The ultimate guide to Pasta Salad Recipes! Whether you want a classic like macaroni salad or something with a twist, we’ve got you covered!
I’ve told you once, I’ve told you twice…heck, I’ve probably told you about a dozen times by now…I love pasta salad! There’s just something about chilled noodles and fresh Summer produce smothered in delicious dressings that is so satisfying.
Plus, they’re incredibly customizable. Mix and match noodles, protein, veggies, and dressing… then DEVOUR. Seriously. Is there anything better?
Do you rinse pasta for pasta salad?
Yes, cooked pasta should be rinsed with cool water immediately after draining. This stops the pasta from cooking and also helps the pasta from clumping together and becoming gluey.
How to keep noodles from sticking together in pasta salad
There are a few things you can do to ensure your noodles don’t clump together:
- Cook the pasta al dente. You want the noodles to be somewhat firm so they hold up in the salad. If they’re overcooked they’ll mush together.
- Rinse the pasta. Rinsing the pasta with cool water after draining prevents the pasta from becoming sticky as it cools.
- Toss the pasta with olive oil. Drizzle a little oil over the noodles while they’re still hot to keep them from sticking together.
Can you make gluten-free pasta salad?
Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure all of the ingredients you’re using in the salad are certified gluten-free.
Can you make pasta salad the night before?
Yes! It’s honestly even better if you do. It gives the pasta and veggies time to really soak in all the flavors.
How long will homemade pasta salad keep?
Leftover pasta salad will last up to a week in the fridge, depending on the ingredients used.
Pasta salad recipes
Macaroni Salad
![bowl of macaroni salad above](https://showmetheyummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Macaroni-Salad-Show-Me-the-Yummy-Google-Thumb-Retina-1-opt.jpg)
Vegan Pasta Salad
![bowl of vegan pasta salad side view](https://showmetheyummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Vegan-Pasta-Salad-Show-Me-the-Yummy-Google-Thumb-Retina-1.jpg)
Broccoli Pasta Salad
![bowl of broccoli pasta salad](https://showmetheyummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Broccoli-Pasta-Salad-Show-Me-the-Yummy-Google-Thumb-Retina-3.jpg)
Easy Italian Pasta Salad
![bowl of italian pasta salad](https://showmetheyummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Easy-Italian-Pasta-Salad-Show-Me-the-Yummy-Google-Thumb-Retina-1-opt.jpg)
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
![bowl of mexican street corn pasta salad above](https://showmetheyummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Mexican-Street-Corn-Pasta-Salad-Show-Me-the-Yummy-Google-Thumb-Retina-1-opt.jpg)
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
![healthy chicken caesar pasta salad bowl above](https://showmetheyummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Healthy-Chicken-Caesar-Pasta-Salad-Show-Me-the-Yummy-Google-Thumb-Retina-1-opt.jpg)
Asian Pasta Salad
![bowl of asian pasta salad](https://showmetheyummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Asian-Pasta-Salad-Show-Me-the-Yummy-Google-Thumb-Retina-1-opt.jpg)
Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
![This simple Pesto Pasta Salad is loaded with pasta shells, fresh pesto, salty bacon, crumbly feta, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cashews! showmetheyummy.com](https://showmetheyummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Pesto-Pasta-Salad-Show-Me-the-Yummy-Google-Thumb-2.jpg)
Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
![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! showmetheyummy.com #pastasalad #caprese](https://showmetheyummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Caprese-Pasta-Salad-Horizontal.jpg)
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! showmetheyummy.com #pasta #vegetarian](https://showmetheyummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Greek-Tortellini-Pasta-Salad-Horizontal.jpg)
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! showmetheyummy.com #mexicanfood #pasta #salad #mexicanpastasalad #pastasalad #grilling #sidedish #vegetarian](https://showmetheyummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Mexican-Pasta-Salad-Horizontal.jpg)
Greek Orzo Salad
![bowl of greek orzo salad](https://showmetheyummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Greek-Orzo-Salad-Show-Me-the-Yummy-Google-Thumb-Retina-1-opt.jpg)
– Jennifer