Serve our most popular pasta salad recipes at picnics, cookouts and potlucks. Each recipe is peppered with satisfying summer ingredients, like tomatoes, salami and olives.
23 Pasta Salad Recipes That Prove Noodles Are Best Served Cold
Updated on Oct. 08, 2024
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Homemade Antipasto Salad
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Spiral pasta, salami, pepperoni, provolone, olives
Level: Intermediate
If you like pasta salads that are filling enough to be a main course, this antipasto-inspired dish is for you. Experiment with the cheeses and cured meats you decide to mix into the salad, and use your favorite type of olives.
“This colorful antipasto salad is a tasty crowd-pleaser. Guests love the homemade dressing, which is a nice change from bottled Italian.” —Recipe contributor Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire
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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Macaroni, cider vinegar, mayonnaise, carrot, celery, brown sugar
Level: Beginner
The secret to this iconic Hawaiian side dish is using high-quality mayonnaise and letting the whole thing sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving so all the flavors meld together and the pasta softens. Make it your main course by mixing in chopped ham, canned tuna or hard-boiled eggs.
“I had to figure out how to make Hawaiian macaroni salad at home because my husband was getting tired of ordering enough for our whole family from a local restaurant. Sometimes I use green onions and serve the salad with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.” —Recipe contributor Blaine Kahle, Florence, Oregon
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Greek Pasta Salad
Total Time: 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Spiral pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives
Level: Beginner
Spiral pasta is an excellent noodle for pasta salad because its ridges allow the dressing and seasoning to cling to each bite. Any small pasta shape, even orzo, will work, though. Gluten-free pasta is also easy to swap in. With so many other flavors and textures in the mix, you almost won’t be able to tell it’s gluten-free!
A blend of complimentary flavors from traditional ingredients, this Greek pasta salad gets topped with a tangy dressing to pull it all together. Twist the recipe by adding all but 3 tablespoons of the feta cheese into the dressing and whisk until well blended. Garnish the salad with stuffed grape leaf pieces (Dolma) over the top or along the edges for a decorative design. —Recipe contributor Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
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Mediterranean Tortellini Salad
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Frozen cheese tortellini, smoked turkey sausage, pesto, baby spinach
Level: Beginner
Keep a bag of cheese tortellini in your freezer so you can make this lively pasta salad whenever the craving hits. Make your own pesto at home, or stock up on any of these excellent store-bought pestos.
“One of my childhood friends moved to Italy 20 years ago. During a recent visit to see her, I enjoyed a scrumptious salad made with tortellini and fresh vegetables. I fell in love with the dish and have been trying to recreate ever since. How’d I do?” —Recipe contributor Kelly Mapes, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Pepperoni Pasta Salad
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Tricolor spiral pasta, cheddar, pepperoni, Italian dressing
Level: Beginner
Simple and inexpensive to make, this zesty, protein-rich pasta salad tastes even better the next day. Thankfully, it keeps for three to four days in an airtight container.
Bottled Italian dressing and pepperoni add zip to this colorful combination. Serve it right away or assemble it ahead of time. The longer this salad chills, the yummier it is! —Recipe contributor Shannon Lommen, Kaysville, Utah
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Vegan Pasta Salad
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Spiral pasta, cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar
Level: Easy
This healthy pasta salad recipe is packed with the fresh summer veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes and sweet red pepper. It’s as nutritious as it is tasty.
This bright and healthy pasta salad recipe is packed with my favorite summer veggies—zucchini, cherry tomatoes and sweet red pepper, so it’s as nutritious as it is tasty. Containing no cheese or animal products, this recipe is a plant-based dish that even meat-eaters will like. —Recipe contributor Jenna Urben, McKinney, Texas
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Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Bow tie pasta, olives, salami
Level: Intermediate
This bow tie pasta salad combines delicious vegetables, herbs, cheese and salami and is topped with a tangy vinaigrette. You can prepare a batch in under 30 minutes.
This classic picnic pasta salad has is all: fresh and bright cherry tomatoes, crisp red peppers, red onion and parsley, tossed with al dente bow tie pasta, salty olives, savory salami and provolone in a tangy homemade Italian dressing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Creamy Pasta Salad
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Pasta shells, broccoli florets, red onion
Level: Intermediate
This creamy pasta salad recipe is a foolproof dish everyone will love. This version is chock-full of crisp vegetables like broccoli and cucumber.
