15+ Cold Pasta Recipes for Refreshing Summer Meals

Cold pasta dishes are a tasty and refreshing option for any meal. They are perfect for hot days or when you want something quick and easy to prepare.

They offer a wide variety of flavors and ingredients, allowing you to customize each dish to suit your taste.

You can enjoy cold pasta as a side or main dish and even pack it for lunches. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these recipes are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

1) Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and tasty dish. It’s perfect for a warm day or a picnic. The flavors of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil blend well with pasta.

For this salad, cook your pasta until it’s al dente. Drain it and let it cool.

Then, you can mix in cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.

A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar adds great flavor. You can sprinkle some salt and pepper for extra taste. Serve it cold for the best experience.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and let cool.
3. In a large bowl, mix pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve cold.

2) Asian Noodle Salad

Asian Noodle Salad is a fresh and tasty dish. It combines colorful vegetables, noodles, and a flavorful dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or side dish, it’s easy to make ahead.

You can use any noodles you like, such as rice noodles or soba. Toss them with fresh veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers.

For the dressing, a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and sesame oil adds a delicious kick. This salad is not only quick to prepare, but it also stays tasty in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of noodles (rice or soba)
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup cucumbers, sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
2. Rinse under cold water and drain.
3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, peanut butter, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
4. Combine noodles and vegetables in a large bowl.
5. Pour the dressing over and toss to mix.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

3) Lemon Pesto Pasta

Lemon pesto pasta is a bright and refreshing dish. It’s perfect for warm days or as a side for any meal. The zest of lemon adds a nice twist to the traditional pesto flavor.

To make this dish, start with your favorite pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, then let it cool.

Once cooled, mix in lemon pesto for a zesty kick.

You can add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrition. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top makes it even better.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of pasta (your choice)
• 1 cup basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. Blend basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a food processor.
3. Slowly add olive oil until smooth.
4. Mix the pesto with the cooled pasta.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Add veggies if desired.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

4) Greek Orzo Salad

Greek Orzo Salad is fresh and full of flavor. This dish combines orzo pasta with colorful vegetables and tangy feta cheese. It’s perfect for any meal or as a side dish.

To make it, start cooking orzo in boiling water until tender, about 8-10 minutes. You can cool it under cold water once it’s done.

Chop some cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Mix these with the cooled orzo.

Add olives and crumbled feta for extra taste.

Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, chopped
• ½ cup black olives, pitted and sliced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot.
2. Cook orzo pasta for 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain and rinse under cold water.
4. Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and onion.
5. In a bowl, combine all ingredients.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Toss and serve.

5) Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna pasta salad is a tasty and easy dish. You can make it in just a few minutes. It’s great for lunch or dinner and works well for picnics.

To start, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Once it’s done, drain it and let it cool.

In a bowl, combine the pasta with canned tuna, diced vegetables, and your favorite dressing.

You can use ingredients like peas, bell peppers, and onions. Add salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor. Mix everything well and chill it in the fridge before serving.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 can tuna (drained)
• 1 cup diced vegetables (like peas and bell peppers)
• ½ cup mayonnaise or dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain.
2. Let the pasta cool.
3. In a bowl, mix the pasta, tuna, and vegetables.
4. Add mayonnaise or dressing and mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Chill before serving.

6) Italian Antipasto Pasta

Italian Antipasto Pasta is a fun and colorful dish. It combines pasta with various antipasto ingredients. You can use ingredients like olives, salami, cheese, and peppers.

To start, cook your favorite pasta until it’s al dente. Let it cool before mixing in the rest of the ingredients.

Add cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and a drizzle of olive oil for flavor. You can also sprinkle some Italian herbs on top. This dish is great for a summer meal or a picnic.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (like rotini or penne)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sliced olives
• 1/2 cup cubed salami
• 1/2 cup diced cheese (like mozzarella)
• 1/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water.
3. In a large bowl, combine pasta with all other ingredients.
4. Toss gently and serve chilled or at room temperature.

7) Avocado Pasta Salad

Avocado pasta salad is a tasty and refreshing dish. It combines creamy avocados with your favorite pasta, making it a great choice for lunches or picnics.

To make this salad, start by cooking your pasta according to package instructions. You can use any shape you like, but rotini or penne works well.

Next, chop fresh ingredients like tomatoes, corn, and onions. Mix these with diced avocado and cooked pasta.

For a zesty dressing, combine lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well-coated.

This salad can be served cold or at room temperature. Enjoy it as a side dish or a main course!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Chop tomatoes, corn, and onion.
3. Mix cooked pasta, avocado, and veggies in a bowl.
4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, and salt.
5. Pour dressing over pasta and mix well.

