Make your next meal shine with these pasta salad recipes! Fresh, fast, and full of flavor, great for warm weather and weeknights.
This post is all about the best pasta salad recipes.
Nothing says summer like a cool, refreshing pasta salad!
These tasty salads are super easy to whip up and are always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re heading to a backyard barbecue, or a potluck, or just need a quick, no-fuss meal, pasta salad is a go-to favorite.
The best part? Pasta salads are incredibly versatile. Toss in your favorite veggies, protein, and dressing to create a dish that suits your taste.
They’re perfect for hosts who want to keep everyone happy without spending hours in the kitchen.
Plus, you can make them ahead of time and just pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Easy, customizable, and delicious, what’s not to love?
These summer recipes will inspire you. So, check out these 35 amazing pasta salad recipes and make your summer unforgettable.
Best Pasta Salad Recipes:
1. Tuscan Pasta Salad
Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad is a classic Mediterranean dish. It mixes sun-dried tomatoes’ sweetness with basil’s freshness in a tasty pasta salad.
To make it, toss cooked pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, beans, and Italian dressing.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a kick.
It’s a light and satisfying summer meal.
2. Chicken and Bacon Pasta Salad
Pasta salad isn’t just for vegetarians. You can add protein to make it a complete meal.
Start with chicken and bacon for a protein boost. Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. Cook pasta, mix with chicken, bacon, and avocado, then toss in ranch dressing.
This chicken and Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad with avocado just hits the spot.
3. Tuna and beans Pasta Salad
For a lighter option, try Tuna and White Bean Pasta Salad with Capers.
Tuna is high in protein, which helps keep you full and energized
With white beans and capers, it’s also full of fiber and flavor. It’s important to eat your fiber just like your proteins.
4. Spicy Thai Peanut Pasta Salad
Cold noodles meet crunchy veggies with creamy peanut dressing.
Great for warm weather and spice lovers.
5. Caprese Pasta Salad
This salad celebrates summer with its fresh flavors.
You’ll need mozzarella, tomatoes, and balsamic glaze.
Cook pasta, mix it with tomatoes and mozzarella, and finish with balsamic glaze and basil.
6. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Add buffalo chicken and blue cheese to your pasta salad.
Cook pasta, then mix it with shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese, celery, and green onions.
Add ranch or blue cheese dressing for a tasty salad.
7. Lemon Herb Pasta Salad with Chickpeas
Try making a refreshing Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Chickpeas.
Mix cooked pasta with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a zesty lemon herb dressing.
This salad is versatile, letting you add your favorite herbs and proteins. It’s a healthy and flavorful meal.
8. Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Pasta Salad
For a more indulgent salad, try Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Pasta Salad.
It has roasted red peppers for a sweet fl3avor, feta cheese for tanginess, and it would be even better with pine nuts for crunch.
Toss all these with cooked pasta and a simple vinaigrette for a satisfying salad.
9. Shrimp and Avocado Pasta Salad
For something exotic, choose Shrimp and Avocado Pasta Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing.
Shrimp is a great protein source. With avocado and cilantro lime dressing, it’s refreshing and satisfying.
It’s perfect for summer or a light lunch.
10. Grilled Steak and Blue Cheese Pasta Salad
For a heartier option, try grilled Steak and Blue Cheese Pasta Salad.
we love this Grilled steak and blue cheese combo paired with arugula because it’s rich and satisfying.
It’s great for special occasions or weekend dinners.
11. Roasted Vegetable and Pesto Pasta Salad
Roasting vegetables makes them sweet, which goes well with pesto.
Roast zucchini, peppers, and eggplant.
Then, mix them with pasta, pesto, and pine nuts for a salad full of flavors and textures.
12. Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
This salad is creamy and rich. It has pasta, spinach, goat cheese,garlic and onion.
A simple vinaigrette dressing ties it all together. It’s a great way to enjoy greens in a tasty meal.
13. Sesame Ginger Vegetable Pasta Salad
Make a Sesame Ginger Vegetable Pasta Salad for Asian-inspired flavors.
It has edamame and sesame ginger dressing.
This salad is vegan, nutritious, and filling, perfect for enjoying veggies and protein together.
14. Southwestern Black Bean Pasta Salad
For an underrated pasta salad recipe, try this Southwest Black Bean Salad.
It’s flavorful and healthy with black beans, corn, and cilantro.
Enjoy it as a main or side dish, ideal for vegan dinners or summer potlucks.
15. Olive and Artichoke Pasta Salad
Olive and Artichoke Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is another tasty choice.
It combines marinated artichoke hearts and olives with pasta, parsley, and lemon vinaigrette.
This salad really shows Mediterranean cuisine’s simplicity.
16. Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad
Smoky salmon pairs with fresh dill and briny capers for a dish that’s light yet luxurious, perfect for a summer brunch, picnic centerpiece, or an easy dinner.
Chilling before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully.
17. Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad
This salad is comforting and familiar.
It has pasta, broccoli, and cheddar cheese with ranch dressing.
It’s a classic that will satisfy your cravings.
18. Caesar Pasta Salad
Farfalle, romaine, grilled chicken, and Caesar made light with Greek yogurt.
Crisp and satisfying.
19. Apple Pasta Salad
Sweet and Savory Diced apples, red onions, fresh basil and mint, in a lemony sour cream dressing.
This salad screams fall.
20. Sriracha Pasta Salad
This salad brings the heat with a spicy sriracha kick, perfectly balanced by the cool crunch of fresh cucumbers and carrots.
It’s bold and packed with flavor in every bite.
21. Taco Pasta Salad
Give your pasta salad a Mexican twist.
Use taco-seasoned meat, tomatoes, black beans, avocado, and queso fresco.
Mix with pasta, then add avocado lime dressing and tortilla strips for a fun salad.
22. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Make a tangy pasta salad with dill pickles, cheddar cheese, ham, and fresh dill.
Add a creamy dressing for a comforting salad.
23. Strawberry Balsamic Pasta Salad
Try a sweet and savory pasta salad.
Mix cooked pasta with strawberries, spinach, feta, and pecans. Use balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
24. No-Cook Summer Pasta Salad
This quick and easy recipe is a lifesaver on hot, busy nights.
Toss together pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped veggies, pasta, and a creamy green goddess dressing for a refreshing, no-fuss meal ready in minutes.
25. Teriyaki Vegetable Pasta Salad
Sweet meets savory in this tropical-inspired salad.
Juicy pineapple pairs perfectly with teriyaki sauce, pasta, and crisp veggies for a fun, flavorful bite every time.
26. Sweet Potato Pasta Salad
Whether served warm or chilled, this cozy fall dish combines roasted sweet potatoes and hearty kale, all tossed in a zesty mustard vinaigrette for the perfect seasonal bite.
27. Mango Curry Pasta Salad
This one’s a little different, in the best way!
Sweet mango, creamy curry dressing, and crunchy cashews come together for a fun combo you’ll keep craving.
This is everything about the pasta salad recipes.
