7 Easy Pasta Salad Recipes

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When it comes to summer potlucks, family reunions, brunches, block parties, or simply dinner with family on the patio, you need an arsenal of easy pasta salad recipes.

I think I make a pasta salad every week in the summer time. With all the fruits and vegetables in my own garden plus what I pick up at the farmer’s market — it just seems to taste best tossed together with pasta. Served as a side dish — or the main dish, pasta salads just seem to take the guesswork out of dinner.

I have teen boys and men in my family. Protein is a must. It’s so easy to toss in some chicken, shrimp, a can of salmon, or any leftover meat from the night before to any easy pasta dish to make it a complete meal.

Vary your pasta shapes for variety and use any veggies you have on hand. It will be hearty and delicious. Not to mention quick and easy.

Italian Pasta Salad

This sweet, salty and tangy pasta salad is full of color and flavor! You will love how easy it is to prepare for parties, potlucks and simple weeknight sides. No cooking, no fuss, and nothing but delicious goodness!

Get the recipe here.

Field Pea and Pasta Salad

Farfalle and fresh veggies make a delicious summer side. Mix the dressing up to three days in advance; then toss when ready to serve. We like using mini farfalle in this recipe so that all of the ingredients are about the same size, but swap in any pasta shape you like.

Get the recipe here.

Everything But The Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad

“This is the dinner I make when sauces, veggies and cheeses start piling up in the fridge, which if you are me, is at least a weekly occurrence. The salad is honestly just a little bit different every time I make it, but today I am sharing my base version, which also happens to be my favorite version.”

Get the recipe here.

Orzo Salad with Spicy Buttermilk Dressing

Creamy avocado and a fiery buttermilk dressing make this good-for-you pasta salad feel like a hearty meal. The recipe is easy to double, and you’ll have most of the ingredients in your pantry, so it’s the perfect solution for a last-minute party or potluck.

The the recipe here.

Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad

If you’re a broccoli salad fan, you’ll love this combination of colorful ingredients. Cook the pasta al dente so it’s firm enough to hold its own when tossed with the tangy-sweet salad dressing.

Get the recipe here.

Farmers’ Market Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta al dente (1 or 2 minutes shorter than package directions specify) so it holds its shape when tossed with the vegetables and vinaigrette. Ripe for riffs, the salad is also delicious with cheese-filled tortellini.

Get the recipe here.

Vietnamese Chicken Salad with Rice Noodles

“This Vietnamese Chicken Salad starts with the tangy, salty, lime-and-garlic-y dressing, which totally shines with the cooling mint + cilantro and a handful of fiery-crisp serrano peppers, which all results in me wrapping my fork with a combination of spicy-cool, salty-tangy veggies, chicken, and NOODLES (♡♡♡).”

Get the recipe here.