34 Crazy Good Cold Pasta Salad Recipes

Lori Lange
·5 min read
14

Classic Macaroni Salad

The prime summer entertaining season is in full swing! Long lazy days (and nights) made for cookouts and backyard barbecues. If you happen to be invited to a summer soiree this year, there is one dish you can bring that will be a hit every single time—pasta salad.

Pasta salads are so popular because they're so easy to make, travel well and usually don't require constant chilling, so they can sit out on a buffet table rather well, at least for a little while!

Related: 65 Cold Appetizers for Summer Parties

Best Pasta Salad Recipes

From cold pasta salads like Best-Ever Macaroni Salad and Healthy Pepperoni Pasta Salad to creamy pasta salads that have the flavors of a classic BLT and another with big bites of cheese, there is something that will please all palates in this mix. Plus, there are plenty of Italian pasta salad recipes and seafood pasta salads with tuna and lobster for some extra protein!

Related: 60 Summertime Salads For Backyard Barbecues

And the best thing about these easy pasta salad recipes is that you can usually use up whatever fresh vegetables you have laying around. Simply boil a pot of water, cook your pasta, toss in cheese, meat, fish and veggies, and you're good to go. They transport well and taste even better the next day.

Your summer parties need one, or maybe a few of these cold pasta salads, and the leftovers can always go in your picnic basket the next day too!

Related: 101 Easy Pasta Recipes for All Occasions

Cold Pasta Salad Recipes

<p>Jon Ashton</p><p>This classic goes perfectly with whatever you've got coming off the grill this summer.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://parade.com/1234985/parade/macaroni-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Classic Macaroni Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Classic Macaroni Salad</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/52-cheap-recipes-start-box-154751781.html" data-ylk="slk:52 Best Recipes With Elbow Macaroni;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">52 Best Recipes With Elbow Macaroni</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>This one is sure to make you the star of the next neighborhood cookout.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/877089/kristamarshall/thai-noodle-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Thai Noodle Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Thai Noodle Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>Imitation crab is the secret to keeping this budget-friendly.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://parade.com/842643/kristamarshall/crab-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Crab Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Crab Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>London Brazil</p><p>As delicious as it is colorful, this Tex-Mex favorite is always a hit.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842685/communitytable/salsa-ranch-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Salsa Ranch Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Salsa Ranch Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>A sweet and tangy dressing and crunch veggies make this macaroni salad extra special.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://parade.com/897629/kristamarshall/how-to-make-the-best-ever-amish-macaroni-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Best-Ever Amish Macaroni Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Best-Ever Amish Macaroni Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>All the flavors of the warm dip in a cool, creamy pasta salad.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1200160/kristamarshall/spinach-artichoke-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>Filled with all your favorite Greek salad ingredients.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/897479/kristamarshall/greek-style-pasta-salad-is-the-easiest-potluck-dish-ever/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Greek Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Greek Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>America's Test Kitchen</p><p>Add this brightly flavored dish to your summer menu and watch your guests go back for seconds and thirds!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1214790/parade/pasta-salad-with-asparagus-and-red-bell-peppers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pasta Salad with Asparagus and Red Bell Peppers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pasta Salad with Asparagus and Red Bell Peppers</a></strong></p>
<p>Jon Ashton</p><p>Summer fresh cherry tomatoes, olives and lots of pepperoni give this pasta salad a big flavor.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/1046957/jonashton/pepperoni-pasta-salad-with-mozzarella-and-pesto/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pepperoni Pasta Salad With Mozzarella and Pesto;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pepperoni Pasta Salad With Mozzarella and Pesto</a></strong></p>
<p>Elizabeth Newman</p><p>Creamy burrata cheese takes this pasta salad over the top.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/recipes/romesco-sauce" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Romesco Pasta Salad with Burrata;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Romesco Pasta Salad with Burrata</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1212157/felicialim/burrata-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:30 Best Burrata Cheese Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">30 Best Burrata Cheese Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>This recipe has a secret ingredient that will keep people guessing.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://parade.com/842620/kristamarshall/country-macaroni-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Country Macaroni Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Country Macaroni Salad </a></strong></p>
<p>Tyson</p><p>Refrigerated grilled chicken strips make this a great dish for a last-minute party.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/54081/sponsoredbytysongrilledready/asian-cucumber-chicken-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Asian Cucumber Chicken Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Asian Cucumber Chicken Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Cassie Blount</p><p>A unique use for broken lasagna noodles.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/841738/lisawaddle/italian-antipasto-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad</a> </strong></p>
<p>Elizabeth Newman</p><p>This dish will have you dreaming of Italy.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/recipes/pesto-pasta-salad" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pesto Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pesto Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>

Elizabeth Newman

This dish will have you dreaming of Italy.

Get the recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

<p>Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell & Heather Chontos</p><p>A total picnic-worthy side dish.<br></p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/306285/parade/tortellini-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad With Caesar Dressing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad With Caesar Dressing</a></strong></p>
<p>Parade</p><p>A vegetarian option with an Italian flare.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/29562/dash/margherita-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Margherita Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Margherita Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>

Parade

A vegetarian option with an Italian flare.

