Check out these best easy pasta salad recipes that can be made in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish to whip up for a BBQ and take home, we’ve got you covered. Rated 4 and 5 stars, these recipes have something for everyone, from vegetarian options to chicken or tuna for extra protein. Recipes like Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad make an easy weeknight dinner, while Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad will liven up your next picnic or potluck.
Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad
This chilled pesto pasta salad is perfect for cooling off on a summer day. Fresh tomatoes and roasted red peppers add vibrant color and juiciness, but you could also use any veggies that go well with pasta salads, like steamed broccoli or fresh bell peppers.
Orzo salad with chickpeas and artichoke hearts
This hearty orzo salad features three staple ingredients in Greek cuisine: feta cheese, lemon and dill. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This delicious, healthy salad combines elements of Caesar, pasta and chicken salads and can be easily thrown together in under 30 minutes on any weeknight (most of the prep can be done ahead of time). Use your blender to create a tangy, buttermilk-based dressing that also works well with salmon and chickpea salads.
Pasta salad with black beans and avocado dressing
Packed with tomatoes, corn, and black beans, this pasta salad recipe is sure to please anyone, and the addition of avocado to the creamy dressing makes this picnic staple even healthier.
Make-ahead chicken pasta salad
Need something to bring to a party or backyard barbecue? This make-ahead chicken pasta salad recipe is a classic, but versatile: just substitute your favorite veggies, herbs, and cheeses.
Elote style pasta salad
This zesty pasta salad is inspired by the flavors of elote, Mexican grilled corn smothered in a creamy mayonnaise-based sauce and sprinkled with chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime. The corn kernels are puffed up in a hot skillet and a sprinkle of smoked paprika brings out the flavor. If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can substitute grated Parmesan.
Cashew, chickpea and pasta salad with coriander, mint and shallot vinaigrette
In our humble opinion, the defining feature of this salad is the dressing. With the crunch and zesty flavor of the shallots, this coriander, mint and shallot vinaigrette will quickly become your favorite. While you’re waiting for the pasta to cook, make the dressing, chop your veggies, mix everything together and serve.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing
If you love pickles, this easy pasta salad is sure to become your new favorite. For an extra kick, add a teaspoon or two of hot sauce. Pair it with a hot dish on the grill or bring it on a picnic. You can also easily transform it from a side dish to a main dish by adding canned flaked tuna or shredded chicken.
Broccoli and sun-dried tomato pasta salad
This healthy pasta salad is packed with veggies and bright flavors. Sun-dried tomatoes and lemon zest enhance the flavor of the dressing, and tender, crisp broccoli florets cook right alongside the pasta, making preparation and cleanup a breeze.
Caprese pasta salad
This light and fresh Caprese Pasta Salad is paired with a bright, tangy dressing and fresh mozzarella pearls add creaminess to every bite.
Vegan Macaroni Salad
You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy this vegan macaroni salad. The colorful veggies add texture and flavor, making it lighter than a traditional pasta salad. Perfect to bring to your next picnic or potluck.
Macaroni Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Give the classic pasta salad a fresher, more flavorful twist. Avocado replaces mayonnaise in this easy pasta dish for extra creaminess. Whole-grain elbow macaroni and fresh veggies make this a healthy pasta salad you’ll want to make all summer long.
Pesto Pasta Salad
A creamy pesto sauce transforms this simple pasta salad into a delicious dinner. Add broccoli to the pasta water just before the pasta is done cooking, and the pasta will turn bright green and cook briefly until just tender.
Pasta salad
In this healthy pasta salad recipe, noodles are tossed in a simple dressing made with za’atar, red wine vinegar, and oil. Cucumber adds crunch and parsley adds an herbal flavor. Serve as a side dish or add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
Arugula and Lemon Pesto Pasta Salad
This Arugula and Lemon Pesto features tangy arugula, sunflower seeds, and plenty of lemon for a zesty twist on traditional pesto.
Pasta, tuna and roasted pepper salad
The secret to this delicious pasta salad is a creamy, low-fat dressing made with jarred roasted red peppers. If you have cooked chicken on hand, you can also substitute it for the tuna.
Curry chicken and pasta salad
A crowd-pleaser, this pasta salad is perfect for any potluck this barbecue season. Madras curry powder adds a subtle heat, but you can substitute a mild curry powder for less heat without sacrificing flavor.
Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Bowl
Pasta salad is a classic summer side dish, but adding a protein (leftover grilled chicken is great!) and veggies makes for a super satisfying lunch. We used baby spinach, but arugula or baby kale would also work. Drizzle with a bright, tangy basil vinaigrette just before serving. Best of all, these easy meal prep lunches take just 20 minutes to prep, meaning you can have four days’ worth of lunches ready in under 30 minutes.
Vegetable and tuna pasta salad
This delicious pasta salad recipe is made with zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, and chunks of light tuna, which has less mercury than white albacore tuna. For best flavor, mix the pasta salad and dressing about an hour before serving.
Whole Wheat Orzo and Grilled Vegetable Salad
This lovely orzo salad is loaded with basil, grilled vegetables, and soft fresh mozzarella cheese. The combination of vegetables, vinaigrette, and fresh basil is the perfect base for the orzo and cheese.
