40 Cold Pasta Salad Recipes
Nothing beats a great Pasta Salad during the Spring and Summer months. Perfect for holidays, barbecues, parties and picnics; pasta salad is a versatile simple side dish and a guaranteed crowd pleaser!
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These 40 COLD PASTA SALAD RECIPES will get you through this backyard barbecue season with a little flair. Show up to the party with one of these unique pasta salads and people will be begging for the recipe. Cold pasta salads are the ultimate make-ahead dish, perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or quick weekday lunches. They’re refreshing, customizable, and packed with flavor.
Tips and Tricks For Perfect Pasta Salad
- Salt your pasta water generously for better flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta — keep it slightly firm (al dente).
- Cool pasta completely before mixing to avoid sogginess.
- Toss with a little extra dressing before serving since pasta absorbs moisture while chilling.
- Let it marinate at least 1 hour for the best flavor.
What Goes Well With Cold Pasta Salad
Pasta salad goes well alongside most any protein, especially barbecue.
Here are some meaty recipes that go well with pasta salad: Oven Baked Blackened Salmon, Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken, Cast Iron Flank Steak, Spicy Baked Shrimp and Spinach Artichoke Smothered Chicken, Pan Fried Cod, Bacon Mushroom Chicken.
1
PIZZA PASTA SALAD
This PIZZA PASTA SALAD has all of your favorite pepperoni pizza toppings combined into one delicious pasta salad recipe.
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2
Spinach Dip Pasta Salad
This Spinach Dip Pasta Salad has all the great spinach dip flavors in one easy side dish. Perfect for barbecues and parties.
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3
Mexican Pasta Salad
A simply delicious side dish, Mexican Pasta Salad – with black beans, corn, bell pepper, cilantro, tomatoes, and an avocado dressing. I have a soft spot in my heart for pasta. Well, carbs in general. Carbs are my weakness. 🙂 More than desserts, even! My favorite kind of carbs are pasta. I didn’t grow upContinue Reading
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4
ITALIAN TORTELLINI PASTA SALAD
This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe is great for summer barbecues, potlucks, picnics and parties. Quick, easy, nutritious and vegetarian.
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5
Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Tuna
Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Tuna is a vibrant no mayo pasta salad with tons of protein and Italian inspired ingredients ~ straight from your pantry!
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6
Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is a simple yet flavorful side dish. This pasta salad is filled with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil.
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7
Chicken and Berry Pesto Pasta Salad
Chicken and Berry Pesto Pasta Salad is a flavorful and easy to make main dish salad. All the flavors of caprese salad, but with berries instead of tomatoes!
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8
Bloody Mary Shrimp Pasta Salad
If you are looking for bold & unique flavors, this Bloody Mary Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe will be a hit! A cold shrimp pasta salad has no mayo!
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9
COPYCAT PORTILLO’S SALAD
Make this COPYCAT PORTILLO’S SALAD for a full-meal salad. Chicken, pasta, bacon, lettuce, cabbage, cheese, tomatoes, onion and dressing.
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10
GREEK ORZO PASTA SALAD
Each bite contains orzo pasta, tangy vinaigrette, olives, cucumbers, peppers onions and feta cheese.
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11
Greek Orzo Salad
Greek Orzo Salad – aka the most party-perfect orzo pasta salad ever! We’re totally crazy in love with this delicious and colorful vegetarian side dish!
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12
Southwest Pasta Salad
This Creamy Southwest Pasta Salad is loaded with sweet corn, bell peppers, and tomatoes and tossed in a dreamy cilantro lime ranch.
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13
DILL PICKLE PASTA SALAD
Calling all pickle lovers, make this DILL PICKLE PASTA SALAD! Creamy pasta, dill pickles, cheddar cheese and fresh dill.
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14
Cold Summer Zucchini Noodle Pasta Salad
This Cold Summer Zucchini Noodle Pasta Salad is an easy, healthy side dish loaded with smoky grilled corn, blueberries and fresh basil! Perfect for summer potlucks!
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15
CAPRESE PASTA SALAD
For a flavorful side dish make this Caprese Pasta Salad. A tasty blend of pasta, tomatoes, onion, basil, cheese and a simple dressing.
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16
Crunchy Coleslaw Pasta Salad
Coleslaw Pasta Salad made with creamy Ranch is the perfect summer side dish. Crunchy and refreshing, can be also made ahead of time.
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17
BLT Macaroni Salad
This amazing BLT Macaroni Salad is a fusion dish combining everything we love about a BLT sandwich and a pasta salad. It can be served as an entrée for a light supper, as a make and take picnic salad or as a mouthwatering side dish for a backyard Summer BBQ. Ingredients to Make BLT Macaroni…
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18
BLT PASTA SALAD
This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado Dressing is a fresh, flavorful side dish made with pasta, bacon, lettuce and tomato.
