Pasta salad is one of those dishes that always delivers—whether you’re heading to a summer BBQ, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something fresh and flavorful. It’s quick, easy, and customizable, making it the ultimate go-to for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
If you love bright, zesty flavors, you’ll find plenty of options here. If you prefer creamy, indulgent textures, we’ve got you covered, too. Whether you want a light lunch, a hearty side dish, or a meal-prep powerhouse, there’s something on this list for you.
So grab your favorite pasta shape, clear out some fridge space, and let’s dive into 15 ridiculously easy pasta salad recipes that you’ll be making on repeat.
1. Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Ah, the OG of pasta salads—bold, vibrant, and packed with flavor. This one’s got all the usual suspects: rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, briny black olives, and spicy little pepperoni slices, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing that ties it all together.
It’s like a pizza in salad form, and honestly, what’s not to love?
The best part? This pasta salad is practically indestructible. It gets better the longer it sits, making it the ultimate make-ahead dish for BBQs, potlucks, or those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking. Want to level it up? Throw in some roasted red peppers or a handful of arugula for a peppery kick.
See the full recipe here.
2. Greek Pasta Salad
If you’ve ever wished your Greek salad had a little more oomph, this one’s for you. We’re talking penne pasta, crunchy cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and tangy kalamata olives—all tied together with a lemony, oregano-infused dressing that brings out all the fresh flavors.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Greek-inspired dish without feta cheese crumbles for that salty, creamy bite. This salad is light, refreshing, and packed with Mediterranean magic. Plus, it pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, making it a complete meal in no time.
Check out the full recipe here.
3. Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese salad is already elite, but adding pasta takes it to a whole new level. Fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella balls get drizzled with olive oil and a touch of balsamic glaze for a tangy, slightly sweet finish. It’s fresh, simple, and tastes like summer in every bite.
The trick to making this salad truly shine? Use the freshest ingredients possible—sweet cherry tomatoes, high-quality mozzarella, and good balsamic vinegar make all the difference. Serve it as a side or toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling main dish.
You can find the full recipe here.
4. Tuna Pasta Salad
Somewhere between a comfort meal and a picnic staple, tuna pasta salad is one of those classics that never disappoint. Think shell pasta, flaky tuna, crisp celery, sweet peas, and a creamy mayo-based dressing that pulls it all together.
It’s got the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy, and it’s incredibly versatile—swap the mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up, or throw in some capers for an extra briny kick. Serve it on its own or with crackers for an easy, protein-packed meal that never gets old.
Here is the full recipe for this delicious dish.
5. BLT Pasta Salad
Take your favorite sandwich, swap out the bread for pasta, and you’ve got yourself a BLT pasta salad. Crispy bacon, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crunchy romaine lettuce come together in a creamy ranch dressing that makes every bite downright addictive.
It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but also works as a killer side dish for anything off the grill. Want to make it even better? Add in some diced avocado for an extra creamy, buttery bite.
Want the full recipe? Here it is.
6. Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad
If you’re an avocado lover, this pasta salad is a must-try. It’s creamy, refreshing, and packed with flavor, thanks to a tangy ranch dressing that ties everything together. The combo of ripe avocado, crunchy corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and al dente pasta makes for a dish that’s both comforting and light.
The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. Just toss everything together, let it chill, and enjoy a pasta salad that tastes like guacamole met your favorite ranch dressing in the best way possible.
Want to add some protein? Grilled chicken or black beans would fit right in!
Check out the full recipe here.
7. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Buffalo chicken lovers, this one’s for you. Shredded buffalo chicken, celery, blue cheese crumbles, and rotini pasta come together for a pasta salad that’s spicy, creamy, and downright addictive.
The bold flavors of buffalo sauce pair perfectly with the cool, tangy blue cheese and the crisp crunch of celery. Want to balance out the heat? Drizzle a little extra ranch on top or add a handful of cherry tomatoes for a refreshing contrast.
Serve this as a side, or pile it into lettuce wraps for a fun and low-carb twist!
Here’s the full recipe for this salad.
8. Southwest Pasta Salad
This one’s a flavor fiesta in a bowl—black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers all come together with a smoky lime-cilantro dressing that brings a bold, zesty kick.
