25 Summer Pasta Salad Recipes to Keep You Cool and Carbed-Up

You’ll want to try every single one of these summer pasta salad recipes. They include lots of tasty ingredients, from corn and bacon to pesto and cheeses.

These meals are easy to make ahead and taste even better the next day. One bowl is never enough!

Check out these recipes, customize them, and toss in your favorite ingredients (or whatever you have on hand).

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Enjoy this pasta salad at cookouts or as a quick weekday dinner.

Even picky eaters will love it. It comes with bacon, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, milk, and sour cream.

Get The Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Asian Pasta Salad

Can’t get enough of Asian-inspired meals? This pasta salad is also vegan and gluten-free.

The highlight is its dressing made with sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and sesame seeds.

Get The Recipe: Asian Pasta Salad

Veggie Artichoke Pasta Salad (No Mayo!)

If you’re craving something fresh and zesty, this dish is a must-try.

And yes, it’s healthier since it doesn’t have mayo. Serve it with mint lemonade and grilled halloumi.

Get The Recipe: Veggie Artichoke Pasta Salad (No Mayo!)

Shrimp Macaroni Salad with Cajun Spices

Looking for something you can make in 15 minutes?

This salad is made with elbow macaroni, shrimp, green onions, buttermilk ranch dressing, and Cajun seasoning.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad with Cajun Spices

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Greek Pasta Salad

This recipe is sure to become your new summer go-to.

What makes it special? The Greek dressing featuring olive oil, red wine vinegar, and red chili flakes.

Get The Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This pasta salad’s got a punch of flavor from chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, and a smooth, slightly sour mayo-based dressing.

Serve it with pulled pork sandwiches or sliders.

Get The Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Cottage Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad

Cottage cheese can add a creamy, slightly tangy flavor and a boost of protein to pasta salads.

Try this one next. It also has bacon, chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, and ranch seasoning mix.

Get The Recipe: Cottage Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad

Grilled Chicken and Veggies Pasta Salad

Got some leftover grilled chicken? Just toss it into this pasta salad alongside veggies, greens, and a delicious dressing.

If you want, you can also add hard-boiled eggs to make it more filling.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Chicken and Veggies Pasta Salad

Greek Chicken Orzo Salad

This salad brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors in one easy, protein-packed dish.

Main ingredients include dry orzo, rotisserie chicken, grape tomatoes, and Greek olives.

Get The Recipe: Greek Chicken Orzo Salad

BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing

This pasta salad comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish that’s also easy to prep ahead.

Pair it with roasted green beans or asparagus spears.

Get The Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing

Broccoli Pasta Salad

This recipe offers one of the tastiest ways to enjoy broccoli.

It results in a creamy salad with plenty of crunch from the fresh vegetables. Serve it at your next family dinner—even Grandma will love it!

Get The Recipe: Broccoli Pasta Salad

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

This recipe offers a delicious way to use up any leftover meats.

It uses chicken, but you can swap in turkey breast, ham, or steak slices if that’s not available. So easy, tasty, and customizable.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

This meal is a fresh and aromatic option that’s always a hit, especially when served chilled.

It’s already hearty on its own, but you can add extras like tomatoes, capers, and tuna to make it even more satisfying.

Get The Recipe: Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

Cucumber Bacon Pasta Salad

Cucumber and bacon are such a fun combo you shouldn’t miss this summer.

This salad is cheesy, tangy, and crunchy, something you’d love to pair with BBQ ribs and baked beans.

Get The Recipe: Cucumber Bacon Pasta Salad

Bowtie Pasta Salad

You don’t need a lot of bowtie pasta to make this salad. Why not enjoy it later during a solo movie night?

You’ll also need green onions, lemon juice, Parmesan, and spring peas.

Get The Recipe: Bowtie Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican-inspired meals are the best! Here’s one you can prepare on the busiest summer weeknights.

Main ingredients include dry pasta, cotija cheese, corn, and jalapeño.

Get The Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Hawaiian Pizza Pasta Salad

Love Hawaiian pizza? This pasta salad gives you all the flavors you crave—no oven required.

It’s sweet, smoky, and savory, thanks to pineapple slices, bacon, barbecue sauce, and green peppers.

Get The Recipe: Hawaiian Pizza Pasta Salad

Orzo Salad with Pesto

This herby and slightly peppery orzo salad can double as a side or a main.

The star ingredient is basil pesto, of course! Don’t forget to garnish it with toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch.

Get The Recipe: Orzo Salad with Pesto

Pesto Tortellini Salad

If you can’t get enough of pesto, then you should try this one too.

It’s perfect if you’re craving something light. If you want something heavier, just add salami or shredded rotisserie chicken.

Get The Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad

Zesty Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is the ultimate summer side, ideal for feeding a crowd.

It’s made with corn, gemelli pasta, sour cream, cotija cheese, and chili powder. Be careful not to overcook the pasta.

Get The Recipe: Zesty Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Pasta Salad

Instant Pot Feta Pasta Salad

Use your Instant Pot to make the most delicious pasta salads. Start with this recipe.

Want stronger Greek flavors? Add feta or fresh basil to make it even more irresistible.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Feta Pasta Salad

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Caprese Pasta Salad

This recipe is inspired by the classic Italian salad, and yes, it’s also bursting with fresh summer flavors.

Make a huge batch ahead of time and just store it in the fridge for up to four days.

Get The Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad

This tuna pasta salad is a filling and flavorful option for summer lunches and picnics.

Add a few dill pickle slices as a fun garnish, then pair it with garlic breadsticks.

Get The Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad

Coleslaw Pasta Salad

This coleslaw pasta salad is made with ditalini pasta, coleslaw, cucumbers, green bell peppers, sour cream, fresh basil leaves, and other simple ingredients.

You can add ham or hard-boiled eggs to make it more satisfying.

Get The Recipe: Coleslaw Pasta Salad

Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad

You don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen to make something delicious.

This pasta salad comes together in just 25 minutes. It features the fun combo of chicken, avocado, feta, and tomatoes.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad

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These recipes are perfect for lazy days, backyard meals, or even quick work lunches.

Even so, don’t hesitate to play around with various ingredients.

Here’s a tip: combine pasta with something crunchy (like veggies or nuts) and something creamy (like cheese or dressing) for balance.

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Read it here: 25 Summer Food Recipes That Make Life Taste Better

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