12 Irresistible Pasta Salad Recipes to Elevate Your Next Meal
Pasta salad recipes bring flavor and fun to any table. This post shares 12 irresistible options. Each dish offers fresh ingredients and simple steps.
You can enjoy them at picnics, dinners, or casual lunches. These recipes mix bold tastes with easy prep. Readers get clear instructions and tasty ideas.
Whether you love creamy dressings or zesty herbs, this list has something for you. Dive in and find your next favorite meal.
Recipe 1: Classic Italian Pasta Salad
About: This classic Italian pasta salad bursts with vibrant flavors. Fresh vegetables pair with tangy dressing. It suits picnics or quick dinners. You can make it in minutes. Everyone loves the familiar taste.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup Italian dressing
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Boil water in a pot. Add rotini pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain water. Rinse pasta with cold water.
- Place pasta in a large bowl. Add cherry tomatoes. Add mozzarella balls. Add black olives. Add red onion.
- Pour Italian dressing over the mix. Toss everything together.
- Sprinkle basil on top. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Serve cold.
Recipe 2: Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
About: Creamy ranch pasta salad delivers cool, rich flavor. Bacon adds a smoky crunch. Kids and adults enjoy it. It works for barbecues or lunch prep. You’ll want seconds.
Ingredients:
- 10 oz elbow pasta
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- ½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup peas, frozen
- ¾ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Fill a pot with water. Boil it. Add elbow pasta. Cook for 7-9 minutes. Drain water. Cool pasta under cold water.
- Transfer pasta to a bowl. Add cheddar cheese. Add bacon. Add peas.
- Pour ranch dressing over the mix. Stir well.
- Sprinkle parsley on top.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour. Serve chilled.
Recipe 3: Lemon Herb Pasta Salad
About: Lemon herb pasta salad feels light and fresh. Zesty lemon lifts the dish. Herbs add a garden taste. It pairs with grilled chicken. You’ll love the bright flavor.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dill, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt
Instructions:
- Boil water in a pot. Add bowtie pasta. Cook for 10 minutes. Drain water. Rinse with cold water.
- Put pasta in a bowl. Add cucumber. Add feta cheese.
- Mix olive oil and lemon juice in a cup. Pour over pasta. Toss to coat.
- Add dill and garlic powder. Mix again. Add salt to taste.
- Chill for 20 minutes. Serve fresh.
Recipe 4: Spicy Southwest Pasta Salad
About: Spicy Southwest pasta salad packs a kick. Corn and beans add texture. It fits taco nights or potlucks. The heat wakes up your taste buds. You’ll savor every bite.
Ingredients:
- 11 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ⅓ cup spicy ranch dressing
Instructions:
- Heat water in a pot. Boil it. Add penne pasta. Cook for 9-11 minutes. Drain water. Cool pasta with cold water.
- Place pasta in a bowl. Add corn. Add black beans. Add red bell pepper.
- Pour spicy ranch dressing over the mix. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle cilantro on top.
- Refrigerate for 45 minutes. Serve cold.
Recipe 5: Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
About: Pesto chicken pasta salad blends hearty and fresh. Grilled chicken adds protein. Pesto brings bold flavor. It suits meal prep or gatherings. You’ll enjoy the mix.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup pesto sauce
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp pine nuts
Instructions:
- Boil water in a pot. Add fusilli pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Drain water. Rinse with cold water.
- Put pasta in a bowl. Add chicken. Add cherry tomatoes.
- Spoon pesto sauce over the mix. Toss well.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese and pine nuts on top.
- Chill for 30 minutes. Serve cold.
Recipe 6: Tuna Pasta Salad
About: Tuna pasta salad offers a seafood twist. It feels creamy yet light. Peas add a sweet pop. It works for quick lunches. You’ll find it satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 10 oz shell pasta
- 1 can tuna (5 oz), drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup peas, frozen
- ¼ cup celery, diced
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Fill a pot with water. Boil it. Add shell pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Drain water. Cool pasta with cold water.
