20 Pasta Salad Recipes That Will Make You the Star of Every Potluck

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I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Pasta Salad Recipes

Pasta salad is a great dish for summer picnics, potlucks, and cookouts. You can make pasta salad with many different ingredients and dressings to suit your taste. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy days or large gatherings.

There are countless pasta salad recipes to try. Some popular options include Italian-style salads with olives, cheese, and salami, or creamy macaroni salads. You can also make pasta salads with veggies, chicken, or even seafood. The options are endless, so you can get creative and make a pasta salad that everyone will love.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad

You’ll need these ingredients for your pasta salad:

  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, chopped
  • 1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

For the dressing:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s make your pasta salad!

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.

  3. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat.

  4. Mix in the tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, onion, pepperoncini, and pepperoni.

  5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

  6. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Your Classic Italian Pasta Salad is ready to enjoy! It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing summer meal.

Greek Pasta Salad

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the dressing:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s make your Greek pasta salad:

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. While the pasta cooks, chop your veggies and make the dressing.

  3. Mix the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well.

  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, vegetables, olives, and feta.

  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything.

  6. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and give it a final toss.

Your Greek pasta salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it right away or chill it for an hour to let the flavors meld.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

You’ll need:

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup croutons
  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, chicken, romaine, tomatoes, and Parmesan.

  3. Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

  4. Add the croutons and give it another gentle toss.

  5. Season with salt and pepper if needed.

  6. Chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving.

Your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is ready! It’s perfect for summer picnics or as a quick weeknight dinner. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty pasta salad:

  • 1 pound pasta (rotini or penne work well)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s make your Mediterranean pasta salad:

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.

  3. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything.

  5. Add feta cheese and parsley. Stir lightly to combine.

  6. Chill your pasta salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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Your Mediterranean pasta salad is ready to enjoy! It’s perfect for summer picnics or as a light meal.

Tuna Pasta Salad

You’ll love this tasty tuna pasta salad! It’s quick to make and perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz pasta (shells or bowties work great)
  • 2 cans tuna, drained
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, mix mayo, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

  3. Add the cooled pasta, tuna, peas, celery, onion, and dill to the bowl.

  4. Gently stir everything together until well combined.

  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

  6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Your tuna pasta salad is ready! Enjoy it cold on a warm day. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Ranch BLT Pasta Salad

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 16 oz pasta (like bow tie or rotini)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s make this yummy pasta salad!

  1. Cook your pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.

  2. In a big bowl, mix the cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, cheese, and onion.

  3. In a separate small bowl, stir together the ranch dressing and apple cider vinegar.

  4. Pour the dressing mix over the pasta mixture and toss everything together.

  5. Gently fold in the chopped lettuce.

  6. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

  7. Pop it in the fridge for about an hour before serving to let the flavors mingle.

Your Ranch BLT Pasta Salad is ready to enjoy! It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a tasty side dish for dinner.

Caprese Pasta Salad

You’ll love this fresh and tasty Caprese pasta salad! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pasta (rotini or penne work well)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. While the pasta cooks, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

  3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything.

  5. Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors mingle.

This Caprese pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy summer dinners. The classic combo of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil never disappoints!

Southwest Pasta Salad

You’ll love this zesty pasta salad with Southwestern flair! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced (optional)

Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, mix pasta, beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.

  3. Whisk dressing ingredients in a small bowl.

  4. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat.

  5. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

  6. If using avocado, add it just before serving to prevent browning.

Your Southwest pasta salad is ready to enjoy! It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a cool side dish on hot days.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Here’s a tasty pesto pasta salad recipe you’ll love!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pasta (any short shape)
  • 1 cup basil pesto
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with pesto and olive oil.

  3. Add the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Mix gently.

  4. Sprinkle in the pine nuts and season with salt and pepper.

  5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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You can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day! Feel free to add other veggies like cucumbers or olives if you’d like.

Macaroni Salad

Here’s a tasty macaroni salad recipe you can whip up for your next picnic or barbecue!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons diced red onion
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Directions:

  1. Cook the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

  3. Add the cooled macaroni, celery, bell pepper, onion, and eggs to the bowl. Stir gently to combine.

  4. Chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.

  5. Give it a quick stir and taste. Add more salt or pepper if needed.

Your macaroni salad is ready to enjoy! It’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish anytime.

Spinach and Feta Pasta Salad

Want to make a tasty pasta salad? Try this spinach and feta combo! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz pasta (any shape)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until it’s tender. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, spinach, tomatoes, feta, and onion.

  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything.

  5. You can serve it right away or chill it in the fridge for a bit. Enjoy your yummy pasta salad!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

You’ll love this zesty twist on pasta salad! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, mix buffalo sauce, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing.

  3. Add the cooled pasta, chicken, celery, carrots, and green onions to the bowl. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.

  4. Gently fold in the blue cheese crumbles.

  5. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

Your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is ready! It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a tasty lunch. Enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Here’s a tasty antipasto pasta salad recipe you’ll love!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fusilli or shell pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, pepperoni, and onion.

  3. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything.

  5. Sprinkle fresh basil on top and give it one final toss.

  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors mingle.

Your antipasto pasta salad is now ready to enjoy! It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a cool summer meal.

Shrimp Pasta Salad

You’ll love this easy and tasty shrimp pasta salad! It’s perfect for summer picnics or potlucks.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz pasta (rotini or shells work well)
  • 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat.

  5. Sprinkle fresh dill on top and mix lightly.

  6. Chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.

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Your shrimp pasta salad is now ready to enjoy! The creamy dressing and fresh veggies pair perfectly with the tender shrimp and pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite at your next gathering.

Vegetable Pasta Salad

Here’s a tasty vegetable pasta salad recipe you’ll love! Let’s get started with the ingredients:

  • 1 pound pasta (your choice)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

For the dressing:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s make your delicious pasta salad:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with all the chopped vegetables and feta cheese.

  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.

  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

  5. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Your veggie pasta salad is ready! Feel free to add more veggies or swap ingredients based on what you like. Enjoy your colorful and tasty creation!

Asian Sesame Pasta Salad

You’ll love this tasty and refreshing Asian-inspired pasta salad! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz bow tie pasta
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted

For the dressing:

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp grated ginger

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, chicken, bell pepper, carrot, green onions, and cilantro.

  3. Make the dressing by whisking together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl.

  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

  5. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.

  6. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.

Your Asian Sesame Pasta Salad is ready to enjoy! It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal on a warm day.

Tortellini Pasta Salad

You’ll love this tasty tortellini pasta salad! Here’s what you need:

  • 1 package cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella balls
  • 1/4 cup Italian dressing
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Now let’s make it:

  1. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and mozzarella.

  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything.

  5. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

Your tortellini pasta salad is ready to enjoy! It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a cool summer meal.

Avocado Pasta Salad

You’ll love this creamy and flavorful pasta salad! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz pasta (any shape)
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a food processor, blend 1 avocado, spinach, lemon juice, garlic, and cilantro until smooth.

  3. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the avocado dressing.

  4. Dice the remaining avocado and add it to the bowl along with tomatoes and corn.

  5. Gently toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper.

  6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Your pasta salad is ready! It’s perfect for picnics or as a refreshing side dish. Enjoy the creamy avocado goodness mixed with tangy lemon and fresh veggies.

Tex-Mex Pasta Salad

Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty dish:

  • 12 oz fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

For the dressing:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • Juice of 1 lime

Now, let’s make your Tex-Mex pasta salad:

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and jalapeño.

  3. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl.

  4. Pour the dressing over your pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.

  5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors mingle.

Your Tex-Mex pasta salad is ready to enjoy! It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish.