What complements a tomato and pasta salad?

[Anonymous]

I’m bringing cherry tomatoes and spaghetti with basil and a balsamic vinegar-olive oil dressing for my coworkers tomorrow and I don’t know what to serve with it. Oh, and I’m thinking about adding in fresh mozzarella.

I’d like something green but not acidic or creamy. I also thought about sweet potato chips but I’m not sure about that. Maybe a good beverage? Not sure how I’d serve that and alcohol is banned at my workplace so really good beverages are out.

I usually eat it on its own but for coworkers I felt it needed something.

Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

I’m confused: Are you bringing a meal? Or are you just bringing a side for them to enjoy with their own lunch?

[Anonymous]

Sweet potato chips with pasta?

[Anonymous]

Definitely yes to mozzarella and no to sweet potato chips. Also do you have to use spaghetti? Can you use a shorter pasta instead? You could also include kalamata olives in the pasta.

[Anonymous]

That’s a side dish. If you’re going for a meal then make some chicken or steak too.

[Anonymous]

I’m confused- the pasta and cherry tomatoes are separate dishes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely yes to mozzarella and no to sweet potato chips. Also do you have to use spaghetti? Can you use a shorter pasta instead? You could also include kalamata olives in the pasta.

All of this!

A shorter pasta. Spaghetti is messy and difficult to eat in a work setting, if people are eating at their desks or smushed into a conference room.

Add cheese. No chips. And some other veggies to bulk it up. Olives, artichoke, spinach, onions, roasted peppers.

[Anonymous]

I think you need to reconsider this idea

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely yes to mozzarella and no to sweet potato chips. Also do you have to use spaghetti? Can you use a shorter pasta instead? You could also include kalamata olives in the pasta.

Don’t put olives in the pasta! On the side is ok; but it’s such a strong taste. I hate olives.

[Anonymous]

Something green, as part of the salad or a separate dish? If part of it, what about cucumbers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Definitely yes to mozzarella and no to sweet potato chips. Also do you have to use spaghetti? Can you use a shorter pasta instead? You could also include kalamata olives in the pasta.

All of this!

A shorter pasta. Spaghetti is messy and difficult to eat in a work setting, if people are eating at their desks or smushed into a conference room.

Add cheese. No chips. And some other veggies to bulk it up. Olives, artichoke, spinach, onions, roasted peppers.

Oh, and beans.

[Anonymous]

I would leave the cheese on the side not everyone can tolerate all kinds of dairy. I’d also have some meat sliced on the side. Some people need to eat high protein at every meal especially if they are diabetic. They would also need to limit the pasta intake and need something else. Maybe a simple salad, pasta, and meat. That’s what I would go with. It would cover all dietary needs. For a drink I would do iced tea sweet and unsweet. Chick Fil A is good for this.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, everyone!

This is for 4 coworkers, one of whom is vegetarian.

I’m not well versed in meats. Would luncheon meats work? Pate?

Or, instead should I do roasted beets, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts with a mustard-apple cider vinegar dressing and quinoa? It’s more filling.

[Anonymous]

As others have said, is this a potluck, or are you bringing lunch for everyone? Salad, bread, tray of cookies, done. I agree on not using long spaghetti for a cold salad - it’s messy and hard to handle.

My go to for potluck to be served warm or cold is tortellini, pesto, peas, and chopped fresh tomatoes marinated in balsamic and tossed in. Everyone loves it and it’s really easy to do.

[Anonymous]

I like your pasta salad idea, OP. I suggest using something like a bow tie pasta because it is easier to eat. Since you're obviously trying to accommodate your vegetarian colleague, you can drop the meat idea (although I normally would add some protein in the salad, too, if it is a main course). Include some cheese, though, mozzarella or feta are good options. I like your chip idea to give a little salt and crunch. Or sliced French or sour dough bread, bring some butter, too.