Our 25 Favorite Pasta Salad Recipes for Summer

Perfect for a potluck or summer weeknight dinner, these salads go great with your favorite recipes from the grill.

April 24, 2023

By: Food Network Kitchen

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Photo By: Armando Rafael

Photo By: Lucy Schaeffer

Photo By: Armando Rafael

Photo By: Renee Comet

Photo By: Bobbi Lin

Photo By: Armando Rafael

Photo By: Bobbi Lin

Photo By: Armando Rafael

Our Best Pasta Salad Ideas

When it comes to summer sides, pasta salad is a no-brainer. It’s a breeze to whip up, endlessly customizable and the perfect cookout salad to pair with any mouthwatering main, from burgers to grilled chicken. And, while you’ve probably got your go-to version, it never hurts to keep a few fresh ideas in your back pocket. That’s why we’ve rounded up all the best ways to customize yours, starting with this version that draws inspiration from another summertime favorite: caprese salad. The tomatoes, mozzarella and basil are all there—along with a bright and tangy white wine vinaigrette. Simple and perfect!

Get the Recipe: Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

Transform the classic sandwich into a picnic-perfect pasta salad: Crispy bacon, ripe summer tomatoes and fresh lettuce pop against the creamy pasta spirals.

Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad

Summer Pasta Salad

This classic pasta salad, packed with a bounty of summer vegetables and fresh herbs, is the perfect thing to make after a trip to the farmers' market. Look for the tastiest produce at the peak of its season, like crisp radishes and cucumbers, juicy tomatoes and sweet raw corn. We recommend allowing the pasta salad to marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Get the Recipe: Summer Pasta Salad

Summery Shrimp and Green Bean Pasta Salad

Whether it’s grilled or chilled, shrimp is a real treat at any cookout or backyard barbecue. Why not add it to a simple, seasonal pasta salad?

Get the Recipe: Summery Shrimp and Green Bean Pasta Salad

Creamy Succotash Pasta Salad with Bacon

Succotash is a summertime staple. Give the classic ingredients (lima beans, corn and tomatoes) a makeover by adding cooked pasta — and salty bacon!

Get the Recipe: Creamy Succotash Pasta Salad with Bacon

Roasted-Pepper Pasta Salad

Fresh roasted bell peppers and cute bite-sized balls of mozzarella make this a standout summer salad.

Get the Recipe: Roasted-Pepper Pasta Salad

Primavera Pasta Salad

Primavera may mean "spring" but we can guarantee that you’ll want to make this tasty pasta salad all grilling season long!

Get the Recipe: Primavera Pasta Salad

Holy Guacamole Pasta Salad

Toss fusilli, chunks of avocado and halved grape tomatoes with lime juice and cilantro for a guacamole-inspired pasta salad that everyone is sure to love.

Get the Recipe: Holy Guacamole Pasta Salad

Creamy Herbed Three Bean Pasta Salad

The combination of chickpeas, kidney bean and green beans makes this creamy pasta salad extra satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Herbed Three Bean Pasta Salad

Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

Geoffrey Zakarian uses rotisserie chicken from the grocery store plus a bunch of items you likely have on hand to make this quick pasta salad.

Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

Easy Pasta Salad

To bring this tangy, vegetable-packed pasta salad together in a snap, we used jarred roasted red peppers and store-bought Italian dressing. The dish takes mere minutes to make, but the longer it sits in the refrigerator, the better it tastes!

Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Salad

Genovese Pasta Salad

Pasta salad meets potato salad in this hearty, colorful dish. A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon and basil (along with some freshly shaved Parmesan) works wonderfully to tie it all together.

Get the Recipe: Genovese Pasta Salad

BBQ Pasta Salad

The Neelys mix BBQ dressing and chopped veggies into fusilli pasta then top with store-bought (or leftover) pulled pork.

Get the Recipe: Neely's BBQ Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad with Feta and Olives

Salty olives and feta cheese are the perfect complement to al dente pasta. An easy-to-make oregano vinaigrette adds a little extra Mediterranean flair.

Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad with Feta and Olives

Garden Pasta Salad

This simple recipe takes just 10 minutes' prep time. Mix carrots, celery, peppers, tomatoes and green onion together before adding cooled pasta then top with store-bought Italian-style salad dressing and Parmesan cheese.

Get the Recipe: Garden Pasta Salad

Radicchio-Pasta Salad

Rachael Ray says, "The dressing for this salad dressing combines a favorite flavor combo of mine, orange and oregano. The pasta is tossed with the sweet-tangy dressing, bitter red greens and onions. It may not be for everyone but it's definitely a favorite of mine."

Get the Recipe: Radicchio-Pasta Salad

Creamy Herbed Chicken and Arugula Pasta Salad with Asiago

This vibrant pasta salad is packed with fresh, green herbs — and flavor!

Get the Recipe: Creamy Herbed Chicken and Arugula Pasta Salad with Asiago

Caesar’s Pasta Salad

We love the variety of textures in this crowd-pleasing pasta salad: al dente pasta, creamy dressing, crunchy croutons and crisp romaine lettuce.

Get the Recipe: Caesar's Pasta Salad

BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad

What’s not to love about a simple pasta salad that boasts some big-time, sweet-and-smoky flavor? The secret ingredient? Barbecue sauce.

Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad

Ham and Bell Pepper Pasta Salad

Summer is peak season for bell peppers, making it the perfect time to add them to all your favorite recipes — including pasta salad.

Get the Recipe: Ham and Bell Pepper Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This simple and satisfying pasta salad draws inspiration from the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Refreshing tomato and cucumber, hearty chickpeas and salty feta take al dente fusilli in a whole new direction.

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing

Rachael's easy-to-make pasta salad comes together in just 20 minutes thanks to store-bought pesto.

Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing

Italian Pasta Salad

Smoked mozzarella and spicy pepperoni add multiple levels of flavor to this pasta salad.

Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

Tomato Feta Pasta Salad

You won’t believe how easy it is to make the dressing for this pasta salad. Just toss a handful of ingredients into your food processor and you’re seconds away from super-flavorful perfection!

Get the Recipe: Tomato Feta Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This cheerful salad uses tricolor bowtie pasta and a slew of fresh Mediterranean ingredients feta, oregano and black olives, to name a few for a side dish bursting with bright flavor.

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Pasta Salad