Best Pasta Salad Recipes

Pasta salads are one of my favorite recipes to make during the warm summer months. Primarily because I’m a huge pasta lover, but also because I love the combination of chilled pasta mixed with veggies and covered in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. These pasta salad ideas are extremely versatile, easy to make, and they hold up very well in the fridge, which makes them perfect for leftovers. And these recipes make pretty large servings, so they’re great for parties, potlucks, and cookouts too!

These cold salad ideas are made with a range of typical pasta types, as well as orzo, cous cous, and noodles. So every pasta gets its time to shine! Short pasta shapes work best, but they’re pretty interchangeable in these salads, so don’t be shy!

Here I’ve gathered 27 of the best pasta salad recipes for you to enjoy at your next family gathering, or simply all by yourself, no judgment here. 

1. Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad

This easy Pasta Salad is full of fresh flavors and tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. It will be the star at your next BBQ or summer cookout!

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$13.44 recipe / $1.34 serving Get the Recipe

When I talk about pasta salads, this classic pasta salad recipe is what I’m thinking of! It’s filled with fresh veggies and a zesty Italian dressing. Ideal for any family gathering or cookout, it induces satisfied smiles and enthusiastic “yums” every time!

2. Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

This light and fresh Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad is perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks, or your weekly meal prep.

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$10.21 recipe / $1.02 serving Get the Recipe

This summer vegetable pasta salad is my go-to when I want a big, cooling bowl of bowties, crunchy broccoli, zucchini, squash, roasted red peppers, and tangy red wine vinaigrette. It also holds up in the fridge, so it’s great for cookouts, potlucks, or easy lunches all week!

3. Orzo Pasta Salad

Orzo Pasta Salad

This light & fresh Orzo Pasta Salad is full of colorful veggies and a delicious homemade dressing. Perfect for BBQs or meal prep it for the week!

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$9.99 recipe / $1.24 serving Get the Recipe

This orzo salad is a bright and flavorful delight for the taste buds! The tiny pasta, crisp bell peppers, tomatoes, sweet corn, and dried cranberries all get tossed in a bright homemade vinaigrette.

4. Tomato MOzzarella Pasta Salad

Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad

This Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad with homemade Parmesan Balsamic Vinaigrette is the perfect light and fresh summer meal. Perfect for potlucks!

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$8.59 recipe / $1.43 serving Get the Recipe

Our tomato mozzarella pasta salad is basically Caprese salad on a budget, with tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and a creamy Parmesan balsamic vinaigrette. I like it for hot days because it’s light, refreshing, and easy to make ahead.

5. Lemony Cucumber Couscous Salad

Lemony Cucumber Couscous Salad

Lemony Cucumber Couscous Salad is a light, fresh, and vibrant pasta salad perfect for any summer meal.

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$6.46 recipe / $1.08 serving Get the Recipe

This lemony cucumber couscous salad is one I’d bring to every summer BBQ, mostly because pearl couscous has the best bouncy texture, and fresh lemon zest makes the whole bowl taste extra bright. It also keeps well for days, which is always helpful!

6. Tortellini Salad

Tortellini Salad

This fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious Tortellini Salad feeds a crowd on a dime. The best part: you can put it together in minutes!

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$14.41 recipe / $1.20 serving Get the Recipe

Tortellini salad gives you built-in cheesy pasta flavor, so the fresh vegetables, herbs, greens, and zesty vinaigrette don’t have to work hard to make it delicious. It feeds a crowd and comes together in about 15 minutes.

7. Tuna Pasta Salad

Classic Tuna Pasta Salad

This Classic Tuna Pasta Salad is cool, creamy, and filling enough to be a meal on its own. It’s easy to make with tender pasta, canned tuna, sweet peas, and a simple dressing for lunches, potlucks, or hot summer nights.

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$4.04 recipe / $0.67 serving Get the Recipe

This tuna pasta salad is cool, creamy, and hearty enough for lunch, with mini shells, canned tuna, sweet peas, and a tangy dressing. I like how the shells catch the tuna and dressing, so every forkful feels extra satisfying.

8. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is loaded with crunchy pickles, cheddar, bacon, and a creamy homemade dressing. Tangy, fresh, and perfect for BBQs or picnics!

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$4.46 recipe / $0.56 serving Get the Recipe

Dill pickle pasta salad is unapologetically for pickle people, with chopped pickles, pickle juice in the creamy dressing, sharp cheddar, bacon, and red onion. I’d make it ahead so all that tangy dill flavor has time to settle in.