- Transfer pasta to a bowl. Add tuna. Add peas. Add celery.
- Add mayonnaise. Mix everything together.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour. Serve chilled.
Recipe 7: Greek Pasta Salad
About: Greek pasta salad shines with Mediterranean flair. Feta and olives add tang. It feels fresh and bold. It fits summer meals. You’ll crave the taste.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced
- ⅓ cup Greek dressing
Instructions:
- Boil water in a pot. Add rotini pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Drain water. Rinse with cold water.
- Place pasta in a bowl. Add cucumber. Add feta cheese. Add olives. Add red onion.
- Pour Greek dressing over the mix. Toss to coat.
- Chill for 30 minutes. Serve cold.
Recipe 8: Caprese Pasta Salad
About: Caprese pasta salad celebrates simple ingredients. Tomatoes and mozzarella shine. Basil adds a fresh touch. It suits warm days. You’ll love the combo.
Ingredients:
- 11 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp basil, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat water in a pot. Boil it. Add penne pasta. Cook for 9-11 minutes. Drain water. Cool with cold water.
- Put pasta in a bowl. Add cherry tomatoes. Add mozzarella balls.
- Mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Pour over pasta. Toss well.
- Sprinkle basil on top.
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Serve fresh.
Recipe 9: BLT Pasta Salad
About: BLT pasta salad mimics the classic sandwich. Bacon and lettuce bring crunch. It feels hearty yet cool. It fits casual meals. You’ll enjoy the twist.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- ½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup ranch dressing
Instructions:
- Boil water in a pot. Add bowtie pasta. Cook for 10 minutes. Drain water. Rinse with cold water.
- Transfer pasta to a bowl. Add bacon. Add lettuce. Add cherry tomatoes.
- Pour ranch dressing over the mix. Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes.
Recipe 10: Asian Sesame Pasta Salad
About: Asian sesame pasta salad offers a nutty kick. Soy sauce adds depth. Veggies bring crunch. It suits light dinners. You’ll love the unique taste.
Ingredients:
- 11 oz spaghetti
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup red bell pepper, sliced
- ¼ cup sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Fill a pot with water. Boil it. Add spaghetti. Cook for 9-11 minutes. Drain water. Cool with cold water.
- Place pasta in a bowl. Add carrots. Add red bell pepper.
- Mix sesame oil and soy sauce. Pour over pasta. Toss well.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Chill for 30 minutes. Serve cold.
Recipe 11: Avocado Pasta Salad
About: Avocado pasta salad feels creamy and fresh. Lime adds a zing. It suits healthy eaters. It works for quick meals. You’ll enjoy the smooth texture.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fusilli pasta
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup corn kernels
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
- Boil water in a pot. Add fusilli pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Drain water. Rinse with cold water.
- Put pasta in a bowl. Add avocado. Add corn.
- Mix olive oil and lime juice. Pour over pasta. Toss to coat.
- Sprinkle cilantro on top.
- Chill for 20 minutes. Serve fresh.
Recipe 12: BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
About: BBQ chicken pasta salad mixes smoky and sweet. Chicken adds heartiness. It fits summer cookouts. The sauce ties it together. You’ll love the bold flavor.
Ingredients:
- 11 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup corn kernels
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat water in a pot. Boil it. Add penne pasta. Cook for 9-11 minutes. Drain water. Cool with cold water.
- Place pasta in a bowl. Add chicken. Add corn.
- Mix BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Pour over pasta. Toss well.
- Sprinkle green onions on top.
- Refrigerate for 45 minutes. Serve cold.
Hi there! I’m Lilith Smith, the heart and hands behind getrecipes.blog . Cooking has always been my greatest passion, and through this blog, I get to share that love with all of you. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an adventurous new dish from across the globe, I pour my creativity into every recipe I create
