85 Best Summer Pasta Salad Recipes to Try this Year
The best pasta salad recipes to try this summer! This list of pasta salads truly includes something for everyone!
From Greek, healthy, and creamy pasta salads, to recipes with Italian dressing, mayo, seafood, chicken, and salami…
…there are just SO many irresistible pasta salad recipes.
If you’ve been getting tired of the same ol’ macaroni noodles drowning in mayonnaise, you definitely need to explore the ideas on this list.
You’ll have tons of inspiration for pasta salad ideas to make for your next BBQ cookout, picnic, or summer party.
Let’s check ‘em out!
(☀️ Looking for more delicious summer recipes? Try one of these unique kabob recipes, easy summer appetizers, simple picnic food ideas, crowd-pleasing cookout side dishes, or fun summer charcuterie boards!)
Ultimate List of Pasta Salad Recipes
The best pasta salad recipes to try this summer! This list of easy and delicious pasta salads truly includes something for everyone.
Creamy Pasta Salads with Mayo
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
The perfect combination of tangy deviled eggs and macaroni salad, this Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a quick and easy side dish for all of your summer BBQs.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy salad pairs well with summer favorites like pulled pork and burgers.
Bacon Blue Cheese Pasta Salad
This creamy pasta salad is filled with bold flavors!
Tender pasta is mixed with savory blue cheese, salty bacon crumbles, broccoli florets and green onion.
Mexican Pasta Salad
This Mexican-inspired pasta salad is loaded with flavorful black beans, corn, and a super easy dressing that combines creamy sour cream and tangy salsa.
It's so delicious, you'll keep going for second and third helpings!
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Calling all dill pickle lovers, this pasta salad recipe is for you!
Deliciously creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad has the tangy flavor of crunchy pickles, fresh dill, cheese, mayo and sour cream.
Caesar Pasta Salad
Caesar Pasta Salad with a homemade Caesar dressing combines traditional Caesar salad and summer macaroni salad into one epic picnic side dish.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
With the added veggies it’s hearty and filling enough to be served as a main course, Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad makes a great dish for weeknight dinners too.
Herbed Cheese and Veggie Macaroni Salad Recipe
Just a little bit of something “extra” gives a new twist to an old standard making this the perfect summer side dish!
This herbed cheese and veggie macaroni salad is easy-to-make, and tastes amazing.
Summer Pesto Pasta Salad
This Summer Pesto Pasta Salad is so bright and flavorful!
It's tossed in a basil pesto mayo, toasted walnuts, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, and chock full of Italian flavors.
Amish Macaroni Salad
No picnic is complete without this sweet and creamy Amish Macaroni Salad!
This recipe is better than Walmart’s Amish Macaroni Salad with a tangy dressing made of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and smoked paprika.
Copycat Suddenly Pasta Salad Bacon & Ranch
If you're looking for a delicious, easy to make pasta salad, this Copycat Suddenly Pasta Salad Bacon & Ranch tastes better than the boxed version.
Plus, it’s ready in just 15 minutes!
Broccoli Cheddar Deli Copycat Pasta Salad
We used to buy this broccoli cheddar pasta salad from the local deli by the bucket load.
Now that I can make it at home we save money and as a bonus we can have it anytime we want. Delish.
Hawaiian Style Loaded Tuna Macaroni Salad
In Hawaii, macaroni salads are a must-have dish for all occasions.
This pasta salad is loaded with eggs, onions, carrots, and celery for a special Hawaiian-style side.
Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
This creamy, tangy homemade pasta salad is a versatile recipe that is bursting with slightly sweet and wonderfully sour flavors.
It features a mayo dressing and lots of crunchy fresh veggies.
Unique Pasta Salads with Meat
Taco Pasta Salad
This Easy Taco Pasta Salad recipe is loaded with Mexican-inspired flavors.
Quick to make, the recipe includes ground beef, it also makes an excellent side dish or standalone meal for a family dinner.
Honey-Citrus Pasta Salad with Turkey, Grapes & Walnuts
This sweet and savory main dish pasta salad is loaded with turkey, grapes, and toasted walnuts and tossed in a deliciously refreshing honey-citrus dressing.
BLT Pasta Salad
Bring on the Summer BBQs and serve loaded BLT Pasta Salad with a creamy ranch dressing!
This yummy easy cold pasta salad recipe is full of bacon, tomato, lettuce, pasta and more – one of my favorites!
Tortellini Pasta Salad with Chicken
This Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad is filled with pillowy cheese tortellini, juicy grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, kalamata olives, and feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy homemade Italian dressing.
Chicken Macaroni Salad
This chicken macaroni salad is an easy and delicious lunch or potluck contribution, and it's even easier with leftover rotisserie chicken!
Greek Pasta Salad with Salami
A delicious Greek pasta salad full of hearty ingredients and tossed with a Greek style salad dressing.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
All the great flavors of buffalo chicken dip, in a satisfying tortellini pasta salad!
It’s perfect as a main dish salad, or as a hearty side for picnics, cookouts, tailgating and potlucks, and it’s sure to win raves every time you make it!
German Pasta Salad (Nudelsalat)
With ham, pickles, and peppers, this authentic German salad is creamy, colorful, and easy to whip together to make a fun and unique side dish.
Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
Fast and easy Tortellini Pasta Salad with cheese tortellini, pepperoni, salami, mozzarella, olives, peppers, parmesan and Italian dressing.
The flavors in this Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe are truly on a whole new level!
Easy Cobb Pasta Salad
It's the classic Cobb Salad turned up a notch!
This quick and easy Cobb Pasta Salad features perfectly cooked pasta, crisp bacon, ripe tomatoes, cubed chicken, chopped eggs, creamy avocado, and blue cheese dressing. Delish!
Creamy Smoked Beef Pasta Salad
This smoked beef pasta salad always goes fast at a potluck or picnic. It’s definitely a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Colorful and packed with flavor, this chicken pesto pasta salad takes only 30 minutes and is the perfect addition to a potluck or BBQ or it makes great meal prep for weekday lunch!
Gluten Free Italian Pasta Salad with Salami & Feta
Super easy Gluten Free Pasta Salad starts with your favorite gluten free (or regular) pasta, salami, fresh tomatoes, artichoke hearts, feta cheese and tossed with a simple homemade zesty dressing.
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
A super easy and delicious summery pasta salad recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes.
Tender chicken with peas in a creamy, zesty dressing makes for the perfect cold lunch or light dinner for hot days.
Smoked Corn Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad
Smoked Corn Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad is a fun update to a classic pasta salad.
Featuring smoked corn, bacon, and avocado, it’s all tied together with a zesty Avocado Cilantro Dressing.
Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes
Lemon Herb Vinaigrette Pasta Salad
A light and fresh pasta salad with lemon herb vinaigrette is the perfect pasta salad to make this spring or summer.
Pasta Salad with Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
You’ll love this Mediterranean inspired pasta salad with sun dried tomatoes, arugula, artichokes, tomatoes and olives.
Loaded with flavor, this is sure to be a winning potluck recipe.
Black Bean & Corn Pasta Salad
This colorful, easy-to-make pasta salad is a cool mix of garden vegetables, fresh herbs, sweet corn and black beans tossed in a creamy cilantro-lime dressing.
Plus it comes omes together in under 30 minutes!
Turkey Pasta Salad with Tahini
This turkey pasta salad combines fresh vegetables, herbs and a tahini dressing for a uniquely delicious combination of flavors.
Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad
With sweet roasted vegetables, herbs and a creamy tahini dressing, this roasted vegetable pasta salad has a creamy sweetness without the mayo.
Lemon Summer Pasta Salad
With a delicious homemade lemon dressing, fresh dill and in-season summer vegetables, this lemon pasta salad tastes so fresh and is irresistibly delicious!
