• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Hollis Homestead
  • Shop
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • About
  • Instant Pot
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Frigidaire Air Fry Range
  • Recipe Index
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Shop
  • Recent Recipes
  • Contact
    • About
    • Work With Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes

    What Goes With Pasta Salad: 25 Easy Ideas

    January 5, 2023 by amberhollis918@gmail.com Leave a Comment

    Pasta salad in my opinion is the perfect summer side dish. When I think of pasta salad I think of hot summer cookouts & backyard BBQs with the smell of the smoker or Trager cooking delicious meats to perfection. A great way to compliment the main course is classic pasta salad. If you need a little inspiration for your next summertime get-together have put together a list of 25 favorite foods to compliment the perfect side dish.

    cropped-Banza-Pasta-Salad-22.jpg

    For an easy pasta salad recipe check out how I make perfectly al dente Italian Pasta Salad Recipe in the Instant Pot and Gluten-Free Banza Chickpea Pasta Salad. They are both super easy recipes and a crowd pleaser when I need a potluck side dish in the summer months.

    Jump to:
    • Main Dish Ideas
    • The Best Side Dishes
    • Pasta Salad Variations
    • Ingredient Ideas:
    • Advance Prep
    • Storage
    • Equipment
    • Top tip

    Main Dish Ideas

    • Grilled Hot Dogs
    • Grilled Hamburgers
    • Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
    • Fried Chicken
    • Boneless Chicken Breasts
    • Homemade Chicken Fingers (Air Fry Range)
    • Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
    • Air Fry Range Sticky Fingers
    • Air Fry Oven Nashville Hot Chicken
    • Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps
    • Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
    • Air Fryer Range Coconut Shrimp
    • Air Fryer Range Whole Chicken
    • Banza Chickpea Pasta Salad (gluten-free)
    • Instant Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps
    • Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers (with freezer instructions)
    • Doritos Taco Salad With Creamy Salsa Dressing

    The Best Side Dishes

    • Creamy Potato Salad
    • Instant Pot Chicken Salad
    • Broccoli Slaw
    • Fresh Vegetables
    • Garlic Bread
    • Macaroni Salad
    • Green Salads
    • Easy Fruit Salad
    • Baked Beans
    • Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
    • Garlic Knots Stuffed With Cheese
    • Homemade Macaroni & Cheese
    • Homemade French Fries In Air Fry Range
    • Air Fry Range Brussels Sprouts
    • Frigidaire Air Fry Oven Red Potatoes
    • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

    Pasta Salad Variations

    Traditionally I serve a simple cold pasta salad with sharp cheddar cheese, black olives, mini pepperoni, an Italian seasoning blend, and a tangy Italian dressing, however, it really is the perfect blank slate for a variety of different flavors. Here are a ton of other fun ingredient ideas that pair perfectly with this classic side dish.

    Ingredient Ideas:

    Vegetables:

    • Diced Bell Peppers
    • Sliced Green Onions
    • Fresh Herbs
    • Diced Red Onion
    • Roasted Red Peppers
    • Juicy Cherry Tomatoes
    • Diced Cucumbers

    Cheese:

    • Grated Parmesan Cheese
    • Fresh Mozzarella Pearls
    • Feta Cheese
    • Pimento Cheese
    • Romano Cheese

    Meat:

    • Cubed Ham
    • Sliced Salami
    • Mini Pepperoni

    Toppings:

    • Bacon Crumbles
    • Pine Nuts
    • Sun-Dried Tomatoes
    • Chickpeas

    Dressing:

    • Zesty Italian Dressing
    • Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
    • Primal Kitchen Italian Dressing & Marinade

    As you can see the possibilities with pasta salad really are endless. The best way to make it is to use a combination of your favorite ingredients, remember, you can always try a totally different variation next time.

    Advance Prep

    I always recommend making pasta salad a few hours in advance up to the night before you need it. Having time to chill the pasta and allow it to absorb some of the spices and flavors of the Italian dressing make it more pronounced. Prepare all the different ingredients and combine them in a large bowl, toss to combine with the dressing, and store in an airtight container overnight.

    Storage

    Pasta salad stores best in a large bowl with an air-tight lid. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When serving leftovers you may need to add a splash of dressing and toss to break up the noodles if they are stuck together.

    Equipment

    Prepare pasta in a large stock pot like this and rinse and drain it using a collapsible colander. A sharp knife or food processor can also be beneficial when chopping meats and vegetables.

    Top tip

    No matter what type of pasta you are using be sure to prepare it according to the package’s instructions for al dente results and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. The best pasta salad has cooked but firm noodles. If you overcook the pasta it will likely fall apart.

    Should pasta salad be served cold or warm?

    Pasta salad should be served cold or at room temperature after it has been refrigerated for a minimum of 2 hours.

    Can pasta salad be made the night before?

    Yes! Pasta salad is the perfect make-ahead side dish. If made the night before add an additional ¼ of desired dressing and toss to incorporate before serving.

    Should you rinse pasta after cooking for pasta salad?

    Yes, it is important to rinse the pasta under cool running water to stop the cooking process when making pasta salad. Pasta salad should be made with cooked but firm short-cut pasta varieties.

    « Banza Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
    Beijing Beef (Frigidaire Air Fry Range) »

    Filed Under: Recipes

    Subscribe

    for your weekly recipe fix.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Disclosure

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Hollishomestead.com