When the weather gets warm, the last thing anyone wants is a heavy, hot meal.
That’s when pasta salad becomes the HERO of the season.
It’s easy to make, you can prep it ahead of time, and it’s ALWAYS a hit at a cookout, potluck, or picnic.
Plus, it works as a simple side dish or a full meal all on its own. It’s just SO GOOD.
I’ve put together a list of the BEST summer pasta salads to get you through the entire season.
You’ll find everything from creamy and classic recipes to light and veggie-packed options. There is truly something for everyone.
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to share, you’ll find a new favorite here.
1. Easy Vegan Macaroni Salad (No Chopping Required!)
This Easy Vegan Macaroni Salad (No Chopping Required!) offers the classic creamy taste you remember, now completely vegan. This simple vegan pasta salad comes together effortlessly, making it your new go-to side dish. Enjoy this delicious, fuss-free macaroni salad at any gathering.
2. Macaroni Salad
This delightful Macaroni Salad is a true family favorite, offering a wonderfully tangy taste everyone will love.
This classic macaroni salad features a unique oil, vinegar, and ketchup dressing that kids especially adore.
3. Pizza Pasta Salad
Enjoy all the delicious flavors of your favorite pizza transformed into a delightful Pizza Pasta Salad.
This easy pasta salad is perfect as a summer side dish or even a satisfying meal all on its own.
4. Caesar pasta salad
This easy and delicious Caesar pasta salad is perfect for any gathering.
It offers the creamy goodness of a classic Caesar salad, made more filling with pasta and brightened with extra fresh vegetables.
Enjoy this versatile dish for picnics, potlucks, or a simple dinner.
5. Ranch Pasta Salad
Discover the fresh taste of this delicious Ranch Pasta Salad. This incredibly flavorful cold pasta salad is easy to make and perfect for any meal.
6. Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Fregola
Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Fregola is your go-to for a quick and easy one-pot meal.
This delightful pasta fregola combines the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes and basil, perfect as a light summer dish or a simple side.
7. BLT Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad is packed with crisp veggies, creamy avocado, tender pasta, and savory bacon, all coated in a cool, creamy dressing.
This delightful BLT salad is an easy, satisfying choice for any meal or a perfect side dish.
8. Pizza Pasta Salad
Pizza Pasta Salad brings all the best pizza flavors into one perfect summer dish. You’ll love the salty pepperoni and olives, coated in tangy Italian dressing, and covered with plenty of cheese.
9. Kale Mac and Cheese
Discover Kale Pasta Salad, your new favorite easy side dish.
This delicious cold pasta salad features tender massaged kale with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
It’s a fantastic addition to any meal and one of our top kale recipes.
10. Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad offers a beautiful blend of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
This colorful pasta salad is ideal as a vibrant side dish for any occasion.
11. Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish, blending colorful pasta with savory salami, fresh veggies, and creamy mozzarella. This zesty Italian salad brings a taste of Italy to your table, ideal for any gathering or a simple, delicious meal.
12. Italian Pasta Salad
Enjoy a refreshing Italian Pasta Salad that’s quick and easy to make. This colorful and flavorful pasta salad is perfect as a side dish for your next gathering or as a light main meal.
13. Antipasto Pasta Salad (Italian Pasta Salad)
Discover the delicious Antipasto Pasta Salad, featuring al dente pasta tossed in zesty Italian dressing. This flavorful Italian Pasta Salad brings together savory meats, creamy cheeses, and fresh veggies for a vibrant dish.
14. Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Enjoy a refreshing Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad, featuring tender chicken and crisp veggies. This vibrant salad is wonderfully coated in a flavourful pesto sauce, with a hint of black olives. It’s a perfect, easy-to-make dish for any occasion.
15. Summer Vegetable Acini De Pepe Salad
Summer Vegetable Acini De Pepe Salad is a vibrant dish packed with fresh summer vegetables.
This delightful acini de pepe pasta salad is perfectly dressed in a creamy yogurt-Parmesan sauce, ensuring every bite is delicious and never dry.
16. Caprese Pasta Salad
This Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshingly simple dish, perfect for your next picnic. It combines long pasta, fresh mozzarella, and sweet cherry tomatoes with fragrant basil, all tossed in a delicious balsamic vinaigrette. For an extra touch of sweetness, finish this salad with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
17. Easy Salami Pasta Salad (Antipasto)
This Easy Salami Pasta Salad (Antipasto) is a flavorful and hearty dish.
