34 Crazy Good Cold Pasta Salad Recipes
Classic Macaroni Salad
The prime summer entertaining season is in full swing! Long lazy days (and nights) made for cookouts and backyard barbecues. If you happen to be invited to a summer soiree this year, there is one dish you can bring that will be a hit every single time—pasta salad.
Pasta salads are so popular because they're so easy to make, travel well and usually don't require constant chilling, so they can sit out on a buffet table rather well, at least for a little while!
Related: 65 Cold Appetizers for Summer Parties
Best Pasta Salad Recipes
From cold pasta salads like Best-Ever Macaroni Salad and Healthy Pepperoni Pasta Salad to creamy pasta salads that have the flavors of a classic BLT and another with big bites of cheese, there is something that will please all palates in this mix. Plus, there are plenty of Italian pasta salad recipes and seafood pasta salads with tuna and lobster for some extra protein!
Related: 60 Summertime Salads For Backyard Barbecues
And the best thing about these easy pasta salad recipes is that you can usually use up whatever fresh vegetables you have laying around. Simply boil a pot of water, cook your pasta, toss in cheese, meat, fish and veggies, and you're good to go. They transport well and taste even better the next day.
Your summer parties need one, or maybe a few of these cold pasta salads, and the leftovers can always go in your picnic basket the next day too!
Related: 101 Easy Pasta Recipes for All Occasions
Cold Pasta Salad Recipes
Jon Ashton
This classic goes perfectly with whatever you've got coming off the grill this summer.
Get the recipe: Classic Macaroni Salad
Related: 52 Best Recipes With Elbow Macaroni
Krista Marshall
This one is sure to make you the star of the next neighborhood cookout.
Get the recipe: Thai Noodle Salad
Krista Marshall
Imitation crab is the secret to keeping this budget-friendly.
Get the recipe: Crab Pasta Salad
London Brazil
As delicious as it is colorful, this Tex-Mex favorite is always a hit.
Get the recipe: Salsa Ranch Pasta Salad
Krista Marshall
A sweet and tangy dressing and crunch veggies make this macaroni salad extra special.
Get the recipe: Best-Ever Amish Macaroni Salad
Krista Marshall
All the flavors of the warm dip in a cool, creamy pasta salad.
Get the recipe: Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad
Krista Marshall
Filled with all your favorite Greek salad ingredients.
Get the recipe: Greek Pasta Salad
America's Test Kitchen
Add this brightly flavored dish to your summer menu and watch your guests go back for seconds and thirds!
Get the recipe: Pasta Salad with Asparagus and Red Bell Peppers
Jon Ashton
Summer fresh cherry tomatoes, olives and lots of pepperoni give this pasta salad a big flavor.
Get the recipe: Pepperoni Pasta Salad With Mozzarella and Pesto
Elizabeth Newman
Creamy burrata cheese takes this pasta salad over the top.
Get the recipe: Romesco Pasta Salad with Burrata
Related: 30 Best Burrata Cheese Recipes
Krista Marshall
This recipe has a secret ingredient that will keep people guessing.
Get the recipe: Country Macaroni Salad
Tyson
Refrigerated grilled chicken strips make this a great dish for a last-minute party.
Get the recipe: Asian Cucumber Chicken Pasta Salad
Cassie Blount
A unique use for broken lasagna noodles.
Get the recipe: Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad
Elizabeth Newman
This dish will have you dreaming of Italy.
Get the recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad
Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell & Heather Chontos
A total picnic-worthy side dish.
Get the recipe: Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad With Caesar Dressing
Parade
A vegetarian option with an Italian flare.
Get the recipe: Margherita Pasta Salad
Cassie Blount
A comforting pasta salad with the flavors of a classic BLT.
Get the recipe: BLT Pasta Salad
Krista Marshall
Sure, this can be a cookout side dish, but it also makes a terrific light meal on a hot evening.
Get the recipe: Sesame Noodle Salad
Barefeet In The Kitchen
This pasta salad isn't swimming in dressing.
Get the recipe: Creamy Summer Pasta Salad
Recipe Girl
Highlight the best of summer produce.
Get the recipe: Orzo Pasta Salad with Corn, Green Beans and Tomatoes
Related: 100 Best Corn Recipes with Canned, Frozen and Fresh
Foodie Crush
This five-ingredient pasta salad has all the traditional Caesar salad flavors plus kale and cherry tomatoes too.
Get the recipe: Kale Cesar Pasta Salad
Hip Foodie Mom
Grilling vegetables gives them so much flavor.
Get the recipe: Grilled Veggie Pasta Salad
Baked By Rachel
Pesto sauce made out of fresh spinach gives this salad flavor and vibrant color.
Get the recipe: Spinach Pesto Pasta Salad
Bless This Mess Please
Garlic and herb cheese will keep guests coming back for more.
Get the recipe: Pasta Salad for a Party
Reluctant Entertainer
Fresh avocado, English peas and a creamy dressing make this pasta salad a little sophisticated.
Get the recipe: Summer Avocado Pasta Salad
Movita Beau Coup
Sink your teeth into big pieces of lobster meat.
Get the recipe: Lobster Pasta Salad
A Dash Of Sanity
Light, refreshing and delicious, this pasta salad has extra protein thanks to black beans.
Get the recipe: Easy Southwestern Pasta Salad
Kleinworth & Co
This creamy, cheesy salad is perfect paired with fried chicken.
Get the recipe: Parmesan Ranch Pasta Salad
Well Plated
The kids will love this so much, they won't even care it's good for them.
Get the recipe: Healthy Pepperoni Pasta Salad
Kalyn's Kitchen
This is great for picnics, or a light supper on a hot summer night.
Get the recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad with Lemon, Green Olives and Cucumbers
Related: 35 Best Cucumber Recipes For Summer
She Wears Many Hats
This creamy pasta salad is filled with Tex-Mex flavors.
Get the recipe: Southwestern Black Bean Pasta Salad
Center Cut Cook
This might remind you of something from the deli counter.
Get the recipe: Creamy Cheddar Pasta Salad
Kitchen Confidante
Cayenne pepper gives this pasta salad a kick!
Get the recipe: Fireworks Pasta Salad
Chocolate And Carrots
Your gluten-free guests will appreciate this one!
Get the recipe: Gluten-Free BLT Pasta Salad
Next: 12 Epic BLT Recipes
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