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Bright flavors, tender noodles, and crisp vegetables come together for dishes that feel refreshing yet satisfying. They’re easy to make ahead, chill in the fridge, and carry to picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings without stress. Creamy dressings, zesty vinaigrettes, and herby mixes all bring their own personality to the bowl. Each serving feels light enough for warm days but still hearty enough to stand in as a full meal.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.
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Bright basil pesto coats tender pasta for a fresh, herby flavor that feels both simple and satisfying. Cherry tomatoes, cheese, or veggies add color and texture to every bite. Easy to prep ahead and serve chilled. A reliable choice for gatherings, picnics, or quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad

Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Smoky bacon and tender chicken bring bold, savory flavor to a hearty pasta salad. Sharp cheddar, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs add balance and freshness. A light red wine vinegar dressing keeps everything bright without using mayo. Perfect for potlucks or make-ahead lunches.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Classic pizza flavors come together in a fun, crowd-pleasing pasta salad. Pepperoni, cheese, and veggies deliver bold, familiar taste in every bite. Easy prep makes it ideal for parties or casual meals. A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Marry Me Tortellini Pasta Salad

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta salad, mixed with chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing.
Marry Me Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Cheesy tortellini gets tossed with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for rich, comforting flavor. A creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and parmesan adds tangy depth. Preparation stays simple with no complicated steps. A satisfying side dish that feels indulgent but effortless.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tortellini Pasta Salad

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Flaky salmon pairs beautifully with tender pasta and crisp vegetables. Light seasoning keeps flavors fresh and balanced. Great served chilled for warm-weather meals. A wholesome option that feels both filling and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Lemony Greek Pasta Salad

Lemony Greek Pasta Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Zesty lemon dressing brightens every bite of pasta, vegetables, and Mediterranean flavors. Simple ingredients keep preparation quick and approachable. Bold, tangy notes make it especially refreshing. A great side dish for grilled mains or summer spreads.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Greek Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

A bowl of rotini pasta salad mixed with corn, cotija cheese, red onion, cilantro, and lime wedges, served with wooden utensils.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Charred corn delivers smoky flavor paired with creamy chili-lime dressing. Fusilli pasta holds onto every bit of sauce and seasoning. Cotija cheese adds salty contrast and richness. A bold side dish that easily steals the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad in white serving bowl.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and crab combine with pasta for a light yet satisfying summer dish. A creamy dressing brings everything together without overpowering the seafood. Best served chilled for warm days. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or beachside meals.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of orzo pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and olives from a white bowl.
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Orzo gets tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and briny olives for fresh Mediterranean flavor. A red wine vinaigrette with garlic adds tangy brightness. Quick cooling keeps the salad crisp and refreshing. Holds up well for leftovers without losing texture.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shredded rotisserie chicken makes preparation fast and stress-free. Crisp vegetables add texture to a creamy, well-seasoned dressing. Filling enough to serve as a main or hearty side. Always disappears quickly at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!

Overhead shot of a glass bowl filled with BLT pasta salad.
BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes bring classic BLT flavor to pasta form. Salty, fresh, and endlessly scoopable. Easy to transport and serve outdoors. A picnic staple that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!

Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

A white bowl filled with tri-color rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber chunks, and feta cheese on a red-and-white checkered tablecloth.
Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Chilled pasta tossed with Italian dressing satisfies pasta cravings without the heat. Simple ingredients keep the recipe flexible and budget-friendly. Works well as a side or light main dish. A year-round favorite that adapts to any season.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Creamy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

A plate of Deviled Egg Pasta Salad served with a fork on a white plate.
Creamy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Deviled egg flavor meets pasta in a creamy, tangy side dish. Just rich enough without feeling heavy. Familiar flavors make it instantly comforting. A potluck favorite that’s always first to go.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Bacon ranch pasta salad in a clear bowl with a striped towel.
Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Creamy ranch dressing coats pasta, bacon, and mix-ins for rich, savory flavor. Everything comes together in one bowl in about 30 minutes. A comforting side dish that pairs well with grilled favorites. Perfect for weekend dinners and cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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