What Goes Well with Pesto Pasta? 12 Salads & Dishes to Serve

/ Side Dishes / By

We all love pesto pasta, and so do our guests! But choosing the right side dish can take your meal from delicious to unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a quick lunch, or a fancy gathering, I’ve rounded up the perfect recipes to pair with pesto pasta.

You’ll find refreshing salads for a lighter touch and flavorful sides that complement pesto beautifully. The best part? These options are healthy, simple to make, and ideal for both busy weekdays and relaxed weekends. So go ahead, pick your favorite pairing and make your pesto night even better!

If you want to save time in the future, don’t miss my guide: How to Freeze Pasta with Sauce

And for true pasta lovers, be sure to try these too:

1. Fresh Tomato Basil Salad

This Fresh Tomato Basil Salad is one of the quickest and simplest sides to serve with pesto pasta. It takes only 5 minutes to prepare and requires no cooking at all. The juicy tomatoes and fresh basil balance the rich pesto sauce beautifully. You can also add mozzarella to turn it into a mini Caprese variation.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1–2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)

Steps

  1. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to a bowl.
  2. Tear the basil leaves and sprinkle them over the tomatoes.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Add grated Parmesan if you’d like a richer flavor.
  6. Mix gently and serve immediately with warm pesto pasta.

2. Crispy Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic side that works with nearly any pasta dish and it’s especially good with pesto pasta. This version is ready in 10 minutes, super easy, and you can make it with French bread, sourdough, or even dinner rolls.

Ingredients

  • 1 French baguette (or any crusty bread), sliced lengthwise
  • 4 tbsp softened butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional but delicious)

Steps

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
  3. Spread the garlic butter evenly over both sides of the sliced baguette.
  4. Sprinkle with Parmesan if you want extra flavor.
  5. Bake for 7–8 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and crispy.
  6. Slice and serve warm alongside your pesto pasta.

3. Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

When it comes to fresh and bright sides to serve with pesto pasta, roasted vegetables are always at the top of my list. This lemon parmesan roasted broccoli adds slightly crispy contrast that pairs beautifully with creamy basil pesto. It’s quick (about 20 minutes total) and works for weeknight dinners, vegetarian meals, or a light lunch bowl.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)

Steps

  1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
  2. Spread the broccoli on a baking tray.
  3. Drizzle olive oil, then add salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Toss well.
  4. Roast for 15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly charred.
  5. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan.
  6. Serve warm with pesto pasta for the perfect bright, zesty side dish.

4. Garlic Butter Green Beans

Green beans are one of those sides that feel simple but always make the meal better. When I serve pesto pasta for dinner, I love adding something warm and garlicky on the side and these garlic butter green beans fit perfectly. They’re ready in about 15 minutes, super easy to make, and add a nice crunchy contrast to the soft pasta.

Ingredients

  • 300g fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional but adds a nice brightness)

Steps

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3 minutes.
  2. Drain and rinse them under cold water to keep their bright color.
  3. In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil together over medium heat.
  4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the green beans, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes.
  6. Finish with lemon juice if you like a fresh touch.

Serve warm alongside your pesto pasta the buttery garlic flavor balances the basil beautifully.

5. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Whenever I want something juicy, sweet, and super easy to serve with pesto pasta, I go straight for roasted cherry tomatoes. They take barely 5 minutes of prep and about 15–20 minutes in the oven, and honestly the burst of warm sweetness tastes amazing next to the herby basil flavor of pesto. This is also a great option if you’re making a vegetarian pesto pasta dinner but still want something a bit “special” on the side.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced

Steps

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Add cherry tomatoes to a small baking dish.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over them and add salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic slices.
  4. Toss everything gently to coat.
  5. Roast for 15–20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly blistered.

Serve this right on top of your pesto pasta, or on the side. The warm tomatoes add richness and make the whole dish feel brighter and more complete.

6. Lemon Parmesan Asparagus

If you’re looking for a fresh and bright side lemon Parmesan asparagus is one of my absolute favorites. It cooks in under 10 minutes, tastes restaurant-level delicious, and adds a crisp, citrusy contrast that makes your whole meal feel lighter. This pairs especially well if you’re serving pesto pasta for dinner and want something elegant but low-effort.

