Although they're easy to throw together, pasta salads don't have to be an afterthought. We've rounded up some of our favorite, most inspired, and delicious pasta salad recipes for your next potluck or picnic. With so many varieties—Italian pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, and other party-ready recipes—there's no need to rely on the same dish every time. Switch it up with our best pasta salad recipes featuring fresh veggies and flavorful herbs, or go all-in with a pizza pasta salad recipe.
Summer Pasta Salad
Forget what you thought you knew about pasta and salad. This prosciutto- and produce-packed version changes everything. Broken lasagna noodles are a fun pasta choice, and add-ins such as olives and fresh mozzarella make this pasta salad dish something special.
Grilled Veggie Pasta Salad
Zucchini, asparagus, bell pepper—oh my! This is one of the best pasta salad recipes we've tried—and it's vegan! (Parmesan cheese is optional). It's filled to the brim with mouthwatering grilled vegetables, plus a homemade balsamic vinaigrette adds delicious flavor to the dish.
Test Kitchen Tip
To keep your salad moist, toss the cooked pasta in lemon juice and olive oil, then refrigerate overnight. This keeps the pasta from absorbing all the dressing, which can make the salad dry.
BLT Pasta Salad
Now you can enjoy your favorite sandwich in pasta salad form. This take on classic pasta salad proves that everything is better with bacon (plus lettuce and tomato). Better yet, it comes together in just 20 minutes.
Pesto Penne with Deli-Roasted Chicken
Calling all pesto-lovers: You need to try this pesto pasta salad. Deli-roasted chicken and purchased pesto in this recipe make it easy and quick to prepare. You'll likely not find another pesto pasta salad recipe as easy and delicious as this one.
Pizza Pasta Salad
Pizza lovers will flip for this picnic-ready dish. Add all your favorite pizza ingredients—pepperoni, olives, mozzarella—to creamy pasta salad for a winning combo that will be devoured in no time. Pizza night just became pasta night with this creative pasta salad idea!
Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is loaded with flavor. Simply toss roasted veggies like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers with fresh arugula and white kidney beans for a hearty and veggie-filled dish. This bright recipe will be a standout at any picnic or potluck.
Chicken, Spinach, and Pasta Salad
This veggie-filled pasta salad gets a healthy boost from fresh spinach, mushrooms, and roma tomatoes. Add in chicken and penne pasta, and this fresh dish is well on its way to being served as a main course. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Summer Spaghetti Salad
No elbows or rotini here. We classed things up with spaghetti and veggie noodles for one of the best pasta salad recipes for tomato lovers. Red wine vinegar, toasted walnuts, and Italian parsley add sophistication.
Italian Pesto Pasta Salad
Crunchy pine nuts, peppery arugula, and zippy basil pesto give this Italian pasta salad its signature texture and flavor. Homemade pesto makes all the difference, but store-bought will work if time's an issue. The super-simple pasta salad recipe takes only 30 minutes and makes 10 to 12 servings.
Gazpacho Crab Pasta Salad
On a picnic table full of pasta salads, this dish is a standout. Thanks to an easy spicy tomato dressing, this summery salad tastes just like the popular chilled tomato soup but with the bonus of hearty pasta shells and lumps of succulent crab (or shrimp). It's the perfect warm-weather dish for lunch, dinner, a potluck, or any summer gathering.
Roasted Tomato Pasta with Mozzarella
For a hearty twist on traditional Caprese salad, we mixed rotini pasta with garlic-roasted cherry tomatoes. The result is a savory summer pasta salad that's easy and tasty. When you're ready to serve, top the Italian pasta salad with mozzarella balls and fresh basil leaves.
Cilantro-Lime Pasta Salad
This cilantro-lime recipe is one of the best pasta salad recipes meant to be served cold—and one of our favorites. Grilled chicken and whole wheat noodles are the base for this healthy pasta salad recipe. Fresh fruit and veggies provide gorgeous color, making this dish sure to attract grazers at any gathering.
Southwestern Chicken and Macaroni Salad
We kicked up the heat of this chicken and pasta salad by embracing poblano peppers and salsa taquera. The traditional Mexican salsa adds a slightly smoky flavor to this summer pasta salad recipe. Add cream cheese, avocado, and crispy chicken strips to balance the spice.
Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad
Two potluck favorites—deviled eggs and pasta salad—find common ground in a side dish that everyone can agree on. Pasta salad recipes with mayo are always a hit, and this easy pasta salad recipe is no different, except it has pickled onions to add tang.
Roasted Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Salad
Pasta salads are perfect for potlucks and picnics; this easy recipe is no exception. Starring herbed tomatoes, mushrooms, and hearty beans, this penne pasta salad (though we used bow tie in the photo because it's what we had on hand) is sure to satisfy with a simple dressing that brings out the natural flavors of veggies.
Greek Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Beans
This Greek pasta salad is so easy. Simply toss together a few on-hand ingredients—pasta and canned beans—with favorites of Greek cuisine including spinach, feta cheese, and dried tomatoes. Shave some Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top for presentation points.
Lime Couscous with Summer Veggies
Don't discount couscous when picking the perfect pasta for your salad. We tossed tender veggies on top of the grain, then spiked the dish with citrusy dressing and a blanket of shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Make it a meal by adding shrimp or chicken.
Thai Chicken Pasta Salad
Using a pre-roasted chicken from the deli slashes the prep time for this cold pasta salad. This recipe calls for ramen noodles, but any Asian noodle will do. Creamy peanut butter and coconut milk with lime juice give this dish classic Thai flavors.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad
If you loved the classic Marry Me Chicken recipe, meet your new favorite pasta salad. Each bite is loaded with tortellini pasta, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and asparagus. A creamy tomato basil dressing pulls the whole dish together.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Pickle lovers, this one's for you! Showcase the flavor of dill pickles in this easy pasta salad recipe. You and your guests will love the combination of pickles, bacon, hardboiled eggs, and fresh dill.
Classic Macaroni Salad
Skip the deli counter and make homemade macaroni salad. Our easy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes plus chill time. It's our go-to summer side dish for potlucks and parties.
