When the temperature’s rising and the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot stove, cold pasta salad is the hero dinner you didn’t know you needed.
They are light, refreshing, endlessly customizable, and can be made ahead of time and pulled straight from the fridge when hunger hits. These 27 cold pasta salads are the perfect solution for lazy summer nights.
Pasta Salad With Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes is substantial enough to be a standalone meal. It offers a harmonious mix of vegetables and pasta tossed in a zesty dressing, best enjoyed chilled.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Greek Orzo Salad Recipe
This Greek Orzo Salad is a fantastic vegetarian option for potlucks and gatherings. Omit the cheese, and it becomes a delightful vegan dish as well.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Salad Recipe
Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad
This Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad is a delicious dinner. Filled with everything you love about a cheeseburger: burger, pickles, cheese, onions- what could be better?
Get the Recipe: Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad
Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This colorful Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad is packed full of veggies, cheese, salami, and fresh herbs, then tossed with a zesty red wine vinaigrette.
Get the Recipe: Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Street Corn Pasta Salad
Try the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad for a vibrant fusion of elote and pasta.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Pasta Salad
Creamy Vegetable Pasta Salad
This delightful creamy vegetable pasta salad brims with fresh vegetables and is tossed in a luscious yogurt mustard dressing.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegetable Pasta Salad
Simple Green Goddess Pasta Salad
This Green Goddess Pasta salad is quick to assemble, brimming with tasty green vegetables, and features a dressing crafted from fresh herbs and Greek yogurt.
Get the Recipe: Simple Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
This vibrant Italian pasta salad is prepared with fresh vegetables and a tangy Italian dressing. It’s a simple recipe that consistently delights.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Tuscan Tortellini Salad
This Tuscan tortellini pasta salad isn’t just simple to prepare; it’s also really good. It has fresh herbs, ripe garden tomatoes, and a richly flavored dressing that’s sure to be a huge hit.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Tortellini Salad
Chicken Macaroni Salad
This is a delightful combo of creamy pasta salad and chicken salad. It’s also incredibly simple to prepare, making it an excellent option for using leftover chicken (yay, meal prep!).
Get the Recipe: Chicken Macaroni Salad
Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon
The Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon is a decadent and creamy pasta salad. Prepare this 30-minute, single-bowl salad; it’s sure to be a hit at your upcoming pool party, potluck, or neighborhood barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
If you’re a fan of dill pickles, you’ll love this dill pickle pasta salad. It’s tossed in a creamy dressing that perfectly balances the flavors of tangy, sweet, and sour. This zesty salad is bursting with flavor and crunch, making it substantial enough to serve as a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad
This delightfully simple salad is sure to become a favorite. The refreshing flavor of basil offers a slice of summer, ideal for a speedy picnic or barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Brimming with an array of colorful grilled vegetables tossed in a straightforward pesto dressing, this effortless and scrumptious tortellini salad is bound to become a favorite recipe throughout the year- not just summer.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Tuna Pasta Salad
This classic Tuna Pasta Salad is creamy and delightful, combining shell noodles, peas, tuna, celery, and mayonnaise. It’s simple to prepare, delicious, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad
Hot Honey Pasta Salad Recipe
This Hot Honey Pasta Salad Recipe adds a delightful twist to your summer dining. It has a simple yet flavorful sweet and spicy dressing which is mixed with al dente pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, arugula, and topped off with slices of pepperoni.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Pasta Salad Recipe
Spanish-Inspired Pasta Salad
This pasta salad, featuring chorizo, Manchego, mozzarella, sun-dried and fresh tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and olives, offers a delightful mix of Spanish flavors.
Get the Recipe: Spanish-Inspired Pasta Salad
Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad
Nothing says summer quite like this Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad, which is bursting with sweet and tangy flavors, vibrant colors, and a hint of poppy seeds, and can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad
Cottage Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad
This cottage cheese ranch pasta is a protein-enriched twist on a classic favorite. Packed with chicken and bacon, it’s enveloped in a creamy, delectable sauce.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad
Red Lentil Pasta Salad
This is a pasta salad worthy of your summer spread. Red lentil pasta makes this dish gluten-free and provides a substantial amount of plant-based protein, making it perfect for those on a vegan diet.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Pasta Salad
Enchilada Pasta Salad
The enchilada pasta salad boasts bold flavors and a variety of textures, making it a perfect summer dish. You can also add some cooked chicken or beef to make it a more substantial meal.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Pasta Salad
Spaghetti Pasta Salad
This chilled spaghetti pasta salad is a barbecue staple. It features al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Pasta Salad
Pasta Salad With Red Pepper Pesto
This cold pasta salad has a yummy red pepper pesto that gives it a different but still yummy twist.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Red Pepper Pesto
Tzatziki Pasta Salad Recipe
This tzatziki pasta salad recipe is brimming with fresh vegetables and vibrant herbs, tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki Pasta Salad Recipe
Filipino Chicken Macaroni Salad
This Filipino-style chicken Macaroni Salad has pineapple and raisins for an added sweet crunch. Chopped carrots add color and texture, while mayonnaise lends a creamy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Chicken Macaroni Salad
Seafood Pasta Salad
This delightful and simple seafood pasta salad recipe is just what you need. It’s made with imitation crab meat and an assortment of vibrant vegetables, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad
Taco Pasta Salad
This Taco pasta salad combines all your favorite taco flavors in a creamy, meatless pasta dish. Feel free to personalize it by adding as many or as few of the ingredients as you like.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad
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