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17 Pasta Salad Recipes Perfect For Summer

17 Pasta Salad Recipes Perfect For Summer

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Pasta salad is the ultimate summer side dish. No wonder it makes an appearance at every BBQ and potluck in the warm months, it’s a crowd favorite. There’s the classic Italian pasta salads and macaroni salads, but that’s not all. There are many flavorful varieties of pasta salad that everyone should try at least once! Here are 17 delicious pasta salad recipes perfect for summer!

Check out some of our other summer recipe posts:
20 Easy Summer Zucchini Recipes
23 Tasty No-Bake Desserts
11 Delicious Grilled Turkey Burgers
21 Frozen Summer Cocktail Recipes
The 21 Best Grilled Chicken Recipes

17 Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes

1. Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad With Pesto, Avocado, and Tomato

Whip up a 10-minute meal packed with flavor, protein, and veggies! This chicken pasta salad with pesto is loaded with tomatoes, avocado, and red onion. Every bite is like a circus of flavors. If you’re looking for a nutritious salad for your lunches or potlucks, this chunky chicken pasta salad recipe will be one of the best options in your arsenal.

Here is the recipe for this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad.

A large bowl of healthy chicken pasta salad topped with pesto, avocado, and tomato.
Source: eatwell101

2. Italian Pasta Salad

This is the classic Italian pasta salad recipe made with pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and fresh mozzarella cheese. This pasta salad is a great summertime dish and pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, oven-roasted salmon or simply with sandwiches.

Here is the recipe for this Italian Pasta Salad.

3. The Best Creamy Pasta Salad

The absolute BEST Creamy Pasta Salad made with broccoli, cucumbers, olives, cheese, red onion, red pepper, and broccoli then tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing. This is the perfect pasta salad for parties and potlucks!

Here is the recipe for this Creamy Pasta Salad.

4. Ranch Pasta Salad

This easy to make Ranch Pasta Salad will have you the star of your next cookout. It is flavorful and colorful all while keeping it simple. Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon to make a tasty main meal for the summer. This is one of my favorite pasta salad recipes!

Here is the recipe for this Ranch Pasta Salad.

A large bowl of delicious ranch pasta salad.
Source: The Kitchen and a Latte

5. Asian Noodle Salad In Peanut Dressing

This Asian Noodle Salad with thinly sliced red cabbage, julienned carrots and radishes in spicy peanut dressing is ideal for picnics, barbecues or a delicious work lunch. The best part is it could be made ahead as it keeps well in the fridge and becomes even more flavourful! 

Here is the recipe for this Asian Noodle Salad.

A closeup bowl of Asian noodle salad tossed in peanut dressing.
Source: Vikalinka

6. Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad

Have you ever craved Thanksgiving in the middle of summer? If you have, this is the answer! Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad is loaded with everyone’s favorite holiday flavors. Juicy turkey, sweet tart cranberries, toasted almonds and crunchy celery are mixed with pasta tossed in an easy poppy seed dressing.

Here is the recipe for this Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad.

7. Greek Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad is a must have side dish recipe! It’s so bright and refreshing, it’s jam packed with veggies and bits of tangy feta, and it’s perfectly satisfying. And let’s not forget it’s practically guaranteed to be a crowd favorite! This is one of my favorite pasta salad recipes to make in the summer.

Here is the recipe for this Greek Pasta Salad.

8. BLT Pasta Salad

Turn your favorite summer sandwich into a pasta salad with this delicious recipe. This bacon, lettuce and tomato pasta salad will be the star side dish at your cookouts and picnics!

Here is the recipe for this BLT Pasta Salad.

9. Macaroni Salad

Quick and easy pasta salad that is always a hit at parties, potlucks and BBQs. Tons of flavor from the pasta, peas, ham, cheese and seasonings!

Here is the recipe for this Macaroni Salad.

10. Cajun Pasta Salad

This Cajun Pasta Salad is just so good! Really bursting with flavor. Just a little kick, but nothing too much. Add some chicken or pulled pork to make a delicious meal, or enjoy on the side. I love spicy foods, and there just aren’t enough spicy pasta salad recipes out there. This one is delicious!

Here is the recipe for this Cajun Pasta Salad.

11. Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta

This Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is ready in about 10 minutes! If you’re craving Italian, but don’t want to deal with a hot, messy kitchen, then this recipe is perfect for you. Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil never fail to impress!

Here is the recipe for this Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta.

12. Easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad

Change up the regular rotini salads, with this orzo pasta salad. It’s super easy to make and makes a perfect side dish for summer picnics, potlucks, and barbecues! Add some more veggies, and you have a yummy lunch to take to work during the week.

Here is the recipe for this Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad.

13. BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

This pasta salad brings the barbecue to the barbecue! It’s dressed with a rich, yummy BBQ mayonnaise sauce, and topped with corn, bell peppers, black beans and juicy chicken breast.

Here is the recipe for this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad.

14. Basil Lemon Pasta Salad

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing alternative to classic pasta salads. It’s full of fresh flavor and is made in minutes with a few simple ingredients.

Here is the recipe for this Basil Lemon Pasta Salad.

15. Asian Ramen Salad

Asian Ramen Salad is quick, easy and full of flavor! It’s the perfect salad to take to a potluck, holiday or summer party. This recipe is super easy to throw together and has a delicious homemade Asian dressing. It’s packed full of cabbage, carrots and crunchy ramen noodles. You can easily make this a main dish by throwing some grilled or rotisserie chicken in it! Perfect for an easy lunch when it’s hot out!

Here is the recipe for this Asian Ramen Salad.

16. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

This buffalo chicken pasta salad has the perfect combination of noodles, crisp veggies, tangy buffalo chicken and a cooling ranch sauce. Topped with creamy blue cheese for an easy summer salad the entire family will love!

Here is the recipe for this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad.

17. Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

Everyone’s favorite cowboy caviar dip made into an easy pasta salad. Tender spiral pasta noodles, corn, sweet bell peppers, diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, avocado covered in Italian dressing and seasonings.

Here is the recipe for this Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad.

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