In the summer food hall of fame, one side dish reigns supreme: pasta salad. Crowd-friendly, more affordable, and endlessly customizable, pasta salad is a go-to for virtually any occasion. Whether you need a reliable cookout side, something for the picnic basket, packable lunches for work, or just an easy addition to weeknight meals, it’s pasta salad for the win. On top of being delicious, the convenience factor makes pasta salad ideal for lazy summer days. Prep it ahead of time, then let it hang out in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. Every home cook needs at least one back-pocket recipe, so we’re sharing 10 of our best pasta salad recipes to round out any and all of your summer meals.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
When it comes to the best pasta salad recipes, this one brings zing and is certain to impress the pickle-lover in your life. Chopped pickles and a splash of the brine dress up curly noodles in a creamy sauce with crunchy peppers and fresh dill. It’s the ultimate savory, salty, and a little sweet cookout side dish.
Get the recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Tortellini Caprese Salad
We combined two all-star summer salads for one show-stopping side that makes the most of peak-season tomatoes. The components of a classic Caprese—juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil—become even more satisfying tossed with cheese tortellini and balsamic vinaigrette.
Get the recipe: Tortellini Caprese Salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Here’s one way to keep your summer sides interesting: make them fusion food. This mashup recipe combines pasta salad with the best parts of elote, Mexican-style street corn. Kernels of grilled corn and elbow macaroni get a kick of mild heat from jalapeno and chili powder balanced with a creamy, lime-spiked dressing and a finish of crumbled cotija cheese.
Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Greek Pasta Salad with Shrimp
Kalamata olives, feta, and fresh dill add Greek-inspired flavor to this substantial side dish that also works for a light lunch or dinner. Pre-cooked farfalle noodles and frozen shrimp help you get it on the table or into your picnic basket in just 15 minutes.
Get the recipe: Greek Pasta Salad with Shrimp
Summer Pasta Salad with Grilled Peaches and Corn
Peak summer produce shines in this meal-worthy orzo salad. A stint on the grill caramelizes fresh peaches and corn on the cob and brings out even more of their natural sweetness. It’s a flavor match made in heaven tossed with mild mozzarella, prosciutto, and another seasonal star, fresh basil.
Get the recipe: Summer Pasta Salad with Grilled Peaches and Corn
Gluten-Free Pasta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
Whip up this plant-powered pasta salad in 15 minutes, and let it hang out in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. The combo of gluten-free penne and crisp veggies in a scallion-Dijon dressing with plenty of fresh parsley tastes even better the longer it sits. Of course, you can swap in classic pasta for a more traditional flavor and texture, too.
Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Pasta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
Pasta Salad with Pepperoni and Blue Cheese
Of our best pasta salad recipes, this bold one will forever banish the idea that pasta salad is boring or bland. Pepperoni, peppery arugula, and a homemade blue cheese dressing amp up curly cavatappi noodles studded with crunchy celery.
Get the recipe: Pasta Salad with Pepperoni and Blue Cheese
Pasta Salad Skewers
Stack up rave reviews at your next picnic or cookout with this recipe that turns pasta salad into finger food. Cheese tortellini, veggies, and antipasti favorites, like mozzarella and salami, are perfectly portable and ready to party threaded onto wooden skewers and paired with pesto or your favorite dressing.
Get the recipe: Pasta Salad Skewers
Veggie Italian Pasta Salad
A little help from the store puts this vegetarian-friendly pasta salad on the fast track for summer meals. Just add cooked rotini, tomatoes, and goat cheese to premade veggie salad from the deli counter and finish with bottled Italian dressing for a never-fail side that preps in 10 minutes.
Get the recipe: Veggie Italian Pasta Salad
Asparagus Pasta Salad
This fully loaded pasta salad is substantial enough to serve as a stand-alone meal and versatile enough to go with any main course. Deli ham and grated hard-boiled egg add protein to corkscrew pasta tossed with crisp-tender asparagus and fresh dill.
Get the recipe: Asparagus Pasta Salad
