Looking for a tasty pasta salad recipe to serve at your next picnic or barbecue? Try one of these delicious ideas!
Here are a few tips for making pasta salad, so you can get the best results every time!
- Salt the water– This is your only chance to season the pasta itself, so don’t be shy—generously salt your boiling water before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the pasta.– Aim for al dente (with a little bite). Overcooked pasta gets mushy fast, especially once it soaks up the dressing.
- Toss the pasta with a bit of dressing while it’s warm.– Warm pasta soaks up flavor like a sponge. Just don’t drown it—save most of the dressing for later.
- Let it chill– Give your pasta salad time to marinate in the fridge. The flavor party really kicks off after a couple of hours.
- Save some dressing for serving.– Pasta salads can dry out in the fridge, so keep a little extra dressing on hand to freshen things up right before serving.
Best Pasta Salad Recipes
This colorful Greek pasta salad is brimming with vegetables and tossed in a simple, but flavorful vinaigrette — making it a tasty side dish! This make-ahead recipe is ideal for a picnic or a simple packed lunch.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a cool, creamy, comforting side dish that brings the flavors of the islands right to your plate. It’s all about tender pasta, a rich mayo dressing, and just the right hint of tang and sweetness. You’ll find it next to everything from grilled short ribs to crispy fried chicken at a classic Hawaiian plate lunch. This easy recipe is perfect for backyard BBQs, potlucks, luau-themed dinners, or anytime you want that laid-back, beachy vibe.
Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is loaded with tender pasta and a colorful mix of veggies that's tossed in a flavorful lime vinaigrette. It's a quick and easy salad, perfect for parties or potlucks.
This tasty pasta salad is filled with a rainbow of vegetables and tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette for a showstopping side dish! This make-ahead recipe is perfect for a picnic or a simple packed lunch.
This tasty Caesar pasta salad is loaded with vegetables and tossed in a creamy vegan Caesar dressing for a dish that is full of flavor! This simple recipe is perfect for lunch to go!
This southwest-inspired pasta salad is filled with spicy chipotle flavor! It’s a great make-ahead lunch or dinner recipe and it’s packed with protein and fiber!
This healthy macaroni salad recipe is packed with fresh veggies, chickpea pasta, and a high-protein dressing that makes this side dish super creamy! This satisfying dish is low in calories and high in flavor, perfect for your next cookout!
Pasta salads pop up in my meal plans on hot summer evenings and linger well into the fall. Through September and October, my whole family looks forward to this pesto pasta salad with roasted vegetables. It’s a quick and easy way to use the last few summer squash and tomatoes from my vegetable garden.
This pesto orzo salad is made with creamy ricotta and salty pistachios for a uniquely delicious pasta dish! You can enjoy this recipe served warm or cold!
This Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad is the perfect easy cold meal prep idea or a dish for a potluck!
This tuna pesto pasta is an easy and delicious meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes. Made with only a handful of ingredients, this tuna pesto pasta salad is not just perfect for a busy weeknight but also as an easy, healthy make-ahead lunch idea.
This creamy asparagus pasta salad is the perfect side dish for a spring potluck, summer BBQ, or a simple meal prep idea for healthy lunches. It’s full of bright green color, loaded with veggies, and covered in a rich and flavorful lemon ricotta dressing.
This incredibly flavorful Italian Pasta Salad recipe combines a delicious mix of classic antipasto ingredients. It’s a super versatile and crowd-pleasing, make-ahead salad that’s perfect for any occasion.
This deviled egg pasta salad is packed with flavor! The creamy dressing complements the perfectly boiled eggs and tender pasta. Bacon, onions, and celery add a yummy crunch to each bite. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any gathering and always a crowd-pleaser!
