20 Delightfully Simple Pasta Salad Recipes for Your Summer Get-Togethers

Get ready to elevate your summer gatherings with these delicious and refreshing pasta salad recipes! Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any outdoor event, these easy-to-make pasta salads will surely delight your friends and family. Enjoy the flavors of summer with these fantastic combinations and be the friend everyone wants to have at their next outdoor get-together.

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Classic Italian Pasta Salad

This traditional Italian-inspired salad features al dente fusilli pasta combined with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the creaminess of mozzarella balls, and the brininess of black olives, all tossed together with a zesty Italian dressing you either buy from the store or make yourself like this recipe from A Spicy Perspective highlights.

Greek Orzo Salad

Experience the Mediterranean charm with orzo pasta, mingled with refreshing cucumbers, vibrant red onions, savory Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette that will transport your taste buds straight to Greece.

Caprese Pasta Salad

A delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, this pasta version combines farfalle with the divine trio of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil based dressing.

Mediterranean Penne Salad

Take a journey to the Mediterranean shores with penne pasta, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and briny olives, all united with the flavors of a zesty Greek dressing.

Tuna Macaroni Salad

This hearty and protein-packed salad features elbow macaroni mixed with flaky canned tuna, crunchy diced celery, tender peas, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing that’s both satisfying and comforting.

BLT Ranch Pasta Salad

A modern twist on the classic BLT sandwich, this pasta salad boasts rotini pasta, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a creamy ranch dressing that will keep you coming back for more.

Creamy Cucumber Dill Pasta Salad

A cool and refreshing delight, farfalle pasta is combined with diced cucumbers, aromatic fresh dill, creamy Greek yogurt, and a burst of flavor from zesty lemon juice. Add other vegetables of your choosing like Two Peas in Their Pod did in this recipe for an extra delicious and unique option.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Inspired by the vibrant Mexican street food, cavatappi pasta mingles with grilled corn, crumbled cotija cheese, a touch of chili powder, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a burst of Mexican flavors.

Pesto Veggie Pasta Salad

An explosion of herbal goodness, rotini pasta is tossed with cherry tomatoes, briny black olives, and a generous serving of homemade basil pesto for a refreshing taste of summer. This recipe from Simply Recipes also features peas and pine nuts.

Spinach and Strawberry Pasta Salad

This salad brings together the delicate flavors of farfalle pasta, fresh spinach leaves, succulent sliced strawberries, and walnuts all drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette for a fruity and savory combination.

Asian Sesame Noodle Salad

Linguini or thin spaghetti is combined with shredded carrots, crunchy celery, sliced green onions, and red bell pepper. A flavorful soy-ginger dressing ties all the ingredients together, creating an Asian-inspired sensation.

Zesty Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

This pasta salad features bow tie pasta tossed with peppery arugula, zesty lemon zest, and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of olive oil brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony, or you can get really creative with a little inspiration from On the Bias with their recipe for Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad.

Cobb Pasta Salad

Inspired by the classic Cobb salad, this pasta version boasts penne pasta combined with grilled chicken, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, crumbled blue cheese, and a dressing of your choice.

Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Transport yourself to the tropics with this delightful pasta salad from the Recipe Critic featuring elbow pasta mixed with diced ham, juicy pineapple chunks, carrots, and a sweet and tangy pineapple dressing.

Broccoli and Cheddar Pasta Salad

A comfort food favorite in salad form! Cavatelli pasta mingles with broccoli and sharp shredded cheddar cheese, all coated in a creamy and tangy dressing.

Mango Tango Pasta Salad

Experience a tropical fusion of flavors with rotini pasta mixed with diced ripe mango, vibrant red bell pepper, chicken sausage and fresh cilantro. It’s all brought together with a citrus dressing that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Herbed Goat Cheese Pasta Salad

This sophisticated pasta salad showcases rotini pasta combined with asparagus and creamy herbed goat cheese dressing. It’s a blend of elegance and simplicity.

Southwest Fiesta Pasta Salad

Bring the bold flavors of the Southwest to your table with bowtie pasta, cotija cheese, black beans, corn, colorful bell peppers, green onions and fresh cilantro. A lime inspired dressing adds a kick to this festive dish.

Antipasto Tortellini Salad

A flavor-packed pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini tossed with savory salami, olives, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of your favorite store bought vinegrette or one you make yourself thanks to these step-by-step instructions from Host the Toast. It’s an antipasto platter in pasta form!

Summer Pasta Salad with Chicken and Berries

This delightful bowtie pasta salad is a medley of sweet mixed berries, crunchy almonds, chicken and a honey-poppy seed dressing. It’s a delightful combination of textures and tastes, perfect for a summer dessert.

👉 Pro tip: Many of these pasta salads can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together for an even tastier experience!

Gather your friends and family, prepare these scrumptious pasta salads, and let the summer vibes fill your get-together with joy and deliciousness! Which one will you try first? Share your favorite in the comments below! Happy cooking!