12 Cold Pasta Salads That Deserve a Spot at Every Summer Gathering
When the weather heats up, no one wants to be stuck over a stove—but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. These 12 cold pasta salads are refreshing, delicious, and perfect for every summer gathering, from backyard barbecues to casual picnics. Packed with vibrant veggies, zesty dressings, and creative twists, they’re guaranteed to impress a crowd. Whether you’re feeding a few or a hungry group, these easy-to-make dishes will steal the show.
Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is delightful! It has so much built-in flavor from the rotini being cooked in Italian Dressing. The pasta salad is then stocked full of salami, feta cheese, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Did someone say lunch?!
Southwest Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad
This Southwest Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad is loaded with vibrant, flavorful ingredients, tossed with a creamy salsa Ranch dressing and topped off with crushed Doritos®. A fun choice to make and take to any summer gathering.
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
There’s a reason cilantro and lime are paired together so often. It’s a burst of fresh flavor that just works! And that combination is what makes this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad just amazingly tasty. Fresh tomatoes, crunch cucumbers, and sweet corn mixed with farfalle noodles and coated with a creamy, homemade Green Goddess dressing makes for an amazing lunch, meal prep staple, or barbecue side dish.
Caprese Pasta Salad
This Caprese Pasta Salad is packed full of fresh flavors and is perfect for any occasion! Whether you are serving it as a side dish or the main event, this mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and pasta is a great way to enjoy the fresh taste of summer.
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
There’s a reason cilantro and lime are paired together so often. It’s a burst of fresh flavor that just works! And that combination is what makes this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad just amazingly tasty. Fresh tomatoes, crunch cucumbers, and sweet corn mixed with farfalle noodles and coated with a creamy, homemade Green Goddess dressing makes for an amazing lunch, meal prep staple, or barbecue side dish.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Texas Style
This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, made with bacon, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, Texas Shape pasta and jalapenos gives this pasta salad a Texas flair for any potluck, picnic, or party.
4 Ingredient Pasta Salad
This 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad cooks your noodles directly in the dressing in the Instant Pot. Ready in under 30 minutes, it doesn’t get much quicker or easier than this!
Kale Pasta Salad
Massaged kale tossed with olive oil, fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese and sundried tomatoes, this Kale Pasta Salad is the ultimate picnic side dish.
Chickpea Tortellini Pasta Salad
This chickpea tortellini pasta salad is the perfect quick lunch for those days you want something comforting yet nutritious. Bonus — it’s ready in just 15 minutes!
Ravioli Pasta Salad
Ravioli pasta salad is the perfect dish for a satisfying lunch or even a light dinner. Packed with tender, cheese-filled ravioli, vibrant veggies, and a zesty dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This easy creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe is the best summer side dish to bring to a BBQ or party. It’s packed with sweet corn kernels and dressed in a creamy sour cream and mayo-based dressing with a hint of chili and a splash of lime. A great make-ahead pasta salad!
Taco Pasta Salad
Who doesn’t love tacos? Or pasta? So why not combine the two in a delicious taco pasta salad?