9. Ditalini Pasta Salad

Ditalini Pasta Salad

This easy Ditalini Pasta Salad is packed with roasted summer veggies, tossed in pesto, and finished with a sprinkle of feta. Delicious & meal prep friendly!

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$8.67 recipe / $1.08 serving Get the Recipe

This ditalini pasta salad tastes like summer in a bowl, with tiny pasta tubes, golden roasted zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant, pesto, and a little feta. I like that store-bought pesto keeps it easy, but homemade can be even more budget-friendly.

10. Summer Sweet Corn Salad

Summer Sweet Corn Salad

This Sweet Corn Salad combines fresh corn, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, pasta shells, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette for a simple and refreshing side dish.

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$7.76 recipe / $0.97 serving Get the Recipe

Fresh sweet corn on the cob is one of the best parts about summer. Take advantage of the season and make this summer sweet corn salad with a simple and fresh lemon-Dijon vinaigrette!

11. Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad is an easy and inexpensive classic for potlucks, summer BBQs, or an easy side dish for dinner.

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$4.15 recipe / $0.52 serving Get the Recipe

Macaroni salad is the classic creamy cookout side for a reason, and this one keeps it crunchy AND colorful with celery, bell pepper, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, and sweet pickle relish. I’ll happily tuck this next to burgers, veggie skewers, or basically any summer dinner.

12. Elote (Street Corn) Pasta Salad

Elote (Street Corn) Pasta Salad

This easy Elote (Street Corn) Pasta Salad is made with smoky corn, zesty lime, and creamy queso fresco for a fresh BBQ, potluck, or weeknight side dish!

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$5.53 recipe / $0.69 serving Get the Recipe

Our elote pasta salad brings smoky street corn flavor to a budget-friendly pasta salad with charred frozen corn, poblano, chipotle, lime, creamy dressing, and queso fresco. I’m all for a BBQ side that tastes this bold and still costs just a few bucks!

13. Antipasto Pasta Salad

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Make this easy Antipasto Pasta Salad loaded with meats, cheeses, olives, and veggies. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or quick lunches!

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$15.77 recipe / $1.42 serving Get the Recipe

Antipasto pasta salad turns the snacky Italian platter idea into a hearty bowl with pasta, cured meats, cheese, olives, artichokes, mozzarella, and zesty dressing. It’s a smart way to use leftover party nibbles and still end up with a proper lunch.

14. BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT pasta salad recipe is the perfect summer meal! It's easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a potluck or picnic.

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$9.48 recipe / $1.18 serving Get the Recipe

A big bowl of this BLT pasta salad gives you the creamy, tomatoey, bacony flavor of the sandwich in a cold summer salad. The creamy ranch pasta salad dressing is my favorite part of this simple recipe!

15. Cold Peanut Noodle Salad

Cold Peanut Noodle Salad

This Cold Peanut Noodle Salad with homemade peanut lime dressing is the perfect meal prep for summer! No reheating necessary.

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$5.30 recipe / $1.33 serving Get the Recipe

Cold peanut noodle salad is the no-reheat meal prep I want when lunch needs to feel fresh but still filling. The peanut-lime dressing is sweet, tangy, creamy, and so very good with crunchy cabbage, carrots, cilantro, green onions, and peanuts.

16. Zucchini and Orzo Salad

Zucchini and Orzo Salad with Chimichurri

Zucchini and Orzo Salad with Chimichurri is a fresh summer salad that makes the perfect fresh and zesty side dish for summer grilling.

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$6.52 recipe / $1.63 serving Get the Recipe

Our zucchini and orzo salad is a quick 35-minute summer side with tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, and a bright chimichurri dressing that wakes everything up.

17. Broccoli Pasta Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette

Broccoli Pasta Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette

This Broccoli Pasta Salad features a tangy homemade vinaigrette, nutty sunflower seeds, and creamy-salty feta.

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$4.67 recipe / $1.17 serving Get the Recipe

Calling all broccoli lovers! This easy and delicious broccoli pasta salad features a homemade tomato vinaigrette dressing and lots of creamy feta cheese. I like that the rotini grabs the dressing in all those little twists!

18. Pizza Pasta Salad

Italian Pizza Pasta Salad

Repurpose your leftover pizza toppings into this deliciously simple Italian style pizza pasta salad. Including a simple homemade Italian dressing!

