15 Pasta Salad Recipes for Every Occasion

Pasta salads are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. They are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family meal. This article will guide you through a variety of pasta salad recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor.

Whether you prefer a classic Italian version or something with a twist, there’s a pasta salad to suit every taste. You can customize your salad with different vegetables, dressings, and proteins to create the perfect combination for your meal plan. Get ready to explore some tasty ideas that will make your next gathering a hit!

1) Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a delicious and colorful dish. It features rotini pasta mixed with fresh veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, and olives. Adding mozzarella cheese gives it a nice creamy texture.

This recipe is perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or dressings. A homemade Italian dressing adds a zesty touch that enhances all the flavors.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
• ½ cup Italian dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, and cheese.
3. Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and toss gently.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

2) Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a bright and refreshing dish. It combines orzo pasta with tasty vegetables and herbs. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at gatherings.

To make this salad, start with a package of uncooked orzo pasta. You’ll also need cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives for added flavor. Feel free to use feta or Asiago cheese to enhance the taste.

You can season it with garlic, fresh basil, and parsley. This salad is not only delicious but also full of color and nutrition.

Ingredients

• 16-ounce package of uncooked orzo pasta
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Pitted olives
• Asiago cheese or feta cheese
• Fresh garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil
• Fresh parsley

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the orzo pasta in salted boiling water for about 8 minutes or until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, chop the vegetables and herbs.
3. Drain the orzo and let it cool for a few minutes.
4. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together.
5. Season according to taste and serve chilled or at room temperature.

3) Creamy Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad

This creamy Caesar chicken pasta salad is a tasty dish that brings together familiar flavors. You’ll enjoy tender chicken mixed with penne pasta, fresh romaine lettuce, and a rich Caesar dressing. Sprinkle some crunchy croutons and Parmesan for added texture.

You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. This dish is perfect for potlucks or a simple family dinner. It’s easy to make and very satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup croutons

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta and chicken.
2. Add the chopped romaine lettuce.
3. Pour in Caesar dressing and mix until everything is well coated.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and croutons before serving.

4) Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese pasta salad is a fresh and flavorful dish, perfect for warm weather. It combines classic ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with pasta for a delicious twist. This salad is great for cookouts or just a tasty side.

To make this dish, use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Fresh mozzarella balls add creaminess, while basil gives it a fragrant touch. Toss everything together with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (like rotini or fusilli)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 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, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to mix.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

5) BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. It combines cooked pasta with crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy dressing. This salad is perfect for picnics or gatherings.

To make it, start by cooking your favorite pasta. While it cooks, prepare the dressing with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a little sugar for sweetness.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and let it cool. Then, mix in the crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and any other fresh veggies you like.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (such as rotini or penne)
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and cool.
2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy; crumble it.
3. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine pasta, bacon, and tomatoes in a bowl.
5. Add dressing and toss everything together. Enjoy!

6) Shrimp Pasta Salad

Shrimp pasta salad is a refreshing dish perfect for warm days. It combines tender shrimp, pasta, and colorful veggies for a tasty meal.

To start, cook your pasta until it’s al dente. You can use rotini or elbow macaroni for great texture.

Next, prepare the shrimp by sautéing or roasting them with some seasoning. Shrimp cooks quickly, usually in about 5 to 7 minutes at 425°F (220°C).

Mix everything together in a bowl. Add ingredients like chopped celery, bell peppers, and a creamy dressing made from mayo and lemon juice.

This salad is delightful served cold. It’s great for picnics, barbecues, or quick lunches.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pasta (rotini or elbow macaroni)
• 1 lb (450g) cooked shrimp
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Sauté or roast the shrimp until pink and cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and vegetables.
4. Mix in the mayo and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

7) Green Bean Pasta Salad

Green bean pasta salad is a fresh and colorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. It combines tender pasta with crisp green beans, making it both nutritious and tasty.

To make it even better, you can toss in some cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette. This adds a nice zing to the salad. You can also sprinkle in herbs like parsley or mint for extra flavor.

You can serve this salad cold or at room temperature, making it great for gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (like gemelli or rotini)
• 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or mint)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and let cool.
2. Boil green beans in salted water for 4-5 minutes until tender; drain and cool in ice water.
3. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine pasta, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and dressing; toss well.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

8) Pizza Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad is a fun twist on traditional pasta salads. It brings together the flavors of your favorite pizza in a simple dish. You can customize it with any toppings you love.

Start by cooking your choice of pasta, like rotini or penne. Once it’s al dente, rinse it in cold water to cool it down. Mix in mini pepperoni, olives, diced bell peppers, and cubes of cheese for a tasty combination.

For extra flavor, you can drizzle on some Italian dressing. It adds a zesty kick that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, like mushrooms or fresh spinach.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pasta (rotini or penne)
• 1 cup mini pepperoni
• 1/2 cup olives (sliced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 1 cup cheese cubes
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
2. Rinse with cold water.
3. In a bowl, mix pasta with pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, and cheese.
4. Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss to combine.

9) Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of deviled eggs with pasta. It’s a delicious dish that works well for gatherings or as a dinner side.

Start by boiling your macaroni until it’s al dente. Drain and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking. While the pasta cools, prepare your hard-boiled eggs.

Chop the egg whites and mash the yolks. Mix in mayonnaise, relish, mustard, salt, and pepper to create a tasty dressing. Combine everything with the pasta and egg whites for a creamy salad.

This pasta salad is best served cold. It’s a fun twist on traditional pasta salads and is sure to please everyone.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups macaroni
• 6 hard-boiled eggs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons relish
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil salted water and cook the macaroni until al dente.
2. Drain and rinse the macaroni with cold water.
3. Chop egg whites and mash yolks in a bowl.
4. Mix in mayonnaise, relish, mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine mixture with macaroni and egg whites.
6. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

10) Asian Sesame Pasta Salad

Asian Sesame Pasta Salad is a fresh and tasty dish. It combines pasta with colorful veggies and a light sesame dressing. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or as a side at gatherings.

You can use bow tie pasta or whatever you like. Fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and green onions add crunch and flavor. The dressing made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar brings everything together.

This salad is easy to make and can be prepared in advance. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy meal that’s full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz bow tie pasta
• 1 cup rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced green onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, carrot, bell pepper, green onion, and cilantro.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar.
4. Pour dressing over the salad and mix well.
5. Top with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

11) Lemony Chicken Apricot Pasta Salad

This Lemony Chicken Apricot Pasta Salad is a bright and tasty dish. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. The combination of chicken, apricots, and pasta creates a wonderful blend of flavors.

You’ll need cooked pasta, diced chicken, and fresh broccoli for a crunch. The lemon dressing adds a zesty kick that ties everything together. You might also enjoy the bits of apricot that bring a bit of sweetness.

This salad is easy to make and even better when chilled. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken too!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spiral pasta
• 2 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken
• 6 ounces dried apricots, thinly sliced
• 3 cups coarsely chopped fresh broccoli
• Lemon dressing (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the spiral pasta according to the package directions. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, sliced apricots, and chopped broccoli.
3. Drizzle with lemon dressing and toss gently to combine.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

12) BBQ Pasta Salad

BBQ Pasta Salad is a delicious dish perfect for summer gatherings. It’s easy to make and combines pasta with vibrant vegetables and a tangy dressing.

You can use any type of pasta you like. Often, penne or rotini work best. Add in corn, bell peppers, and onions for a colorful mix.

For the dressing, a simple vinaigrette pairs well. You might also enjoy a creamy dressing for a richer flavor.

Feel free to include grilled chicken or sausage for added protein. This dish is great for cookouts or potlucks.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta (like penne or rotini)
• 1 cup corn (fresh or grilled)
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1 cup cooked chicken or sausage (optional)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, corn, bell pepper, onion, and meat if using.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

13) Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto pasta salad is a quick and tasty dish. It’s perfect for picnics or as a side for dinner. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients.

Start with some cooked pasta like fusilli or farfalle. Add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh arugula for color. Pesto sauce brings it all together, adding great flavor.

You can also include mozzarella balls or feta cheese for creaminess. A splash of lemon juice brightens the taste and makes it refreshing.

This salad stays fresh in the fridge for a couple of days, making it ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or farfalle)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh arugula
• 1 cup pesto sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella balls or feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with tomatoes and arugula.
3. Add pesto, cheese, and lemon juice. Toss gently to mix.
4. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge before serving.

14) Taco Pasta Salad

Taco pasta salad is a fun and delicious dish that brings all the flavors of tacos into a pasta salad. It’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings.

You’ll need spiral pasta, seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Crunchy tortilla chips add a nice texture to the dish. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it a versatile choice.

To start, cook the pasta according to the package directions. While it cooks, prepare the ground beef and mix in taco seasoning. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, and enjoy the vibrant flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spiral pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to the package directions.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet and add taco seasoning.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
4. Top with crushed tortilla chips before serving.

15) Avocado and Tomato Pasta Salad

This Avocado and Tomato Pasta Salad is fresh and delicious. It combines creamy avocado with juicy tomatoes, making it a perfect dish for warm days. You can enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal.

To make this salad, start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it and let it cool. While the pasta is cooling, chop ripe avocados and fresh tomatoes.

Mix the cooled pasta with the avocado and tomatoes. You can add a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors. Toss everything gently so the avocado stays intact.

This dish is easy to prepare, and it’s perfect for gatherings or a casual dinner at home!

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain and cool the pasta.
3. Chop the avocados and tomatoes.
4. In a bowl, combine pasta, avocado, and tomatoes.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Toss gently and serve.