A simple dressing of mayo and cider vinegar enhances the flavor of the vegetables in this creamy pasta salad. It’s so easy to make for a perfectly satisfying lunch. —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
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Gluten-Free Pasta Salad
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Gluten-free spiral pasta, asparagus, cherry tomatoes
Level: Intermediate
This pasta salad includes olives and asparagus in addition to the classic tomato, basil and fresh mozzarella of a traditional caprese salad. The base pasta is free of gluten so everyone can enjoy it.
A twist on the classic tomato and basil caprese salad, my gluten-free pasta salad is a refreshing and easy version to make. The added asparagus brings a springy touch! —Recipe contributor Rosie Godycki, Valencia, California
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Veggie Pasta Salad
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Spiral pasta, cucumber, celery
Level: Beginner
This standout veggie pasta salad whips up in under 30 minutes. The secret to success: a homemade vinaigrette you’ll want to use on absolutely everything.
My husband and son detested pasta salad before I came up with this one. Filled with fresh, crunchy radishes and celery as well as juicy tomatoes and cucumbers, this nutritious recipe is one to try on your salad skeptics. —Recipe contributor Melody Loyd, Parowan, Utah
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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Bow tie pasta, sweet corn, Cotija cheese
Level: Intermediate
Mexican street corn pasta salad is a flavorful fusion of two summertime favorites: smoky esquites and hearty pasta salad. Make it anytime you’re grilling or take it along to cookouts and picnics.
The mix of charred corn, creamy cotija cheese and tangy lime dressing gives this pasta salad an irresistible street corn vibe. The bold, smoky flavors go great with anything cooked on the grill. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Chickpea Pasta Salad
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Bow tie pasta, garbanzo beans, cherry tomatoes
Level: Beginner
This chickpea pasta salad will fit the bill if you want a hearty, vegetarian dish. It’s the ideal recipe for a quick-prep lunch.
Toss al dente bow tie pasta with a refreshing and tangy red wine vinaigrette plus tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, chickpeas, olives and feta. It’s a delightful vegetarian dish on its own, but it’ll also shine when served with hearty grilled chicken or citrusy salmon. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Pesto Tortellini Salad
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Cheese tortellini, pesto, mozzarella cheese pearls
Level: Beginner
Choose your favorite tortellini, whether it’s loaded with cheese or heavier on the veggies. You can use homemade pest as well, if you’re feeling up to it.
Cherry tomatoes, olives and artichoke hearts bring a Mediterranean flavor to this tortellini. It’s paired with earthy pesto sauce and mozzarella pearls for a delicious bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Spaghetti Salad
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Thin spaghetti, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, bell peppers
Level: Beginner
This bright spaghetti salad is vegetarian, but mix in any kind of flavorful meat (salami, pepperoni or even diced grilled chicken) for extra heft. We also can’t resist throwing in chopped-up olives for briny flavor.
This attractive, fresh-tasting salad can conveniently be prepared the night before. It makes enough for a crowd! —Recipe contributor Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York
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Southwest Corn Salad
Total Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Tricolor spiral pasta, canned corn, canned black beans, tomato
Level: Beginner
With creamy black beans, sweet corn and chopped green chiles, this colorful Southwest-inspired salad proves that Italian isn’t the only flavor profile for cold pasta salads.
“I first saw this Southwest corn salad recipe in the Omaha paper a few years ago. It’s ideal for family get-togethers of all kinds. Hearty enough to serve during winter, this salad always brings back memories of summer picnics!” —Recipe contributor Joanna Lonnecker, Omaha, Nebraska
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Macaroni Salad Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, celery, carrot, onion
Level: Beginner
Macaroni salad is in the Cookout Hall of Fame for good reason: It’s creamy, crunchy, sweet and tangy. We like to garnish the salad with chopped hard-boiled eggs, which you can also stir into the salad. For some heat, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
This classic recipe is a refreshingly light take on an all-time favorite. It’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a festive weekend barbecue. —Recipe contributor Dorothy Bayes, Sardis, Ohio
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Taco Pasta Salad
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Spiral pasta, ground beef, taco seasoning, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cheddar
Level: Beginner
Crumbling tortilla chips over this spicy, savory pasta salad adds the perfect crunch to every bite. Serve this salad warm or cold with Mexican street corn and cilantro lime slaw.
