12 Mayo-Free Pasta Salads Your Cookout Guests Will Devour
Not everyone loves a heavy, mayo-drenched pasta salad — and honestly, they don’t have to. These 12 mayo-free pasta salads are fresh, flavorful, and guaranteed to steal the show at your next cookout. Packed with vibrant veggies, bold dressings, and plenty of crunch, they’re perfect for hot days when you want something lighter but still satisfying. Trust us, your guests will be asking for the recipes before they even finish their first plate!
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!
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.
Greek Pasta Salad
Greek Pasta Salad is full of tender al dente pasta, crunchy veggies, feta cheese, and a homemade dressing that is bursting with flavors of lemon, garlic, olive oil, and Greek herbs. This cold pasta salad is just the thing for lunch on a hot summer day or for taking to a potluck as a side dish!
Favorite Simple Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
This tortellini pasta salad recipe features a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor: cheese tortellini, turkey pepperoni, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and the best quick and easy homemade Italian dressing! Make this for your next summer potluck or backyard barbecue, and watch how fast it disappears off the buffet table!
Taco Pasta Salad
Who doesn’t love tacos? Or pasta? So why not combine the two in a delicious taco pasta salad?
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!
Italian Vegan Pasta Salad
This Italian vegan pasta salad is full of zesty flavor, featuring kalamata olives, capers, tomatoes, and crisp romaine lettuce.
Pizza Pasta Salad
The best of both worlds pizza and pasta, this Pizza Pasta Salad is sure to be a crowd favorite. With delicious pasta, pepperoni, mozzarella, and plenty of vegetables this is a great recipe for picnic and potlucks!
Spicy Pasta Salad
Spicy Pasta Salad is filled with sun-dried tomatoes, smoked gouda, fresh summer tomatoes and pepperoncinis all in a red wine vinegar dressing. This hot pasta salad is flavorful with just the right amount of heat that is easily adjustable. You will be reaching for this spicy pasta salad recipe again and again!
Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta
This Mediterranean Lemon Orzo Salad is perfect for those warm summer months. This refreshing orzo pasta salad is made with fresh ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes for the easiest side or main dish.
Pesto Orzo Salad
This Pesto Orzo Salad recipe is made with simple ingredients and fresh flavors. This is the perfect side dish for a hot summer day and is done in just 20 minutes!
Rotini Pasta Salad with Pepperoni
This medley of perfectly cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni slices, and a mouthwatering blend of fresh ingredients will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting the next barbecue, packing a picnic, or simply looking for an easy side dish, this Rotini Pasta Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.