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19
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Chock full of antipasto favorites, this no-mayo Antipasto Pasta Salad is one eye-catching, crowd-pleasing summer side.
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20
GREEK PASTA SALAD
This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is an easy and flavorful side dish idea. Everyone loves a good pasta salad recipe and this Greek version will be a hit!
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21
Taco Pasta Salad
This taco pasta salad is loaded with ground beef, juicy tomatoes, black beans and lots of cheese. Cold pasta salad makes a great dish for your next party!
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22
CHICKEN BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is practically a meal all by itself. This easy pasta salad recipe is great for picnics, parties, barbecues or potlucks.
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23
Lemony Tortellini Broccoli Salad
This Lemony Tortellini Broccoli Salad is tossed in a creamy, lemony dressing and piled on top of mixed greens with crisp bacon.
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24
Spinach Tortellini Italian Pasta Salad
Prepare to be obsessed! This Spinach Tortellini Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is bursting with color, flavor and is nutritious.
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25
Greek Spaghetti Salad
Greek Spaghetti Salad is an easy pasta salad with feta, veggies, and olives all tossed in a homemade Greek dressing!
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26
Easy Pasta Salad
This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is perfect for picnics, holiday feasts and potlucks! Just in time to make as an Easter side dish.
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27
Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad
Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad | by Life Tastes Good is a twist on the traditional Caprese Salad. Instead of tomatoes, I used sweet Florida strawberries for a refreshing change to this classic flavor combo! #SundaySupper #FLStrawberry
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28
Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad
Just in time for barbecue and picnic season, this Jalapeño Popper Macaroni Salad Recipe makes a fantastic side dish for any occasion!
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29
Easy Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoni
My easy Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoni is filled with fresh vegetables, pepperoni, cheese and more. It’s also make ahead and so delicious!
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30
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad with just a handful of ingredients will be the most popular side dish at your summer bbq events and picnics!
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31
Tri Color Pasta Salad Recipe
This Tri Colored Pasta Salad Recipe is a quick and easy recipe that is great for picnics and potlucks! We especially love making this tri color pasta recipe
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32
Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad
Copycat version of Walmart’s Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad. Tastes just like the original! This broccoli salad will quickly become a family favorite!
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33
BROCCOLI PASTA SALAD
Get the kids to eat their vegetables with this Broccoli Salad Recipe. With a few extra ingredients like cheese and pasta, they will eat it up!
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34
BLT Pasta Salad
This Gluten-Free BLT Pasta Salad takes everything you love about a classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich and transforms it into a hearty,
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35
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Get ready for a delicious light lunch or dinner with this Gluten Free Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. It pairs delicious fresh produce with a wonderful Caesar Vinaigrette Dressing. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or quick lunch to take to work during the week.
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36
Shrimp Pasta Salad
Easy, delicious Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe with a homemade Italian Dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner or potlucks!
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37
Tangy-Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad
Have a potluck or tail gate on the horizon? Everyone will love this easy Instant Pot Amish Macaroni Salad, featuring a tangy-sweet dressing.
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38
Spicy Asian Pasta Salad
Change up your traditional summer pasta salad for this Spicy Asian Pasta Salad, it will be the hit of all your summer parties!
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39
Creamy Pasta Salad with Parmesan Dressing
The whole family will love this creamy pasta salad made with spiral pasta tossed in a parmesan dressing with asparagus, corn, and sun dried tomatoes. #pasta #salad #grumpyshoneybunch #summersalad
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Can You Make Pasta Salad The Day Before?
Yes! Pasta salad is fantastic the second day so it is the perfect make ahead recipe.
If making the day before I toss the pasta salad with half the dressing then add the rest before serving. This will prevent the pasta from absorbing the dressing.
How Long Will Pasta Salad Keep In The Refrigerator?
Pasta salad will stay good in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. However, I always eat pasta salad within 3 days because the pasta tends to absorb moisture from the dressing.
Be sure to store pasta salad in an airtight container while in the refrigerator.
How do I keep pasta salad from drying out?
Reserve a bit of dressing to mix in right before serving, or add a splash of olive oil to revive it.
Welcome!
Nicole Harris is the recipe creator behind WonkyWonderful, sharing fast, budget-friendly meals for busy families. Since 2012 she’s been developing 30-minute dinners, kid-approved favorites, and holiday dishes with flair - all with real ingredients and no fuss. She grew up stretching simple pantry staples into something delicious, and that shows up in every recipe: easy, affordable, and full of flavor. Read more...
The very best time of the year, pasta salads time! Thank you so much for including my individual caprese pasta salads!
They look wonderful, I love the individual portions 🙂