When you think about summer gatherings, family dinners, or potluck parties, pasta salad often shows up as a colorful and refreshing dish. But here’s the question that brings you here: What Goes Good with Pasta Salad?
The answer is simple but exciting—pasta salad pairs beautifully with proteins, breads, vegetables, and even drinks, depending on the occasion. Choosing the right side can make your pasta salad shine, balancing its creamy, tangy, or zesty flavors.
In this article, we’ll walk step by step through all the best pairings—from grilled chicken to garlic bread to iced lemonade. Along the way, I’ll share some personal tips and experiences so you can make your next meal both delicious and memorable.
1. Grilled & Protein Options (Main Pairings)
Let’s start with the classics. Pasta salad is hearty but still needs a protein partner to complete the plate.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is one of my personal favorites with pasta salad. Its smoky flavor and juicy texture balance the cool freshness of pasta salad perfectly. Sometimes I marinate it with lemon and herbs, which gives the whole meal a Mediterranean vibe.
Grilled Steak or Beef Kebabs
If you’re hosting a BBQ, steak or beef kebabs are a winning combo. The richness of beef complements the lighter, tangy dressing of pasta salad. I’ve noticed guests always go for this pairing first—it feels filling without being too heavy.
Grilled Fish or Shrimp
Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. Grilled fish or shrimp with pasta salad feels light and refreshing, especially when the salad includes Italian dressing. Personally, I love shrimp skewers with a hint of garlic and lemon alongside a chilled pasta salad bowl.
Meatballs, Sausages & Hot Dogs
These options are perfect for picnics and family gatherings. Kids especially enjoy hot dogs with pasta salad, while adults lean toward sausages or Italian meatballs. The mix of savory protein with chilled pasta is always a hit.
Plant-Based Proteins
For vegetarian guests, grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas are wonderful alternatives. I’ve tried chickpeas tossed directly into pasta salad—it adds a nutty taste and makes it extra filling.
2. Sandwiches & Burgers (Perfect Combos)
After proteins, sandwiches and burgers are the next big companions of pasta salad. Let’s see why.
Classic Hamburgers & Cheeseburgers
What’s a BBQ without burgers? Pasta salad on the side adds freshness to the smoky, cheesy taste of burgers. I personally think this is the most American pairing you can have at a summer cookout.
Pulled Pork or BBQ Sandwiches
Pulled pork sandwiches are saucy, rich, and sometimes a bit heavy. That’s why pasta salad works beautifully as a cool, zesty counterbalance. It cuts through the richness and keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
Turkey or Chicken Club Sandwiches
A lighter sandwich like a turkey or chicken club pairs nicely for lunch or dinner. When I don’t want a greasy option, this is my go-to.
Veggie Burgers & Wraps
Vegetarian? No problem. Veggie burgers or wraps filled with roasted vegetables taste amazing next to pasta salad. The textures work well, especially when the wrap has crunchy greens.
3. Bread & Bakery Sides
Bread is a universal favorite, and it makes a comforting partner to pasta salad.
Garlic Bread or Garlic Knots
This is my personal guilty pleasure. Garlic bread with pasta salad is simple yet addictive. The crunch of toasted bread with buttery garlic pairs so well with a chilled salad bowl.
Focaccia, Ciabatta, or Baguette Slices
For a more Italian feel, try focaccia or ciabatta. They’re soft but flavorful, and dipping them into leftover dressing from the pasta salad is a small joy.
Dinner Rolls or Cornbread
Dinner rolls are perfect for family meals, while cornbread is a fantastic southern-inspired addition. I tried this pairing at a picnic—it was surprisingly satisfying.
Breadsticks with Dips
Breadsticks with hummus or marinara sauce pair nicely with pasta salad for parties. They’re easy to grab and eat, which makes them great for potlucks.
4. Vegetable-Based Side Dishes
For those who love balance and freshness, veggie sides are a must.
Grilled Vegetables
Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus bring smoky, earthy flavors to the table. I often grill them alongside chicken, and they complement pasta salad beautifully.
Roasted Potatoes or Wedges
Potatoes are hearty, crispy, and filling. Pasta salad keeps them from feeling too heavy by adding freshness to the plate.
Fresh Green Salads
If you want an all-salad meal, pairing pasta salad with Caesar or garden salad works wonders. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and balanced.
Coleslaw or Cabbage Salad
Coleslaw adds creaminess and crunch, while cabbage salad adds tang. Both are great for BBQs.
5. Light & Fresh Pairings
Sometimes, you want lighter sides that don’t overpower pasta salad.
