11 Must-Try Pasta Salads to Make the Most of Summer Flavors

These 11 must-try pasta salads are perfect for summer, featuring fresh, vibrant flavors that highlight the season. They’re easy to make and ideal for any warm-weather gathering or a light, tasty meal.

Pesto Pasta Salad

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 recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Street Corn Pasta Salad

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

Street corn pasta salad is a unique take on the classic, combining creamy, tangy street corn flavors with pasta. It’s a colourful, easy-to-make dish that works well as a side or a main course. Get the recipe: Street Corn Pasta Salad

Green Goddess Pasta Salad

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 recipe: Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Caesar Pasta Salad

Crispy veggies and creamy Caesar dressing make this pasta salad stand out from the crowd. This Caesar pasta salad is always one of the first things to disappear at picnics! Get the recipe: Caesar Pasta Salad

Cold Spaghetti Salad with Shrimp

Cold spaghetti salad in a bowl. — Image Credit: The Pasta Project

This easy cold spaghetti salad recipe comes from the Central Italian region of Marche. The main ingredients are pre-cooked shrimp or tiger prawns, rocket (arugula), and cherry tomatoes tossed with spaghetti in a simple oil and vinegar dressing. Get the recipe: Cold Spaghetti Salad with Shrimp

Pasta Salad Crudaiola Barese

This pasta salad crudaiola Barese, also called pasta alla crudaiola, is an incredibly versatile and healthy dish. You can eat it as a one-plate light meal, as part of a cold buffet or at a picnic. Get the recipe: Pasta Salad Crudaiola Barese

Cole Slaw Pasta Salad

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 recipe: Cole Slaw Pasta Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad

A bowl of seafood powder. — Image Credit: Bella Bucchiotti

Treat yourself to the flavors of the sea with this delightful seafood pasta salad recipe. Bursting with luscious crab meat, succulent shrimp, and a medley of fresh vegetables, it’s a luxurious dish perfect for warm weather. Get the recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Broccoli Pasta Salad

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

Italian Pasta Salad

This zesty Italian 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 recipe: Italian Pasta Salad