What Goes with Pasta Salad: 21 Delicious Pairings Ideas
Pasta salad is a versatile dish that pleases crowds and shows up on picnic tables, barbecue grills, and family dinner tables. It is one of the most common recipes for classic pasta salad, macaroni salad, or creamy pasta salad.
But do you ever ask yourself what accompanies pasta salad to make it a complete meal? The taste will be enhanced, a balanced diet will be created as well and different dietary needs catered for if you pair your pasta salad with the right dishes.
In this guide, I’ll look at some best main dishes, side dishes, drinks, and dessert recipes that go very well with pasta salad.
Why Pairing Matters
There are many reasons why it is important to pair pasta salads with complementary foods:
1. Enhance Flavors: For example, your tangy Italian dressing in your pasta salad could be balanced perfectly by a savory grilled chicken.
2. Create a Balanced Meal: By combining pasta salad with proteins, veggies, and other sides you get a balanced meal. This becomes especially vital if your salad is acting as the main course.
3. Cater to Different Dietary Needs: You can offer something for everyone such as vegetarians, gluten-free, or meat-eaters by having diverse combinations with them.
Main Dishes that Complement Pasta Salad
Grilled Meats
Pasta salad is an excellent dish to enjoy with grilled meat. The pasta salads taste great when they are eaten with flavors of smoked and juicy flavors from grilling.
Grilled Chicken
The juicy, tender meat does not overwhelm the pasta salad which makes it a good match. A simple marinade of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs can add a zesty kick to the chicken thus enhancing the taste of your meal in general.
Grilled Steak
For something more substantial, one can choose to go for grilled steak. The rich, savory flavor of steak contrasts nicely with a cool tangy pasta salad. Try ribeye or sirloin cuts which have excellent flavor and tenderness. Sprinkle with garlic salt, and black pepper and just touch red wine vinegar for a really tasty combination.
Grilled Fish
Pasta salad is best served alongside grilled fish since it offers lighter meals. You can also add other types of fish like salmon or tilapia as well as roasted shrimp which will give you different tastes and textures on your plate. A simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs will bring out both the best in your fish as well as pasta salad.
Barbecue Favorites
These are classic choices for Barbecue favorites that go well with pasta salad, particularly during summer outings and cookouts.
BBQ Ribs
Tangy creamy pasta salad matches perfectly with BBQ ribs due to its rich smoky flavor. These flavors create the best taste buds satisfaction for your guests; thus it is a must-try recipe if you have not yet tried it out. You can also cover the ribs in your favorite barbecue sauce to boost this flavor.
Pulled Pork
Pasta Salad pairs very well with another great barbecue favorite called pulled pork. This tender and juicy meat combined with the tangy pasta salad forms an excellent meal. Add a side of coleslaw for extra crunchiness and taste.
Vegetarian Options
There are several options for vegetarians who would rather eat something vegetarian that goes perfectly with pasta salads.
Grilled Vegetables
Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, which are barbecued give your food a deliciously healthy touch. The grilled juicy vegetables go hand-in-hand with the flavored pasta making it a side dish that will be perfect for anyone who doesn’t eat meat.
Veggie Burgers
When served together veggie burgers make an ideal hearty option and come along well with pasta salad. Store-bought or homemade veggie burgers can be spiced up right before being matched up with your favorite recipe of Pasta Salad; doing so gives forth wonderful combinations.
Side Dishes that Go Well with Pasta Salad
Breads and Rolls
These are the classical side dishes that go nicely with pasta salad, making it more appealing.
Garlic Bread
This version of garlic bread is very crispy and has a taste of garlic that enhances your experience with pasta salad. The hot buttery bread provides a good contrast against the cold, tangy pasta salad hence being a perfect accompaniment for dinner.
Dinner Rolls
Such rolls are always soft and buttered and they can be served as part of any meal. They will neutralize pasta salads’ flavors as well as bring up that familiar feeling of home to a dish that everyone loves.
Fresh Salads
Fresh salads are those cool sides alongside busting pasta; they add extra crunchiness to our food.
Green Salad
The green salad which comprises fresh vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper adds a crunchy feel to your meal. It can be dressed in simple vinaigrette or Italian dressing to complement your pasta salad.
Caprese Salad
A Caprese salad made from fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves brings out the flavor of your pasta salad. The salad also makes it taste better when added to this overall dish.
Beverages to Serve with Pasta Salad
Choosing the right beverages to go with pasta salad will enhance your dining experience, whether you are just having a picnic or a more formal gathering.
Non-Alcoholic Options
Non-alcoholic drinks are refreshing options that bring out the flavors of pasta salad.
Lemonade/Iced Tea
Pasta Salad goes well with lemonade as well as iced tea. The sour, sugary flavor of lemonade together with the breezy calming feel of iced tea complement the various tastes of this dish quite well.
