Top 10 Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes

Posted on by Morgan

Pasta salads are versatile, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to potlucks and picnics. They can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, incorporating a wide range of flavors and ingredients. Here are ten delicious pasta salad recipes that are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

1. Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (rotini or penne)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ½ cup Italian dressing

Instructions:

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, bell pepper, red onion, mozzarella, and basil.
  3. Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

2. Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (bowtie or fusilli)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup cucumber, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup lemon vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the pasta with tomatoes, olives, feta, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
  3. Add Dressing: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
  4. Chill and Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

3. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup Caesar dressing
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ cup croutons
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, tomatoes, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese.
  3. Add Toppings: Gently fold in the croutons and parsley.
  4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

4. Caprese Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (farfalle or rotini)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ¼ cup balsamic glaze
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
  3. Add Dressing: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
  4. Chill and Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes.

5. Southwestern Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (cavatappi or penne)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup Southwest dressing

Instructions:

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the pasta with black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
  3. Add Dressing: Pour the Southwest dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

6. Pesto Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (fusilli or penne)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
  • ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the pasta with cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, and pine nuts.
  3. Add Pesto: Toss the salad with basil pesto until well coated.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

7. Greek Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (orzo or rotini)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup Greek dressing

Instructions:

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the pasta with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and parsley.
  3. Add Dressing: Pour the Greek dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  4. Chill and Serve: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

8. BLT Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ¼ cup green onions, sliced
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the pasta with cherry tomatoes, bacon, green onions, and lettuce.
  3. Add Dressing: Toss with ranch dressing and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

9. Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (bowtie or penne)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ½ cup artichoke hearts, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ½ cup Italian dressing

Instructions:

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, and basil.
  3. Add Dressing: Toss with Italian dressing until well coated.
  4. Chill and Serve: Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

10. Asian Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (cooked and cooled)
  • 1 cup snap peas, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup green onions, chopped
  • ¼ cup sesame seeds
  • ½ cup sesame ginger dressing

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the pasta with snap peas, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and sesame seeds.
  2. Add Dressing: Toss with sesame ginger dressing until evenly coated.
  3. Chill and Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

These pasta salads are not only delicious but also offer a variety of flavors and ingredients to suit any taste. Whether you’re preparing for a family meal or a gathering with friends, these recipes are sure to impress!