Pasta salad is on of my favorite dishes to make. It is so versatile and can be served warm, hot or cold. Served savory, sweet or spicey. Check out some of the best of the best to serve with pasta salad, everything from proteins, oils to herbs and oils.
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Looking for a delicious cold pasta salad recipe you can check out my buffalo pasta salad
Pasta salads are not just for summer. They are also great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Family Reunions, Cookouts, and really all year round. Served cold or warm, pasta salads are great additions to just about any main course.
Main Dishes
1. Burgers
2. Hot wings
3. Blt
4. Chicken Sandwich / Chicken Salad
5. Fried Chicken
6. Paninis
7. Hot Dogs
8. BBQ
Chicken, ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers, brisket, and burnt ends.
Side Dishes
- Deviled Eggs
- Glazed Carrots
- Egg Salad
- Corn On The Cob / Grilled Corn
- Baked Beans / Pork and Beans
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Cornbread
- Potato Salads
- Sweet Potatoes
- Fried Okra
- Roasted Potatoes
Fresh Ingredients
Fresh vegetables are a great way to add additional nutrition and snap to make your pasta salad a healthy side dish.
- Watermelon
- Green Onions
- Red Pepper
- Bell Pepper
- Fresh Basil
- Lemon Juice
- Red Onion
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Parsley
- Green Beans
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy cherry tomatoes or any fresh tomatoes are one of my favorites to add to a cold pasta dish. The pop of flavor and the natural sweetness is always a good idea.
Cheeses
- Parmesan Cheese
- Feta Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
What Are Some Other Ingredients I Should Mix In?
Different Types of meats
Bacon, chicken, beef, tuna, brisket, ham or whatever your family loves. No matter which protein you choose, you can’t go wrong with whatever your family favorite is.
Seasonings
Everything we eat in our home are full of flavors that fit our tastes. Adding seasoning are always a key way to boost up any dish and that is no different when making pasta salad.
Here are a few of our favorite seasonings that you can add in.
- Garlic Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
- Sugar
- Black Pepper
Dressings And Vinegars
- Italian Dressing
- Homemade Dressing
- Mayonaise
- Olive Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Specialty oils and Specialty Vinegars. I live in an area that is very create in food. There is always some new to me oil or vinegar that I love to try. Everything from pecan oil to peach vinegar. All of them will go great with any of the pasta salads that I create.
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Champagne Vinegar
Pickled, Fermented And Other Ideas
- Olives black, green, Greek or Spanish
- Artichoke Hearts
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