17 Pasta Salad Recipes That’ll Be the Star of Any Summer Table
Summer heat calls for refreshing meals that don’t weigh you down. Pasta salads are the perfect answer – they’re cool, customizable, and can be made ahead for picnics or backyard gatherings.
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these 17 pasta salad recipes will keep your summer meals exciting and your kitchen cool.
1. Mediterranean Magic Pasta Salad
Sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese transform ordinary pasta into a Greek island getaway. The lemon-oregano dressing ties everything together with bright, zesty notes.
I discovered this recipe during a cooking class in Santorini, and it’s been my go-to potluck contribution ever since. The secret is tossing the pasta while it’s still warm so it absorbs all those Mediterranean flavors.
2. Spicy Sriracha Shrimp Pasta Salad
Juicy shrimp tossed with al dente pasta and a kick of sriracha makes this salad unforgettable. Crunchy bell peppers and cucumber provide refreshing contrast to the heat.
My brother-in-law, a notorious spice fiend, challenged me to create a pasta salad with actual heat. Three batches later, this winner emerged! The mayo-sriracha dressing can be adjusted from mild to wild, depending on your spice tolerance.
3. Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Tangy dill pickles star in this unconventional pasta salad that’s taking summer cookouts by storm. Chopped pickles, pickle juice in the dressing, and fresh dill create layers of pucker-worthy flavor.
The creamy sauce coats each piece of pasta perfectly, while pickle chunks provide surprising bursts of vinegary goodness. Hard-boiled eggs add richness and protein, making this quirky salad surprisingly satisfying.
4. Caprese Tortellini Salad
Cheese-filled tortellini paired with fresh mozzarella balls creates a double-cheese delight in this Italian-inspired masterpiece. Fresh basil leaves and juicy tomatoes bring the classic Caprese flavors everyone adores.
Last summer when my garden exploded with basil, this became our Tuesday tradition. The balsamic glaze drizzled on top elevates this from simple to sophisticated. Pro tip: use multicolored tortellini for extra visual appeal!
5. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Wing night meets pasta night in this bold, saucy creation. Shredded chicken coated in buffalo sauce brings the heat, while blue cheese crumbles and celery provide the classic wing accompaniments.
The cooling ranch-based dressing helps tame the buffalo spice. Green onions add a fresh bite that cuts through the richness. This salad disappears fast at potlucks – I always keep the recipe handy because someone inevitably asks for it!
6. Sweet and Tangy Asian Noodle Salad
Spaghetti transforms into a takeout-inspired treat with this sweet-sour-spicy dressing. Shredded carrots, red cabbage, and sugar snap peas add irresistible crunch and vibrant color.
During a particularly hot July weekend at our cabin, I threw this together using pantry staples when it was too hot to cook. The sesame-ginger dressing became an instant family classic!
7. Pesto Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables
Smoky grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant give this pesto-coated pasta an irresistible charred flavor. The basil pesto clings beautifully to spiral pasta, ensuring herb-y goodness in every bite.
Pine nuts add buttery crunch throughout, while cherry tomatoes burst with juicy freshness. This salad actually improves overnight as the flavors meld together, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining.
8. Tex-Mex Taco Pasta Salad
Fiesta flavors explode in this bold pasta salad that combines taco seasoned ground beef with black beans and corn. Crushed tortilla chips provide unexpected crunch, while avocado adds creamy richness.
The lime-cilantro dressing has a sour cream base that perfectly complements the Mexican spices. Serve with hot sauce on the side for heat-seekers!
9. Hawaiian Pizza Pasta Salad
Controversial yet delicious, this pasta salad channels the flavors of Hawaiian pizza with cubed ham, pineapple chunks, and mozzarella pearls. The creamy Italian dressing has hints of pizza sauce spices.
Red onions add sharpness that balances the sweet pineapple perfectly. Fresh basil scattered throughout brings that authentic pizza vibe.
Whether you’re team pineapple-on-pizza or not, this playful pasta salad might just convert the skeptics!
10. Antipasto Pasta Salad Supreme
Charcuterie board meets pasta bowl in this hearty Italian-inspired creation. Salami, provolone, pepperoncini, and marinated artichokes transform simple pasta into a meal-worthy masterpiece.
The zesty Italian vinaigrette penetrates every component, unifying the diverse flavors. I created this for my dad’s retirement party, and five years later, relatives still request it by name at family gatherings.
The key is letting it marinate overnight for flavor perfection.
11. Curry Chicken Pasta Salad
Warm, aromatic curry spices infuse the creamy dressing in this exotic twist on chicken pasta salad. Golden raisins provide sweet surprises between bites of tender chicken and pasta.
Crunchy celery and cashews add necessary texture contrast. This recipe came from my college roommate’s Indian-American mother, who would send us care packages with her special curry powder.
The mango chutney mixed into the dressing is the secret ingredient that makes this unforgettable.
12. Roasted Garlic and Vegetable Orzo Salad
Tiny orzo pasta creates a risotto-like texture in this vegetable-packed salad. Sweet roasted garlic cloves melt into the dressing, infusing every bite with mellow, caramelized flavor.
Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes contribute smoky sweetness. Crumbled goat cheese adds tangy creaminess that perfectly complements the roasted elements.
This sophisticated salad works equally well as a side or vegetarian main.
13. Cobb Pasta Salad with Herb Ranch
Classic Cobb salad ingredients – bacon, blue cheese, eggs, avocado, and tomatoes – reunite with pasta for a satisfying summer meal. Each bite offers different flavor combinations from the diverse ingredients.
The homemade herb ranch dressing elevates this beyond ordinary pasta salad territory. When preparing this for a neighborhood block party last summer, I accidentally doubled the herbs in the dressing – a happy mistake that everyone raved about and now I make it that way on purpose!
14. Lobster and Lemon Pasta Salad
Luxurious chunks of lobster meat make this pasta salad an elegant choice for special occasions. The bright lemon dressing lets the sweet lobster shine while adding refreshing citrus notes.
Delicate herbs like chives and tarragon complement the seafood without overwhelming it. Crisp celery and radishes provide textural contrast to the tender pasta and lobster.
This impressive dish requires minimal cooking, perfect for steamy summer evenings when you want something special.
15. Smoky BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
Backyard barbecue flavors infuse this hearty pasta salad featuring smoky grilled chicken and a BBQ-ranch dressing. Charred corn kernels, black beans, and bell peppers add Southwestern flair.
The first time I made this was for my son’s graduation party using leftover grilled chicken. Now we intentionally grill extra chicken just to make this the next day!
Red onions pickled in apple cider vinegar add a tangy punch that cuts through the sweet BBQ notes.
16. Caesar Tortellini Salad with Grilled Chicken
Cheese tortellini adds unexpected richness to this Caesar-inspired pasta salad. Grilled chicken provides protein while crisp romaine and traditional Caesar dressing create familiar flavors in a new format.
Homemade garlic croutons add wonderful crunch – worth the extra few minutes to make from scratch! During a summer road trip to visit my grandparents, I created this in their kitchen from limited ingredients, and now it’s become our traditional first-night vacation dinner.
17. Greek Yogurt Macaroni Salad
Nostalgic macaroni salad gets a healthy makeover with Greek yogurt replacing most of the mayo. The tangy yogurt creates a perfectly creamy dressing with fewer calories and more protein.
Classic add-ins like celery, bell pepper, and red onion provide crunch and color. Hard-boiled eggs add richness and protein. This lighter version still delivers all the comfort food vibes of the picnic classic, but won’t weigh you down in the summer heat.