12+ Amazing Homemade Cold Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Love to Make This Summer!
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors, and nothing says summer quite like a delightful pasta salad. These recipes are all about easy prep and bold tastes, making them ideal for picnics, barbecues, or just a simple lunch at home. Let’s explore some fantastic options that will have everyone asking for your secrets!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Feta cheese, pine nuts, herbes de provence, fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes Total Time: 30 mins.
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This Caprese Pasta Salad is a colorful twist on the classic Italian salad. It combines al dente pasta with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze. The flavor is bright and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days!
8 ounces of rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
What makes this salad special is its simplicity and the beautiful array of colors. Not only does it look amazing on the table, but the flavors blend together perfectly, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and light. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up, making it a staple for any summer gathering.
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: 3 h 30 min Total Time: 3 h 30 min.
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This Greek Pasta Salad bursts with Mediterranean flavors, bringing a taste of the sun to your plate. With the combination of tangy feta cheese, crunchy cucumbers, and Kalamata olives, it’s a salad that’s both hearty and refreshing. Tossed in a zesty lemon-oregano dressing, it’s a flavor explosion!
8 ounces of penne 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 olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
This salad is popular because it’s packed with flavor and healthy ingredients, making it a guilt-free choice. The fresh vegetables add crunch, while the feta provides a creamy element that ties everything together. Plus, it can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight!
If you’re looking for a filling and protein-packed option, this Tuna Pasta Salad is the way to go. Combining tender pasta with flaky tuna, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing, it’s both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty side dish at dinner!
This recipe stands out due to its creamy texture and the delightful crunch from the celery. It’s a classic dish that many people grew up with, making it nostalgic as well as delicious. Serve it on a bed of greens or in a sandwich, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Asparagus, zucchini, feta, peppers, red onion Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins.
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This vibrant Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad showcases a medley of seasonal veggies, making it as healthy as it is colorful. Featuring a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and corn, it’s tossed with a light vinaigrette that enhances the natural flavors of the fresh ingredients. This salad is like a garden party on your plate!
8 ounces of fusilli pasta
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1 cup zucchini, diced
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
What makes this salad particularly special is its versatility; you can easily swap in your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand. It’s a great way to use up those summer garden harvests and it’s so colorful that it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, it’s light and refreshing, making it perfect for those hot summer days!
This Italian Pasta Salad with Salami is a hearty dish filled with robust flavors and textures. The combination of pepperoni or salami, provolone cheese, and olives creates a savory experience that’s hard to resist. It’s like a mini Italian feast in a bowl!
8 ounces of farfalle pasta
1 cup salami, diced
1 cup provolone cheese, cubed
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
This dish is a favorite for potlucks and parties because it’s so filling and packed with flavor. The combination of meats and cheeses gives it a satisfying richness, while the dressing adds that needed zing. It can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for busy summer days!