The freshness of the lime and cilantro balances out the richness of the pasta, making this dish both light and satisfying. Want to take it up a notch? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese for extra Southwest flair.
Need help making it yourself? Here is the full recipe.
9. Pesto Pasta Salad
Simple, fresh, and full of herby goodness, this pesto pasta salad is a must-make. Toss your favorite pasta with basil pesto, parmesan shavings, and cherry tomatoes, and you’ve got a dish that tastes restaurant-worthy but takes almost no effort.
This salad is delicious warm or cold, making it the perfect meal-prep option or quick side dish for a dinner party. Want to make it extra special? Add grilled chicken or toasted pine nuts for some extra crunch and protein.
You can find the full recipe here.
10. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Yes, you read that right. This one’s for the pickle fanatics out there! If you love the tangy crunch of pickles, you’re going to go crazy for this pasta salad. Chopped dill pickles, cheddar cheese cubes, and a creamy, tangy dressing give every bite a bold, briny flavor.
For extra pickle goodness, add a splash of pickle juice to the dressing—it’ll take the flavor over the top. Serve it alongside grilled burgers, or just eat it straight from the bowl.
Here is the detailed dill pickle pasta salad recipe.
11. Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad
If you love bold flavors and a little heat, this Cajun shrimp pasta salad is about to become your new favorite. It’s got all the smoky, spicy goodness of Cajun cuisine combined with the cool, refreshing nature of a pasta salad—so it’s the best of both worlds.
The magic starts with Cajun-seasoned shrimp, which are pan-seared until they’re juicy, slightly crisp on the edges, and packed with flavor. They’re then tossed with al dente pasta, crunchy bell peppers, and crisp celery for some added texture.
The real game-changer, though, is the dressing: a creamy, tangy mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and a splash of lemon juice, which balances out the spice from the shrimp perfectly.
Read the whole recipe here.
12. Hawaiian Pasta Salad
Ever wish you could pack all the tropical flavors of a Hawaiian luau into a single bowl? Well, now you can! This Hawaiian pasta salad is sweet, savory, and totally unexpected—a combo of ingredients you might not think to put together but will absolutely love once you take a bite.
The star of the show is juicy pineapple, which adds a natural sweetness that balances out the salty diced ham beautifully. Toss in red bell peppers for crunch, shredded carrots for color, and a creamy mayo-based dressing with a splash of apple cider vinegar, and you’ve got a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.
It’s the perfect side for grilled chicken, pulled pork, or really any dish that makes you want to eat outside on a sunny day.
Check out the full recipe here.
13. Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad
Looking for a healthier pasta salad that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This Mediterranean-inspired dish is light, fresh, and packed with nutrients and protein.
The base is made with pasta and protein-rich chickpeas, making it extra satisfying. Then come the Mediterranean staples: sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness, kalamata olives for a briny punch, crumbled feta cheese for creamy saltiness, and fresh parsley to brighten things up.
Everything is tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette with garlic and oregano, creating a light yet super flavorful dressing.
The best part? It keeps well in the fridge for several days, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week long.
You can read the full recipe here.
14. Taco Pasta Salad
If you’ve ever wished Taco Tuesday could last all week, this pasta salad is here to make that dream a reality. Imagine all the best parts of a taco—seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, crunchy tortilla chips—mixed into a flavorful, satisfying pasta salad.
The foundation of this dish is spiral or shell pasta, tossed with seasoned ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer), black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Instead of a typical dressing, we’re mixing things up with a creamy salsa dressing—a blend of sour cream, salsa, lime juice, and taco seasoning that coats everything in tangy, spicy deliciousness.
For that true taco crunch, top it off with crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Check out the full recipe here.
15. Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad
If you’re looking for a pasta salad that’s light, fresh, and totally elegant, look no further than this lemon garlic orzo salad. It’s bright, zippy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, making it the perfect side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or even as a light lunch on its own.
The star of this dish is orzo pasta, which has a delicate, rice-like texture that soaks up all the incredible flavors of the dressing.
And speaking of dressing—it’s a simple but powerful combination of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and a touch of honey, giving it the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.
To add even more depth, this salad is packed with crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and fresh parsley. Every bite is cool, crisp, and full of garlicky goodness.
You can find the detailed recipe for this salad here.
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