20 Fresh and Easy Pasta Salad Recipes

Cold, crisp, and packed with flavor, pasta salad brings endless variety to your table. This list covers creamy, tangy, herb-packed, and protein-rich versions that suit everything from casual lunches to potluck spreads. Whether you’re tossing in salmon, bacon, roasted vegetables, or bold dressings, these recipes make pasta salad feel fresh and interesting every time.

Salmon Pasta Salad

Flaked salmon and pasta come together with creamy or herbed dressing. It’s rich, light, and great for meal prep. Add dill, capers, or lemon to brighten the flavor. Serve cold or just slightly cool.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This mash-up combines Caesar salad and pasta in a creamy, garlicky dressing. Shredded chicken and Parmesan round it out. Toss in croutons just before serving. A full meal in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad

Tiny orzo pasta is tossed with pesto, vegetables, and sometimes feta or pine nuts. It’s fresh and easy to prep ahead. Great as a side or picnic dish. Serve cold or room temp.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad

Olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta bring a salty, crisp bite to this Mediterranean-style salad. Tossed with a lemony vinaigrette, it’s fresh and balanced. Serve chilled with grilled meats or pita. A classic go-to.
Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad

Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and pasta come together in a rich, savory salad. Add vegetables for balance. Serve cold with extra pepper. Great for BBQ spreads.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Pesto Pasta Salad

Basil pesto coats the pasta for a bold, herbaceous flavor. Add cherry tomatoes or mozzarella for variety. It’s quick to throw together and always popular. Serve cold or room temp.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Creamy, tangy dressing inspired by deviled eggs gives this salad a retro vibe. Add chopped hard-boiled eggs, mustard, and paprika. It’s rich and savory. Serve chilled.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

Combining mozzarella, tomatoes, basil pesto, and pasta gives this salad its classic Italian flavor. It’s colorful and full of texture. Serve room temp or cold. A fresh spin on Caprese.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

This version keeps it simple with a creamy base and minimal ingredients. The salmon adds richness and protein. Great for picnics or packed lunches. Best served chilled.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Summer Italian Pasta Salad

Packed with fresh veggies, cheese, and tangy dressing, this pasta salad is bright and refreshing. It’s made for warm weather. Add salami or pepperoncini for a kick. Chill well before serving.
Get the Recipe: Summer Italian Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad

Bold flavors like bacon, beans, corn, and barbecue sauce give this salad a smoky-sweet edge. It’s hearty and full of texture. Serve at cookouts or as a meal. Great with grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Pasta Salad

Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

A classic blend of chopped vegetables, pasta, and zesty bottled dressing. It’s bright, crisp, and customizable. Serve cold as a quick side or light lunch. Always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Pre-cooked chicken speeds things up in this hearty pasta salad. Add fresh vegetables, cheese, and your dressing of choice. Ideal for lunches or easy dinners. Make ahead and chill.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This salad features roasted corn, cotija cheese, and creamy chili-lime dressing. Pasta gives it substance, and cilantro adds brightness. It’s bold, creamy, and a little smoky. Serve chilled.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables

This version uses earthy walnut pesto and adds roasted vegetables like zucchini and peppers. It’s savory, herb-packed, and satisfying. Serve cold or at room temp. A hearty vegetarian option.
Get the Recipe: Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Shredded chicken and crispy bacon meet creamy ranch in this filling salad. Pasta ties it all together for a one-bowl meal. Add shredded cheese or green onions for extra flavor. Best served cold.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Lemony Greek Pasta Salad

Lemon juice and herbs brighten the usual Greek ingredients like olives, feta, and cucumber. It’s tangy and vibrant. Add chickpeas or grilled chicken if desired. Chill before serving.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Greek Pasta Salad

Bacon Egg Pasta Salad

This version adds crispy bacon and hard-boiled eggs to a creamy pasta base. Rich and filling with lots of texture. Serve with greens or on its own. A twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Pasta Salad

Broccoli and Tomato Pasta Salad

Blanched broccoli and sweet cherry tomatoes add crunch and color. Tossed in a simple vinaigrette, it’s a healthy option. Add cheese or nuts if you like. Great as a light side dish.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Tomato Pasta Salad

Cucumber Ranch Pasta Salad

Cool cucumbers and ranch dressing make this salad extra refreshing. Add herbs or cheese if you like. Perfect for summer sides. Serve cold with grilled food.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Ranch Pasta Salad