Nothing says summer quite like a fresh, zesty pasta salad at a neighborhood potluck. But why settle for the same old macaroni and mayo when you can wow the crowd with a show stopping dish? I’ve rounded up 14 Easy Pasta Salad Recipes that are guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your next gathering. From Mediterranean-inspired delights to creamy, tangy American classics with a twist, these dishes are as diverse as they are delicious. Best of all, they’re a breeze to whip up, leaving you more time to mingle and less time stuck in the kitchen.
Cottage Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad
This cottage cheese ranch pasta ranch is a protein-packed version of a familiar favorite. It’s loaded with chicken and bacon, and wrapped up in a creamy, irresistible sauce.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Do you love dill pickles, too? Here’s a dill pickle pasta salad with a creamy dressing that pops with a tangy, sweet, and sour balance. This zesty salad is loaded with flavor and crunch and it is heartier enough to enjoy as a main dish. It’s a creamy dill pickle salad recipe that you can make ahead of time making it perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and picnics.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Greek Pasta Salad
Add some bright and tangy Mediterranean flavor to a classic potluck dish with this fresh and easy Greek Pasta Salad! This simple side dish is made by tossing pasta, chickpeas, feta cheese, and an assortment of veggies in a zesty Greek dressing.
Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This chunky chicken Caesar pasta salad has the perfect tangy, creamy, salty balance. It’s so quick to make and the perfect summer salad. Adding pasta to a classic Caesar is a good way to bulk it up, making it a little more satisfying. Try this recipe to use up leftover cooked pasta.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Healthy Tuscan Pasta Salad
This Sun Dried Tuscan Pasta Salad recipe makes an excellent summer side dish to chicken or a burger. It seriously has so much flavor! Or make this a complete meal by adding in some chicken!
Get the Recipe: Healthy Tuscan Pasta Salad
Chicago Hot Dog Pasta Salad
This pasta salad has all the flavors of a classic Chicago style hot dog and a zesty dressing to tie it all together. The perfect pasta salad for a backyard barbecue!
Get the Recipe: Chicago Hot Dog Pasta Salad
Tortellini Pizza Pasta Salad
An easy pasta salad is perfect for BBQs, tailgating or travel day meals. This tortellini pizza pasta salad reminds us of a slice of Supreme pizza, but it is much easier to make!
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Pizza Pasta Salad
Coleslaw Pasta Salad
Let’s make this coleslaw pasta salad one of your new favorite summer side dishes that combines coleslaw mix with tender pasta, a creamy salad dressing, and other savory goodies. This rustic, casual side dish is ideal for cookouts, barbecues, or a light lunch. It’s a great base recipe to build on and is a fun alternative to regular macaroni salads.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw Pasta Salad
Asian Pasta Salad
The most delicious Asian Pasta Salad recipe that’s gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly! This super easy and flavor-packed cold pasta salad is loaded with bright and crisp fresh veggies and tossed with an amazing soy-free dressing that’s the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, spicy, and umami! Perfect for a potluck or side dish to feed a crowd!
Get the Recipe: Asian Pasta Salad
Chicken Pasta Salad
This Chicken Pasta Salad is packed with flavor, texture and is irresistible! Leftover chicken is seared until crispy golden brown, and then tossed in a creamy pesto sauce along with penne pasta, cherry tomatoes and toasted pecans – A terrific combination of flavors and is ready in under 30 minutes.
]Get the Recipe: Chicken Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
With a classic mix of fresh veggies, chickpeas, olives, and feta cheese, all tossed in homemade dressing, this Mediterranean pasta salad is a side dish staple.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Cowboy Pasta Salad
Cowboy Pasta Salad is always a crowd favorite. It is creamy, delicious and loaded with simple ingredients. The perfect summertime pasta salad.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Pasta Salad
Summer Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
This summer pesto chicken pasta salad is the easiest, quickest and most delicious recipe. It has chicken, fresh mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and delicious homemade basil pesto. All of these colorful and fresh ingredients mixed together with a pretty twisted pasta shape and you have the best summer pasta salad.
Get the Recipe: Summer Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Creamy bacon ranch pasta salad is full of juicy tomatoes, crunchy onions, soft cheese and topped with salty bacon. Add lettuce for extra crunch or choose to leave it out, this delicious flavorful ranch pasta salad is the perfect side dish for a BBQ or a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Seafood Pasta Salad
Treat yourself to the flavors of the sea with this delightful seafood pasta salad recipe. Bursting with luscious crab meat, succulent shrimp, and a medley of fresh vegetables, it’s a luxurious dish perfect for warm weather. The creamy, tangy dressing brings all the flavors together, making it a standout side dish or a satisfying main course. Whether you’re craving a seafood sensation or seeking a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this tasty pasta salad with seafood is going to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad
