10 Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes by Joanna Gaines

1. Classic Italian Pasta Salad

This Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant mix of flavors and textures that are sure to please any crowd. With a blend of fresh veggies, olives, and a zesty Italian dressing, it’s perfect for summer barbecues or potlucks.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, bell peppers, and onion.
  3. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

2. Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

This Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of orzo, feta cheese, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a lemony dressing. It’s a refreshing side dish that complements grilled meats beautifully.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound orzo pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, olives, red onion, and parsley.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Southwest Pasta Salad

This Southwest Pasta Salad brings a fiesta to your table with its bold flavors and colorful ingredients. A great addition to any outdoor gathering, this dish is packed with protein and fiber.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 cup corn, cooked
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, black beans, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ranch dressing and taco seasoning.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

4. Caprese Pasta Salad

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh twist on the classic Caprese salad, featuring pasta, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Drizzled with balsamic glaze, it’s a simple yet elegant dish for any occasion.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

5. Greek Pasta Salad

This Greek Pasta Salad offers a medley of Mediterranean flavors and is packed with fresh ingredients. It’s a perfect side dish for barbecues or a light lunch option.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, and red onion.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

6. Spinach and Bacon Pasta Salad

This Spinach and Bacon Pasta Salad is a hearty option that brings together the flavors of crispy bacon and fresh spinach. It’s a unique and delicious take on traditional pasta salad.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound farfalle pasta
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
  3. Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

7. Pesto Pasta Salad

This Pesto Pasta Salad is bursting with fresh basil flavor and makes for a vibrant and aromatic dish. It’s perfect as a side or as a light main course topped with grilled chicken or shrimp.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, pesto sauce, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
  3. Toss to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

8. Asian Noodle Salad

This Asian Noodle Salad features a delightful combination of flavors with a sesame dressing that elevates the dish. It’s a fantastic option for summer picnics or as a side for grilled meats.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound soba noodles
  • 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the soba noodles according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled noodles, red cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and green onions.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

9. Taco Pasta Salad

This Taco Pasta Salad is a fun and flavorful dish that combines classic taco ingredients with pasta. It’s a great option for a casual lunch or dinner gathering.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup ground beef, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn, cooked
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, ground beef, cherry tomatoes, corn, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
  3. Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

10. Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad

This Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful option that showcases seasonal vegetables. It’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meals while enjoying delicious pasta.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant), roasted
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, roasted vegetables, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
  3. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
  4. Let sit for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

11. Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is bursting with fresh flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for summer picnics or barbecues.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

12. Pesto Pasta Salad

This Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and easy-to-make dish that highlights the rich flavors of basil pesto. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish at dinner.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved
  • 1/4 cup pesto
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and pesto.
  3. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with toasted pine nuts before serving.

Conclusion

Joanna Gaines’ pasta salad recipes offer a delightful variety of flavors and textures, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these dishes are sure to impress.

With fresh ingredients and simple preparation, you can easily elevate your pasta salad game and enjoy a taste of comfort and creativity in every bite.