Sparkling Water with Fruit
Sparkling water with fruit is a light, fizzy option that adds a fun twist to your meal. Add slices of lemon, lime, or berries for a refreshing and visually appealing drink.
Alcoholic Options
Alcohol options for those who want it come in plenty and they make good combinations with pasta salad.
White Wine
Light white wine that does not overpower the taste of pasta salad is a good one. When selecting it, go for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio amongst others.
Light Beers
Light beers are refreshing and easy to drink, making them a great choice to serve with pasta salad. Look for lagers or pilsners that offer a balanced flavor profile.
Desserts to Pair with Pasta Salad
A good choice of dessert to end your meal can leave a powerful legacy in the minds of those who you just entertained. The following are some desserts that go well with pasta salad:
Fruit Salad
Pasta salad goes very well with fruit salads. This could be done by combining a mixture of berries, melon, and citrus fruits thereby giving the meal a colorful and delicious finish. The natural sweetness of the fruits balances off the acidity and saltiness of the pasta making it even more refreshing.
Sorbet
Another option is sorbet which is rich in flavor but at the same time it is light and refreshing because it acts as a palate cleanse. Flavors such as lemon, raspberry, or mango have different tastes thus adding some sourness to the creamy texture of this dish made from pasta.
Brownie
Ending your meal with brownies having their delicious chocolate richness is worth it. Its dense fudgy nature provides an excellent contrast against lighter pastas like salads.
Cookies
It is easy to bake cookies for serving; thus they make great accompaniments for any meal. For example, you may want to consider chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or sugar cookies as a way to wrap up your dinner with pasta salad dishes.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Meal with Pasta Salad
For pasta salad to be created, it is not enough to just pick the right combinations. The following are some suggestions to ensure that your meal is well-balanced, tasty, and eye-catching.
Balancing Flavors
The key to a satisfying meal is ensuring balance in flavors. Here are some tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: green vegetables, spices, and fresh meats can give your pasta salad and its accompaniments a higher level of taste.
- Season Well: don’t hesitate to use herbs, spices, and marinades to make your dishes tastier. This could be done by making a simple dressing using olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice with a significant impact.
- Add Contrast: The inclusion of tangy pasta salad with savory grilled meats or smoky barbecue creates an amazing contrast that keeps the taste buds busy.
Considering Dietary Restrictions
Catering for various dietary requirements will guarantee everyone’s participation in the meal. Below are ideas on how to achieve that:
- Vegetarian Options: Including many grilled vegetables, veggie burgers, and fresh salads helps cater to vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free pasta in making your pasta salad and provide gluten-free bread/rolls as well.
- Vegan Options: Consider plant-based proteins like chickpea patties or grilled tofu by using vegan dressings too.
Presentation Tips
The presentation of your dish can create an impression about it. The following are some suggestions:
1. Plating: Pasta salad with all its accompaniments may be served on big colorful platters which makes it look attractive during meals and also easy to share among family members.
2. Garnishing: Dress up your dishes by using little bits of fresh herbs such as basil or parsley. This adds color variation and increases the explosive of tastes.
3. Serving: Ensure hot dishes are served while still hot whereas cold ones must remain cold or room temperature only so as not to destroy their integrity.
Conclusion
The main concern here was to know what goes with pasta salad to make it a well-balanced, tasty, and fulfilling meal. I covered such main dishes as grilled chicken, and BBQ ribs as well as vegetarian options.
Besides, I took a glance at side dishes like garlic bread, green salad, and antipasto platters. As for beverages, I recommended refreshing options like lemonade, iced tea, or white wine. Finally, I rounded off with desserts like fruit salad and brownies.
I encourage you to try different combinations so that you can find the one that suits your palate and nutritional needs most. Kindly share your best matches in the comments below besides having a look at our other recipes for more inspiration!
- For a variety of delicious pasta salad recipes and step-by-step guides, visit tastesbetterfromscratch.com.
FAQs: What Goes with Pasta Salad
What can you serve with pasta salad?
Pasta salad can be taken with grilled meat, sandwiches, bread, or any other meal of the day as a side dish.
What are some vegan options to pair with pasta salad?
Good examples of these are grilled veggies, veggie burgers, and fruit salad.
Can you eat pasta salad as a meal?
Yes, pasta salad can be a meal if it has protein such as chicken, cheese, or beans and many vegetables.
Is pasta salad considered a main dish?
A pasta salad can be a main dish if the ingredients incorporated into it are enough protein and vegetables to make it satisfying.
Is macaroni salad and pasta salad the same thing?
Macaroni salad is a specific type of pasta salad that includes mayonnaise whereas pasta salad is a general term that encompasses any pasta dish that is combined with other ingredients and dressed.