Mexican Pasta Salad with Creamy Southwestern Dressing
This delicious Mexican Pasta Salad is full of amazing colors, flavors, and texture for a satisfying side dish or even a meatless meal.
The creamy Southwestern dressing is made lighter with Greek yogurt.
Vegan Glass Noodle Salad
This Asian-inspired noodle salad is with fresh and healthy chopped crunchy veggies and tossed in a zesty soy sauce.
Pearl Israeli Couscous Salad
Every BBQ needs a few healthy side dishes, and this vegan couscous salad with summer vegetables fits the bill.
Couscous is tossed with basil leaves, cucumbers, olives, and tomatoes. It’s all dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Vegan Couscous Salad with Chickpeas
Did you know couscous is actually a type of pasta?
You're in for a treat with this vegan couscous salad with chickpeas and charred corn!
Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad and Creamy Avocado Dressing
The garlic, horseradish, and creamy avocado dressing pairs perfectly with the pasta and veggies, creating a fresh and flavorful salad that is sure to impress.
Elevate your next pasta meal with this fresh vegetable salad recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Greek Pasta Salad
Greek Pasta Salad with sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, red onion, and pepperoncinis with a tangy Greek dressing is magical for any warm weather gathering.
Spicy Vegan Peanut Pasta Salad
This delectable Spicy Vegan Peanut Pasta Salad is an excellent method to use up leftover spaghetti noodles.
It's brimming with vegetables, has a little kick to it, and is speedy and effortless to prepare.
Summer Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables
This fresh-tasting pasta salad is packed with your favorite farmer’s market veggies and feta cheese.
Tossed in a tangy, herby balsamic vinaigrette, it’s the perfect way to use up those summer vegetables.
Lemon Basil Chickpea Pasta Salad
Vibrant Lemon Basil Chickpea Pasta Salad is full of flavor and texture with cucumbers, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, red onions, feta, and a bright lemon basil dressing.
Goat Cheese Pasta Salad with Asparagus & Lemon
Putting together this creamy pasta salad with goat cheese is easy and it is sure to be a favorite with your family!
You can personalize it with any vegetables that suit your preferences.
Vegan Italian Pasta Salad
This recipe uses rotini noodles that grab the dressing and the copious amounts of nutritional yeast instead of cheese makes this dish perfect for your guests with dietary restrictions.
Toss in as many cured and fresh veggies as you like.
Balsamic Basil Pasta Salad
This Balsamic Basil Pasta Salad is packed with delicious Italian flavors and is always a crowd favorite!
The crunchy, colorful veggies and balsamic vinegar zestiness make it an irresistible healthy pasta salad.
Vegan Avocado Pasta Salad
This vegan avocado pasta salad is a quick 15-minute recipe that can be prepped ahead and great to take along to a picnic, barbecue, potluck or as an easy weeknight dinner.
It's a no-mayo pasta salad that's deliciously creamy and packed full of fresh veggies
Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad
Sundried tomato pasta salad-a hearty vegetarian salad bursting with flavors.
The best part of this pasta salad is the dressing made with sundried tomatoes and walnuts which gives it a taste similar to pesto pasta salad.
Vegan Macaroni Salad (No Mayo)
This vegan macaroni salad has the delicious taste of a classic macaroni salad, with a tasty dairy-free cashew dressing.
It’s so creamy that you won’t miss the mayo!
Lemon Orzo Salad
This orzo salad is light and lemony, perfect for spring and summer. Crisp asparagus and roasted peppers add color and texture for a unique, healthy pasta salad.
Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
Light and refreshing Creamy Chicken Pasta with fresh zippy summer veggies and a tangy, Greek yogurt dressing is marvelously easy and is a zesty, healthier pasta salad recipe.
Perfect as a side dish to any gathering or as a main dish for those times you’re craving a refreshing chilled pasta experience.
