Pasta salads are the ultimate go-to dish when you want something quick, tasty, and versatile. They’re perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or even as a hearty lunch.
The beauty of pasta salad lies in its flexibility—you can mix and match ingredients, flavors, and dressings to suit your taste.
From creamy classics to fresh and zesty options, here are 7 easy pasta salad recipes that will make your mealtime a little more exciting.
1. Classic Italian Pasta Salad
This salad is vibrant, refreshing, and loaded with the bold flavors of Italy. Think crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy olives, and gooey mozzarella, all coated in a zesty Italian dressing. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or even just a quick weekday lunch.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- 3 tbsp Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente, usually 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta for salad use.
Prep the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooling, chop the cucumber and red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the black olives. Shred the mozzarella if needed.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, vegetables, olives, and mozzarella. Give it a gentle stir to start blending the flavors.
Toss with Dressing
Pour the Italian dressing over the salad. Sprinkle in salt and pepper, then toss everything gently until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated.
Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil leaves just before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled, letting the dressing soak into the pasta for maximum flavor.
2. Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
Rich, comforting, and packed with protein, this creamy chicken pasta salad is perfect when you want something hearty but still fresh. The creamy dressing hugs every bite of pasta and chicken, making it irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook and Cool the Pasta
Boil your pasta until al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water. Let it cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped celery, and diced red onion. Pour the creamy dressing over everything and toss gently until all ingredients are coated evenly.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle paprika on top for a hint of color and a subtle smoky flavor. Chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Bright, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this salad is perfect if you want something light, tangy, and colorful. Feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and lemony dressing make it irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Make the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
Toss Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and crumbled feta. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle extra feta or a pinch of oregano on top. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a light, refreshing dish.
4. Pesto Pasta Salad
This one is simple but packs a punch with bold basil flavors. Fresh pesto coats the pasta, while sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella balls add texture and richness.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked penne pasta
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup mozzarella balls
- 3 tbsp basil pesto
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
Mix Pasta with Pesto
Toss the cooled pasta with basil pesto and olive oil until evenly coated.
Add Veggies and Cheese
Fold in cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
Serve
Garnish with fresh basil leaves. This pasta salad is vibrant, fresh, and perfect for lunch or as a side dish.
5. Tuna Pasta Salad
This protein-packed pasta salad is creamy, hearty, and perfect for a quick lunch or a make-ahead meal. Tuna adds a satisfying flavor while celery gives a refreshing crunch.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can tuna, drained
- ½ cup celery, diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook and Cool Pasta
Boil elbow macaroni until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Salad Ingredients
Add the cooled pasta, tuna, and celery to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until every bite is coated.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color.
6. Caprese Pasta Salad
Inspired by the classic Caprese salad, this pasta salad combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for summer.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup mozzarella balls
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook Pasta
Boil pasta until tender, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Mix Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.
Dress the Salad
Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Season with salt and pepper and toss gently to combine.
Serve
Enjoy immediately or chill for a slightly cooler, more refreshing flavor. This salad is light, vibrant, and full of Mediterranean charm.
7. Southwest Pasta Salad
Full of bold flavors, this Southwest-inspired pasta salad has a little spice, a lot of textures, and is perfect for BBQs or casual dinners.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp ranch dressing
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook Pasta
Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Mix Veggies and Cheese
In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and shredded cheddar.
Toss with Dressing
Add the cooled pasta to the veggie mixture. Pour ranch dressing over it, sprinkle chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
Serve
Chill for a bit or serve immediately. The combination of creamy ranch, spice from chili powder, and fresh crunch makes this salad irresistible.
Conclusion
From creamy chicken and tuna salads to fresh Mediterranean and zesty Southwest flavors, pasta salads are the ultimate versatile dish.
They’re easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for any occasion—from picnics to weeknight dinners.
Keep your favorite pasta, veggies, and dressings on hand, and you’ll always have a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal ready in minutes.