30 Pasta Salad Recipes

This list of 30 pasta salad recipes has all of your pasta salad needs covered! It includes traditional and unique recipes inspired by different cuisines along with some of my tips for making pasta salad. Representations of gluten-free, vegan, etc. are based on representations from the recipe creators as noted on their websites.

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Pasta Salad Tips

Here are some of my top tips for making the perfect pasta salad. If any of this information contradicts the information in a specific recipe, follow the recipe – there is probably a good reason the recipe is written that way! Check out 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pasta Salad (With Fixes) by TidyMom for more comprehensive information than I’ve included here.

Types of Pasta

Most of the recipes in this post suggest a type of pasta to use. I also find it’s better to make pasta salad with dried pasta, not fresh, because it tends to hold up better.

Cooking Pasta for Pasta Salad

Stir the pasta when you first add it to the pot, which will prevent sticking during cooking. Cook the pasta slightly beyond al dente stage for a pasta salad, unless the recipe specifies otherwise. This will help keep the pasta from getting too firm as its cooling. If your package has instructions with a range of minutes and suggests a number of minutes for al dente, cook for the full amount of time listed on the package or add a minute or two to the time suggested for al dente. I also usually run the pasta under cool water to stop the cooking, then stir a bit so they the noodles don’t get stuck together.

Making Pasta Salad Ahead

Do not add all of the dressing to the pasta salad! The noodles absorb the dressing when pasta salad is dressed in advance, which can result in a dry salad. I make about 25% more dressing when I’m making a pasta salad in advance. I add the extra portion of dressing right away, then reserve the remaining dressing to add to the pasta salad when it’s time to serve. This allows some of the flavors to start building and prevents a dry salad.

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Traditional Macaroni Salad

There is good reason the classic macaroni salad has been so popular for generations. It is just plain delicious and goes with almost everything. Recipe from Mom Foodie.

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BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

Pulled chicken, veggies, and cheddar cheese come together with noodles and a creamy BBQ dressing to make this delicious BBQ chicken pasta salad. It's a great dish to pack for lunch or to bring as a side to a potluck or picnic.

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Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

An easy pasta salad recipe with a light, creamy dressing and the savory crunch of bacon. This is perfect to have with dinner at home or serve at a cookout.

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Creamy Bacon Blue Cheese Pasta Salad

Perfectly indulgent, this bacon blue cheese pasta salad is made with a mayo dressing and comes together in minutes. This is a great crowd pleaser for BBQs, picnics and game day! Recipe from Bite on the Side.

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Smoked Trout and Snap Pea Pasta Salad

If you want a fun new take on a pasta salad—this is your dish! Crisp sugar snap peas, smoked trout and farfalle pasta all tossed with a creamy and light dressing. This pasta salad is a great side dish for barbecues and picnics, or an easy lunch! Recipe from Carolyn's Cooking.

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Italian Pasta Salad

This Italian pasta salad is the perfect cold pasta salad for lunch, a dinner side dish, or a potluck. Meats, cheeses, pepperoncinis, and other veggies are tossed together with a creamy vinaigrette.

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Caprese Pasta Salad

This caprese pasta salad is light, fresh, and comes together in just 10 minutes! With creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and sweet cherry tomatoes it’s the perfect summer lunch. Recipe from Barley & Sage.

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Tortellini Pasta Salad with Prosciutto

This gorgeous Tortellini Pasta Salad is one dish that looks as great as it tastes. It’s so quick and easy, yet such a crowd pleaser! Recipe from GypsyPlate.

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Pea, Burrata, and Prosciutto Pasta Salad

This pea, burrata, and prosciutto pasta salad is easy to make, bright, & full of flavor. The lemon herb vinaigrette uses juice from a charred lemon for smokiness. Recipe from Balance With Jess.

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Rainbow Orzo Salad

Rainbow orzo salad is a bright and colorful salad that’s perfect for warmer weather. It’s crunchy, light and fresh. Ready in less than 30 minutes. Recipe from Fresh Apron.

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Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad (Vegan)

This roasted vegetable pasta salad is full of flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a summer picnic or for a family BBQ with others dishes. Recipe from through the fibro blog.

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Spring Roll Spaghetti Bowl (Vegan)

Just as healthy as it is beautiful, this spring roll spaghetti bowl is loaded with veggies, greens and fresh herbs, then drizzled with an amazing sweet and spicy asian dressing with hints of ginger and sriracha! The recipe includes a grain-free option. Recipe from The Organic Kitchen.

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Thai Pasta Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

Bursting with color and flavor, Thai pasta salad with ginger dressing is a perfect summer side. Carrots, red bell pepper, and edamame are mixed with spiral pasta and peanuts are drenched in a delicious ginger dressing in this easy, impressive pasta salad. Recipe from Add Salt & Serve.

