25 Best Pasta Salad Recipes for Summer

Once the weather starts warming up, I automatically start daydreaming about pasta salad recipes.

There’s something about the timeless dish that makes it perfect for a summer heat wave.

It’s light, refreshing, and usually requires little prep time in the kitchen.

If you’re a carb-lover like me but don’t want a belly full of hot pasta weighing you down, then pasta salad is the solution!

Whether you need a light lunch, a potluck recipe, or a side dish for a backyard barbecue, one of these pasta salad recipes will do the trick!

1. Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This tasty pasta salad is the ultimate summer refresher, and you only need 15 minutes to make it!

This dreamy salad will fill your palate with zesty citrusy flavors from the lemon vinaigrette.

Combined with the creamy feta and crunchy cukes, this is one crave-worthy pasta salad. 

2. Italian Pasta Salad

This salad will keep you cool, full, and satisfied with every bite. You won’t miss out on any flavor here.

There are plenty of tangy, sweet, savory tastes in every forkful.

In addition to blowing you away in the flavor department, this pasta salad is also easy on the eyes.

The colorful array of ingredients makes this a show-stopping number for any picnic. 

3. Easy Pasta Salad {with fresh Veggies}

Just like the title suggests, this pasta salad is incredibly easy.

All you have to do is boil pasta, chop veggies, and toss everything into a bowl with dressing. Can it get any simpler than that?

Not only is this dish easy, but the fresh tangy taste will blow you away.

Every bite is brimming with salty olives, juicy tomatoes, and savory onions that create an explosive tasty treat.

4. Antipasto Pasta Salad (Italian Deli Salad)

Are you craving that one pasta salad from your local delicatessen but don’t want to leave the house?

Chances are you probably already have most of the ingredients to make it yourself.

This pasta salad goes heavy on the pantry staples, with no shortage of pasta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and more. 

Each bite will blow your mind with acidic sweetness and you’ll have a hard time not going back for seconds. 

5. Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

If you’re craving some summer-in-a-bowl, then you’re in for a real treat. This recipe has it all. T

here’s herbal pesto, creamy mozzarella, and zingy lemon that creates explosive flavor in each bite.

No picnic or backyard barbeque is complete without a generous helping of this creamy pesto pasta salad.

Be sure you make enough for lunch leftovers the next day!

6. BLT Pasta Salad

If you’re looking to innovate the classic BLT, then this ingenious salad has the solution.

Each bite tastes like your favorite sandwich, complete with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, but with pasta instead of bread. 

It’s the perfect summer comfort food when you wanna cool off but indulge in a little home-style cooking.

7. Simple Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad tastes just like grandma used to make. It’s full of classic ingredients like cheese, ham, hard-boiled eggs, and bacon.

This salad is hearty enough to make a mean lunch, or bring it to a potluck for the perfect side dish. Your guests will love you for it.

8. Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad  

This is one of those recipes that follows the food golden rule. The longer it sits, the better it gets.

If you have a busy week but need to prep a salad for a weekend picnic, this recipe will save the day.

It’s the perfect make-ahead meal that will steal the spotlight at any event.

Each bite is creamy and cheesy, with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

You’ll love the texture of the crunchy pepper and corn that make this dish shine. 

9. Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

If you’re searching for a fresh dish to whip up during a heat wave, this is the recipe for you.

In just 10 minutes, you can create this dreamy pasta salad that will make your mouth water.

The juicy cherry tomato and the cheesy tortellini will satisfy you with fresh, comforting flavor. 

10. Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad with Cucumbers and Olives 

Who wouldn’t love this citrusy orzo pasta salad? The next time you need a quick lunch recipe, keep this fresh salad in your back pocket.

You’ll love how much crunch there is in each bite. Between the olives, artichokes, and fresh herbs, you’ll be blown away by fantastic flavors of yum. 

11. Pesto Pasta Salad

One bite of this pesto pasta salad, and you’ll have a hard time not making this for every meal.

Each forkful bursts with tangy, savory flavors that leave your mouth watering for more.

This vegetarian salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks, but also makes a mean dinner when you’re craving something light.

12. Sesame Pasta Salad

If you’re looking to shake up your pasta salad, then this innovative recipe will rock your world.

