Pasta salad doesn’t have to play it safe. A little shake of something bold or a spoonful of the unexpected can completely transform it.
These surprising seasonings bring new textures, global flavors, and serious personality to a humble bowl of noodles.
Whether you’re upgrading a picnic dish or reviving last night’s leftovers, this list of 20 inventive add-ins will make your pasta salad shine.
1. Za’atar
This earthy Middle Eastern blend of thyme, sesame, and sumac adds depth and crunch to pasta salad in a single toss. Its lemony brightness and herbal punch elevate even the simplest olive oil base.
Try it with cucumber, tomato, feta, and farfalle for a Levantine twist. A final drizzle of olive oil helps bloom the spice blend and ties everything together.
2. Smoked Paprika
Spanish smoked paprika brings a subtle heat and woodsy flavor that lingers gently on the tongue. Its rich red color also adds visual flair.
Toss it into a salad with roasted red peppers, corn, and black beans for a smoky southwestern vibe. A little goes a long way—start with a pinch and build up.
3. Lemon Zest
Grated lemon peel adds a pure citrus oil hit that juice alone can’t match. It brightens creamy or olive-oil-based dressings instantly.
Pair it with herbs like parsley or dill and a scattering of spring peas. The zest lifts heavy flavors and makes cold pasta feel sunny and sharp.
4. Harissa Paste
This North African chile paste blends garlic, cumin, and roasted peppers into one fiery, savory spoonful. Stir it into your dressing for warmth and heat.
Use it with chickpeas, olives, and couscous pasta for a bold, spicy salad. Harissa adds depth without overwhelming the dish—just enough to make people pause and ask, “what’s in this?”
5. Curry Powder
Curry powder’s combination of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek brings warmth and a golden glow to any pasta mix. It pairs especially well with creamy elements.
Try it in a yogurt-based pasta salad with chopped apples, celery, and raisins for a play on coronation chicken. It tastes like picnic food with a passport.
6. Pickle Juice
Briny, sharp, and surprisingly refreshing, pickle brine works as both a marinade and a seasoning. It adds acidity without being harsh.
Stir a tablespoon or two into your vinaigrette and watch flavors pop. It pairs especially well with hard cheeses, ham, or crunchy raw vegetables.
7. Chipotle In Adobo
These smoked jalapeños packed in tangy sauce bring bold, layered spice to pasta salad. They’re smoky, spicy, and a little sweet.
Chop them fine and whisk into a sour cream or mayo base for a Tex-Mex feel. Add corn, black beans, and shredded chicken for a hearty dish with kick.
8. Furikake
A Japanese seasoning made with seaweed, sesame seeds, and dried fish flakes, furikake adds umami and crunch. It makes pasta salad feel exciting and modern.
Toss it into cold soba or spaghetti with sliced cucumber and rice vinegar dressing. It’s salty, savory, and completely addictive.
9. Chili Crisp
This oily, crunchy Chinese condiment adds a crackle of fried garlic, shallot, and chili. It delivers heat and texture in every bite.
Spoon it over peanut noodle salad or an Asian-inspired pasta bowl with edamame and scallions. The chili oil seeps into the pasta for lingering warmth.
10. Everything Bagel Seasoning
Garlic, onion, sesame, poppy, and salt—what’s not to love? This blend adds crunch and a nostalgic, deli-style flavor.
Use it with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and fusilli for a bagel-inspired twist. It’s a bold choice, but a craveable one.
11. Ground Sumac
Tangy and lemony with a hint of berry, sumac is a go-to spice across the Middle East. It adds zing without acid.
Sprinkle it over a chickpea and pasta salad with red onion, cucumber, and olive oil. The flavor builds with each bite and leaves a clean, bright finish.
12. Fresh Mint
Chopped mint is cooling, grassy, and aromatic—perfect for hot-weather dishes. It pairs beautifully with peas, zucchini, or lemon-based dressings.
Add it to orzo pasta with feta and cherry tomatoes for Mediterranean flair. Mint refreshes the palate and brings out the best in summer produce.
13. Gochujang
This Korean fermented chili paste is spicy, sweet, and deeply savory. Just a little dollop can transform a bland dressing into something bold.
Whisk it with rice vinegar and sesame oil for a red-tinged Korean-style pasta salad. It shines with shredded cabbage and cold noodles.
14. Roasted Garlic Powder
Softer and sweeter than raw garlic, roasted garlic powder adds warmth and depth. It blends smoothly into creamy or vinaigrette dressings.
Use it in a bacon-and-ranch-style pasta salad for an added layer of richness. It won’t overpower, but it leaves a satisfying echo.
15. Dijon Mustard + Honey
The tang of Dijon and the softness of honey create a balanced base for sharp salads. It’s bold, classic, and endlessly adaptable.
Stir the combo into mayo or olive oil and add herbs like tarragon or thyme. This pairing adds both zing and softness in one swoop.
16. Coconut Aminos
A soy-free alternative to soy sauce, coconut aminos are slightly sweet and richly savory. They bring gentle umami to salads without the salt overload.
Use them in an Asian-style pasta salad with shredded carrot, cabbage, and sesame seeds. The flavor is subtle, but grounding.
17. Sherry Vinegar
Nutty and a touch oaky, sherry vinegar adds complexity that white or apple cider vinegars don’t match. It has just the right mellow acidity.
Splash it over pasta salad with roasted mushrooms, walnuts, and spinach. It rounds out earthy flavors with elegance.
18. Preserved Lemon
Salty, citrusy, and intensely aromatic, preserved lemon is a North African staple that wakes up any dish it touches.
Chop it finely and mix into couscous or orzo salad with olives and herbs. Its punchy flavor lingers in the best way.
19. Salsa Verde
This zesty green sauce—made with tomatillos, jalapeño, and cilantro—adds tang and heat without heaviness. It’s tart, herbal, and a little wild.
Toss it with rotini, black beans, grilled corn, and shredded chicken. It makes pasta salad feel like a taco night.
20. Cumin + Lime Juice
Cumin brings earthiness, lime adds brightness, and together they make magic. This combo is quick, punchy, and deeply satisfying.
Stir into a salad with chopped peppers, avocado, and whole wheat pasta. It’s the flavor of sunshine with a grounding spice kick.