20 Epic Pasta Salad Recipes Perfect For Summer

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Pasta salad: the potluck staple, the reliable side dish… but what if it could be EPIC? We’re talking unexpected flavor twists, innovative ingredients, and pasta salads that will steal the show at any gathering. Get ready to transform this classic into something truly unforgettable.

Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken is your summer side dish MVP! Packed with flavor and easily prepared ahead of time, it’s the ideal companion for picnics, backyard barbecues, or any warm-weather gathering.

Get The Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Best Ever Easy Pasta Salad

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Don’t be fooled by the name! This Simple Pasta Salad recipe delivers big on flavor and is ready in a flash. Perfect for a quick lunch or prepping ahead for gatherings, it’s a versatile option that’s sure to please everyone.

Get The Recipe: Best Ever Easy Pasta Salad

Bacon And Asparagus Pasta Salad

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Bacon and Asparagus Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Get The Recipe: Bacon And Asparagus Pasta Salad

Deliciously Creamy Tuna & Corn Pasta Salad

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Looking for something tasty, quick, and budget-friendly? This Tuna Pasta Salad hits the spot! It’s loaded with flaky tuna, crunchy veggies, and sweet corn for a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or when you need a fast, delicious lunch!

Get The Recipe: Deliciously Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie.

This BLT Pasta Salad is a flavor explosion in a bowl. With tender pasta tossed with juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon crumbles, and fresh, leafy greens. Tiny toasted croutons add a delightful crunch, while a creamy, flavorful mayonnaise dressing ties it all together. It’s the perfect summer side dish or light lunch – and so easy to make, it’ll become your new go-to!
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad

Street Corn Pasta Salad

Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie.

This Mexican street corn pasta salad is a fiesta in a bowl. Creamy, colorful, and bursting with fresh flavors, it’s the perfect side dish that comes together in a flash. Weeknights will never be the same!

Get the Recipe: Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Photo credit: Lisa’s Healthy Kitchen.

This vibrant side salad bursts with classic Mediterranean flavors – a symphony of freshness in every bite. Simple to prepare, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any protein, transforming your summer meals into flavorful fiestas.

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Smoked Italian Pasta Salad

Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Forget the ordinary – this recipe infuses classic Italian flavors with a hint of smokiness. Tender pasta gets tossed with juicy pepperoni, salami, and creamy mozzarella, all drizzled with a zesty pepperoncini dressing. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s bursting with smoky goodness!

Get the Recipe: Smoked Italian Pasta Salad

Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad

Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Tex-Mex Chicken Pasta Salad is your answer. Imagine a southwest fiesta in a bowl, bursting with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a symphony of fresh Tex-Mex ingredients. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for a summer BBQ or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Get the Recipe: Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad

Blt Pasta Salad

Image Credit: Budget Bytes

Imagine tender pasta tossed in a creamy dressing, studded with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce. This flavor-packed dish comes together in minutes, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner. So ditch the boring side dishes and impress your friends and family with this delightful twist on a summer staple!

Get The Recipe: Blt Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad

Image Credit: Budget Bytes

Pizza night was a success, but you’re staring down leftover toppings? Don’t waste a thing! This recipe transforms those ingredients into a vibrant Italian-style pasta salad. We’ll show you how to repurpose your favorite pizza fixings – pepperoni, veggies, cheese – into a flavorful dish tossed with a simple homemade Italian dressing. It’s a delicious and budget-friendly way to extend the life of your pizza feast, perfect for a light lunch or a fun side dish.

Get The Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Butternut Squash Pasta Salad

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This delicious pasta salad combines sweet and savory flavors: Butternut Squash Pasta Salad with Cranberries and Parmesan. It’s sure to be a hit! Get The Recipe: Butternut Squash Pasta Salad

Pepperoni Pasta Salad

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Spicy meets creamy in this Pepperoni Pasta Salad! Rich and peppery pepperoni plays off the mildness of spinach and mozzarella for a flavor explosion in every bite.

Get The Recipe: Pepperoni Pasta Salad

Pickle Relish Macaroni Salad

Image Credit: Jennifer Deremer/Not Entirely Average

The party vibes are already kicking in, and my grill is fired up for some epic backyard barbecues! First up on the menu: A Tasty And Kid-friendly Pickle Relish Macaroni Salad that’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

Get The Recipe: Pickle Relish Macaroni Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad

Image Credit: DronG

Experience the heart of Amish cuisine with this delightful Amish Macaroni Salad. Made with fresh ingredients, it boasts a perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors that will transport you to a simpler time.

Get The Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad

Image Credit: Ajoke/The Dinner Bite

Say goodbye to store-bought pasta salad! This creamy recipe is bursting with flavor and comes together in a snap. Made with just a handful of fresh vegetables and a simple mayonnaise dressing, it’s the perfect summer side dish. And the best part? You can enjoy it warm or chilled, making it ideal for any occasion!

Get The Recipe: Creamy Pasta Salad

Best Italian Pasta Salad

Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolans

Craving a summer staple that goes from picnic to party in a flash? This Best Italian Pasta Salad is your answer! Loaded with juicy salami, creamy mozzarella, vibrant veggies, and briny olives, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Enjoy it as a satisfying main dish or a crowd-pleasing side for any summer gathering.

Get The Recipe: Best Italian Pasta Salad

Three Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad

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Creamy Dream: Cheesy Pasta Salad with a Burst of Fresh Veggies (Highlights creamy cheese and fresh vegetables)

Get The Recipe: Three Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad

Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

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This recipe isn’t just for nostalgia! This classic tuna pasta salad is the perfect choice for busy days. It’s incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for quick lunches on the go. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity – the flavor combination is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a welcome addition to any summer barbecue. So ditch the boring sandwiches and whip up this satisfying and versatile dish in minutes!

Get The Recipe: Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie.

This Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Imagine a symphony of fresh asparagus, vibrant peas, and protein-packed chickpeas, all tossed in a creamy, herb-packed Green Goddess dressing. Topped with crunchy pine nuts, it’s a versatile dish that shines as a satisfying side, a light main course, or even a guilt-free late-night treat.

Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Pasta Salad