These pasta salad recipes are always the hit of the party! From classic Italian pasta salad to creamy macaroni salad and more, there’s an easy recipe for every occasion on this list.
Pasta Salad Recipes for Every Occasion
A big pasta salad is my go-to side dish to bring to a potluck or summer cookout and these pasta salad recipes top my list of favorites. They’re packed with big, bold flavors and made with fresh, real food ingredients. Choose one to make for your next potluck and everyone will be asking for the recipe!
These recipes are perfect make-ahead side dishes since the flavors get even better on the second day. Serve them with grilled chicken, smash burgers or whatever’s on the menu, and don’t forget to make a big batch because they go fast!
This is my classic everyday pasta salad and it is such a great recipe to have in your back pocket! It’s filled with fresh veggies, olives and cheese, all tossed in my zesty Homemade Italian Dressing. If you’re looking for a basic pasta salad that’s a crowd favorite, this is it.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I love Mediterranean flavors and this Greek pasta salad is packed with them! Tangy feta cheese, fruity kalamata olives, crisp bell peppers and juicy tomatoes plus my simple Greek Salad Dressing, there’s so much to love about this 30 minute recipe!
This is my grandma’s macaroni salad recipe, and we all know that those tried-and-true, passed down through the generations recipes are truly the best. It’s tossed in just enough dressing to make it creamy and flavorful without being heavy. With sweet pickles, hard boiled eggs, crunchy celery, and ditalini pasta, this macaroni salad reminds me of sitting in my grandparents’ backyard eating a big helping of this alongside Grandpa’s Oven Baked Ribs.
I’m a huge pesto fan, so it’s no surprise that this pesto pasta salad is one of my favorites. I love making this with spiral pasta, which traps the flavorful Basil Pesto in its ridges. Artichokes, tomatoes and crisp veggies round out the flavors in this pool party favorite! Try adding chicken to make it a meal.
Canned tuna adds a protein boost to this creamy pasta salad recipe. It’s a combination of my tuna salad and macaroni salad recipes and it is so good! I love to make this with small shell pasta, but any short pasta shape (think elbow macaroni or ditalini) works well. Leftovers are especially good for lunch!
This one is a longtime favorite, with delicious southwest flavors like black beans, corn, tomatoes and a chili-lime dressing. It’s a twist on my Corn Salad and Southwest Quinoa Salad recipes, both loved by readers and my family. Iāve served this southwest pasta salad as a BBQ side dish, and Iāve also made it as a main dish for dinner, adding grilled chicken, grilled steak or grilled shrimp for protein.
Orzo is one of my favorite pasta shapes and it works so well in a pasta salad! This one’s layered with fresh and flavorful ingredients and looks beautiful on the table. Bring it to any gathering and it’s sure to disappear fast.
The Pasta Salads I Make All Summer Long
When I need to bring a side dish to a party, a big pasta salad is what I most often choose to make! They’re crowd favorites, easy to transport, and ideal for making ahead. I’ve shared these pasta salad recipes with friends and family over the years, and I’m excited for you to try them, too!
Iād love to hear which one you want to try first. Let me know in the comments below. š