Herbed Summer Corn Pasta Salad
This herbed summer corn pasta salad features fresh corn, juicy tomatoes, feta cheese and tons of herbs for the perfect medley of flavor and texture.
Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
Tofu pasta salad is an easy light and healthy meal or side dish bursting with fresh summer vegetables and an easy balsamic dressing.
A protein packed way to enjoy pasta salad while keeping it plant-based.
Easy Basil Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Avocado
Enjoy this easy Basil Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Avocado in less than 20 minutes!
It's a flavorful, healthy pasta salad to make again and again!
Broccoli Strawberry Pasta Salad
Broccoli Strawberry Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on the classic broccoli salad.
Made with broccoli, sunflower seeds, strawberries, and onions, it’s a unique combination that somehow just works.
Italian Pasta Salads
Caprese Orzo Salad
Orzo pasta is taken to the next level with the addition of mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and balsamic vinaigrette.
The combination of flavors is delicious and the recipe is the perfect side dish all year long.
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad with Salami
This easy Italian pasta salad with homemade Italian dressing is the perfect dish to bring to a family gathering or BBQ.
It’s a cold salad, so it’s perfect for hot summer days, and the dressing goes perfectly with the fresh veggies.
Easy Angel Hair Pasta Salad
This delicious cold pasta salad is made of an Italian dressing and mayo for a tangy and hearty pasta salad.
And the angel hair pasta is a fun twist on the traditional recipe.
Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cheese and Ham
This Italian bow tie pasta salad is made with ham and salami, making it the perfect hearty side dish or light dinner.
With just 6 ingredients, it comes together fast, and the Italian dressing makes it zesty and flavorful.
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
This easy 5-ingredient Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad takes just minutes to make and is positively packed with flavor.
Italian Veggie Pasta Salad
This easy Italian Pasta Salad takes just minutes to make with spiral pasta, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, black olives, shredded carrots, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil tossed together with a creamy homemade Italian dressing!
Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing
If you’re firing up the smoker for your BBQ, add some smoky flavor to your favorite pasta salad with this delicious smoked Italian pasta salad recipe.
Packed with pepperoni, salami, mozzarella cheese, and a pepperoncini dressing, it's the perfect summer side.
Italian Tortellini Salad with Salami
The best Italian pasta salad made with cheese filled tortellini, uncured salami, tomatoes, cucumber, fresh mozzarella and pepperoncini, all tossed in the best Italian dressing!
Italian Deli Pasta Salad
Italian Pasta Salad mixed with all your Italian deli favorites like provolone cheese, salami, giardiniera, fresh herbs and more all in a tangy dressing.
Who needs a sub sandwich when you have this!
Greek Pasta Salad Recipes
Greek Pasta Salad - Belly Full
Crunchy vegetables, summer sausage, and salty feta are combined with cooked pasta, then drizzled with homemade dressing for this easy and delicious Greek Pasta Salad!
Perfect for summer potlucks or all year round.
Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish to your summer cook out, or a great meal prep for healthy lunches!
This colorful rainbow orzo salad is loaded with tomato, kalamata olives, bell pepper, artichokes, chickpeas, feta cheese and lots of greens!
Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad
This delicious Greek tortellini pasta salad is packed with Mediterranean flavors!
With tender tortellini, fresh veggies, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing, this salad is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Orzo Salad with Feta
Orzo salad with feta and chickpeas is a Mediterranean-style vegetarian pasta salad.
This picnic-perfect salad is packed with crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, chickpeas, and tossed in a simple homemade lemony dressing. It's ready in just 20 minutes and tastes so fresh and delicious!
Vegan Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
This flavorful vegan Greek pasta salad is packed with nutrients and makes a fantastic healthy filling lunch or simple side for dinner.
Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
This colorful Mediterranean pasta salad with chicken has the perfect medley of flavors that makes it both healthy and delicious!
Orzo Greek Pasta Salad
This Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is the most delicious way to enjoy a Greek salad!