8) Mediterranean Couscous

Mediterranean couscous is a delicious and refreshing dish. It’s perfect for a light meal or a side dish. This tasty recipe combines fresh vegetables, herbs, and couscous.

To start, cook your couscous according to the package instructions. Use vegetable broth for added flavor. Once cooked, let it cool.

Chop bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Mix these with the couscous in a large bowl.

Add olives and feta cheese for an extra Mediterranean touch.

Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This dish can be served cold or at room temperature. Enjoy your Mediterranean couscous as a healthy snack or a tasty addition to lunch!

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup olives, sliced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook couscous in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
2. Let the couscous cool after cooking.
3. Chop the cucumber, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled couscous, vegetables, olives, and feta cheese.
5. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the mixture.
6. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper.

9) Caesar Tortellini Salad

Caesar Tortellini Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad. It combines cheese tortellini with crisp romaine lettuce for a satisfying meal. The flavors of the creamy Caesar dressing and shaved parmesan create a fresh and tasty dish.

You can easily customize this salad by adding grilled chicken or homemade croutons for extra crunch. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing experience.

Ingredients

• 9 oz cheese tortellini
• 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
• 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese
• 1 cup homemade croutons (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine the tortellini, romaine lettuce, and Caesar dressing.
4. Toss gently until all ingredients are mixed.
5. Top with shaved parmesan and croutons before serving.

10) Spinach Feta Pasta

Spinach Feta Pasta is a refreshing dish perfect for warm days. The bright flavors of fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese make it a favorite.

You can use any pasta shape, but bowtie or penne works well.

To make it easy, start with cooked and cooled pasta. Add baby spinach, crumbled feta, and some colorful cherry tomatoes for a tasty touch. Don’t forget to mix in olives for extra flavor.

For the dressing, a simple lemon vinaigrette brightens up the dish. It adds a nice zesty note that pairs perfectly with the ingredients. Enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta (your choice)
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and cool it.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, spinach, tomatoes, feta, and olives.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

11) Southwest Pasta Salad

Southwest Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for warm days. Filled with colorful vegetables and beans, it offers a delightful crunch and flavor.

You can include ingredients like black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado. Toss all these in a zesty dressing for an added kick. It’s great for picnics, parties, or as a side for dinner.

This salad can also be made ahead of time, which makes it convenient. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

12) Shrimp Ceviche Pasta

Shrimp Ceviche Pasta is a refreshing dish, perfect for warm days. You can enjoy it cold, making it an easy option for lunch or dinner.

Start with cooked, chilled shrimp, and mix it with lime juice, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The lime juice gives it a zesty flavor. You can toss all this with your favorite pasta, like fusilli or penne.

Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. This dish is light, tasty, and great for gatherings.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fusilli or penne)
• 1 lb (450 g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. In a bowl, combine shrimp, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the shrimp mixture with the cooled pasta.
5. Serve chilled.

13) Classic Pasta Primavera

Classic Pasta Primavera is a delicious and colorful dish. You can use fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. This recipe is great for a light meal or as a side dish.

To make it, start by cooking angel hair pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta is cooking, sauté your veggies in butter and cream for a tasty sauce. Add Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Once everything is combined, serve it warm or let it cool for a refreshing pasta salad. It’s a great way to enjoy seasonal vegetables.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces angel hair pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, about 4 minutes.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot. Sauté for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cream and Parmesan until blended.
5. Combine with pasta and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or chilled.

14) Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a delicious dish that brings vibrant flavors together. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a side at dinner. This salad is full of fresh vegetables and protein.

You will enjoy the mix of crunchy bell peppers and crisp cucumbers. The salty feta and kalamata olives add great taste. Toss everything with a simple dressing for a refreshing touch.

This salad is also healthy and easy to prepare. It works well as a meal prep option, keeping well for several days. You can enjoy it cold, making it a great choice for warm weather.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
4. In a large bowl, mix quinoa with bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta.
5. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve chilled.

15) Sun-Dried Tomato Penne

Sun-dried tomato penne is a simple and delicious dish. It’s perfect for a light meal or a side. The flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil make it special.

To start, cook 1 pound of penne pasta. Make sure it’s al dente, then drain it and set it aside.

In a large bowl, combine chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and olive oil. Add the pasta and toss everything together.

You can also mix in some spinach for extra color and nutrition. Serve it warm or let it cool for a refreshing pasta salad.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) penne pasta
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: 2 cups spinach

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and cool.
2. In a bowl, mix sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.
3. Combine the mixture with the pasta and toss to coat.
4. Add spinach if desired. Serve cold or warm.