21 Pasta Salad Recipes for Delicious Summer Side Dishes (2024)

11 Easy Bow Tie Pasta Recipes for a Fast Dinner Tonight

Summer Pasta Salad

Forget what you thought you knew about pasta and salad. This prosciutto- and produce-packed version changes everything. Broken lasagna noodles are a fun pasta choice, and add-ins such as olives and fresh mozzarella make this pasta salad dish something special.

Grilled Veggie Pasta Salad

Zucchini, asparagus, bell pepper—oh my! This is one of the best pasta salad recipes we've tried—and it's vegan! (Parmesan cheese is optional). It's filled to the brim with mouthwatering grilled vegetables, plus a homemade balsamic vinaigrette adds delicious flavor to the dish.

BLT Pasta Salad

Now you can enjoy your favorite sandwich in pasta salad form. This take on classic pasta salad proves that everything is better with bacon (plus lettuce and tomato). Better yet, it comes together in just 20 minutes.

Pesto Penne with Deli-Roasted Chicken

Calling all pesto-lovers: You need to try this pesto pasta salad. Deli-roasted chicken and purchased pesto in this recipe make it easy and quick to prepare. You'll likely not find another pesto pasta salad recipe as easy and delicious as this one.

Pizza Pasta Salad

Pizza lovers will flip for this picnic-ready dish. Add all your favorite pizza ingredients—pepperoni, olives, mozzarella—to creamy pasta salad for a winning combo that will be devoured in no time. Pizza night just became pasta night with this creative pasta salad idea!

Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is loaded with flavor. Simply toss roasted veggies like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers with fresh arugula and white kidney beans for a hearty and veggie-filled dish. This bright recipe will be a standout at any picnic or potluck.

Chicken, Spinach, and Pasta Salad

This veggie-filled pasta salad gets a healthy boost from fresh spinach, mushrooms, and roma tomatoes. Add in chicken and penne pasta, and this fresh dish is well on its way to being served as a main course. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Summer Spaghetti Salad

No elbows or rotini here. We classed things up with spaghetti and veggie noodles for one of the best pasta salad recipes for tomato lovers. Red wine vinegar, toasted walnuts, and Italian parsley add sophistication.

Italian Pesto Pasta Salad

Crunchy pine nuts, peppery arugula, and zippy basil pesto give this Italian pasta salad its signature texture and flavor. Homemade pesto makes all the difference, but store-bought will work if time's an issue. The super-simple pasta salad recipe takes only 30 minutes and makes 10 to 12 servings.

Gazpacho Crab Pasta Salad

On a picnic table full of pasta salads, this dish is a standout. Thanks to an easy spicy tomato dressing, this summery salad tastes just like the popular chilled tomato soup but with the bonus of hearty pasta shells and lumps of succulent crab (or shrimp). It's the perfect warm-weather dish for lunch, dinner, a potluck, or any summer gathering.

Roasted Tomato Pasta with Mozzarella

For a hearty twist on traditional Caprese salad, we mixed rotini pasta with garlic-roasted cherry tomatoes. The result is a savory summer pasta salad that's easy and tasty. When you're ready to serve, top the Italian pasta salad with mozzarella balls and fresh basil leaves.

Cilantro-Lime Pasta Salad

This cilantro-lime recipe is one of the best pasta salad recipes meant to be served cold—and one of our favorites. Grilled chicken and whole wheat noodles are the base for this healthy pasta salad recipe. Fresh fruit and veggies provide gorgeous color, making this dish sure to attract grazers at any gathering.

Southwestern Chicken and Macaroni Salad

We kicked up the heat of this chicken and pasta salad by embracing poblano peppers and salsa taquera. The traditional Mexican salsa adds a slightly smoky flavor to this summer pasta salad recipe. Add cream cheese, avocado, and crispy chicken strips to balance the spice.

Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad

Two potluck favorites—deviled eggs and pasta salad—find common ground in a side dish that everyone can agree on. Pasta salad recipes with mayo are always a hit, and this easy pasta salad recipe is no different, except it has pickled onions to add tang.

Roasted Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are perfect for potlucks and picnics; this easy recipe is no exception. Starring herbed tomatoes, mushrooms, and hearty beans, this penne pasta salad (though we used bow tie in the photo because it's what we had on hand) is sure to satisfy with a simple dressing that brings out the natural flavors of veggies.

Greek Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Beans

This Greek pasta salad is so easy. Simply toss together a few on-hand ingredients—pasta and canned beans—with favorites of Greek cuisine including spinach, feta cheese, and dried tomatoes. Shave some Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top for presentation points.

Lime Couscous with Summer Veggies

Don't discount couscous when picking the perfect pasta for your salad. We tossed tender veggies on top of the grain, then spiked the dish with citrusy dressing and a blanket of shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Make it a meal by adding shrimp or chicken.

Thai Chicken Pasta Salad

Using a pre-roasted chicken from the deli slashes the prep time for this cold pasta salad. This recipe calls for ramen noodles, but any Asian noodle will do. Creamy peanut butter and coconut milk with lime juice give this dish classic Thai flavors.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

If you loved the classic Marry Me Chicken recipe, meet your new favorite pasta salad. Each bite is loaded with tortellini pasta, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and asparagus. A creamy tomato basil dressing pulls the whole dish together.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Pickle lovers, this one's for you! Showcase the flavor of dill pickles in this easy pasta salad recipe. You and your guests will love the combination of pickles, bacon, hardboiled eggs, and fresh dill.

Classic Macaroni Salad

Skip the deli counter and make homemade macaroni salad. Our easy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes plus chill time. It's our go-to summer side dish for potlucks and parties.