14 Delicious Pasta Salads Ready In Under 20 Minutes
Pasta salad is the ultimate sidekick — cool, colorful, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re racing the clock before a picnic or need a last-minute dish that still impresses, these speedy creations have your back.
In just under 20 minutes, you can toss together something fresh, flavorful, and totally crave-worthy.
From zesty dressings to crunchy add-ins, these pasta salads prove that quick doesn’t have to mean boring. Get your fork ready, because dinnertime just got a whole lot easier (and tastier).
1. Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this crowd-pleaser combines rotini pasta with salami, mozzarella pearls, and crisp veggies. The zesty Italian dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Cook the pasta al dente, then cool it quickly under cold water. While it drains, chop your ingredients and mix the dressing.
Toss everything together and refrigerate briefly if time allows. Pro tip: Keep a jar of roasted red peppers in your pantry—they add instant flavor without extra prep work!
2. Greek Pasta Salad
Imagine the Aegean Sea in a bowl! Tangy feta crumbles, kalamata olives, and cucumber chunks create a refreshing Mediterranean escape.
The secret lies in using good quality olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Simply boil bow-tie pasta until tender yet firm.
Meanwhile, dice red onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Whisk together a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
A handful of fresh herbs like dill or mint brightens the entire dish. Ready in minutes, this salad actually improves if it sits for a bit!
3. BLT Pasta Salad
Your favorite sandwich transformed into a fork-twirling delight! Crispy bacon bits add smoky crunch while juicy tomatoes and crisp lettuce bring freshness to this comfort food mashup.
Cook pasta shells while frying bacon until perfectly crisp. Chop romaine lettuce and halve cherry tomatoes for maximum juiciness.
The mayo-based dressing gets a flavor boost from a splash of vinegar and a pinch of sugar.
Family gatherings call for this crowd-pleaser—I’ve never brought home leftovers! Make extra bacon because mysteriously, some always disappears during prep.
4. Pesto Pasta Salad
Herbaceous and vibrant, this green goddess delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Store-bought pesto provides instant pizzazz while pine nuts add luxurious crunch to every bite.
Cook pasta until just tender, then rinse under cold water. Stir in pesto while the pasta is still slightly warm to help it absorb all those basil-garlic flavors.
Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and a handful of toasted pine nuts.
For an impressive upgrade that takes just seconds, tear fresh basil leaves over the top right before serving. Your dinner guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
5. Caprese Pasta Salad
Summer sunshine in every forkful! Fresh mozzarella melts slightly against warm pasta while juicy tomatoes burst with garden-fresh flavor. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds sophisticated sweetness.
Cook orecchiette pasta according to package directions. Immediately toss with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and torn basil leaves.
The residual heat gently warms the cheese without melting it completely. The beauty lies in its simplicity—quality ingredients need little embellishment.
Just a splash of good olive oil, balsamic glaze, and flaky sea salt elevate this 15-minute miracle to restaurant quality.
6. Tuna Pasta Salad
Grandma’s recipe gets a modern makeover! Flaky tuna chunks provide protein while celery and red onion deliver satisfying crunch.
The creamy dressing has a secret ingredient—a squeeze of lemon juice cuts through richness perfectly. Boil elbow macaroni until al dente, then rinse under cold water.
Flake tuna and add finely diced celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish for surprising pops of flavor. Mix mayonnaise with a touch of Dijon mustard and lemon juice.
Refrigerate if you have time, but this salad tastes great immediately too. Budget-friendly and satisfying, it’s my go-to emergency dinner when the fridge looks empty!
7. Ranch Bacon Pasta Salad
Ranch fanatics, rejoice! This guilty pleasure combines America’s favorite dressing with smoky bacon and tender pasta. One bite and you’ll understand why it disappears first at potlucks.
Cook rotini while crisping bacon in a skillet. Dice bell peppers and green onions for color and crunch. The dressing combines ranch seasoning with sour cream and mayonnaise for extra creaminess.
Make this 15-minute wonder your own by adding cheese cubes or sliced black olives.
