17 Delicious Pasta Salads to Brighten Your Summer

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light and refreshing meals, and pasta salads are a great way to do just that. They’re easy to make, versatile, and packed with flavors that everyone loves. These dishes are great for picnics, barbecues, or just a light meal on a hot day. I’ve gathered 30 of the best pasta salad recipes that are full of flavor, and sure to impress your friends and family.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a quintessential summer dish that combines cooked rotini pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onions, and mozzarella balls. The dressing is a zesty Italian vinaigrette made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning. To prepare, cook the pasta according to the package instructions, mix the vegetables, cheese, and dressing, then toss everything together. The salad is tangy and fresh, with a delightful combination of crunchy vegetables and soft cheese. This recipe is perfect for potlucks and picnics due to its vibrant flavors and easy preparation. The pasta absorbs the dressing well, making it flavorful with every bite.

Greek Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad features a medley of Mediterranean flavors with ingredients like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onions, and feta cheese. The pasta, typically rotini or penne, is tossed in a lemon-oregano vinaigrette. To make it, cook the pasta, chop the vegetables, crumble the feta, and combine everything with the dressing. This salad is tangy and savory, with a refreshing crunch from the vegetables. The feta adds a creamy texture that complements the vinaigrette perfectly. It’s an excellent side dish for grilled meats or a light, standalone meal.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and aromatic dish made with cooked pasta, fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and toasted pine nuts. Cook the pasta and let it cool, then mix with homemade or store-bought pesto, add the tomatoes, mozzarella, and pine nuts. The pesto provides a rich, herbaceous flavor, while the pine nuts add a delightful crunch. This salad is creamy and nutty, with the fresh taste of basil shining through. It’s perfect for summer picnics and pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad takes inspiration from the classic Caprese salad, featuring cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. The salad is dressed with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. To prepare, cook the pasta, halve the tomatoes, tear the basil, and mix everything with mozzarella and vinaigrette. The combination of sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil makes this salad refreshing and satisfying. The balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy sweetness that elevates the flavors. It’s a perfect accompaniment to any summer meal.

BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish that includes pasta, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce, all mixed with a creamy ranch dressing. Cook the pasta and bacon separately, chop the lettuce and tomatoes, and toss everything with the dressing. This salad combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich in a pasta form, making it savory and creamy. The bacon adds a smoky crunch, while the ranch dressing brings a tangy creaminess. It’s a crowd-pleaser at barbecues and family gatherings.

Southwestern Pasta Salad

Southwestern Pasta Salad is a zesty and colorful dish featuring cooked pasta, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, tossed in a lime-cilantro dressing. Cook the pasta, drain and rinse the beans and corn, chop the vegetables, and mix with the dressing. This salad is bright and tangy, with a bit of spice from the dressing. The beans add protein and a creamy texture, while the corn and peppers provide a sweet crunch. It’s an excellent side dish for tacos or grilled meats.

Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad is a protein-packed and creamy dish made with pasta, canned tuna, peas, celery, and a mayonnaise-based dressing. Cook the pasta and peas, chop the celery, drain the tuna, and combine everything with the dressing. The salad is rich and satisfying, with the tuna providing a savory flavor and the peas adding a sweet touch. The celery gives a nice crunch, balancing the creaminess of the dressing. It’s a great make-ahead lunch or picnic dish.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the classic Caesar salad ingredients with pasta for a hearty and flavorful dish. Ingredients include cooked pasta, grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons, all tossed in Caesar dressing. Cook the pasta and chicken, chop the lettuce, and mix with the dressing and toppings. The salad is creamy and savory, with the grilled chicken adding a smoky flavor. The croutons provide a satisfying crunch, making it a complete meal on its own.

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Antipasto Pasta Salad includes a variety of Italian deli meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables, all mixed with pasta and a tangy Italian dressing. Cook the pasta, chop the meats and cheeses, and combine with the dressing and vegetables. This salad is hearty and savory, with a combination of flavors from the meats and cheeses. The dressing adds a tangy zest, making it a perfect side dish for any Italian-inspired meal.

