23 pasta salad recipes to enjoy all year round

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that works well for a variety of meals and occasions. These recipes offer different flavors and ingredients to keep things interesting. They’re straightforward to prepare and can be enjoyed warm or cold.

Tuna Pasta Salad

A bowl of Tuna Pasta Salad.
Image Credit: Cheerful Cook

This high-protein pasta salad is ridiculously easy to make with just a few ingredients. Perfect for lunch, parties, picnics or potlucks, it’s the go-to dish that everyone will love. Get the recipeTuna Pasta Salad

Italian Sub Pasta Salad

A plate of Italian Sub Pasta Salad.
Image Credit: Marisa’s Mixing Bowl

This Italian sub pasta salad has everything you love in a sub, just tossed with pasta and ready for a crowd. It works as a side or a main, and it’s basically begging to show up at your next BBQ or hangout. Get the recipeItalian Sub Pasta Salad

Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

A bowl of Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad.
Image Credit: Bless this Meal

Skip the boring pasta salad and try this shrimp pesto version instead. Juicy shrimp cooked with pesto and spices gets tossed with rotini and crisp veggies for a fresh and satisfying meal. Great for lunch prep or a quick dinner. Get the recipe: Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad

A bowl of Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad.
Image Credit: We Eat at Last

This pesto orzo salad pulls its weight whether it’s lunch, meal prep, or hanging out next to something grilled. It’s loaded with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta, and it comes together fast. Get the recipePesto Orzo Pasta Salad

Green Goddess Pasta Salad

A bowl of green goddess pasta salad.
Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

This green goddess pasta salad is my favorite creamy, tangy, herb-packed pasta salad. Perfect for summer potlucks or spring lunches, it’s easy to make and includes shredded chicken, tender pasta, baby spinach, arugula, and avocado. Get the recipeGreen Goddess Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad

A bowl of pesto pasta salad.
Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

This easy pesto pasta salad is filled with the most flavorful combination of zesty pesto, pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella cheese pearls, and kalamata olives. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s the perfect side dish for picnics, parties, and potlucks. Get the recipePesto Pasta Salad

Italian-Style Pasta Salad

A bowl of italian pasta salad.
Image Credit: The Heirloom Pantry

This Italian-style pasta salad is a hearty vegetarian side that’s loaded with Mediterranean ingredients, including olives and sun-dried tomatoes. It takes less than 45 minutes to make and is perfect for a picnic, potluck, or lunch. Get the recipeItalian Pasta Salad

Garden Fresh Pasta Salad with Parmesan

Overhead image of a pasta salad without mayonnaise in a bowl.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This garden fresh pasta salad with Parmesan brings together the vibrant flavors of freshly picked vegetables and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a light and flavorful dish. Get the recipeGarden Fresh Pasta Salad with Parmesan

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A bowl of chicken caesar pasta salad.
Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

This chicken Caesar pasta salad takes the classic Caesar to the next level with chopped chicken and tender pasta. Packed with all the classic flavors, it’s ideal for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a main meal. Get the recipeChicken Caesar Pasta Salad

High Protein Pasta Salad

A dish of pasta salad with ham.
Image Credit: Simple and Fraiche

This high-protein pasta salad is an easy and healthy way to use up leftover ham while boosting your protein intake. It’s filling, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep, a light lunch, or a side dish at your next BBQ. Get the recipeHigh Protein Pasta Salad

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

A bowl of chicken pesto pasta salad.
Image Credit: Hello Frozen Bananas

Chicken pesto pasta salad is super easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious! This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes. Get the recipeChicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Cole Slaw Pasta Salad

A bowl of cole slaw pasta salad.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Let’s make this coleslaw pasta salad one of your new favorite summer side dishes that combines coleslaw mix with tender pasta, a creamy salad dressing, and other savory goodies. This rustic, casual side dish is ideal for cookouts, barbecues, or a light lunch. Get the recipeCole Slaw Pasta Salad

Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad

A bowl of Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad.
Image Credit: Plates by Nat

This spicy tuna pasta salad is the kind of cold lunch that comes together fast and disappears even faster. Loaded with tuna, crisp veggies, and a creamy Asian-style dressing, it’s perfect for busy weekdays or sharing with friends. Get the recipeSpicy Tuna Pasta Salad

Broccoli Pasta Salad

A bowl of broccoli pasta salad.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Here’s a favorite gluten-free broccoli pasta salad recipe that stands out with its crunchy, colorful veggies and delicious dressing. The roasted squash salad adds a delicious twist. Get the recipeBroccoli Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad

A closeup image of greek pasta salad.
Image Credit: Cheerful Cook

This Greek pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. A vibrant mix of crisp veggies, tangy feta, and a bright herb dressing transforms simple pasta into a flavorful dish. Get the recipe: Greek Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

An overhead image of Mexican Street Corn Salad in a glass bowl.
Image Credit: The Honour System

Mexican street corn pasta salad is a unique twist on the classic, blending the creamy, tangy flavors of street corn with pasta for a dish that’s both bright and satisfying. It’s a colorful, easy-to-make option that shines as a side or even as the star of the meal. Get the recipeStreet Corn Pasta Salad

Antipasto Pasta Salad

A bowl of Antipasto Pasta Salad.
Image Credit: Gypsyplate

Antipasto pasta salad is the kind of dish that steals the show. It’s so loaded and satisfying that your guests might skip the main just to grab more. Get the recipe: Antipasto Pasta Salad

Cottage Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad

A bowl of Cottage Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad.
Image Credit: Cottage Cheese Recipes

This cottage cheese ranch pasta is a protein-packed twist on a classic. It’s loaded with chicken and bacon and coated in a creamy sauce that hits every time. Get the recipe: Cottage Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad

German Pasta Salad (Nudelsalat)

A bowl of German Pasta Salad (Nudelsalat).
Image Credit: Caroha

This German pasta salad (aka Nudelsalat) is a go-to for summer BBQs, picnics, or whenever you need a solid side that won’t break the bank. It gets even better after sitting in the fridge, so it’s perfect for meal prep or making ahead. Get the recipeGerman Pasta Salad (Nudelsalat)

Taco Pasta Salad

A bowl of Taco Pasta Salad.
Image Credit: The Urben Life

This taco pasta salad is stacked with all the good stuff: seasoned beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, pasta, and a creamy taco-style dressing. It’s like your favorite taco night, just in chilled salad form. Get the recipeTaco Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

A bowl of caprese salad.
Image Credit: Recipes From A Pantry

Parma ham and Caprese pasta salad is a refreshing yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for warm days. Easy to make and bursting with color, it’s an ideal choice for picnics, parties, or dining outdoors. Get the recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Easy Italian Pasta Salad

A bowl of Easy Italian Pasta Salad.
Image Credit: Nutritious Deliciousness

This Italian pasta salad brings together all the good antipasto vibes in one bowl. It’s the kind of make-ahead dish that always disappears first, no matter where you take it. Get the recipeEasy Italian Pasta Salad

Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad

A bowl of Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

This Tex-Mex chicken pasta salad covers all the bases, comforting, fresh, and totally crave-worthy. It’s got seasoned chicken, pasta, and all the southwest salad vibes tossed together in one colorful, satisfying bowl. Get the recipeTex-Mex Chicken Pasta Salad

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.