Pasta salad is anything but basic when it’s packed with bold flavors, fresh vegetables, creamy dressings, or tender proteins. This collection includes classic cold pasta salads, creative tortellini mixes, and hearty versions with salmon, chicken, and bacon. From bright pesto to tangy ranch and savory Italian-style recipes, these dishes are made for potlucks, meal prep, or easy weeknight meals.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Tossed with fresh basil pesto, this pasta salad is rich, herby, and simple. Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, or pine nuts for extra flavor. Serve cold or room temp. A quick side or light main.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad
Pizza Pasta Salad
All the toppings of pizza—pepperoni, cheese, olives—tossed with pasta and Italian dressing. It’s bold, salty, and satisfying. Great for kids and adults alike. Serve chilled or slightly cool.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad
Cooked chicken and crispy bacon combine in this creamy pasta salad. The flavors are rich and smoky with plenty of crunch. Add peas or shredded cheese to mix it up. Serve as a full meal or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad
Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon
Classic ranch dressing gives this pasta salad its creamy base, while bacon adds salt and texture. Add chopped veggies for freshness. It’s cold, crisp, and perfect for BBQs. Best after a short chill.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon
Mediterranean Tortellini Pasta Salad
Cheese tortellini are tossed with olives, cucumber, tomato, and a light vinaigrette. It’s fresh, salty, and full of texture. A modern spin on the classic. Great for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tortellini Pasta Salad
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Flaked cooked salmon adds richness to this chilled pasta salad. Mix with dill, lemon, and mayo or yogurt for a creamy finish. Serve cold with crackers or greens. A protein-packed option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Cucumber Ranch Pasta Salad
Crisp cucumbers and ranch dressing keep this version light and cool. It’s simple, fast, and easy to prep ahead. Add red onion or cherry tomatoes for bite. Chill before serving.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Ranch Pasta Salad
Italian Style Pasta Salad
This version features salami, mozzarella, olives, and Italian dressing. It’s tangy, savory, and perfect for large batches. Add artichokes or roasted red peppers to make it your own. Always a picnic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Style Pasta Salad
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Three crowd-pleasers—chicken, bacon, and ranch—come together in this creamy, cold pasta dish. It’s filling enough for dinner or great as a meal prep lunch. Add cheese cubes or chopped greens. Serve chilled.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Stuffed pasta makes this salad more satisfying and flavorful. Toss with vinaigrette, veggies, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve cold or room temp. A versatile dish for any table.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad
Salmon Pasta Salad
Cooked salmon pairs with pasta and fresh herbs in this protein-rich salad. It’s light yet filling with a creamy or vinaigrette base. Serve with lemon wedges. Great for warm-weather meals.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Lemony Greek Pasta Salad
Bright with lemon and loaded with cucumbers, olives, feta, and herbs, this salad is crisp and tangy. The dressing keeps it light. Serve cold with pita or grilled chicken. A fresh summer option.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Greek Pasta Salad
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Using shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor. Mix with pasta, veggies, and a creamy or oil-based dressing. Easy for potlucks or packed lunches.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Combining deviled egg filling with pasta creates a rich, tangy salad. It’s creamy and flavorful with a bit of mustard and paprika. Add pickles or bacon if desired. A retro-inspired twist.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Summer Italian Pasta Salad
Packed with veggies and tossed in a tangy Italian dressing, this version is colorful and crisp. Add pepperoni or cheese for richness. Great for warm days. Serve well-chilled.
Get the Recipe: Summer Italian Pasta Salad
Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
This basic pasta salad is quick and loaded with chopped vegetables and zesty dressing. It’s flexible and simple to scale. Serve as a side or light meal. Chill for best flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Bacon Egg Pasta Salad
Chopped boiled eggs and crispy bacon bring breakfast vibes to this creamy pasta dish. Add green onions or dill for extra bite. Serve cold for potlucks or lunch. A hearty take on the classic.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Pasta Salad
Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad
This salad combines pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella for a Caprese-inspired twist. It’s fresh, creamy, and vibrant. Serve cold or room temp. A summer favorite.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad
Broccoli and Tomato Pasta Salad
Lightly blanched broccoli and fresh cherry tomatoes add crunch and color. Tossed with pasta and a simple dressing, it’s quick and fresh. Add cheese or sunflower seeds for variation. Serve cold.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Tomato Pasta Salad
Marry Me Tortellini Pasta Salad
Inspired by the popular “Marry Me” chicken recipe, this dish features tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy dressing, and Italian herbs. It’s rich, tangy, and full of bold flavor. A pasta salad with flair.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tortellini Pasta Salad