Fresh Fruit Salad
Melons, grapes, or berries are sweet and refreshing. I love this combo for summer picnics—it feels cooling and healthy.
Deviled Eggs or Egg Salad
These are perfect picnic foods. Deviled eggs add richness, while egg salad sandwiches pair with pasta salad for a filling lunch.
Cheese Boards
A mix of cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella goes well with pasta salad. Guests enjoy snacking between bites, and the flavors complement each other nicely.
Pickles, Olives, and Antipasto Platters
These tangy, salty bites are a great way to balance pasta salad’s creaminess or zest. I often put a small antipasto platter next to my pasta salad at parties.
Here’s a helpful forum thread with more ideas on what goes good with pasta salad. It includes suggestions from different people, giving you extra inspiration to try alongside your pasta salad.
6. Party & Potluck Pairings
Pasta salad is a star at gatherings, so let’s talk about party pairings.
BBQ Ribs, Brisket, or Chicken Wings
Hearty BBQ dishes love the freshness of pasta salad. I personally think nothing beats this combo at summer cookouts.
Hot Dogs & Sliders
Perfect for kids’ parties or casual get-togethers. They’re quick to serve and always popular.
Finger Foods
Mini quiches, spring rolls, or nuggets are fun with pasta salad. They add variety without stealing the spotlight.
Chips & Dips
Guacamole, salsa, or hummus with chips give crunch and flavor, pairing effortlessly with pasta salad.
7. Drinks that Go Well with Pasta Salad
Food is only half the story—let’s not forget drinks.
Iced Tea & Lemonade
This is my go-to summer pairing. The freshness of lemonade and the chill of iced tea match the vibe of pasta salad perfectly.
Sparkling Water with Citrus
If you want something light, sparkling water with lemon or lime is refreshing. It doesn’t overpower the food, which I love.
Wine Pairings
A light white wine or rosé pairs perfectly with pasta salad. I usually recommend this when serving pasta salad at a formal dinner.
Beer Options
Light beers like lagers or pilsners are great with pasta salad at BBQs or casual hangouts.
8. International-Inspired Pairings
If someone wants to give their pasta salad an international twist, they can pair it with:
- Mexican Tacos or Quesadillas – spicy flavors balance the creamy or tangy pasta salad.
- Greek Gyros or Falafel Wraps – Mediterranean taste pairs perfectly with pasta salad made with olives and feta.
- Italian Antipasto Platters – salami, prosciutto, marinated veggies, and cheese slices.
- Asian Spring Rolls or Dumplings – light, fresh, and a unique combo for gatherings.
9. Comfort Food Pairings
Sometimes people love to enjoy pasta salad with cozy, homestyle dishes:
- Fried Chicken – crispy texture + creamy pasta salad = perfect balance.
- Mac & Cheese – double pasta but with a creamy twist.
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy – a hearty side for bigger meals.
- Soup Pairings (Tomato Soup, Chicken Noodle, or Minestrone) – pasta salad with soup makes a balanced lunch.
10. Serving Ideas & Occasions
Now that we’ve gone through the best pairings, let’s talk about the occasions where pasta salad truly shines.
- With BBQs: Pasta salad and grilled meats are the ultimate BBQ duo.
- With Picnics: Sandwiches, chips, and pasta salad in a basket—perfect.
- Holiday Sides: Turkey, ham, or roasts with pasta salad balance festive spreads.
- Weeknight Dinners: Pair with simple grilled chicken or bread for a quick meal.
FAQs About What Goes Good with Pasta Salad
Q1: Can pasta salad be served as a main dish?
Yes, especially if you add protein like chicken or chickpeas.
Q2: What protein goes best with pasta salad?
Grilled chicken and shrimp are my personal favorites, but steak and tofu also work well.
Q3: Should pasta salad be eaten cold or warm?
Cold is traditional, but I’ve had warm versions with melted cheese that were delicious too.
Q4: What drinks pair best with pasta salad?
Lemonade, iced tea, light wines, or beer—depending on the occasion.
Q5: Is pasta salad good with bread?
Absolutely! Garlic bread, rolls, or focaccia make great sides.
Conclusion
So, what goes good with pasta salad? The short answer: almost everything! From grilled meats and sandwiches to fresh fruits, veggies, and even drinks, pasta salad is one of the most versatile dishes you can serve.
The key is balance—pair heavier foods like BBQ or burgers with pasta salad’s freshness, or enjoy lighter sides like fruit and bread when you want a simple meal. I encourage you to try different combinations and find what you enjoy most.
Next time you make pasta salad, pair it with one of these ideas—you’ll see how much it elevates the entire meal.