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These pasta salads are absolutely amazing! I’ve made them over and over and they’re always a huge hit! Perfect for summer BBQs, cookouts, potlucks and picnics but also just as great for lunch or an easy weeknight dinner any time of year.
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Whether you’re into creamy dressings or zesty vinaigrettes, you’ll find something super delicious below. Plus, they’re all quick and easy to throw together in about 30 minutes (even faster if you’re multitasking while the pasta cooks).
The perfect side for your next summer BBQ, cookout or potluck – these summer pasta salads disappear fast! Also a great no-fuss dinner when it’s too hot to cook or a delicious lunch option any time of year.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Pickle fans, this one’s for you! We’re talking crunchy pickles, sharp white cheddar, fresh dill, and a creamy, tangy dressing that brings all the pickle flavor you love. It’s so good!
Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad has ALL the good stuff! Salami, cheese, a mix of fresh and briny veggies, plus fresh basil, all tossed together in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Every bite is packed with flavor!
Elote Pasta Salad
All the flavors of Mexican street corn but made into a super delicious pasta salad. Smoky charred corn, salty cotija, a little jalapeno heat, fresh cilantro, red onions and a creamy chili lime dressing to tie it all together.
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Let’s leave those dry, boring pesto pasta salads in the past. This chicken pesto pasta salad is tossed in a delicious pesto vinaigrette that keeps everything juicy and packed with flavor.
Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad
Some combos just work, and salmon with asparagus is definitely one of them. Turn it into a pasta salad with a creamy lemon dill dressing and you’ve got something fresh and totally delicious!
Chicken Macaroni Salad
This chicken macaroni salad is basically two favorites rolled into one – creamy pasta salad meets chicken salad. So good and perfect for using up leftover or rotisserie chicken.
My Go-To Pasta Salad Recipe
I couldn’t put together a pasta salad roundup without including my longtime go-to. This one’s loaded with two types of cheese, two kinds of meat, a rainbow of crunchy bell peppers, sweet onion and tossed in the most delicious zesty vinaigrette. Always a hit and a huge family favorite!
A FEW Tips
Pasta Salad Tips
- Cook your pasta just a bit longer: Go 1 to 2 minutes past al dente so the pasta is soft all the way through (but not mushy!). This helps it to stay nice and tender even after it cools down.
- Don’t be shy with the salt in your dressing: Remember, you’re seasoning plain pasta, not delicate salad greens. The extra seasoning is key to making sure your pasta salad is full of flavor, instead of bland and boring.
- Save some dressing for serving: If you’re making your pasta salad ahead, the pasta will soak up some of the dressing in the fridge. Just save a little to mix in before serving to freshen everything up again.
FAQ: Pasta Salads
I know, rinsing pasta feels totally wrong but when it comes to pasta salad, it’s actually the right move! The cold water cools the pasta down fast, stops the cooking and gets rid of the extra starch so you don’t end up with one big sticky clump.
First things first, don’t undercook your pasta! Go just a little past al dente so it stays nice and tender even after it cools. And when you store your pasta salad in the fridge, make sure it’s covered or in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the pasta will naturally absorb some of the dressing as it sits. So if you’re making pasta salad ahead of time, save a little dressing (or make some extra) to toss in right before serving.
It’ll vary based on the recipe and the ingredients, but in general, most pasta salads can be stored in the fridge for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container.
Short-cut pasta is usually the go-to for pasta salad and the good part is that you can pretty much use whatever shape you like – so just choose your favorite! Some examples are: macaroni, farfalle, small shells, rotini, cavatappi, fusilli, orecchiette, etc.
More Salads To Try
If you’re looking for more than just pasta salads, here are a few other delicious salad options.
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