Pasta salads are the perfect summer dish providing the perfect balance between refreshing, filling and healthy. Plus, it’s an easy dish to whip up for any last-minute potluck parties or meals with friends.
Although pasta salad is often thought of as a side dish for cookouts or picnics, it can also make filling and delicious meals for lunches or dinners.
And, when you give it a little creativity, pasta salads can elevate on any menu from humdrum to exciting. With that said, we’ve rounded up 36 delicious pasta salad recipes that will make your taste buds dance.
36 Easy Pasta Salad Recipes
1. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This delicious pasta salad is made by combining cooked macaroni with diced tomatoes, chopped bacon, and fresh chopped herbs tossed in ranch dressing.
2. Antipasto Pasta Salad
This Italian-style pasta salad is a mix of olives, pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs dressed in Italian dressing.
3. Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This healthy pasta salad is made up of veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese tossed with whole wheat pasta in a homemade lemon vinaigrette.
4. Caprese Pasta Salad
Keep it simple with this classic Italian dish tossed with fresh tomatoes, chopped basil, and mozzarella balls, all drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing.
5. BLT Pasta Salad
This classic sandwich in pasta salad form is a combination of cooked pasta, bacon, lettuce, and tomato, dressed in a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
6. Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
A creamy and tangy Italian dressing coats the pasta mixed with olives, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
7. Southwest Pasta Salad
A taste of the southwest can be found in this pasta salad with a combination of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado drizzled in a spicy chipotle dressing.
8. Greek Pasta Salad
This light and fresh pasta salad is filled with feta cheese, cucumber, bell peppers, kalamata olives, and dressed in a simple olive oil and lemon juice vinaigrette.
9. Pesto Pasta Salad
This bright green pasta salad is full of fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan, tossed with penne pasta and cherry tomatoes for a simple, yet delicious dish.
10. Broccoli Ranch Pasta Salad
Whip up a unique pasta salad by adding in fresh broccoli and a creamy ranch dressing mixed with cheddar cheese and pasta shells.
11. Tzatziki Pasta Salad
Tzatziki Pasta Salad is a refreshing and delicious dish that is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck. It is made with a creamy tzatziki dressing, pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
12. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Salad
For a protein-packed pasta salad, try this one that is filled with succulent shrimp, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a bright, tangy lemon garlic dressing.
13. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
A dill pickle pasta salad is a delightful combination of creamy dressing, crunchy dill pickles, and fresh ingredients for a truly satisfying dish. It’s perfect for a potluck, picnic, or a light meal, and can be easily customized to your taste.
14. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This classic salad gets a pasta twist by tossing penne pasta with Parmesan cheese, Chicken, crumbled bacon, and a Caesar dressing.
15. Tortellini Pasta Salad
Tortellini pasta salad is a versatile and delightful dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a picnic.
It’s packed with flavor and texture thanks to the combination of pasta, vegetables, cheese, and a delicious dressing.
16. Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
This lemon orzo pasta salad is a refreshing and delicious dish that is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck.
The lemon juice and oregano add a bright and flavorful touch to the salad, and the feta cheese provides a salty and creamy contrast.
17. Taco Pasta Salad
Taco pasta salad is a fun and flavorful combination of pasta, seasoned ground beef, taco-inspired ingredients, and a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for a potluck, picnic, or a quick and easy meal.
18. Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Salad
Cooked chicken mixed with a lemon herb dressing, plenty of fresh herbs, and silky angel hair pasta makes for a perfect lunch or dinner any day.
19. Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad
Spinach artichoke pasta salad is a classic and flavorful dish that combines creamy artichoke dip, fresh spinach, pasta, and a parmesan cheese topping for a satisfying and versatile salad.
20. Tex-Mex Pasta Salad
Cooked pasta mixed with all your favorite Tex-Mex ingredients like black beans, corn, avocado, and tossed in a lime and cumin dressing.
21. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Buffalo chicken pasta salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta, shredded chicken tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch dressing for a delicious and satisfying salad.
22. Spicy Italian Pasta Salad
Add some heat to your pasta salad by including pepperoncini peppers, salami, and pepper jack cheese, dressed in a spicy Italian vinaigrette.
23. Sundried Tomato and Artichoke Pasta Salad
Elevate your pasta salad with the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, and a lemon garlic dressing.
24. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Experience a taste of Hawaii with macaroni salad featuring pineapple, ham, and a creamy pineapple dressing.
25. Curry Pasta Salad
Incorporate the unique flavors of curry powder, diced apples, raisins, and toasted almonds in a pasta salad with a curry-infused dressing.
26. Mango Salsa Pasta Salad
Create a refreshing pasta salad with diced mango, black beans, red onion, and cilantro, all dressed in a zesty lime vinaigrette.
27. Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad
Combine creamy avocado, black beans, corn, and ranch dressing for a Southwestern-inspired pasta salad.
28. Pimento Cheese Pasta Salad
Turn your love for pimento cheese into a pasta salad with diced pimentos, cheddar cheese, and pasta coated in a mayo-based dressing.
29. Italian Sausage Pasta Salad
Spice up your pasta salad with Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and a garlic-balsamic dressing.
30. Honey Mustard Bacon Pasta Salad
Enjoy the sweet and savory combination of honey mustard dressing, crispy bacon, and your favorite pasta.
31. Spinach and Strawberry Pasta Salad
Add a burst of freshness with a pasta salad that combines spinach, fresh strawberries, feta cheese, and a poppy seed dressing.
32. Wild Rice and Cranberry Pasta Salad
Incorporate the earthy flavor of wild rice, dried cranberries, and a Dijon vinaigrette for a unique pasta salad.
33. Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad
Elevate your pasta salad with smoked salmon, capers, and a lemon-dill dressing for a gourmet touch.
34. Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad
Roast an assortment of vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, then mix them with pasta and a balsamic glaze.
35. Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad
Create a sweet and tangy pasta salad with balsamic dressing, fresh strawberries, and goat cheese.
36. Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Salad
Sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach come together in a pasta salad dressed with a garlic herb vinaigrette.
Final Thoughts,
Pasta salads are incredibly versatile, you can make them with just about anything you’ve got on hand!
Whether you’re packing a picnic, hosting a BBQ or simply looking for a light and easy dinner, pasta salads are always the answer.
These 36 delicious pasta salad recipes will give you all the options you need to satisfy your cravings all summer long. So, give them a try and see which ones your family and friends will love the most.