The flavors improve as they mingle, but good luck keeping hungry family members away long enough to find out!
8. Spinach and Feta Pasta Salad
Light yet satisfying, this Mediterranean-inspired creation balances tangy feta against tender pasta and fresh spinach. Toasted almonds provide unexpected crunch and nutty depth.
Cook farfalle pasta until al dente, then cool slightly. Toss with baby spinach while still warm so the leaves wilt just slightly. Add crumbled feta, sliced red onion, and toasted almond slivers.
The simple vinaigrette of lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano brightens everything up.
Perfect for lunch boxes since it tastes great at room temperature and won’t wilt into soggy disappointment like regular salads!
9. Southwest Pasta Salad
Fiesta flavors make weeknight dinners exciting! Black beans and corn kernels add hearty texture while avocado chunks contribute creamy richness. A lime-cilantro dressing delivers zesty personality.
Cook shell pasta until tender, then rinse under cold water. Mix with black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and red onion for a rainbow of colors and flavors.
Gently fold in diced avocado to prevent mushiness. The dressing combines lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and chopped cilantro.
Adjust the heat level with jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce—this 20-minute meal adapts perfectly to your spice preference!
10. Antipasto Pasta Salad
Charcuterie board meets pasta bowl in this Italian-American masterpiece! Salami, provolone, and pepperoncini bring bold flavors while artichoke hearts add sophisticated tang.
Cook rotini pasta until al dente, then cool completely. Add cubed salami, cheese, pepperoncini, and marinated artichoke hearts with their flavorful oil.
Toss with red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. The beauty of this 15-minute marvel?
It actually improves overnight as flavors meld together. Make a double batch—you’ll want these leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, trust me!
11. Lemon Herb Pasta Salad
Brightness in a bowl! Zesty lemon zest and fresh herbs transform simple ingredients into something special. The light vinaigrette lets delicate flavors shine without heavy mayo.
Cook orzo pasta until tender, then rinse briefly. While still warm, toss with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a rainbow of fresh herbs—parsley, dill, and chives work beautifully together.
Add diced cucumber for refreshing crunch. Perfect alongside grilled chicken or fish, this 15-minute side dish tastes like sunshine.
For an impressive upgrade, sprinkle with edible flowers if you’re feeling fancy—but it’s delicious without the Instagram treatment!
12. Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad
Comfort food alert! Diced ham and cheddar cheese create a kid-friendly pasta salad that adults secretly love too. Sweet peas pop with freshness against the savory background.
Cook medium shells until tender, then cool under running water. Add diced ham, cubed cheddar cheese, frozen peas (they’ll thaw instantly), and finely diced red onion for flavor without overwhelming bite.
The dressing combines mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a splash of pickle juice.
Ready in 15 minutes flat, this hearty salad makes perfect picnic fare since it travels well.
No fancy ingredients required—just pantry and fridge staples transformed into something delicious!
13. Caesar Pasta Salad
Restaurant favorite meets home kitchen convenience! Crunchy romaine and al dente pasta create textural magic while Parmesan shavings add nutty richness.
Garlicky Caesar dressing coats every bite perfectly. Cook penne pasta until firm, then cool completely. Tear crisp romaine into bite-sized pieces and add to pasta along with Parmesan shavings.
Store-bought Caesar dressing saves precious minutes without sacrificing flavor.
Homemade garlic croutons elevate this 20-minute meal—just toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian herbs, then toast until golden.
For protein, add grilled chicken strips or keep it vegetarian with chickpeas!
14. Avocado Pasta Salad
Creamy without cream! Ripe avocados create a luxurious sauce that clings to every pasta curve. Lime juice prevents browning while adding bright acidity to balance the richness.
Cook bow-tie pasta according to package directions. Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, garlic, and olive oil to create a silky dressing.
Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and corn kernels for color and texture. This 15-minute vegetarian delight tastes indulgent while being surprisingly healthy.
Serve immediately for the most vibrant color, though the lime juice helps maintain that gorgeous green hue longer than you’d expect!