It wouldn't be a Fourth of July picnic without pasta salad. Bring these crowd-size beauties to the buffet, and get ready to serve up some oohs and aahs al dente!
24 Crowd-Favorite Fourth of July Pasta Salads
1/24
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
32 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful antipasto salad is a tasty crowd-pleaser. Guests love the homemade dressing, which is a nice change from bottled Italian. — Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 396 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
2/24
Ham Pasta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I "invented" this salad as I went along...it's a combination of various pasta salad recipes I'd seen. It can be served as a side dish, of course. In summer, however, my husband doesn't care for hot meals, so I make it as a main dish.
We're recent city transplants with two young children, ages 6 and 3.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 366 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 865mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
3/24
Classic Macaroni Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic macaroni salad recipe is a refreshingly light take on an all-time favorite. It’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a festive weekend barbecue. —Dorothy Bayes, Sardis, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 115 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
4/24
Summer Orzo Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 291 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
5/24
Lemony Tortellini Bacon Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who says summer meals have to be complicated? We love this tangy, simple and tasty salad on warm summer nights. Add a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea and dinner couldn’t be easier. —Samantha Vicars, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup salad with 2 cups greens: 484 calories, 40g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 693mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
6/24
Judy’s Macaroni Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After finding this vintage macaroni salad recipe years ago, I tweaked the flavor and bumped up the pickles. Tuck this dill pickle pasta salad inside your picnic basket. —Elizabeth Kirchgatter, Maysville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 347 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
7/24
Strawberry Pasta Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bow tie pasta with strawberries makes a refreshing salad, especially with a little chopped mint. I multiply it for brunches, potlucks, even tailgates. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup (calculated without coconut): 153 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
8/24
Rotini Pasta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a light meal, we toss rotini pasta with cucumber, zucchini and sweet peppers. Make this cucumber pasta salad into a main dish by adding grilled chicken. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without olives): 142 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
9/24
Creamy Macaroni Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we grill, my mother asks me to make this creamy macaroni salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
10/24
Shrimp Pasta Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Elbow macaroni, shrimp and crunchy veggies like celery, sweet red pepper and onion get covered in a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and yogurt. It's the perfect go-to when you're looking for something light and tasty. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 243 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
11/24
Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It’s fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews—and ( always come home with an empty bowl! —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 661 calories, 37g fat (6g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
12/24
Tri-Color Pasta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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. —Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 149 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
13/24
Macaroni Coleslaw
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 150 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
14/24
Avocado & Artichoke Pasta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro and a little avocado make this a creamy and zingy pasta salad. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 188 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
15/24
Easy Macaroni Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
34 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty pasta salad is sure to please appetites of all ages—and it serves a lot of folks! —LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 380 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
16/24
Tortellini Caesar Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad was served at a dear friend's baby shower by a health-conscious friend, who suggested the dressing be prepared with low-fat or fat-free ingredients. Either way, the creamy dressing has plenty of garlic flavor and coats the pasta, romaine and croutons nicely. —Tammy Steenbock, Sembach Air Base, Germany
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without tomatoes): 237 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
17/24
Corn Pasta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After tasting this cool salad at a family reunion, I immediately asked for the recipe. It has tricolor pasta, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes and crunchy peppers to make it pretty and tasty. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 133 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
18/24
Bacon Macaroni Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 402 calories, 33g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
19/24
Sweet Macaroni Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don't like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 400 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
20/24
Garden Bow Tie Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This was originally a vegetable dish, but I added pasta to make it work for family gatherings and church potlucks. Try adding sliced mushrooms and diced tomatoes before serving. —Barbara Burks, Huntsville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 89 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
21/24
Vermicelli Pasta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I started making this salad because it's loaded with peppers, my husband's favorite. Don't be surprised when there are no leftovers to take home after the family reunion, picnic or church potluck. —Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 309 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
22/24
Chilled Shrimp Pasta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chilled salad, along with a nice cool drink, is all you need on a hot summer day. It also makes a nice side dish for sharing anytime. —Mary Price, Youngstown, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without lettuce): 239 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
23/24
Panzanella Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
We take classic panzanella ingredients like ripe tomatoes, peppers and olives and toss them with hot noodles for a hearty pasta dish. My kids especially like the crunchy croutons. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 297 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
24/24
Pizza Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fun summer dish, this is a different salad that tastes as good as it looks. I love to take it to parties—the wonderful zesty flavor really complements a barbecue! —Debbie Terenzini-Wilkerson, Lusby, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 362 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