The colorful fresh veggies and slighly creamy orzo come together perfectly. Serve as a hearty side or easy vegetarian main dish – the whole family loves it.
Seafood Pasta Salad Recipes
Seafood Pasta Salad (Crab and Shrimp)
In a bowl, this seafood pasta salad embodies a New England summer vacation!
The creamy pasta shells are combined with plentiful shrimp and crab, onion, celery, lemon, and herbs, all tossed with Old Bay seasoning.
Ensalada de Coditos con Atún (Tuna Macaroni Salad)
This simple yet delicious tuna macaroni salad is perfect for the hot summer months.
You can enjoy it as a hearty side dish or light main dish, because it’s packed with healthy, filling tuna.
Italian Cold Spaghetti Salad with Shrimp
This easy to make cold spaghetti salad recipe from the Italian region of Marche is made with pre-cooked shrimps or prawns, rocket (arugula) and cherry tomatoes tossed with spaghetti in a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing.
Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad
Creamy Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad is loaded with fresh asparagus, canned salmon (or fresh!), hard boiled eggs and pasta all tossed together in a creamy lemon dill dressing.
Penne Pasta Salad with Shrimp Chili & Lime
Penne Pasta Salad with Shrimp Chili & Lime is so refreshing and flavorful.
It's deliciously simple, and comes together fast with minimal ingredients.
Bow Tie Crab Pasta Salad
This quick Crab Pasta Salad recipe uses bow tie pasta and a simple homemade dressing.
Best of all, you can make it ahead of time, and toss it together in about 20 minutes.
White Wine Shrimp Pasta Salad
Instead of mayo, this light yet flavorful Shrimp Pasta Salad is a blend of olive oil, butter, white wine, salt, and red pepper. It’s great for outdoor entertaining because it keeps better that creamy salads.
Crawfish Pasta Salad
This delicious recipe for Crawfish Pasta Salad is easy to make, very filling, and sure to be a crowd favorite.
It’s a simple creamy pasta salad that’s filled with crawfish, macaroni, hard boiled eggs, onions, celery, and bell peppers.
Shrimp Pesto Tortellini Salad
Cheese tortellini, fresh bites of sautéed shrimp, and veggies, tossed in a creamy pesto dressing is a beautiful combination of flavors and textures.
Plus, it looks beautiful on your table!
Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad
This no-mayo tuna pasta salad is bursting with bright Mediterranean flavors, arugula, white beans, nuts, and more!
Seafood Orzo Salad
A cold seafood salad made with orzo, shrimp, and crab meat is refreshing and bursting with flavor.
The recipe cuts some of the fat in traditional creamy salads by utilizing Greek yogurt in addition to mayo.
Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad
Shrimp Pasta Salad is ready in under a half hour, and is the perfect creamy seafood macaroni salad for a summer party or barbecue dinner.
Everyone will appreciate this twist on traditional macaroni salad.
Corn and Seafood Pasta Salad Recipe
This delicious Corn & Seafood Pasta Salad has the ideal mixture of creaminess and crunch that makes it feel indulgent.
It’s perfect as a side dish or even a light main dish at any time of year.
Pineapple Shrimp Macaroni Salad
While the pineapple and shrimp combination of this Pineapple Shrimp Macaroni Salad may sound bizarre, it sure is a tasty combination!
It’s so good that everyone will be coming back for more.
Shrimp & Asparagus Lemon Orzo Salad
Shrimp & Asparagus Lemon Orzo Salad screams springtime with orzo pasta, juicy shrimp, sweet cherry tomatoes, beautiful ripe asparagus, all tossed in a bright lemon dressing.
It’s the perfect combinationg of filling and light.
Ready to make some of these easy pasta salad recipes?
I hope this list of simple pasta salads has given you lots of inspiration for easy side dishes to make this summer.
There’s such a big variety that you could make a different one each day.
The only struggle is figuring out which one to make first!
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