Top 10 Pasta Salad Recipes for Summer You’ll Love

Top 10 New Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Love

When the sun is shining, the barbecue’s sizzling, and the drinks are cooling, there’s one dish that always steals the show at summer gatherings – pasta salad! This versatile, crowd-pleasing favorite is the ultimate side dish or stand-alone meal that adds vibrant flavor and color to your table. From zesty Mediterranean flavors to creamy favorites, there’s a pasta salad for everyone, no matter their preferences. 

Today, we’re sharing 10 fresh and exciting pasta salad recipes that are sure to win hearts at every picnic, party, or backyard BBQ. Plus, we’ll share some handy tips to take your pasta-salad-making skills to the next level. Grab a fork, and let’s dig in!

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What Makes the Perfect Pasta Salad?

Before we get to the recipes, let’s talk about what sets an amazing pasta salad apart. Here are three key ingredients to pasta salad perfection: 

• Balance of Flavors: Sweet, salty, tangy, or spicy – it’s all about finding a harmony of complementary tastes. 
• Texture Variety: Think al dente pasta paired with crunchy veggies, creamy sauces, and juicy add-ins. 
• Adaptability: The best pasta salads can be customized. Veggies, protein, and dressings are flexible, allowing you to tailor them to your taste. 

With that in mind, here are 10 irresistible recipes you simply have to try this summer! 

Recipe 1: Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with this vibrant blend of flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (fusilli or penne work best)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let the flavors meld.

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Recipe 2: Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

A creamy, herby delight that’s every pesto lover’s dream.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (rotini or penne work best)
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the pesto sauce, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
3. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the creamy pesto mixture.
4. Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and fresh basil.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
7. Serve cold and enjoy your creamy pesto pasta salad!

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Recipe 3: Vegan Rainbow Pasta Salad

Colorful, healthy, and completely plant-based.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) rotini or bowtie pasta (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until evenly coated.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

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Recipe 4: Spicy Mexican Pasta Salad

Turn up the heat with a zesty southwest-inspired pasta salad. 

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cooked pasta (rotini or penne works best)
• 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen, thawed)
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 tsp chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and cheddar cheese if using.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, olive oil, taco seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the large bowl with the veggies, then pour the dressing over the top. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
5. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve cold and enjoy!

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Recipe 5: Caprese Pasta Salad

Transport your taste buds to Italy with this light, fresh option. 

Ingredients:

• 250g (8 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or bow tie)
• 200g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 150g (5 oz) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
3. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate to enjoy later.

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Recipe 6: Greek Pasta Salad

A classic salad with bold, tangy tastes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

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Recipe 7: Asian-Inspired Sesame Pasta Salad

A nutty, savory twist for noodle lovers. 

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles
• 3 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)
• Optional: chopped peanuts or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then rinse with cold water and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), ginger, and garlic to make the dressing.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, carrots, cucumbers, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the top and toss well to coat.
4. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and optional garnishes like chopped peanuts or cilantro.
5. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.

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Recipe 8: Lemon Herb Pasta Salad

Bright, zesty, and infused with fresh herbs. 

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (rotini or bow tie)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
3. Add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and basil to the bowl. Toss until everything is well coated in the dressing.
4. Sprinkle with feta cheese if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld.

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Recipe 9: BLT Pasta Salad

Who doesn’t love the classic BLT trio? This pasta salad gives it a refreshing twist.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (rotini or penne works best)
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

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Recipe 10: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A protein-packed take on Caesar salad. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
• 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup croutons
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and romaine lettuce.
3. Add Caesar dressing and toss until evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and croutons on top. Add cherry tomatoes if desired.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for up to 2 hours before serving.

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Tips for Making the Perfect Pasta Salad

• Cook Your Pasta Right: Make sure it’s cooked al dente. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy over time. 
• Cool Your Pasta Properly: Rinse cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and make it ready for tossing. 
• Dress it Generously: Add your dressing while the pasta is slightly warm so it absorbs more flavor. 
• Add Crunch: Throw in a handful of nuts, seeds, or raw veggies for texture. 
• Prep Ahead: Many pasta salads taste even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. 

Read more: Top 5 Creamy Miso Pasta Recipes | Flavorful & Easy Meals

Try These Irresistible Recipes Today!

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a beach picnic, or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, these pasta salad recipes are guaranteed to impress. Don’t just take our word for it, though – try one (or all!) of them. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you! 

Happy cooking, pasta lovers! 

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