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 12–15 spears)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Steps

  1. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add asparagus and season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until tender but still crisp.
  5. Turn off heat and drizzle with lemon juice.
  6. Sprinkle lemon zest and Parmesan on top.

This side dish adds freshness and a little crunch, making it a great match for basil pesto pasta especially if you’re serving it as a vegetarian meal.

7. Classic Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is one of those sides that just works with almost any pasta dish and pesto pasta is no exception. The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons bring a refreshing contrast to the rich basil pesto flavor. It’s easy, fast, and perfect when you want something that feels fresh without extra cooking. Ready in just 10 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup croutons
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated

For the Dressing: (simple shortcut version)

  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Steps

  1. Add chopped romaine to a large salad bowl.
  2. Toss in croutons and Parmesan.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk mayo, garlic, Dijon, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving.
  5. Toss lightly and serve chilled.

This crisp Caesar salad gives a crunchy, creamy pop especially great if you’re serving it for dinner and want a refreshing side dish.

8. Italian Roasted Vegetables

If you’re looking to add more color and flavor to your pesto pasta dinner, Italian roasted vegetables are a go-to. It’s a simple, healthy side that’s ready in about 25–30 minutes and works for both vegetarian and family-friendly meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil mix)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1–2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

Steps

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. In a large bowl, combine all vegetables.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle herbs, salt, and pepper, then toss well.
  4. Spread vegetables evenly on a baking sheet.
  5. Roast for 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway, until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
  6. (Optional) Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness.

Serve alongside your pesto pasta the roasted veggies add texture, color, that pairs beautifully with the herby basil flavors.

9. Grilled Chicken with Pesto

When I want to add some protein to my pesto pasta, grilled chicken is my go-to. It’s simple, juicy, and the mild flavor of chicken lets the basil pesto shine. This combo is perfect if you’re asking, “What protein goes well with pesto pasta?” plus, it only takes 20 minutes to make and elevates your pasta dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
  • 2–3 tbsp basil pesto (for topping or marinating)

Steps

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
  2. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
  3. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
  4. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  5. Drizzle or toss with basil pesto before serving alongside your pasta.

This grilled chicken makes your pesto pasta dinner feel balanced while keeping the basil flavor as the star of the dish.

10. Shrimp Scampi with Pesto

If you’re a seafood lover like me, shrimp scampi with pesto is an easy way to turn your pasta dinner into something special. The garlicky, buttery shrimp pair beautifully with the fresh basil flavor in the pesto, and it’s ready in about 15 minutes. This is also a great answer to “What goes well with pesto pasta for dinner?” if you want something light, flavorful, and a little fancy without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2–3 tbsp butter
  • 2–3 tbsp basil pesto
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Reduce heat to low, add butter, pesto, and lemon juice. Toss shrimp gently to coat.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over your pesto pasta.

11. Caprese Salad

Whenever I serve pesto pasta, I love pairing it with a Caprese salad. It’s simple, fresh, and the combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil mirrors the flavors in your pasta. Plus, it’s ready in just 5–10 minutes perfect if you want a no-fuss, colorful side. This is my go-to when I’m asking, “What goes well with pesto pasta vegetarian-style?”

Ingredients

  • 3–4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 1 handful fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Steps

  1. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate, alternating each slice.
  2. Tuck basil leaves between the slices for freshness.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
  4. (Optional) Add balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper.

This salad is vibrant, light, and perfectly complements the richness of basil pesto pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes.

12. Pesto Pasta with Mozzarella Balls Salad

I love creating a fresh, colorful side like pesto pasta with mozzarella balls salad to serve alongside your main pesto pasta. It’s light, creamy, with basil flavor basically a salad and pasta in one. This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a vegetarian-friendly option, and it only takes 10–15 minutes to toss together.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
  • 3 tbsp basil pesto
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Steps

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and add the basil pesto. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

This salad is fresh, cheesy, and flavorful, making it a perfect side dish to serve with pesto pasta. It’s simple, quick, and adds a lovely vegetarian-friendly touch to your meal.