The Best Pasta Salad Recipes
Summer is here, which means it’s officially pasta salad season! These recipes are perfect for your next picnic or barbecue, but they’re also great make-ahead lunches. These are some of my very favorite pasta salad recipes.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Pasta Salad
- I like to use chickpea or lentil pasta which has extra protein and fiber. It makes these pasta salads extra filling and satisfying!
- When cooking the pasta, I like to cook it 1 minute past al dente. I know it’ll firm up a little bit in the fridge, so this helps ensure the best texture.
- You can use any shape you like, but short shapes with lots of surface area are great for pasta salads! (Think: rotini, cavatappi, etc.)
The Best Pasta Salad Recipes
If you love street corn, you have to try this street corn-inspired pasta salad! It’s made with creamy queso fresco cheese, roasted corn, and tender pasta for a hearty, healthy side dish!
This colorful Greek pasta salad is brimming with vegetables and tossed in a simple, but flavorful vinaigrette — making it a tasty side dish! This make-ahead recipe is ideal for a picnic or a simple packed lunch.
This tasty peanut noodle salad is packed with plant-based protein and veggies and then drizzled with a flavorful homemade dressing. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch!
This feta and orzo pasta salad is a light and delicious side dish. Prepare it in advance for a picnic or serve it warm with your favorite protein!
This healthy macaroni salad recipe is packed with fresh veggies, chickpea pasta, and a high-protein dressing that makes this side dish super creamy! This satisfying dish is low in calories and high in flavor, perfect for your next cookout!
This crunchy ramen noodle salad is a healthy twist on the classic potluck favorite, lightened up and loaded with plant-based protein. It’s perfect for cookouts, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner!
This pesto orzo salad is made with creamy ricotta and salty pistachios for a uniquely delicious pasta dish! You can enjoy this recipe served warm or cold!
This tasty Caesar pasta salad is loaded with vegetables and tossed in a creamy vegan Caesar dressing for a dish that is full of flavor! This simple recipe is perfect for lunch to go!
This tasty pasta salad is filled with a rainbow of vegetables and tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette for a showstopping side dish! This make-ahead recipe is perfect for a picnic or a simple packed lunch.
This southwest-inspired pasta salad is filled with spicy chipotle flavor! It’s a great make-ahead lunch or dinner recipe and it’s packed with protein and fiber!
These delicious sesame soba noodles are ready in just 20 minutes for an easy dinner that is high in protein and completely plant-based! These noodles are great served cold on hot summer days.
