Pasta Salad isn't just for summer picnics, it's a versatile dish that shines all year long.
In this roundup of the best pasta salad recipes for every season, you'll find fresh and vibrant options for spring, hearty and comforting bowls for fall, and classic favorites that work any time of the year.
Check out my other recipe collections like Easy Summer Recipes to Keep you Cool and Satisfied, Cold Lunch Ideas for Work, and 12 Healthy Salad Bowl Recipe Ideas for Work.
Visit my recipe box for some more great recipe ideas inspired by Italian tradition!
Jump to:
Why Make Pasta Salads?
Everyone likes pasta salads and why shouldn't they! Not only are they quick and easy to make but they are also:
- budget friendly as they are inexpensive to make and you can stretch a small amount of protein and veggies into a big satisfying dish
- versatile because they work as a side dish, light lunch or even a main meal with added protein
- feeds a crowd like a potluck, barbecue, picnic or family gathering
- make ahead friendly because they often taste better after they have been chilling for a couple of hours or even the day after
- endless variations from creamy classics to Mediterranean style salads you can customize with whatever you have on hand
- all season appeal means you don't need to limit making pasta salads to the summer season
Top Tips for Making Pasta Salads
Cook pasta al dente since the past will soften after sitting in the dressing.
Rinse pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
Dress while warm to help absorb more of the flavor.
Keep ingredients bite-sized so that each forkful has a mix of flavors
Make ahead because pasta salads taste better after chilling for an hour or two. But, avoid making a pasta salad more than a day in advance
Revive before serving if it seems a bit dry by adding more vinegar, oil or dressing just before serving
Use fresh herbs like basil, parsley and dill generously to make the salad taste fresh
This page contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Substitutions for Pasta in Pasta Salads
Sometimes you need to adjust your recipe for your guests. Consider these alternatives to pasta:
Grains: use quinoa, farro, couscous, brown rice or wild rice.
Legumes & Beans: use chickpeas, lentils, black beans
Vegetable Alternatives: zoodles, spaghetti squash, cauliflower rice
Other options: potatoes, barley, millet, broccoli florets or asparagus pieces
Pasta Salads with Meat
This Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad, is a light BBQ side dish recipe packed with your favorite antipasto ingredients with a light balsamic dressing. A perfect summer grilling option with salami, mozzarella cheese, artichokes, olives, and more.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish, and this version takes things up a notch with smoky bacon, juicy grape tomatoes and plenty of cheesy goodness.
BBQ chicken pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any cookout made with BBQ chicken, ranch, tomatoes, corn, black beans & cilantro!
Cowboy Pasta Salad is loaded with all the best flavors of summer! Prep your ingredients while the pasta cooks, then toss everything with a creamy homemade dressing. It's enough to feed the family for dinner or take as a potluck side. And this recipe is easy to customize too!
This Grinder Pasta Salad is the viral sandwich turned summer salad you won't be able to resist! It's loaded with deli meats, crisp iceberg lettuce, briny olives, tangy pepperoncini, and rotini pasta all tossed in a creamy grinder dressing. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and brunch boards, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that tastes like your favorite sub shop in a bowl!
Seafood Pasta Salads
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.
Tuna pasta salad is a no-fail summer recipe you will keep coming back to again and again. With flakes of albacore tuna, al dente pasta, and a creamy, yet light dressing, this is a great recipe for summer lunches, picnics, barbecues, and even road trips!
This is the best Creamy Crab Pasta Salad recipe! Imitation crab meat is tossed with your favorite noodles and a creamy seasoned sauce for a delicious, cool summer pasta salad. This is a perfect make-ahead meal for a Sunday afternoon lunch or late supper when we have evening activities!
Pasta Salads with Vegetables
Easy Cold Spaghetti Salad with Homemade Dressing is one of my favorite things to make in the summer. With garden-fresh veggies and a homemade dressing, it's a light, refreshing dish that can be served as a side or a main meal.
Pumpkin Couscous Salad is a Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad made with Israeli couscous and feta. The roasted pumpkin and dried apricot provide sweetness, and pine nuts add crunch.
Some recipes stick around for a reason. This old-fashioned macaroni salad recipe is one of them. It's creamy, crunchy, and filled with all the comforting flavors you remember from childhood potlucks and summer cookouts.
Pickle lovers, you NEED this pasta salad in your life! This dill pickle pasta salad is loaded with crunchy pickles, sharp white cheddar, fresh dill and tossed in a creamy tangy dressing that brings all the pickle flavor you could ever want.
This Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad Recipe is what happens when you can't get to Walmart to get your favorite deli pasta salad. The broccoli cheese combination can't be beat.
Pasta Salads Made with Specialty Pasta
This creamy burrata tortellini salad combines tender tortellini, ripe grape tomatoes, fresh basil, and a rich burrata for the ultimate summer dish.
Elote pasta salad is the crave-worthy summer side you've been searching for. The creamy pasta salad is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or eating straight out of the bowl with corn chips (no judgment here).
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fun and flavorful side dish popular at any get-together. This delicious pasta salad is filled with bowtie pasta, and fire-roasted canned corn, then topped with Queso Fresco.
Other Salad Recipes
Try my other salad recipes like:
- Fresh Peach Burrata Salad with Basil and Balsamic Glaze
- Burrata Salad with Grape Tomatoes
- Mom's Italian Potato and Tomato Salad
- Caprese Salad with Bocconcini
- Spinach Salad with Strawberry Dressing
- Arugula Salad with Pears and Prosciutto
General Pasta Salad Storage Recommendations
Refrigeration: store pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Creamy dressings (like mayo-based) may separate slightly, so give it a good stir before serving.
Keep dressing separate (optional): if you're making the salad ahead, store the dressings separately and toss just before serving to keep the pasta from absorbing too much.
Revive before serving: if the salad seems dry after chilling, add a drizzle of olive oil, a spoonful of dressing, or a squeeze of lemon juice to freshen it up.
Do not freeze: pasta salads don't freeze well because the pasta becomes mushy and fresh veggies lose their texture.
These are general storage tips. Always check the recipe instructions for storage instructions specific to the recipe you are making.
I'd love to hear if you made any of these recipes, comment below and let me know which one you made or which one is your favorite!
Other Popular Salads to Try
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Comments
No Comments