13 Fresh and Easy Pasta Salad Recipes

Sometimes I make a big bowl of these Pasta Salad Recipes on Sundays so I can keep them in the fridge for the week. They’re quick, filling, and don’t need much effort. I love to mix in leftover chicken, roasted vegetables, or even bits of whatever’s in the fridge to keep things interesting.

When I serve pasta salad, I like to make a whole meal around it. It’s great with grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or warm garlic bread. On cooler days, I even enjoy it alongside tomato soup or a slice of banana bread—that sweet and savory mix is just so good!

13. Classic Italian Pasta Salad

A timeless favorite bursting with Mediterranean vibes. The zesty dressing combined with colorful veggies makes this a refreshing choice for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup Italian dressing
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain and cool.
2. Add all ingredients into a large bowl.
3. Pour in the dressing and toss gently until well mixed.
4. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

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12. Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad

This recipe mixes the creamy tang of ranch with crispy bacon and sweet corn. It’s the ultimate comfort dish that is both satisfying and incredibly easy to pull together.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup cooked bacon bits
• ½ cup corn kernels
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and sour cream.
2. Add the macaroni, bacon, corn, and cheese.
3. Stir well to combine evenly and chill before serving.

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11. Greek Pasta Salad

Packed with bright veggies and salty feta, this salad brings instant freshness to your table. It’s a colorful addition to any picnic or light lunch spread.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup cucumber slices
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup feta cheese
• ¼ cup olive oil and 2 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Combine pasta and vegetables in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the olive oil and lemon juice to create a light dressing.
3. Pour over the salad, toss well, and top with feta.

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10. Tuna Pasta Salad

This protein-packed meal combines flaky tuna with crunchy celery. It’s a great make-ahead dish for lunchboxes or those nights when you need a quick, hearty dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked fusilli pasta
• 1 can tuna in water, drained
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup diced celery
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tuna, celery, and onion.
2. Add mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir gently and refrigerate until cold.

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9. Pesto Pasta Salad

Vibrant and aromatic, this salad uses basil pesto to provide an irresistible taste. The addition of mozzarella balls and pine nuts makes it feel extra special.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked penne pasta
• ½ cup basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup mozzarella balls
• ¼ cup pine nuts

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix pasta and pesto until the pasta is evenly coated.
2. Add tomatoes, mozzarella, and pine nuts.
3. Toss lightly and serve cold or at room temperature.

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8. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

The perfect hybrid of a Caesar salad and a pasta dish. With grilled chicken and crisp romaine, it’s a filling meal that works beautifully for a light dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rotini pasta
• 1 cup grilled chicken, sliced
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup Caesar dressing
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan and croutons

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix the pasta, chicken, and lettuce.
2. Pour Caesar dressing over the top and toss well.
3. Add Parmesan and croutons just before serving.

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7. BLT Pasta Salad

Iconic BLT flavors in a bowl! The smoky bacon and fresh tomatoes paired with a creamy dressing make every bite crave-worthy.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked macaroni
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup cooked bacon bits

Directions

1. Mix mayonnaise and bacon in a small bowl.
2. Add the macaroni, tomatoes, and lettuce.
3. Stir until everything is coated and chill for 30 minutes.

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6. Caprese Pasta Salad

This celebrates the simple, fresh flavors of Italy. It’s light, colorful, and a perfect way to use fresh basil from the garden.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked farfalle (bow tie) pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup mozzarella balls
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper

Directions

1. Combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, season, and toss.
3. Serve fresh to keep the basil bright.

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5. Shrimp Pasta Salad

Zesty lemon and juicy shrimp make this a refreshing choice for seafood lovers. It’s light yet flavorful enough to be a main course.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked shell pasta
• 1 cup cooked shrimp
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup celery, diced

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix the shrimp and shell pasta.
2. Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, and celery.
3. Stir until creamy and chill well before serving.

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4. Taco Pasta Salad

Add a bold twist with seasoned beef and salsa! This Tex-Mex inspired salad is full of flavor and makes for a fun, colorful dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rotini
• 1 cup ground beef, cooked and seasoned
• 1 cup lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup cheddar cheese
• ½ cup salsa and ¼ cup sour cream

Directions

1. Combine pasta, beef, lettuce, and cheese.
2. Mix salsa and sour cream together to create the dressing.
3. Pour over the salad, toss, and serve chilled.

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3. Avocado Pasta Salad

Creamy, nutritious, and vegan-friendly. The mashed avocado acts as a rich, healthy dressing that keeps every bite satisfying.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked penne pasta
• 1 ripe avocado, mashed
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ½ cup corn
• ½ cup diced tomatoes

Directions

1. Mash the avocado with lime juice until smooth.
2. Mix in the corn and tomatoes.
3. Add the pasta, toss gently to coat, and serve cold.

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2. Spinach and Feta Pasta Salad

A wholesome vegetarian meal that is incredibly light. The salty feta pairs perfectly with the fresh spinach and tangy vinaigrette.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup crumbled feta
• 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp vinegar

Directions

1. Toss the pasta and fresh spinach in a large bowl.
2. Add olive oil and vinegar, mixing well.
3. Top with crumbled feta just before serving.

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1. Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad

This is my top choice for healthy eating. It’s wholesome, vibrant, and packed with fiber-rich chickpeas and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked pasta
• 1 cup chickpeas
• ½ cup chopped cucumber
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes
• ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and fresh parsley

Directions

1. Combine the pasta, chickpeas, and fresh vegetables.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Mix thoroughly and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Conclusion:

If you want a meal that is simple, colorful, and full of flavor, these Pasta Salad Recipes are the answer. They are easy enough for busy weeknights yet tasty enough for any weekend gathering!