Summer gatherings call for vibrant flavors and refreshing dishes, and what could be better than a chilled pasta salad? These delightful recipes burst with color and taste, making them perfect for picnics or backyard parties. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these easy-to-make pasta salads that are sure to become favorites!
Italian Garden Pasta Salad


Garden Pasta Salad from Allrecipes
Rating: 4.4. Ingredients: Tri color rotini, salad dressing, green bell pepper, parmesan cheese, tomatoes Total Time: 1 hr 40 min.

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe from The Mediterranean Dish
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Pasta, marinated artichoke hearts, white wine vinegar, mozzarella cheese balls, cherry tomatoes Total Time: 30 min.

Italian Pasta Salad from Spend With Pennies
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Salami, bell pepper, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, black olives Total Time: 2 hr 30 min.
This pasta salad is a celebration of fresh vegetables and zesty Italian flavors. Using al dente pasta tossed with a variety of crunchy veggies, this dish is dressed in a tangy vinaigrette that brings everything together beautifully.
- 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
This salad stands out because it’s not only colorful but also incredibly versatile. You can swap in your favorite veggies or add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it heartier. Plus, it’s a make-ahead dish that tastes even better after the flavors meld for a few hours in the fridge!
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Classic Greek Pasta Salad

Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this refreshing Greek pasta salad that’s bursting with bold flavors. The combination of tangy feta, juicy olives, and crisp cucumbers creates a delightful contrast that will leave your taste buds dancing.
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
This salad is not only simple to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The feta adds a creamy texture that perfectly complements the crunchy vegetables. Serve it chilled, and you’ll have a refreshing dish that’s perfect for those warm summer days!
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Southwestern Pasta Salad


Southwestern Pasta Salad from Like Mother, Like Daughter
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 18 min Total Time: 18 min.
Bring a little spice to your gathering with this Southwestern-inspired pasta salad. Packed with bold flavors from zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and a hint of spice, this dish is a fiesta for your taste buds!
- 8 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
This pasta salad is special because it combines the best of summer flavors with a kick! The black beans and corn add a hearty texture, while the lime juice and cilantro brighten everything up. It’s not just a salad; it’s a party in a bowl that is sure to get your guests talking!
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Asian Sesame Noodle Salad
This vibrant Asian-inspired pasta salad is full of crunchy vegetables and tossed in a savory sesame dressing. The combination of flavors, including soy sauce and ginger, creates a refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
- 8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
This salad is a hit because it’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the colorful veggies. The sesame dressing has a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the noodles and veggies. Enjoy it as a light meal or serve it as a side dish at your next barbecue!