It combines delicious salami, vibrant bell peppers, and tender artichoke hearts with classic fusilli pasta.
This easy recipe is perfect for sharing at any gathering.
18. High Protein Pasta Salad
Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with this High Protein Pasta Salad.
This healthy chickpea pasta salad features plenty of fresh vegetables, making it perfect for your meal prep or a summer BBQ.
It’s a great way to stay full and fueled.
19. Bacon Balsamic Macaroni Salad
This creamy Bacon Balsamic Macaroni Salad brings together tender elbow macaroni and savory bacon pieces. It features a bright dressing made with balsamic vinegar, plus crunchy celery and sharp cheddar for amazing texture. Every forkful offers a delightful blend of flavors perfect for any gathering.
20. Avocado Pasta Salad with Bacon
Enjoy the hearty and flavorful Avocado Pasta Salad with Bacon. This unique pasta salad is perfect as a healthy avocado side dish for BBQs and easy summer lunches. It’s a delicious way to brighten any meal.
21. Roasted Pepper Orzo Salad
This Roasted Pepper Orzo Salad delivers a burst of vibrant flavor in every forkful.
It features tender orzo pasta with sweet roasted peppers, creamy mozzarella pearls, and juicy cherry tomatoes.
Fresh basil and parsley, brightened by a zingy lemon dressing, complete this delightful orzo salad.
22. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Get ready to enjoy the ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.
This delicious pasta salad combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing for a truly satisfying bite.
It’s the perfect dish for your next gathering or a simple summer meal.
23. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures in every bite. Enjoy tender chicken, crunchy lettuce, and pasta twists coated in a tangy Caesar dressing. This is the perfect chicken Caesar pasta salad recipe for any occasion.
24. Italian Pasta Salad With Salami
This Italian Pasta Salad With Salami perfectly captures all the vibrant flavors of a classic Italian sandwich. It’s a cool and refreshing salami pasta salad that’s wonderfully easy to make. Enjoy it for lunch, simple meal prep, or as a crowd-pleasing addition to your next BBQ.
25. Tortellini Salad
Tortellini Salad is a wonderfully unique pasta salad that’s always a hit.
This vibrant dish combines tender cheese tortellini with fresh veggies, savory salami, and a simple homemade vinaigrette, making it the perfect summer tortellini salad.
26. Goat Cheese Orzo Salad
Goat Cheese Orzo Salad is a delicious quick side dish that’s perfect for any meal. This inviting orzo salad features quick-cooking pasta, creamy goat cheese, and roasted asparagus spears. It’s one of those easy salads with goat cheese that you’ll simply love.
27. Buffalo Pasta Salad
Get ready to enjoy this incredible Buffalo Pasta Salad. This buffalo ranch pasta salad makes a fantastic side for your next barbecue. Or, add some chicken for a hearty and satisfying work week lunch!
28. Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad is a delightful dish featuring pasta tossed with mozzarella, olives, tomatoes, and pine nuts, all coated in fresh basil pesto. This easy pasta salad makes a perfect and inviting side for any potluck or picnic.
29. Chicken Macaroni Salad
This Chicken Macaroni Salad is the best choice for a quick and easy dinner.
It’s a simple, cold chicken macaroni salad packed with flavor and fresh veggies.
You’ll love this easy rotisserie chicken macaroni salad recipe.
30. Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Enjoy the unique flavors of Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad, a delightful cold macaroni salad that combines creamy deviled egg filling with tender pasta and crisp vegetables. This make-ahead dish is perfect as a side for any party or potluck.
31. Easy Antipasto Pasta Salad
This Easy Antipasto Pasta Salad is a fantastic, flavorful dish.
With a little help from the grocery store, you can quickly whip up this amazing pasta salad.
Your guests will be wowed by its vibrant colors and delicious taste!
32. Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad is a beautifully refreshing dish, perfect for any occasion. This vibrant pasta salad combines tender pasta with fresh tomatoes and creamy mozzarella for a light and delicious meal.
33. Creamy Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad
Creamy Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad is a wonderful cold pasta salad recipe that brightens any gathering.
This versatile summer pasta salad makes a delicious vegetarian light lunch or a great side dish.
34. Southwest Black Bean Pasta Salad
This Southwest Black Bean Pasta Salad brings big southwest flavor to any meal.
It’s a delicious black bean pasta salad perfect for backyard BBQs and feeding a crowd.
Plus, this easy vegan pasta salad is just as good, if not better, the next day for a quick lunch.