Looking for delicious pasta salad recipes to add to your meal rotation? Pasta salads are a perfect combination of fresh vegetables, flavorful dressings, and tender pasta, making them an ideal choice for picnics, BBQs, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you prefer a classic Italian pasta salad, a creamy version, or a protein-packed option, there’s a pasta salad recipe for every taste.
In this article, we’ll share easy-to-make pasta salad recipes that are healthy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
1. Classic Italian Pasta Salad
A refreshing and colorful pasta salad recipe loaded with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup mozzarella balls (or diced cheese)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup green bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, onion, bell pepper, and basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well and serve chilled.
👉 Tip: For extra protein, add grilled chicken or salami slices!
2. Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad
A rich and satisfying pasta salad recipe with a creamy dressing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked penne pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup crispy bacon bits
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix ranch dressing with lemon juice.
- Add cooked pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, cheese, and bacon.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving.
👉 Tip: Add avocado for a creamier texture!
3. Greek Pasta Salad (Healthy & Vegan-Friendly)
This pasta salad recipe is light, healthy, and full of Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese (or vegan alternative)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta, drain, and let cool.
- In a large bowl, mix pasta with cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss and serve chilled.
👉 Tip: Add chickpeas for extra protein!
4. Pesto Pasta Salad with Mozzarella & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A flavorful pasta salad with a homemade pesto dressing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked fusilli pasta
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup mozzarella balls (or grated cheese)
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup pesto sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta, drain, and let cool.
- In a large bowl, mix pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, pine nuts, and basil.
- Add pesto sauce and olive oil, then toss until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
👉 Tip: For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta!
5. Spicy Mexican Pasta Salad
A bold and spicy pasta salad recipe with a zesty kick!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked bowtie pasta
- ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup corn kernels
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta, drain, and let cool.
- In a bowl, mix pasta with black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
- Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss and serve.
👉 Tip: Add diced avocado or shredded cheese for extra flavor!
Tips for Making the Best Pasta Salad Recipes
✔ Choose the Right Pasta – Short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie holds dressing well.
✔ Let It Chill – Pasta salads taste better after at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
✔ Use Fresh Ingredients – Crisp vegetables and fresh herbs enhance flavor.
✔ Balance Textures & Flavors – Mix crunchy, creamy, tangy, and sweet ingredients.
✔ Don’t Overcook Pasta – Slightly undercooked pasta holds its shape better in salads.
These pasta salad recipes are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you want a classic Italian pasta salad, a creamy ranch chicken pasta salad, a healthy Greek option, or a spicy Mexican twist, there’s a pasta salad recipe for you.