16 Unexpected Pasta Salad Recipes That Don’t Use Italian Dressing
Pasta salad doesn’t have to mean the same old Italian dressing every time. These 16 unexpected recipes take things in a completely different direction, using bold, creative flavors that might surprise you—in the best way. From creamy and tangy to fresh and zesty, each one proves there’s more than one way to make a great pasta salad. If you’re ready to switch things up, this is where to start.
Cold Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad
This Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is easy and light with fresh vegetables. It’s the perfect summer side for grilling and potlucks.
Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad
This Avocado Pasta Salad recipe is a healthy summer salad that’s perfect for picnics and potlucks. It has a rich creamy avocado sauce with tomatoes and corn.
Antipasto Tortellini Salad (Easy Summer Pasta Salad Recipe)
As soon as the weather gets warmer, I start craving hearty pasta salads. This antipasto tortellini salad hits all the right notes—packed with classic antipasto flavors like salami, olives, peppers, and cheese, and it only takes about 15 minutes to prep. I love that you can make it ahead of time for BBQs, meal prep, or quick and satisfying weekday lunches.
Kale & Basil Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
This easy pasta salad is the perfect summertime side dish for your next potluck! Homemade kale pesto, crispy prosciutto, fresh mozzarella and fresh tomatoes make a simple caprese pasta salad that’s always a hit.
Corn and Tomato Pasta Salad
This easy pasta salad with corn and tomatoes is perfect for summer! Fresh cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, and cilantro are mixed with cavatappi and a fresh lemon dressing. Vegan, Vegetarian.
Tahini Pasta Salad
Packed with fresh veggies, chickpeas, and healthy fats, this tahini pasta salad is delicious, filling, and easy to make!
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.
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!
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!
Cordon Bleu Chicken Pasta Salad
Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu inspired this delicious chicken pasta salad, complete with all the flavors of the original – it’s a perfect summer side dish for any picnic, party, or BBQ!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is spicy, creamy, and crunchy, making for a meal that’s filled with exciting flavors and textures. This salad is perfect for get-togethers, or as an easy weeknight meal.
Fiesta Garden Ranch Pasta Salad
This Fiesta Garden Ranch Pasta Salad is a healthy, colorful and flavorful Pasta Salad made with Ronzoni Garden Delight Pasta, greek yogurt, spicy ranch dressing mix, and lots of colorful vegetables.
Seafood Pasta Salad
If you are looking for a comforting and filling salad, look no more. This Seafood Pasta Salad is exactly what you need right now. Featuring pasta, shrimp, imitation crabmeat, and veggies, it can be mixed with either a mayo or yogurt dressing for a healthier version!
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for summer! Filling, fresh and full of flavor, it’s a dish that is perfect for a weekend barbeque, weeknight dinner or even a quick afternoon snack!
Sun-dried Tomato Pasta Salad
Sun-dried Tomato Pasta Salad is quick & simple to make with just a few pantry staple ingredients. It’s great for meal prep & bursting with flavor!