Get the recipe: Margherita Pasta Salad

<p>Cassie Blount</p><p>A comforting pasta salad with the flavors of a classic BLT.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/841739/lisawaddle/blt-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:BLT Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">BLT Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>

Cassie Blount

A comforting pasta salad with the flavors of a classic BLT.

Get the recipe: BLT Pasta Salad

<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>Sure, this can be a cookout side dish, but it also makes a terrific light meal on a hot evening.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842658/kristamarshall/sesame-noodle-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sesame Noodle Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sesame Noodle Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Barefeet In The Kitchen</p><p>This pasta salad isn't swimming in dressing.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.barefeetinthekitchen.com/2014/06/creamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Creamy Summer Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Creamy Summer Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Recipe Girl</p><p>Highlight the best of summer produce.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.recipegirl.com/2007/03/29/orzo-salad-with-corn-green-beans-and-tomatoes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Orzo Pasta Salad with Corn, Green Beans and Tomatoes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Orzo Pasta Salad with Corn, Green Beans and Tomatoes</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1292137/parade/corn-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:100 Best Corn Recipes with Canned, Frozen and Fresh;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">100 Best Corn Recipes with Canned, Frozen and Fresh</a></strong></p>
<p>Foodie Crush</p><p>This five-ingredient pasta salad has all the traditional Caesar salad flavors plus kale and cherry tomatoes too.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong><strong><a href="https://www.foodiecrush.com/kale-caesar-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Kale Cesar Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "> Kale Cesar Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Hip Foodie Mom</p><p>Grilling vegetables gives them so much flavor.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://hipfoodiemom.com/2014/06/30/grilled-veggie-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Grilled Veggie Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Grilled Veggie Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Baked By Rachel</p><p>Pesto sauce made out of fresh spinach gives this salad flavor and vibrant color.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.bakedbyrachel.com/spinach-pesto-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Spinach Pesto Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Spinach Pesto Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Bless This Mess Please</p><p>Garlic and herb cheese will keep guests coming back for more.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.blessthismessplease.com/2014/06/pasta-salad-party.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pasta Salad for a Party;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pasta Salad for a Party</a></strong></p>
<p>Reluctant Entertainer</p><p>Fresh avocado, English peas and a creamy dressing make this pasta salad a little sophisticated.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://reluctantentertainer.com/summer-avocado-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Summer Avocado Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Summer Avocado Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Movita Beau Coup</p><p>Sink your teeth into big pieces of lobster meat.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://movitabeaucoup.com/2014/03/24/lobster-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lobster Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lobster Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>A Dash Of Sanity</p><p>Light, refreshing and delicious, this pasta salad has extra protein thanks to black beans.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong><strong> <a href="https://www.adashofsanity.com/2014/06/easy-southwestern-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Southwestern Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Easy Southwestern Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Kleinworth & Co</p><p>This creamy, cheesy salad is perfect paired with fried chicken.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://www.kleinworthco.com/2015/07/parmesan-ranch-pasta-salad.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Parmesan Ranch Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Parmesan Ranch Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Well Plated</p><p>The kids will love this so much, they won't even care it's good for them.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://www.wellplated.com/pepperoni-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Healthy Pepperoni Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Healthy Pepperoni Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Kalyn's Kitchen</p><p>This is great for picnics, or a light supper on a hot summer night.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://www.kalynskitchen.com/2012/04/tuna-pasta-salad-recipe-with-lemon.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Tuna Pasta Salad with Lemon, Green Olives and Cucumbers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Tuna Pasta Salad with Lemon, Green Olives and Cucumbers</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1045833/kristamarshall/best-cucumber-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:35 Best Cucumber Recipes For Summer;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">35 Best Cucumber Recipes For Summer</a></strong></p>
<p>She Wears Many Hats</p><p>This creamy pasta salad is filled with Tex-Mex flavors.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://shewearsmanyhats.com/black-bean-pasta-salad-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Southwestern Black Bean Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Southwestern Black Bean Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Center Cut Cook</p><p>This might remind you of something from the deli counter.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.centercutcook.com/creamy-cheddar-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Creamy Cheddar Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Creamy Cheddar Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Kitchen Confidante</p><p>Cayenne pepper gives this pasta salad a kick!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://kitchenconfidante.com/fireworks-pasta-salad-recipe" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Fireworks Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Fireworks Pasta Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Chocolate And Carrots</p><p>Your gluten-free guests will appreciate this one!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <strong><a href="https://chocolateandcarrots.com/2014/06/blt-pasta-salad-glutenfree" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gluten-Free BLT Pasta Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Gluten-Free BLT Pasta Salad</a></strong></p><p><strong>Next: <a href="https://parade.com/843548/kristanroland/12-epic-blt-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:12 Epic BLT Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">12 Epic BLT Recipes</a></strong></p>

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