A collage of four different pasta salads.

20 Pasta Salad Recipes That Are Always a Huge Hit

ByAnnie Brown

Pasta salad is one of those dishes that never seems to go out of style. It works just as well on a picnic table as it does in a weekday lunchbox, and the mix-and-match possibilities are endless.

Whether you’re craving something creamy, tangy, spicy, or bright with herbs, there’s a version out there that fits. These recipes cover the full range, with clever twists, bold flavors, and plenty of make-ahead ease.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with rotini pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, and feta cheese. Fresh basil is sprinkled on top.
Photo Credit: Valerie’s Kitchen

This salad pairs chewy sun-dried tomatoes with rotini, black olives, and a garlicky vinaigrette that soaks into every spiral. Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess, while chopped spinach keeps it light and balanced.

Get the Recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

Coleslaw Pasta Salad

A large white bowl of coleslaw pasta salad. The salad is creamy and contains pasta, coleslaw, corn, and other vegetables. A silver serving spoon is in the bowl.
Photo Credit: xoxoBella

A surprising mix of crunchy coleslaw mix and elbow macaroni gives this salad a unique texture and a cool, creamy finish. Apple cider vinegar and a touch of sugar in the dressing pull it all together.

Get the Recipe: Coleslaw Pasta Salad

Southern Macaroni Salad

Two images of macaroni salad in a light green bowl. The salad contains macaroni, vegetables, and a creamy dressing. A spoon is shown scooping up some of the salad.
Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits

This classic Southern-style dish uses sweet pickle relish, hard-boiled eggs, and a mayo-mustard dressing to give elbow macaroni its signature creamy zip. It’s perfect for potlucks and backyard get-togethers.

Get the Recipe: Southern Macaroni Salad

Taco Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with rotini pasta, ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro.
Photo Credit: Isabel Eats

Loaded with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and cherry tomatoes, this pasta salad leans into taco night flavors with a creamy salsa dressing and crunchy tortilla strips. 

Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

A white bowl filled with pasta salad. The salad is creamy white with green dill and yellow pickle slices.
Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon

Diced dill pickles and fresh dill give this salad a bold, briny kick, balanced by sharp cheddar cubes and a creamy dressing. It’s a great option for anyone who loves that pickle punch.

Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Grinder Pasta Salad

Two close-up images of a pasta salad with rotini pasta, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella balls, lettuce, and other vegetables in a creamy dressing.
Photo Credit: Princess Pinky Girl

This pasta salad riffs on the viral grinder sandwich, with salami, ham, and provolone folded into noodles and tossed in a zesty sub-style dressing with shredded lettuce.

Get the Recipe: Grinder Pasta Salad

Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad

A white bowl of orzo pasta salad with diced tomatoes and fresh basil.
Photo Credit: Life as a Strawberry

Orzo soaks up a lemony vinaigrette in this light, bright salad that’s dotted with cucumber, parsley, and creamy feta. It comes together in under 30 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

Three bowls of pasta salad with rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Photo Credit: Barley & Sage

This fresh take on a Caprese salad features cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and ribbons of basil tossed with pasta and balsamic glaze. It’s simple, summery, and ready in no time.

Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad

Two bowls of pasta salad with tuna, vegetables, and a creamy dressing. A bunch of parsley is in the background.
Photo Credit: The Recipe Well

With canned tuna, sriracha, and a touch of sesame oil, this pasta salad has serious flavor and a little heat. It’s also high in protein and quick to prep.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad

Asian Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with rotini pasta, edamame, shredded carrots, red cabbage, and bell peppers. A small bowl of edamame and a jar of dressing are in the background.
Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud

This noodle salad features shredded cabbage, edamame, and carrots tossed in a homemade sesame-ginger dressing. Chopped peanuts add crunch right before serving.

Get the Recipe: Asian Pasta Salad

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

A glass bowl of tortellini pasta salad with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. A wooden spoon is in the bowl.
Photo Credit: I Heart Eating

Cheese-filled tortellini get coated in bright basil pesto, then mixed with cherry tomatoes and arugula for a bold but balanced flavor combo. It’s a no-fuss favorite for summer.

Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with rotini pasta, croutons, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing.
Photo Credit: Crayons & Cravings

All the flavors of a Caesar salad—parmesan, croutons, and creamy dressing—come together with pasta and chopped rotisserie chicken for a hearty dish that works as a full meal.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chili Pasta Salad

Two close-up images of a bowl of farfalle pasta in a chili-like sauce with ground beef and kidney beans.
Photo Credit: Simply Stacie

Seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, and a chili-inspired sauce make this pasta salad taste like a cool version of a comforting bowl of chili. Corn and cheddar round it out.

Get the Recipe: Chili Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with rotini pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, cheese, and lettuce in a creamy dressing.
Photo Credit: Princess Pinky Girl

This salad mixes crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine with pasta and a creamy ranch dressing. It’s fast, filling, and picnic-ready.

Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad

Summer Pasta Salad

Two small bowls of pasta salad with rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers. A larger bowl of the same salad and slices of bread are also visible.
Photo Credit: Amanda’s Cookin’

Packed with crunchy veggies, cubes of cheddar, and a tangy Italian dressing, this pasta salad leans on pantry staples and can be made a day ahead.

Get the Recipe: Summer Pasta Salad

Orange Ginger Chicken Pasta Salad

A bowl of orzo pasta salad with chicken, mandarin oranges, green peas, sliced almonds, and green onions.
Photo Credit: The Creative Bite

With mandarin oranges, chopped chicken, and a homemade ginger dressing, this salad is sweet, savory, and just a little unexpected. Bowtie pasta catches all the flavor.

Get the Recipe: Orange Ginger Chicken Pasta Salad

Vegetarian Pasta Salad

A white bowl of pasta salad with rotini pasta, red cabbage, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and olives. Grated cheese is sprinkled on top.
Photo Credit: Healthy Fitness Meals

This recipe loads rotini with bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion, then coats everything in a garlicky olive oil and lemon dressing. It’s easy, fresh, and totally plant-based.

Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Pasta Salad

Three Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad

A red bowl of pasta salad with rotini pasta, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cheese in a creamy dressing.
Photo Credit: Noshing with the Nolands

Cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan make this pasta salad extra satisfying, especially when combined with crispy bacon and ranch dressing. It’s a crowd-pleaser with minimal prep.

Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

A large bowl of pasta salad with corn, cotija cheese, and lime wedges. A wooden spoon rests in the bowl.
Photo Credit: Isabel Eats

This recipe turns elote into a pasta salad with roasted corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, and a creamy lime dressing. Cilantro adds a fresh pop at the end. 

Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad

A white bowl of pasta salad with rotini pasta, salami, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives. A small bowl of grated cheese and sliced bell peppers are in the background.
Photo Credit: Amanda’s Cookin’

Classic ingredients like salami, mozzarella, olives, and a zesty Italian dressing give this pasta salad that nostalgic deli-counter flavor. It holds up well for leftovers too. 

Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *