’s also a great quick & simple dinner dish to serve at any time of year as you can easily prepare it in advance.
A couple of my favourite pasta salads are Chorizo & Red Bell Pepper & Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad With Cucumber & Feta.
But what goes with pasta salad? Here are some delicious ideas for what to serve with pasta salad to make a complete and satisfying meal.
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What Is Pasta Salad?
Pasta salad is a delicious & refreshing dish that typically consists of cooked pasta mixed with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, meats, cheeses, and dressing. The pasta is usually boiled until it is al dente, meaning it is cooked to be firm to the bite but not mushy. The ingredients are then combined with the pasta and dressed with either a vinaigrette, creamy dressing, or other flavourful sauce.
Pasta salad can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a popular choice for picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor gatherings. It's a versatile dish that can be customised to suit different tastes and dietary preferences and can be made with a wide variety of pasta shapes and ingredients.
What To Eat With Pasta Salad
Here you will find 21 delicious side dishes that are the perfect accompaniment to pasta salad.
There are plenty of meat and fish dishes, along with lots of vegan & veggie choices too!
Lots of the dishes have either dairy-free, egg-free or gluten-free options, as well as dishes free from other food allergens, so there is something here for everyone.
⭐ Meat & Fish Dishes
⭐ Veggie & Vegan Dishes
💬 Pasta Salad FAQ
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, farfalle, and rigatoni are popular choices for pasta salad. They have a firm texture that holds up well in the dressing and can be easily mixed with other ingredients.
Yes, pasta salad is a great make-ahead dish. You can cook the pasta and chop the ingredients a day or two in advance, then mix them together with the dressing just before serving. This allows the flavours to meld together and makes it easier to serve the dish when you're ready.
There are many types of dressings that can be used for pasta salad. You can use a vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and mustard, or a creamy dressing like ranch or Caesar. You can also add pesto, salsa, or even hummus for a different twist.
Leftover pasta salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days, but it may become dry or lose its texture over time. If the pasta salad seems dry, you can add more dressing or a splash of olive oil to moisten it before serving.
What do you love to serve with your pasta salad? Let me know in the comments below!
Let me know what you think of this recipe!