My family loves this savory taco pasta salad. Serve taco or corn chips on the side, and you have a complete meal. —Recipe contributor Gert Rosenau, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
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Sesame Almond Slaw
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Ramen noodles, cabbage, romaine, green onion
Level: Beginner
This colorful slaw makes a delicious and quick side dish for glazed salmon or fried chicken. Crushed ramen noodles and slivered almonds add the ideal amount of crunch, and a simple soy dressing brings everything together.
“Crunchy veggies and noodles are coated in a tangy dressing in this pleasant slaw.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Asian Noodle Salad
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Thin rice noodles, spinach, carrot, pineapple
Level: Beginner
Vermicelli rice noodles are one of the most surprisingly versatile ingredients to keep stocked in your pantry. After making this noodle salad, you’ll want to drizzle the tangy peanut dressing on everything from grilled chicken to quinoa bowls.
“This rice noodle salad is easy, sweet, spicy, nutty and light. Many friends request this for get-togethers, and our family enjoys it at least once a month for dinner.” —Recipe contributor Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
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Caprese Pasta Salad
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Penne, heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella, basil
Level: Beginner
To jazz up these classic Italian flavors, stir in baby spinach, halved kalamata olives and garbanzo beans. For another twist on the basil, tomato and mozzarella trio, try this luscious burrata caprese.
This easy pasta salad is always a favorite, especially when summer tomatoes are at their peak. It comes together quickly, but if you can make it ahead of time, the flavors seem to get better after it’s chilled for a few hours. —Recipe contributor Debby Harden, Lansing, Michigan
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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Spiral pasta, romaine, chicken, tomatoes, Parmesan, Caesar dressing
Level: Beginner
Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken helps this filling pasta salad come together in a flash. For an extra impressive dish, make creamy Caesar dressing from scratch.
My colleagues and I made a pact to eat healthier, and we took turns sharing dishes. I’m happy to report that, thanks to recipes like this crisp and tangy salad, we all trimmed down. —Recipe contributor Teresa Jordan, Springville, Utah
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Orzo with Feta and Arugula
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Orzo, arugula, feta, almonds, dried cranberries
Level: Beginner
A tiny pasta made with semolina and eggs, orzo is fantastic in soups, salads and hearty skillets. If you don’t have it on hand, rice is a great swap in this sweet and tangy salad.
“In my family, we love salads because they’re an interesting way to blend many different flavors. This orzo salad is one of our favorites—it tastes delicious served either warm or cool.” —Recipe contributor Laura Adamsky, Decatur, Alabama
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Tri-Color Pasta Salad
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Spiral pasta, broccoli florets, olives
Level: Beginner
This tri-color pasta salad is simple, fresh and flexible. You can toss in plenty of extras, like sunflower seeds, diced bell peppers or chunks of cheese—whatever floats your boat!
Tackle gatherings with a bright side dish. This tri-color pasta salad with broccoli, tomatoes, olives and a hardworking dressing is one of the easiest cold pasta salad recipes you could take. —Recipe contributor Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts
Pasta Salad FAQ
Should you rinse pasta for cold pasta salad?
Yes. For cold pasta salad, rinsing your pasta in cold water immediately after cooking helps lower the temperature of the pasta quickly, which prevents it from overcooking. It also rinses off the starch that can cause noodles to clump.
How do you keep cold pasta salad from drying out?
Before adding the dressing, toss the cooked pasta in some olive oil to help prevent the noodles from drying out. Use a bit more dressing than you think you’ll need, because the ingredients will continue to absorb the liquid while the salad sits.
Another way to add moisture? Stir in chopped fresh tomatoes, which are packed with flavorful liquids.
How many days is cold pasta salad good for?
It’s best to eat cold pasta salad within four or five days of storing it in the fridge, depending on the ingredients you’ve used. If your pasta salad is loaded with meats and cheeses or a mayonnaise-based dressing, eat it within two days.
