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Pasta salad is a must in the summertime. It’s easy to make ahead, feeds a crowd, and you can throw just about anything into it. Whether you’re going to a cookout, packing lunch for the beach, or just need something cool and satisfying for dinner, pasta salad always delivers.
This list rounds up 17 of my favorite summer pasta salad recipes. Some are creamy and classic, others are lighter with vinaigrettes or citrusy dressings. There’s a nice mix of flavors—herby, tangy, cheesy, fresh—and most of them can be tossed together in under 30 minutes. You’ll also find some creative twists that go beyond your typical elbows-and-mayo combo.
Each one includes a little tip to help you make it even better, based on what I’ve learned making these over the years.
1. Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad
Elbow pasta tossed with a creamy dressing made from mayo, mustard, a splash of vinegar, and just a little sugar. Add in diced celery, red onion, and chopped pickles for that crunch and tang we all expect from a picnic favorite.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving—this gives the flavors time to blend and makes it taste even better cold.
Get the Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad recipe
2. Italian Pasta Salad
A colorful mix of rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, bell peppers, red onion, mozzarella balls, and salami all tossed in a zesty Italian vinaigrette. It’s fresh, bold, and always one of the first things gone at any potluck.
Olivia’s Tip
Cook the pasta just past al dente—slightly softer noodles soak up more of the dressing and stay tender when chilled.
Get the Italian Pasta Salad recipe
3. Lemon Basil Orzo Salad
This light and bright pasta salad uses orzo pasta mixed with fresh basil, lemon zest, cucumbers, and crumbled feta. It’s a refreshing side that pairs well with grilled chicken or seafood and tastes like summer in a bowl.
Olivia’s Tip
Add the lemon juice while the orzo is still warm—it absorbs better and locks in the citrus flavor.
Get the Lemon Basil Orzo Salad recipe
4. BLT Pasta Salad
This one’s a fun twist on the sandwich: rotini pasta, crisp bacon, cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine, and a creamy ranch-style dressing. It’s crunchy, creamy, and super satisfying, with every bite tasting just like your favorite BLT.
Olivia’s Tip
Stir in the lettuce just before serving—it keeps its crunch and doesn’t go soggy in the fridge.
Get the BLT Pasta Salad recipe
5. Southwest Pasta Salad
A hearty, flavor-packed salad made with bowtie pasta, black beans, corn, avocado, red onion, and a creamy chili-lime dressing. It’s a little spicy, a little tangy, and makes a great main dish or side for taco night.
Olivia’s Tip
Add the avocado last and toss gently to keep it from mashing up and turning your salad into guac.
Get the Southwest Pasta Salad recipe
6. Caprese Pasta Salad
Penne or rotini pasta tossed with halved cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and a splash of balsamic glaze. It’s basically your favorite Caprese salad turned into a filling, chill-friendly summer dish.
Olivia’s Tip
Tear the basil instead of chopping it—this keeps it from browning too quickly and brings out more aroma.
Get the Caprese Pasta Salad recipe
7. Greek Pasta Salad
A bold combo of cooked pasta, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta, all tossed in a herby Greek vinaigrette. It’s light but packed with flavor and perfect for warm evenings.
Olivia’s Tip
Let it sit for 20 minutes after mixing—the veggies absorb more of the dressing, and the flavors come together beautifully.
Get the Greek Pasta Salad recipe
8. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Short pasta mixed with grilled or rotisserie chicken, chopped romaine, shaved parmesan, and Caesar dressing. It’s a full meal in one bowl—creamy, crunchy, and super satisfying on a hot day.
Olivia’s Tip
Add the romaine and dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the pasta from going soggy.
Get the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe
9. Taco Pasta Salad
Everything you love about tacos—seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, black beans, corn, and tomatoes—mixed with pasta and a creamy salsa dressing. It’s a fun twist that’s always a hit at parties.
Olivia’s Tip
Toss in a handful of crushed tortilla chips right before serving for an extra crunch that mimics taco shells.
Get the Taco Pasta Salad recipe
10. Broccoli Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Tender pasta tossed with chopped broccoli, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. It’s creamy, crunchy, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Olivia’s Tip
Blanch the broccoli quickly to keep it bright and slightly crisp—it balances the richness of the bacon and ranch.
Get the Broccoli Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe
11. Pesto Pasta Salad
Rotini or farfalle coated in basil pesto and tossed with cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and chunks of mozzarella. Fresh, flavorful, and great for picnics or easy lunches.
Olivia’s Tip
Thin the pesto with a bit of olive oil before tossing—it helps it spread evenly and lightly coat every noodle.
Get the Pesto Pasta Salad recipe
12. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Shredded chicken mixed with pasta, celery, green onion, and a creamy buffalo-ranch dressing for a spicy, tangy salad that’s full of personality.
Olivia’s Tip
Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor—it blends well with the bold buffalo sauce.
Get the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad recipe
13. Avocado BLT Pasta Salad
A creamy combo of chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and tender pasta, all tossed in a simple mayo or yogurt dressing. It’s like a summer sandwich in forkable form.
Olivia’s Tip
Stir in avocado gently at the very end to keep the pieces intact and creamy, not mushy.
Get the Avocado BLT Pasta Salad recipe
14. Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad
Pasta mixed with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes, finished with olive oil and fresh herbs. It’s a warm-weather favorite with deep, caramelized flavor.
Olivia’s Tip
Let the veggies cool before tossing with pasta—this keeps everything fresh instead of turning it into a warm dish.
Get the Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad recipe
15. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Elbow macaroni, chopped pickles, fresh dill, shredded cheddar, and a creamy pickle juice–spiked dressing for tangy, crunchy goodness in every bite.
Olivia’s Tip
Stir in a little of the pickle brine—it boosts the flavor and gives the dressing a bold, zippy kick.
Get the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad recipe
16. Shrimp Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta with juicy shrimp, celery, red onion, and a light lemon-mayo dressing. Refreshing, high in protein, and just right for summer seafood lovers.
Olivia’s Tip
Rinse the shrimp under cold water after cooking to chill them quickly and keep them from overcooking.
Get the Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe
17. Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad
A mix of pasta, chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, olives, and feta with a lemon-oregano vinaigrette. It’s hearty, healthy, and works great as a meal prep option too.
Olivia’s Tip
Toss everything while the pasta is still slightly warm—it helps the vinaigrette soak in and flavors stick to every bite.