Avocado Pasta Salad

Avocado Pasta Salad features pasta, ripe avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a lime-cilantro dressing. Cook the pasta, chop the vegetables, and mix with the dressing and avocado. This salad is creamy and fresh, with the avocados providing a buttery texture and the dressing adding a zesty kick. The tomatoes add sweetness, making it a refreshing dish for summer. It’s a healthy and delicious option for any meal.

Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad

Lemon Asparagus Pasta Salad is a bright and tangy dish featuring pasta, fresh asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette. Cook the pasta and asparagus, chop the tomatoes, and mix with the dressing. This salad is light and refreshing, with the asparagus adding a crisp texture and the lemon vinaigrette providing a citrusy zing. The tomatoes add sweetness, balancing the flavors perfectly. It’s an excellent side dish for grilled fish or chicken.

Shrimp Pasta Salad

Shrimp Pasta Salad is a seafood lover’s delight, made with pasta, cooked shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dill dressing. Cook the pasta and shrimp, chop the vegetables, and mix with the dressing. This salad is fresh and savory, with the shrimp adding a sweet, briny flavor. The dill dressing enhances the overall taste, making it a perfect dish for summer. It’s a great option for a light lunch or a side dish for a seafood feast.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad features orzo pasta, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-oregano vinaigrette. Cook the orzo, chop the vegetables, and mix with the dressing and feta. This salad is light and tangy, with the orzo providing a delicate texture. The feta adds a creamy, salty flavor, while the vegetables and dressing offer a refreshing taste. It’s perfect for summer picnics and pairs well with grilled meats.

Fruit and Nut Pasta Salad

Fruit and Nut Pasta Salad combines pasta with dried cranberries, chopped apples, walnuts, and a honey-mustard dressing. Cook the pasta, chop the apples and nuts, and mix with the dressing and cranberries. This salad is sweet and crunchy, with the fruits adding a refreshing taste and the nuts providing texture. The honey-mustard dressing adds a tangy sweetness, making it a unique and delicious dish for any occasion.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad features pasta, grilled corn, cilantro, red onions, and a creamy chili-lime dressing. Grill the corn, cook the pasta, chop the onions, and mix with the dressing and cilantro. This salad is tangy and spicy, with the grilled corn adding a smoky flavor. The chili-lime dressing provides a zesty kick, making it a vibrant and delicious dish. It’s a great side for any Mexican-inspired meal.

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad combines pasta with shredded BBQ chicken, corn, black beans, and a creamy ranch dressing. Cook the pasta and chicken, drain and rinse the beans and corn, and mix with the dressing. This salad is smoky and creamy, with the BBQ chicken adding a rich, savory flavor. The beans and corn provide texture, while the ranch dressing ties everything together. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish for any summer gathering.

Tropical Pasta Salad

Tropical Pasta Salad features pasta, pineapple chunks, ham, red bell peppers, and a sweet and tangy dressing. Cook the pasta, chop the ham and peppers, and mix with the dressing and pineapple. This salad is sweet and savory, with the pineapple adding a refreshing taste. The ham provides a salty flavor, while the dressing ties everything together. It’s a unique and delicious dish for any summer occasion.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

More From RetailShout

16 Ultimate Meals for a Memorable Date Night at Home

Planning a date night at home can be just as special as going out to a fancy restaurant, and it can often be more intimate and memorable. Imagine cooking a delicious meal together, sharing laughs in the kitchen, and enjoying a homemade feast that rivals any restaurant dish. Read More.

17 Foods That Can Trigger Acne Breakouts

Acne is a common skin issue that affects people of all ages, and while it’s often attributed to hormones and genetics, diet plays a significant role as well. The foods we eat can either support clear, healthy skin or contribute to breakouts that can be frustrating to manage. Read More.

16 Hassle-Free Weeknight Meals to Make in Under an Hour

Weeknights can be hectic, but dinner doesn’t have to be a stress point. Imagine coming home and whipping up a delicious meal in under an hour, from prep to finish. That’s exactly what these 16 recipes offer: tasty, quick, and satisfying dishes that make busy evenings a breeze. Read More.