10 Easy Pasta Salad Recipes. Everything from classic broccoli salad to healthy chicken caesar pasta salad, chilled asian noodles, and everything in between! Bring on the pasta!
I’ve told you once, I’ve told you twice, heck, I’ve probably told you a thousand times by now . . . I LOVE PASTA SALAD. It’s just the best. Chilled noodles, fresh summer produce, loads of textures and flavors . . . I LOVE PASTA SALAD. 😉
Now, kids may be heading back to school (pst – check out my favorite back to school recipes), but cooler weather (at least here in Raleigh) is nowhere in sight.
Which means.
We still need quick, easy, and refreshing recipes to feed our families, yes? Yes!
Whether you’re serving pasta salad as a side to your favorite protein or on it’s own, you can’t go wrong. Today, I’ve gathered up my favorite 10 Easy Pasta Salad Recipes.
You won’t be disappointed.
Before we get into the recipes, let’s answer a few questions, shall we?
Can Pasta Salad be made a day ahead?
Pasta salad can absolutely be made a day ahead! Pasta salad is THE perfect Sunday meal prep recipe. If you need more specific make ahead instructions, you’ll probably find them in each individual recipe below.
What goes with pasta salad?
How long will Pasta Salad last in the fridge?
Pasta salad will last for up to a week in the fridge, depending on what ingredients are used! Again, if you need more specific make ahead instructions, you’ll probably find them in each individual recipe below.
Do you rinse pasta for pasta salad?
You should definitely rinse your pasta for pasta salad. This stops the pasta from cooking. Bonus: pasta salad (most likely) needs to be chilled anyway, so it doesn’t matter if your pasta is cooled ahead of time!
How to make gluten free pasta salad:
Just swap out your favorite gluten free pasta! I can’t guarantee results, because I’ve never personally made any of these with gluten free pastas, but I’m sure the noodles would hold up fine. What are your favorite gluten free pasta brands?
Now. Who’s ready for some pasta salad?!
PSST – I threw in a couple grain salad (quinoa, farro, etc) recipes at the end as a little bonus, too!
Easy Pasta Salad Recipes:
Greek Orzo Salad
This easy Greek orzo salad recipe is SO delicious! This super quick and easy make ahead recipe is loaded with orzo pasta, a tangy homemade greek salad dressing, crumbly feta, fresh, crunchy, summer veggies, and more!
Easy Italian Pasta Salad
This easy Italian pasta salad recipe is sure to be a summer favorite! This super quick and easy make ahead recipe is loaded with perfectly cooked noodles, a tangy homemade italian dressing, creamy mozzarella, salty salami, and more!
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
A twist on classic elotes, this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is full of all the traditional flavors with a few fun twists! It’s sweet from the corn, smoky from the spices, and loaded with amazing textures and flavors thanks to bow tie pasta, black beans, peppers, and fresh herbs! The perfect summer side dish.
Healthy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This healthy chicken caesar pasta salad is super quick, easy, healthy, and delicious! Loaded with whole wheat penne, rotisserie chicken, hard boiled eggs, onion, pepper, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and my secret ingredient: store-bought greek yogurt caesar salad dressing!
Asian Pasta Salad
This Asian Pasta Salad Recipe is loaded with a homemade dressing: sesame oil, vinegar, lime juice, honey, soy sauce, spices, etc. – fresh crunchy veggies: carrots, bell pepper, cucumbers – and other great mix-ins: noodles, peanuts, and cilantro! Light, fresh, quick and easy!
Pesto Pasta Salad
This simple Pesto Pasta Salad is loaded with pasta shells, fresh pesto, salty bacon, crumbly feta, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cashews!
Caprese Pasta Salad
This Caprese Pasta Salad is so quick and easy to put together! Full of orzo pasta, mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, fresh basil, tangy balsamic, and salty parmesan!
Broccoli Salad
This broccoli salad recipe will definitely blow you away. Pasta, bacon, and broccoli? What could be better? This pasta salad is my go-to summer side dish!
Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad
This Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is vegetarian, easy, and so tasty! Sun dried tomatoes. Salty feta. Chickpeas. Fresh vegetables. Cheese Pasta. Yes please!
Mexican Pasta Salad
This Mexican Pasta Salad needs to make an appearance at your next grill out. A fun textured pasta + fresh crunchy veggies + black beans + a kick butt sauce!
Bonus: Easy Grain Salads
Antipasto Farro Salad
This Antipasto Farro Salad is loaded with farro and all your favorite antipasto ingredients: roasted red pepper, tomatoes, onion, pepperoni, salami, mozzarella, pepperoncinis, olives, and more! Light yet SO satisfying.
Easy Mexican Quinoa Salad
This Easy Mexican Quinoa Salad is gluten free and can easily be made vegan. Loaded with quinoa, beans, corn, fresh summer veggies, herbs, feta, and the best chili lime vinaigrette. The perfect meal prep healthy lunch or side dish for summer bbqs!
Mediterranean Farro Salad
Hearty farro meets loads of fresh, crunchy veggies, tangy red wine vinegar, chickpeas, and spices to make this healthy and delicious Mediterranean Farro Salad Recipe!
Happy *pasta salad* eating!
– Jennifer
What other pasta salad recipes do you want to see? Show Me the Yummy!