Pasta Salad Just Got an Upgrade: 17 Recipes You’ll Crave All Summer

Thanks to the grocery store, pasta salad has been unfairly judged. But these recipes are changing the game. We’re talking loaded toppings, unexpected mix-ins, and flavors that actually hold up in the fridge.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal-prepping lunch, these pasta salad recipes are the kind of glow-up your pasta deserves.

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

**Pasta Salad**. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

This easy Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a bite from my childhood. It is overflowing with vegetables and reminds me of summer and grilling with my parents. It is light enough for a hot day, goes great with burgers, and is bursting with so much flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad Recipe

Tomato & Cucumber Pasta Salad

**Tomato and Cucumber Pasta Salad**. Photo Credit: Jeannies Tried and True Recipes.

This Whole Wheat Pasta Salad Recipe is loaded with fresh summer vegetables like cucumber and tomatoes, and is coated in a deliciously zesty Italian dressing. Made with whole wheat pasta, it is a filling summer side dish.
Get the Recipe: Tomato & Cucumber Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delicious fusion of flavors featuring charred corn, cotija cheese, and a creamy chili lime dressing, all tossed together with tender pasta.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Antipasto Pasta Salad combines all of our favorite antipasto ingredients with a delicious balsamic vinaigrette, some pasta, and some fresh greens to make a perfect summer salad.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Pasta Salad

Favorite Pasta Salad

This is our family’s Favorite Pasta Salad because it has it all! It has a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tart flavors in each and every bite. The pasta salad itself is incredible, but what really makes it stand out from other pasta salad recipes is the mouthwatering homemade dressing. Oh, and there is bacon!
Get the Recipe: Favorite Pasta Salad

Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad

This Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad makes an amazing cold pasta side dish recipe, perfect for a summer BBQ or grilling dinner! Full of fresh flavors from tomatoes, corn, avocado, and herbs.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad

A vibrant bowl of farfalle pasta mixed with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls, garnished with fresh basil leaves. — **Pesto Pasta Salad**. Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

Pesto Pasta Salad is a quick pasta dish that tastes like summer in a bowl. Add bite-sized mozzarella pearls and fresh tomatoes, and this pasta can be served warm or chilled, as a side dish or as its own light meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Orzo Pasta Salad

This Orzo Pasta Salad is fresh, healthy, and flavorful, easy to put together, and perfect for making ahead.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pasta Salad

Shrimp Pasta Salad

This Shrimp Pasta Salad is absolutely delicious with creamy and spicy avocado dressing – The best Mexican pasta salad for summer meals or parties.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pasta Salad

Bowtie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Loaded with fresh veggies, al dente pasta, and your favorite Italian Salad Dressing, this Bowtie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is the perfect, easy salad! It’s great to have in the refrigerator throughout the week or at your next gathering!
Get the Recipe: Bowtie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Close-up of colorful pasta salad featuring bacon, peas, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese in a creamy dressing. — **Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad**. Photo Credit: Beyond the Chicken Coop.

Tired of boring pasta salads? This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is sure to please! It features plenty of bacon, peas, and cherry tomatoes all wrapped in a delicious ranch dressing.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Orzo Caprese Salad

This Orzo Caprese Salad is a delicious twist on a classic caprese salad! Cooked orzo pasta is combined with juicy tomatoes, cucumber, and creamy mozzarella. Ready on the table in less than 30 minutes! Serve it for lunch, light dinner, or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Caprese Salad

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

A close-up of a creamy macaroni salad topped with paprika and green onions, served in a red bowl. — **Deviled Egg Pasta Salad**. Photo Credit: Beyond the Chicken Coop.

Everything you love about deviled eggs made into a pasta salad! This Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is a delicious side dish perfect for summertime picnics or barbecues. This pasta salad will quickly become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad

Homemade Greek Pasta Salad made with Pasta, Greek Olives, Feta Cheese, Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Pepperoncinis, and tossed in a homemade Greek dressing. The Best Greek Pasta Salad Recipe!
Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad

Instant Pot Pasta Salad

Pasta salad in the Instant Pot? Believe it! Perfectly cooked tender bites of pasta in a tangy vinaigrette. It all comes together in the Instant Pot without any need for draining.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pasta Salad

Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta

**Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta**. Photo Credit: Entirely Elizabeth.

This Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta is perfect for summer entertaining! It is packed with crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, salty feta, and coated in a rich lemon dressing.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta

Chicken Garden Pasta Salad

Looking for a quick and easy dinner? This Chicken Garden Pasta Salad is one that is sure to please! Cheese, chicken, veggies, and pasta – what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Garden Pasta Salad

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