50 Easy Pasta Salad Recipes

Looking for a simple summer side dish recipe for your next BBQ or picnic? Try these 50 easy pasta salad recipes that are perfect when you need a quick summer salad that can be made up ahead of time.

Seafood, chicken, Italian and Greek pasta salad recipes for summer

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When it comes to summertime recipes, some of my very favorite go-to meals during the hot summer months are easy grilling recipes such as burgers, tasty kabob recipes, or grilled chicken paired with simple summer salads. 

And while I enjoy fresh green salads and potato salads, the salads I make on repeat during the summer are easy cold pasta salads. Pasta salads are such a perfect summertime side dish because they are not only full of flavor but simple to prep.

Plus, they can be made up ahead of time making them ideal to take to summer parties, potlucks, picnics, graduation parties, 4th of July BBQs, and backyard cookouts.

So, with summer just around the corner, I thought I would gather up some of the best pasta salad recipes that would be perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a side for a simple summer dinner.

Looking for more simple summer recipes?

50 Easy Pasta Salad Recipes

Enjoy these easy family-friendly pasta salad recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights this summer. You will find Italian pasta salad, seafood pasta salad, tuna pasta salad, Greek pasta salad and so much more. 

1
Caprese Pasta Salad
Swirls of Flavor
Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad combines fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil pesto, the flavors of Caprese, with pasta for a pasta salad bursting with summer flavors.
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2
Easy Pasta Salad
Beyond the Chicken Coop
Easy Pasta Salad
This easy pasta salad is made with simple ingredients and a homemade zesty Italian dressing.
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3
Tortellini Pasta Salad with Prosciutto
Gypsy Plate
Tortellini Pasta Salad with Prosciutto
This Tortellini Pasta Salad is one dish that looks as great as it tastes. It’s so quick, easy and such a crowd pleaser!
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4
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Tornadoughalli
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This easy and delicious Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect side for your summer gatherings.
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5
Corn, Bacon and Arugula Pasta Salad
Herbs & Flour
Corn, Bacon and Arugula Pasta Salad
This easy Corn, Bacon and Arugula Pasta Salad has a creamy honey Dijon dressing, with fresh, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and fresh arugula. It's the perfect side dish to any grilled meat.
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6
Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad
Accidental Happy Baker
Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad
Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad: Colorful fresh vegetables are tossed with pasta and the easiest Italian dressing for a simple and fresh side dish.
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7
Easy Spaghetti Pasta Salad
She's Not Cookin'
Easy Spaghetti Pasta Salad
This Easy Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a refreshing side with loaded veggies, cheese, and tangy vinaigrette, perfect for barbecues or picnics, ready in just 10 minutes!
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8
Creamy Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe
Finding Zest
Creamy Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe
Creamy bowtie pasta salad is a super easy pasta salad recipe! Loaded with veggies and tons of flavor it's perfect to serve at your next family get-together. It's also great for summer cookouts and potlucks.
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9
Easy Hawaiian Pasta Salad
Recipes From a Pantry
Easy Hawaiian Pasta Salad
Hawaiian Pasta Salad is quick, easy and inexpensive to make. You can enjoy a taste of the tropics all year long!
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10
Easy Mexican Macaroni Salad with Corn
Haute and Healthy Living
Easy Mexican Macaroni Salad with Corn
Mexican Macaroni Salad is a perfect blend of vibrant colors and refreshing flavors! An easy & tasty main, side dish or addition to potlucks!
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11
4-Ingredient Pasta Salad
Healthy Kids Recipes
4-Ingredient Pasta Salad
This refreshingly easy 4-ingredient pasta salad is the perfect healthy lunch or summer dish. Plus, it can be made in less than 20 minutes!
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12
Creamy Greek Pasta Salad
Girl Heart Food
Creamy Greek Pasta Salad
Try this creamy Greek pasta salad that can be made in about 15 minutes with lots of veggies, feta & olives.
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13
Mediterranean Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
My Everyday Table
Mediterranean Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
This Mediterranean tortellini pasta salad recipe has everything we love in a pasta salad - chewy pasta, homemade vinaigrette, crunch and color, and loads of flavorful and salty bites.
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14
Classic Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
Noshing With the Nolands
Classic Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