Each bite of pasta is slathered with a sweet and savory sesame dressing that leaves your mouth watering for more. 

The best part about this salad is the honey-roasted peanuts you use for a topping. How does it get any better than that?

13. Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is dreamy, creamy, and oh-so-tasty. You won’t believe that this super quick dish is so incredibly delicious. 

All you have to do is boil pasta, drain veggies and tuna, and then mix everything in a big bowl with lots of mayonnaise and cheese.

Each bite will comfort you with hearty, wholesome flavors. It’s the perfect dish for summer nights ahead.

14. Mediterranean-Style Shrimp Pasta Salad with Avocado

If you’re looking for something a little lighter with no mayo involved, then give this pasta salad a try.

The best part about this fresh salad is the juicy, herb-infused shrimp that soaks up the lemon vinaigrette perfectly. 

Next time you want to throw a summertime backyard bash, make sure to prep this fresh pasta salad to treat your guests right.

15. Chicken Pasta Salad

This cozy salad practically exudes comfort. I mean, how much better can you get than macaroni, mayo, and bacon in a bowl?

The best part about this chicken pasta salad is that it’s secretly light.

You use a 50/50 combination of mayonnaise and sour cream that lessens the load.

We all know how it feels to feel weighed down by a heavy dish during the hot months.

Be sure you keep this lightweight pasta salad in mind for your next picnic.

16. Easy Greek Pasta Salad 

One bite of this easy Greek pasta salad will immediately transport you to a Mediterranean seaside. 

You’ll fall in love with the texture of this simple salad. Each bite is loaded with crunchy cukes, tangy feta, and sharp onions for one impeccable mouthful.

17. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

If you find yourself reaching for a bag of dill pickle chips in the grocery store snack aisle, then you’ll love this tasty salad.

This unique dish will blow your mind with the salty crunch of dill pickles. It works perfectly with the soft chewiness of rotini pasta. 

18. Kale Pasta Salad With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This simple salad will hit you with a wave of refreshment in every bite.

Flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, sharp parmesan, and tangy vinaigrette fill your palate with amazement.

Not only is this salad basically health food in a bowl, but it’s also incredibly easy.

After a 30-minute prep time, you just need to let it sit in your fridge until you’re ready to serve. 

19. Basil Lemon Pasta Salad

If you’re unfamiliar with the powerful duo of basil and lemon, then let this recipe blow your mind.

This refreshing pasta salad pretty much tastes like the season of spring.

Herbal, lemon flavors mix perfectly with the cool pasta, making this one delicious dish.

20. Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad 

If you hate bland food, then you’ll fall in love with this recipe. You couldn’t ask for more flavor even if you tried!

Each ingredient contributes an impressive amount of taste to this pasta salad, which you’ll crave all year long.

21. Vegan Pasta Salad

If you have some vegan mouths to feed at your next potluck, then whip up a batch of this vegan pasta salad.

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to prepare this fantastic dish, and the results will send you into pasta salad heaven.

22. Bacon & Avocado Pasta Salad

The next time you need a pasta salad to bring to a potluck, give this recipe a try. You’ll leave with an empty container and satisfied guests.

You’ll be amazed by how creamy this recipe is between the avocado and ranch dressing.

One bite, and you’ll realize why they say everything is better with bacon.

23. Broccoli Sausage Pasta Salad 

You’ll love this pasta salad for its dinner-worthy heartiness. Pasta salads can often get the reputation of being a side dish, but not this one.

Each bite of sausage, broccoli, and pasta will stick to your bones without weighing you down.

It’s the perfect light recipe for those warmer months ahead.

24. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

This genius pasta salad will leave you craving the spicy sweetness until the end of time. If you love buffalo chicken wings, then you’re going to love this tasty salad. 

Instead of feeling weighed down by the grease of fried chicken, you’ll feel light and satisfied after mowing down on a bowl of this pasta.

If you have a summer barbecue invite, be sure to make this pasta salad your plus one. 

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25. Caprese Pasta Salad 

I can’t get enough of Caprese salad. There’s something about the dish that screams summer to me.

How can you make Caprese salad even better? Try adding pasta for the ultimate, refreshing pasta salad recipe.

Between the pops of juicy cherry tomato, the heavenly basil, and the sweet mozzarella, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better pasta salad.