Pasta salad is the ultimate summer side dish—easy to make, great for feeding a crowd, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re packing a picnic, hosting a BBQ, or meal prepping for the week, these pasta salad recipes are refreshing, satisfying, and full of seasonal goodness.
From creamy classics to light and zesty favorites, here are the pasta salads you’ll be making all summer long.
Classic Italian Pasta Salad
A bold, zesty crowd-pleaser with all the colors of summer.
What You’ll Need
- Cooked rotini pasta
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Black olives
- Mozzarella balls or cubes
- Salami or pepperoni (optional)
- Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Quick Tip: Chill for 1–2 hours before serving so the flavors can really come together.
Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
Cool, tangy, and packed with crunch—perfect for potlucks.
What You’ll Need
- Cooked bowtie or elbow pasta
- Shredded carrots and chopped celery
- Cherry tomatoes
- Diced red onion
- Cooked bacon (optional)
- Ranch dressing + a spoonful of sour cream
Quick Tip: Add a handful of shredded cheddar for extra richness.
Greek Pasta Salad
Bright, briny, and Mediterranean-inspired.
What You’ll Need
- Cooked penne or fusilli
- Cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt & pepper
Quick Tip: Make it a meal by adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Pesto Pasta Salad with Mozzarella & Spinach
Light, green, and herb-packed.
What You’ll Need
- Cooked pasta (rotini or shells work great)
- Fresh baby spinach
- Mini mozzarella balls
- Sun-dried tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- Basil pesto
- Toasted pine nuts (optional)
Quick Tip: Stir in a little extra olive oil if the pesto thickens after chilling.
Southwest Pasta Salad
A spicy, colorful salad with Tex-Mex flair.
What You’ll Need
- Cooked pasta (elbows or rotini)
- Black beans and corn
- Diced bell peppers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Avocado chunks (add right before serving)
- Cilantro, lime juice, and a creamy chipotle dressing
Quick Tip: Top with crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Caprese Pasta Salad
All the flavors of a caprese salad in a pasta form.
What You’ll Need
- Cooked pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil and balsamic glaze
Quick Tip: Drizzle the balsamic right before serving for the best presentation.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Protein-packed and picnic-ready.
What You’ll Need
- Cooked pasta (elbows or shells)
- Canned tuna, drained
- Celery and red onion
- Sweet peas
- Light mayo + Greek yogurt + lemon juice for the dressing
Quick Tip: Add chopped dill pickles or relish for extra tang.
Final Thoughts: Pasta Salad for Every Mood
Whether you love it creamy, zesty, or veggie-loaded, pasta salad is the ultimate summer staple. These easy recipes are endlessly versatile, make-ahead friendly, and totally satisfying—perfect for your next BBQ, picnic, or sunny day lunch.