Classic tuna pasta salad makes a satisfying main dish for lunches on the go, or a delicious side salad for your summer barbecue.
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15
Macaroni Salad with Tuna and Peas
Honey B's Homestead
Macaroni Salad with Tuna and Peas
A mayonnaise-based macaroni salad made with elbow macaroni, tuna fish, green peas, and red onion topped with hard-boiled eggs and a sprinkle of paprika.
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16
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
The Belly Rules the Mind
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill pickle pasta salad is a creamy, simple recipe that is the perfect make-ahead meal or side dish. Perfect to bring for picnics or enjoy for lunch.
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17
BLT Pasta Salad
The Toasty Kitchen
BLT Pasta Salad
Your favorite sandwich, the BLT, is here in pasta salad form. Bacon, lettuce, and tomato are tossed in a creamy ranch dressing with rotini pasta.
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18
Seafood Pasta Salad
Pinch and Swirl
Seafood Pasta Salad
Try this easy recipe for cold Seafood Pasta Salad with crab and shrimp and crunchy celery in a creamy dressing!
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19
Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta and Sun Dried Tomatoes
Family Spice
Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta and Sun Dried Tomatoes
This orzo pasta salad with feta and sun-dried tomatoes makes a wonderful side dish or light meal. Enjoy it at home or take it to a potluck or picnic.
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20
Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
The Fresh Cooky
Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad has tender chicken, crispy bacon, veggies, and cheese in creamy ranch dressing that creates a mouthwatering combination you’ll crave.
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21
Summer Pasta Salad
A Dish of Daily Life
Summer Pasta Salad
Summer Pasta Salad, packed with farmer’s market vegetables, is the perfect side dish for any potluck or summer BBQ.
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22
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad
The Herbeevore
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad
Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad is creamy and tangy without mayonnaise - this is a great high protein pasta salad recipe for a cookout or BBQ!
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23
Chicken Macaroni Salad (Easy and Delicious)
Maple + Mango
Chicken Macaroni Salad (Easy and Delicious)
Chicken Macaroni Salad - a delicious cross between a creamy pasta salad and a chicken salad. It's an easy way to use up leftover chicken!
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24
The Best Creamy Pasta Salad (with Summer Sausage)
Blackberry Babe
The Best Creamy Pasta Salad (with Summer Sausage)
Creamy Pasta Salad is packed with vegetables, sausage, and topped with a creamy three-ingredient dressing! Serve cold for the perfect BBQ side dish!
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25
Berry Pesto Pasta Salad
Recipe Runner
Berry Pesto Pasta Salad
Berry Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for all your summer celebrations! Simple, delicious and sure to be a crowd favorite.
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26
Easy Pesto Pasta Salad
The Forked Spoon
Easy Pesto Pasta Salad
This easy Pesto Pasta Salad is filled with zesty pesto, pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella cheese pearls, and kalamata olives. It's ready in less than 30 minutes, and the perfect side dish for picnics, parties, and summer cookouts.
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27
Peach Pasta Salad with Mozzarella
Through The Fibro Fog
Peach Pasta Salad with Mozzarella
This peach pasta salad with a basil dressing combines fresh sweet fruit, creamy cheese and herbs for a flavorful summer side dish!
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28
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Just is a Four Letter Word
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Chicken pesto pasta salad is super simple to throw together and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Make a batch on the weekend and enjoy for lunch all week!
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29
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Nutritious Deliciousness
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad combines pasta with grilled corn, cotija cheese, and roasted poblano peppers, creating a fiesta in every bite with a delicious flavors and textures.
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30
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Craving Something Healthy
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Pesto tortellini salad features tortellini, grilled vegetables & a pesto dressing. It's perfect for a light dinner, cookout, or potluck.
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31
Macaroni Salad With Dill Pickles
Taste and See
Macaroni Salad With Dill Pickles
The dill pickles and their juice give this pasta salad a tart flavor with some nice texture and crunch. Perfect for all your cookouts, picnics and bbq’s!
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32
Crab Pasta Salad
Ramshackle Pantry
Crab Pasta Salad
Crab Pasta Salad is a flavorful side dish that is perfect for your next cookout, potluck, or dinner side with a seafood twist. It is easy to make and very filling.