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Thai Noodle Salad With Shrimp and Vegetables (Gluten-Free)

Thai noodle salad with plump and spicy shrimp in a buttery garlic-lime sauce is gluten-free, insanely delicious, and quick to make. Recipe from All That’s Jas.

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Watermelon Feta Orzo Salad

This refreshing pasta salad is packed with watermelon, feta, red onion, and fresh mint. Recipe from Tara's Multicultural Table.

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Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Balsamic Dressing

The marinated grilled chicken adds a nice smokiness that blends perfectly with the fresh, earthy herbs and vegetables, while the balsamic dressing adds just the right amount of tang. This salad is easy to meal prep and ideal for stretching to accommodate a crowd. Recipe from 2 Cookin Mamas.

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Mango Chicken Pasta Salad

This mango chicken pasta salad is a fresh and different way to enjoyed cold pasta this summer. It is a little different but bursting with flavor! Tender chunks of chicken, crisp bell peppers mixed with pasta, and then coated in a delicious mango dressing. Recipe from Sprinkles & Sprouts.

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Steak Pasta Salad With Asparagus, Bacon, & Parmesan

Steak pasta salad is packed with tender steak, vibrant asparagus, salty bacon, tangy Parmigiano Reggiano, and a delicious cream sauce. This easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Recipe from Crave the Good.

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Avocado Pasta Salad

This avocado pasta salad is one that’ll be different from all the others on the BBQ table. It’s a creamy, bright, packed full of spinach, healthy pasta salad that just happens to be vegan friendly! Recipe from Served from Scratch.

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Tortellini Pasta Salad with Grilled Peaches

This tortellini pasta salad has grilled peaches, crispy pancetta, a white balsamic vinaigrette and is topped with pistachios and dollops of ricotta cheese. It only takes about 20 minutes to make! Recipe from Went Here 8 This.

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Broccoli Pesto Pasta Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

This is a must-have for summer picnic, barbecue, or even a potluck! Toss the warm noodles with homemade broccoli pesto sauce – fresh basil, baby spinach, and nutty cashew parmesan cheese – for a delicious gluten-free and vegan meal that is bursting with summer flavors. Recipe from I Heart Umami.

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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

The great flavors of buffalo chicken dip in a yummy tortellini pasta salad! Easy to prep ahead, and perfect as a main dish pasta salad, or a hearty side! Recipe from Two Healthy Kitchens.

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Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican street corn salad with pearl couscous puts a fun twist on elotes. Smoky grilled corn, a creamy cumin-lime dressing, and pearl couscous combine to create this delicious salad. Recipe from Platings & Pairings.

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Cobb Salad with Penne Pasta

This cobb salad recipe uses pasta instead of lettuce, then it’s piled high with all the delicious cobb salad ingredients we love, like chicken, avocado, and bacon. Recipe from A Food Lover’s Kitchen.

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Caesar Pasta Salad

This caesar pasta salad is bursting with flavor from the juicy tomatoes, the sharpness of the parmesan, and a bite of crunch from the romaine lettuce. Take it to a get-together or add grilled chicken to make this pasta salad a full meal. With just a few easy steps, you’ll be enjoying this flavorful dish in no time! Recipe from Whiskful Cooking.

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Filipino Macaroni Salad

Filipino macaroni salad is a classic side dish that prepared for almost any Filipino gathering. It’s especially a staple at Christmas! This sweet pasta salad with crunchy vegetables is easy to make and a great make-ahead dish. Recipe from Urban Bliss Life.

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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian macaroni salad (mac salad) is a staple in a Hawaiian plate lunch. This classic side dish features elbow macaroni smothered in a mayonnaise dressing. Recipe from Mission Food Adventure.

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Marinated Mushroom Pasta Salad (Vegan)

This marinated mushroom salad is easy to make and is full of aromatic vegetables. It is tossed in a simple olive mustard vinaigrette and is perfect for picnics or potlucks. Recipe from Lavender and Macarons.

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Asparagus Pasta Salad with Pecan Pesto

Fresh peas and asparagus pasta salad with a nutty and aromatic pecan pesto is a fantastic combination to whip up for a quick, tasty vegetarian side dish. Recipe from The Devil Wears Salad.

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Roasted Garlic Blue Cheese Pasta Salad

A simple creamy blue cheese pasta salad recipe made with fresh produce tossed in a double umami creamy roasted garlic miso blue cheese dressing. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, it can easily be omitted from the dressing and still have the umami flavors from the miso! Recipe from Pups with Chopsticks.

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