BEST Pasta Salad Recipes

Jamielyn Nye
Updated June 8, 2023

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This list has all of the BEST pasta salad recipes to make this summer. Quick and easy ideas that are perfect for busy weeknight dinners, BBQs and family gatherings!

BEST Pasta Salad Recipes - I Heart Naptime (2)

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Salads with Pasta
Best Pasta to Use
Dressing
Preparation Tips
FAQs
Pasta Salad Ideas
Best Pasta Salad Recipes Printable Recipe

Salads with Pasta

A cold pasta salad is my absolute favorite recipe to bring to a BBQ in the summer. Not only are they delicious, but also quick, easy and can usually be prepared ahead of time. They’re always a big hit with the crowd and are usually the first side dish to go.

Another great thing about making a pasta salad is that it’s the perfect way to use up your fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden. Fresh tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, basil and dill are a few of my favorites. They add so much flavor and really take the salad up a notch.

This list has some incredible pasta salad recipes, including some that are creamy, healthy, vegetarian and just plain delicious. Most are made in 30 minutes or less and are easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Dive in and ENJOY!

Best Pasta to Use

There are different types of pasta to use depending on which recipe you make. For example, you’ll want to use elbow noodles when making a creamy macaroni salad. However in most recipes, the pasta can be easily interchanged and will still taste equally as delicious.

Most recipes call for one of the varieties below. Their unique shape and ridges hold the sauce nicely, enhancing the flavor of the dish. Whichever kind you use, just make sure to cook the pasta until al dente. It should be tender, but sturdy enough to hold it’s shape, this tip is equally as true when making pasta dinner ideas.

Bow tie
Rotini
Macaroni
Orzo
Penne

Dressing

Some may argue that the dressing is the best part of a pasta salad. It helps make the dish more cohesive and is a great way to add flavor and texture.Whether it’s a creamy dressing like ranch or a lighter vinaigrette, I do recommend making the dressing from scratch if you have the time. It’s an easy way to take the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Trust me!

Preparation Tips

Salt your pasta water. This is an easy way to add more flavor to your dish. You don’t need a lot, just a small sprinkle.
Use a large bowl. When you toss the ingredients together, the bowl should be large enough that they aren’t overflowing out of the bowl. This may sound simple, but it makes a big difference and is way less messy.
Extra dressing. When preparing the dressing, I usually make a little extra (especially if I’m making the recipe in advance). The pasta will soak up some of the dressing as it chills in the fridge, so it’s always a good idea to make extra so that it stays moist and delicious.
Protein. Although some pasta salad recipes contain meat, there are many that don’t. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add it in! Feel free to mix in some diced grilled chicken to bulk it up a little. Or add some chickpeas for a vegetarian source of protein.
Let chill. In order for the flavors to marinate together, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour (unless the recipe says otherwise). The dish will have a stronger flavor this way.

FAQs

What are 5 mistakes to avoid when making a pasta salad?

A few common mistakes to avoid include overcooking or undercooking your pasta, not using the right shape of pasta, not salting your pasta water while cooking, not tossing the pasta with at least 2/3 of the dressing while warm and making your pasta salad too far in advance.

Do you rinse pasta for pasta salad?

Yes! It not only stops the cooking process but rinses away the starch on the pasta which can lead to clumping.

Should I run my pasta under cold water for pasta salad?

Yes! For the same reasons your rinse your pasta, using cold water will help stop the cooking process and rinse off the starch.

Why does my pasta salad taste bland?

Cold pasta salad will have more muted taste than a warm pasta dish. Seasoning it extra and not skipping salted water while cooking your pasta can help add more flavor for the best pasta salad.

Pasta Salad Ideas

You can’t go wrong with any of the recipes below. I’ve made each of these dishes a handful of times and the end result is always incredibly delicious!

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Filled with tender pasta, crisp veggies and a zesty Italian dressing, this delicious and easy pasta salad is a potluck must-have!

Total Time: 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Caprese Pasta Salad

This easy Caprese pasta salad is made with a simple combination of the most delicious classic trio! Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Then combined with cooked pasta and tossed together with a light and zesty dressing.

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe

5 from 1 vote

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Author: Jamielyn Nye

Filled with tender pasta, crisp veggies and tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, this delicious and easy pasta salad recipe is flavorful and a favorite at cookouts all season long!

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Chill Time: 2 hours hrs

Total Time: 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 16

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Ingredients

▢ 1 (1-pound) box tri-color rotini pasta
▢ 1 red bell pepper , chopped
▢ 1 green bell pepper , chopped
▢ 2 cups cherry tomatoes , sliced in half
▢ ½ sliced red onion
▢ 1 cup sliced olives
▢ 8 ounces small mozzarella balls
▢ 1 cup Italian dressing or vinaigrette , more if desired
▢ 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley or basil)
▢ Shredded parmesan cheese , optional

Optional add-ins: Chickpeas, Snap peas, Chopped salami or pepperoni

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package. Drain and rinse under cold water.
In a large bowl, stir together cooked pasta, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and mozzarella balls.
Pour Italian dressing over the top and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Cover and chill at least 2 hours. Top with parmesan cheese, if desired, before serving.

Notes

Dressing: Here is my favorite homemade Italian dressing recipe.

Substitutions: You may substitute mozzarella for feta cheese, or omit the cheese all together to make vegan. Other types of noodles will also work, such as penne or fusilli.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Categorized as: Recipe Roundup, Salads, Side Dishes, Vegetarian

Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.

More about Jamielyn Nye

Loaded Potato Salad
Easy Greek Salad Recipe
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Berry Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

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6 comments

- PAT
- June 3, 2022
THESE ARE THE BEST PASTA SALAD RECIPES .
THANK YOU. PAT
- Reply
- I Heart Naptime
  June 6, 2022
  You are so welcome, Pat!
  Reply
- Hafsa
- May 9, 2016
I like your blog and all recipes :)
- Reply
- Ginger Wroot
- May 7, 2016
What an amazing roundup of lish-looking pasta salad recipes. So many to try this summer! I want to pin them all! Thanks!
–G
http://gingerwroot.com
- Reply
- Lottes Anekdotes
- May 7, 2016
They all look so yummie, even the ones with meat (and that’s coming from a vegetarian ;-) )
- Reply
- Becky
- May 7, 2016
Thank you so much for including my salad with so many fun picks!
- Reply