1. Classic Italian Pasta Salad
This beloved dish combines the flavors of Italy in a vibrant, colorful mix. Perfect for picnics or potlucks!
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup pepperoni, sliced
- ½ red onion, diced
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, pepperoni, and onion. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This light and refreshing salad features orzo pasta combined with Mediterranean staples.
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook orzo according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and cool. In a bowl, mix together the orzo, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, onion, and parsley. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss well.
3. Southwest Pasta Salad
This zesty pasta salad is packed with flavor and makes a great side dish or main course.
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the penne according to package directions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine the penne, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and cilantro. In a small bowl, mix together ranch dressing, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the pasta salad and mix well.
4. Caprese Pasta Salad
This simple yet elegant pasta salad is inspired by the classic Caprese salad.
- 12 oz fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, diced
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook fusilli according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
5. Greek Pasta Salad
With a mix of fresh veggies and tangy feta, this salad is a flavor explosion!
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ½ cup Greek dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the rotini according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine the rotini, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta, and onion. Pour the Greek dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Broccoli and Cheese Pasta Salad
This creamy pasta salad is loaded with cheese and nutrient-rich broccoli, making it a family favorite.
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a bowl, mix together the macaroni, broccoli, and cheddar cheese. In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Combine the dressing with the pasta mixture and stir until well coated.
7. Asian Noodle Salad
This vibrant salad features colorful veggies and a tangy soy dressing for a delightful twist.
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 cup bell peppers, julienned
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup sesame oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl, combine the noodles, bell peppers, carrots, and green onions. In another bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
8. Tuna Pasta Salad
This hearty salad is a great way to use canned tuna, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- 12 oz shell pasta
- 1 can tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook shell pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tuna, peas, mayonnaise, celery, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
9. Pesto Pasta Salad
Rich and flavorful, this pasta salad is quick to prepare and perfect for pesto lovers.
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup olives, sliced
- ½ cup pesto sauce
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook farfalle according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, olives, and pesto. Toss well to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper before serving.
10. Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad
This unique salad uses avocado for creaminess, making it a deliciously different option.
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup corn
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and cool. In a bowl, mix together the mashed avocado, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the spaghetti, tomatoes, corn, and cilantro. Toss gently to coat everything with the avocado dressing.
11. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This hearty salad combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with pasta for a filling dish.
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Croutons for topping
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, romaine, and Caesar dressing. Toss to combine, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and top with croutons.
12. Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
This flavorful salad features sun-dried tomatoes and a delicious dressing that makes it a standout dish.
- 12 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- ½ cup artichoke hearts, quartered
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook penne according to package directions. Drain and cool. In a bowl, combine the pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and artichokes. In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
13. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This salad combines the smoky flavor of bacon with a creamy ranch dressing for a tasty treat.
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, bacon, tomatoes, and green onions. Pour ranch dressing over the salad and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
14. Zucchini Noodle Pasta Salad
This light and healthy salad uses spiralized zucchini for a fresh twist on traditional pasta salad.
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Spiralize the zucchinis and place them in a bowl. Add cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion. In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.
15. Pumpkin Pasta Salad
This unique and seasonal pasta salad incorporates pumpkin for a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- ½ cup cranberries
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook rotini according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, pumpkin spice, salt, and pepper. Combine the pasta with the pumpkin mixture, then fold in cranberries and walnuts.
16. Greek Pasta Salad
This vibrant salad is packed with flavors from the Mediterranean, making it a refreshing option for any meal.
- 12 oz fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook fusilli according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well.
17. Avocado Pasta Salad
This creamy salad features avocado, providing healthy fats and a delightful texture.
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 ripe avocados, mashed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup corn, cooked
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and cool. In a bowl, mix mashed avocados, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Combine the spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, corn, and cilantro in another bowl. Pour the avocado mixture over the salad and mix until well combined.
18. Pesto Pasta Salad
This aromatic salad brings together the rich flavors of basil pesto for a deliciously simple dish.
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup mozzarella balls
- ½ cup pesto sauce
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook farfalle according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. Add pesto sauce and toss to coat. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and season with salt and pepper.
Conclusion
These 15 simple pasta salad recipes offer a variety of flavors and ingredients, making them perfect for quick meals or gatherings. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or hearty and satisfying, there’s a pasta salad here to suit every taste.
With minimal preparation and cooking time, these recipes allow you to enjoy delicious, homemade dishes that can be served as sides or main courses. So grab your favorite ingredients and start mixing!