A Thanksgiving dinner needs a few good sides to go with the main dish. For me, Thanksgiving is mostly about good food and spending time with family and friends. I also like having a few sides that everyone enjoys.
So, I’ve put together 15 pasta salad recipes that are a little different from the usual Thanksgiving sides. They’re easy to make and work well when you’re serving a crowd. Hopefully, you’ll find one here that you want to try this Thanksgiving.
Peanut Crunch Pasta Salad
With crunchy veggies, edamame, and a creamy peanut dressing, this Peanut Crunch Pasta Salad works well for a quick lunch or as a side dish with your Thanksgiving meal, particularly with roasted meat. The peanuts add a nutty flavor, while the veggies give every bite a little crunch.
Loaded Taco Pasta Salad
Need a quick side dish for your Thanksgiving party? This Loaded Taco Pasta Salad comes together in just 30 minutes. The smoky chipotle dressing pairs well with lighter vegetarian dishes.
Protein-Packed Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Got some leftover hard-boiled eggs? Put them to good use in this Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. Using protein fusilli makes this salad even more filling. Just remember to chill it for 2 hours before serving.
Basil & Avocado Pasta Salad
Fresh basil, creamy pesto dressing, and avocado make this pasta salad a tasty choice for lunch or dinner. This Basil & Avocado Pasta Salad tastes great the next day, too, so it’s a good one to make ahead.
Protein-Packed Chicken Pasta Salad
Chicken and protein fusilli make this Chicken Pasta Salad a filling addition to your Thanksgiving meal. The veggies add a nice crunch, while the chipotle seasoning gives the chicken a smoky kick. Have some leftover veggies in the fridge? Toss them in for extra crunch.
Thai Peanut Garden Pasta Salad
A creamy peanut butter dressing, roasted peanuts, and colorful veggies give this Peanut Garden Pasta Salad its Thai-inspired flavor. Edamame adds some protein, making the salad more filling. If you don’t have edamame, chickpeas or tofu work well, too.
Tangy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Love a little tang in your creamy pasta salad? This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a great choice for Thanksgiving family dinners and parties. Bacon adds a savory flavor, while Dijon mustard gives it a little extra tang. For more crunch, toss in some veggies, chickpeas, edamame, or beans.
Spring Garden Pasta Salad
Green veggies and fresh herbs are the stars of this Spring Garden Pasta Salad. It takes just 20 minutes to make, so you can prepare it the day before Thanksgiving and save yourself some time. If it dries out in the fridge, just add a little extra dressing before serving.
Mediterranean Tortellini Pasta Salad
Cheese-stuffed tortellini makes this salad a little more filling than your usual pasta salad. The creamy, tangy dressing goes well with the pasta and veggies. Serve it with grilled vegetables or garlic bread.
Classic BLT Pasta Salad
Bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and a creamy ranch avocado dressing make this Classic BLT Pasta Salad a good choice for holiday parties and winter meals. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, so it’s ready when you need it.
Sun-Dried Tomato Olive Pasta Salad
This sun-dried tomato olive pasta salad is a tangy side made with pasta, olives, veggies, and sun-dried tomato pesto. It takes less than 20 minutes to make, so it’s a quick side for Thanksgiving dinners and family gatherings. You can also make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Dijon Mozzarella Pasta Salad
This Dijon mozzarella pasta salad is made with Dijon mustard, mozzarella balls, and a creamy yogurt dressing. Dijon mustard gives the dressing a slightly tangy flavor. It takes just 20 minutes to make and is easy to take to potlucks or parties.
Creamy Parmesan Pasta Salad
This creamy Parmesan pasta salad takes about 30 minutes to make. It’s made with fusilli, fresh veggies, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy yogurt dressing with garlic, oregano, and chili flakes. It’s an easy side for Thanksgiving. It goes well with turkey, roast beef, or ham.
Chili Crisp Pasta Salad
This chili crisp pasta salad gets its crunch from the fresh veggies and chili crisp. It takes about 30 minutes to make and is a good option for Thanksgiving or casual get-togethers.