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33
Caprese Pasta Salad with Pesto
The Foodie Dietitian
Caprese Pasta Salad with Pesto
Ready in 20 minutes, this Caprese pasta salad is bursting with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and is smothered in homemade pesto.
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34
Vermicelli Pasta Summer Salad
Smarty Pants Kitchen
Vermicelli Pasta Summer Salad
Vermicelli Summer Salad -strand pasta in a light citrus marinade beats the heat when it’s too hot to cook!
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35
Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon
One Hot Oven
Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon
Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon is a rich and creamy side dish full of fresh vegetables and cheese that makes a delicious side-dish.
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36
Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe (No Mayo)
Keeping it Simple
Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe (No Mayo)
This recipe uses a tangy and flavorful dressing instead of mayo, and delicious quick seared tuna steaks, making it a perfect dish for summer.
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37
Summer Pesto Pasta Salad (Gluten Free)
The Rustic Foodie
Summer Pesto Pasta Salad (Gluten Free)
This gluten free Summer Pesto Pasta Salad recipe is full of Italian flavors. It’s tossed in a creamy basil dressing, tomatoes, and cheese.
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38
Caprese Pasta Salad with Sun-dried Tomatoes
Belle of the Kitchen
Caprese Pasta Salad with Sun-dried Tomatoes
Caprese Pasta Salad is made with fresh mozzarella, basil, and juicy sun-dried tomatoes, then finished with an herb dressing and balsamic glaze.
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39
Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe
Southern Home Express
Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe
This creamy macaroni salad is a great side dish for any dinner, potluck, or picnic.
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40
Lemon Pepper Pasta Salad
Bunny's Warm Oven
Lemon Pepper Pasta Salad
Lemon Pepper Pasta Salad – The lemon juice in the dressing gives the pasta salad a bright fresh flavor while the ground pepper adds a little zing!
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41
Tortellini Pasta Salad
The Roasted Root
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Tortellini pasta salad with spring greens, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and more! A hybrid of a regular green salad and a pasta salad
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42
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Planted 365
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad vegan style is fresh, simple, and delicious. It’s perfect for summer when corn on the cob is plentiful.
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43
Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad
This low-carb and keto Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad is easy-to-make and combines your favorite appetizer with a creamy pasta salad.
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44
Fresh Picnic Pasta Salad
World of Vegan
Fresh Picnic Pasta Salad
This picnic pasta salad is the perfect dish to bring along for the ride. Fresh, creamy and delicious!
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45
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
The Feathered Nester
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
This zesty Italian pasta salad with Italian dressing is sure to please! Full of rainbow rotini pasta and lots of fresh vegetables, this healthy recipe is a great option for summer entertaining.
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46
Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad
The Dizzy Cook
Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad
Fresh and healthy for summer cookouts and BBQ’s, this mayo-free Mediterranean chickpea pasta salad is made with crisp vegetables and a light oregano vinaigrette.
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47
Easy Caprese Pasta Salad (with Mozzarella Balls)
Whole Made Living
Easy Caprese Pasta Salad (with Mozzarella Balls)
This simple caprese pasta salad is a great cold side dish when you want fancy, but have little time or energy! It’s delicious too!
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48
pasta salad with orzo in glass dish
Curry Trail
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad With Feta Cheese
Greek orzo pasta salad is a light, cold pasta salad that is perfect for summer backyard BBQ parties, picnics, and potlucks.
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49
pasta salad in glass dish
I Heart Eating
Easy Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a classic summer side dish! It's perfect for barbecues, potlucks, and picnics. Plus, it's easy to customize and simple to make.
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50
Tuna pasta salad with corn on white plate
Savory With Soul
Pasta Tuna and Sweetcorn Salad
This pasta tuna and sweetcorn salad is a quick, flavorful pasta salad that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or BBQs this summer.
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Don’t forget dessert! Find easy dessert recipes that are perfect to enjoy all summer long:

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