These easy pasta salad recipes are the ultimate summertime food. They are fast, flexible, and they get more delicious by the day.
Cold pasta salad is the ultimate American summer side dish. They are full of vibrant flavors, travel and pack well, and get better in the fridge every minute – marinating in delicious dressing.
Pasta salads are perfect for brunch, lunch, snacks, dinner, picnics, BBQ’s and potlucks.
The Best Pasta Salad Recipes
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Bright, colorful and jam packed with flavor, this is the ultimate pasta salad! Ours is tossed in a bright Greek dressing you’ll love.
Pasta
Tortellini Pasta Salad
This tortellini pasta salad is jam packed with zesty Mediterranean flavors. A homemade Greek dressing perfectly complements the textural pasta and veggies in this amazing cold side dish! Read More
25 mins
Macaroni Pasta Salad
This classic macaroni salad is the ultimate summer side dish! With a luxuriously creamy dressing and an array of bright and beautiful veggies, this dish is full of flavor.
Pasta
Macaroni Salad
This is an incredible classic Macaroni Salad with creamy mayonnaise based dressing, tossed with your favorite vegetables. Read More
1 hr 25 mins
Fiesta Pasta Salad
Make our easy 20 minute fiesta-inspired pasta salad – a light, and delicious recipe that makes the perfect side dish or stand alone dinner.
I turned my favorite Cilantro Lime Dressing into a kicked-up pasta salad recipe that is light, refreshing and perfect for parties!
Recipes
Mexican Pasta Salad
Tantalize your taste buds with a delicious and refreshing twist on traditional pasta salad – Mexican Pasta Salad! This colorful lunch, dinner or side dish is full of zesty Mexican flavor. Read More
21 mins
Spaghetti Salad
Tossed in a savory homemade Italian dressing, this cold spaghetti salad recipe is a keeper. It’s a recipe your friends and family will ask you to bring again and again.
Side Dishes
Spaghetti Salad
Spaghetti Salad is a fresh, simple savory side dish or lunch for summer and beyond! This crowd pleasing recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for picnics, parties and potlucks! Read More
20 mins
Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad is a classic recipe that is quick and easy, with just 15 minutes hands on time.
Pasta
Italian Pasta Salad
This easy Italian pasta salad recipe is the perfect summer side dish that takes very little time and effort. It’s such a classic side dish that is so light and refreshing! Read More
25 mins
Seafood Pasta Salad
This seafood pasta salad is so easy and uses just a few ingredients. It’s the ultimate summer pasta salad!
Pasta
Seafood Pasta Salad
A light and refreshing Seafood Pasta Salad recipe for a lunch you can enjoy all week or side dish for get togethers! This recipe is so easy and uses just a few ingredients. It’s the ultimate summer pasta salad. Read More
20 mins
Basil and Lemon Pasta Salad
Lemon basil recipes are perfect for spring and summer get togethers or for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner. This lemon pasta salad is no exception! It’s perfect for picnics and parties.
Pasta
Basil Lemon Pasta Salad
Lemon basil pasta salad is a light and refreshing alternative to classic pasta salads. It’s full of fresh flavor and… Read More
17 mins
Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This bow tie pasta salad has the most amazing pasta salad dressing made with lemon and basil. It’s always a crowd pleaser!
Pasta
Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This is a light and refreshing pasta salad recipe, perfect for summer picnics and outings. This bow tie pasta salad… Read More
15 mins
Veggie Pasta Salad
Overflowing with nutrients thanks to an array of fresh sauteed veggies, it’s a vegetarian pasta salad side dish you can feel good about!
Side Dishes
Veggie Pasta Salad
This veggie pasta salad recipe is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors! Overflowing with nutrients thanks to an array of fresh veggies, it’s a vegetarian pasta salad side dish you can feel good about! Read More
20 mins
Best Basic Pasta Salad Dressing
This dressing is so versatile! Add your favorite herbs and spices and make it your own – it’s the best base vinaigrette to save! Use this recipe with your favorite pasta and chopped ingredients for a custom pasta salad your family is sure to love.
Salads Dressings & Soups
Pasta Salad Dressing
Learn how to make your own versatile pasta salad dressing in just a couple minutes. You can mix up this easily adaptable recipe with your favorite oils, vinegars, and spices and herbs! Read More
3 mins
Tips for the Best Pasta Salads
- Use a Large Pot – A large pot of salty water gives noodles plenty of space to separate and cook properly rather than clump.
- Prepare Noodles al dente – Firm pasta will yield the best texture for pasta salad.
- Shock Pasta – Rinse pasta in cold water to stop it from cooking. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when it marinates with dressing.
- Refresh – If the pasta is dry, add more dressing and stir or shake. You can also leave a little water when draining the pasta to keep it moist and use less dressing.
These all look great – I can’t wait to give each one a try. Thanks so much for sharing!
This is the perfect list to have for summer! I love pasta salad!! Will be making all of these on the list but starting with spaghetti salad.
Enjoy!
I am so happy I found this. I feel like I am always looking for a pasta salad recipe last minute. Thank you!
Looking forward to working my way through this collection of pasta salads. My favorite during summertime!