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$7.98 recipe / $1.00 serving Get the Recipe

This pizza pasta salad is the easiest way to turn leftover pizza toppings into a fridge-friendly lunch. Our one is made with pepperoni, mozzarella, peppers, olives, onion, banana peppers, and Parmesan Italian dressing, but use whatever ingredients you have on hand!

19. Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is the perfectly refreshing and filling summer meal with its medley of vegetables and tangy lemon garlic dressing.

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$10.67 recipe / $2.66 serving Get the Recipe

Turn your pasta salad into a full meal with this Greek chicken pasta salad recipe. The chicken gets marinated in half of the tangy dressing, giving it an extra boost of flavor!

20. Big Kale Pasta Salad

BIG Kale Pasta Salad

This Big Kale Pasta Salad is the perfect fast and filling summer lunch, packed with flavors, textures, and colors. Great for meal prep!

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$7.88 recipe / $1.31 serving Get the Recipe

This hearty, delicious, big kale pasta salad is a cold meal salad I’d happily eat for lunch all week. The kale is massaged until tender, then tossed with pasta, chickpeas, grape tomatoes, red onion, Parmesan, and balsamic vinaigrette. And because kale holds up beautifully in the fridge, the leftovers are actually something to look forward to!

21. Sweep The Kitchen Pasta Salad

“Sweep the Kitchen” Pasta Salad

Throw together meals like this “Sweep the Kitchen” Pasta Salad are my favorite way to use up leftovers in the kitchen. Easy, versatile, and never boring!

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Get the Recipe

Got some leftover veggies in the fridge? Give this Sweep The Kitchen pasta salad a try! Use what you already have available and add a simple dressing or diced chicken if you want to make it a complete meal!

22. Italian Orzo Pasta Salad

Italian Orzo Salad

Filling enough to serve as a light meal, but light enough to act as an easy side dish, this Italian Orzo Salad is a versatile addition to your weekly meal prep.

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$8.77 recipe / $2.19 serving Get the Recipe

A little pasta, a lot of vegetables, and maybe some beans make the best combos for pasta salads. This Italian orzo salad is no exception. It’s perfect as a side dish and also great as a light meal.

23. Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad

Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad

This classic summer Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad features smoky fire licked vegetables and a homemade creamy balsamic vinaigrette.

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$9.65 recipe / $1.21 serving Get the Recipe

Grilled vegetable pasta salad gets so much flavor from smoky, fire-licked vegetables and a creamy balsamic vinaigrette. I love that the flavor deepens even more in the fridge, making tomorrow’s lunch even better than today’s.

24. Spinach and Orzo Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Spinach Orzo Salad

A quick homemade balsamic vinaigrette makes this simple Spinach and Orzo Salad extra special. Serve as a light lunch or a side with dinner.

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$8.27 recipe / $2.06 serving Get the Recipe

This simple spinach and orzo salad packs in a lot of flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and the homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing. It works great as a light lunch or the perfect side to those summer BBQ cookouts!

25. Lemon Dill Greek Pasta Salad

Creamy Lemon Dill Greek Pasta Salad

Creamy Lemon Dill Greek Pasta Salad is packed with bold flavors and fresh vegetables, making it a delicious light lunch.

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$10.40 recipe / $1.73 serving Get the Recipe

Fresh, zesty, and easy on the budget, this cucumber dill pasta salad is ready in about 30 minutes, so lunch is ready fast. It’s packed with pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, artichokes, feta, and a creamy yogurt dill dressing. The lemony, garlicky flavor makes it hard not to sneak a forkful from the fridge.

26. Butternut Squash Pasta Salad

Butternut Squash Pasta Salad

This butternut squash pasta salad is both sweet and savory with parmesan cheese and sweet-tart cranberries.

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$8.46 recipe / $1.06 serving Get the Recipe

I usually save this butternut squash pasta salad for the fall, when fresh butternut squash is in season and readily available at the market. Paired with sage, dried cranberries, and Parmesan, it has a cozy autumn flavor. I like orecchiette pasta for this salad!

27. Pepperoni Pasta Salad

Pepperoni Pasta Salad

Pepperoni’s rich and peppery bite is the perfect contrast to mild spinach, mozzarella, and pasta in this Pepperoni Pasta Salad.

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$7.31 recipe / $1.22 serving Get the Recipe

This pasta salad with pepperoni is heavy on the salad side, with plenty of fresh greens and vegetables in the mix. It’s a great option when I want a relatively healthy lunch that helps me clear out my fridge!

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Our Zucchini recipes was originally published 6/2/23. We have updated it to be the best it can be and republished 6/27/26.

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