19 Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes Perfect for Any Occasion

Pasta salad is the ultimate mix-and-match side—easy to prep, endlessly versatile, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. From creamy ranch classics to tangy Mediterranean flavors, protein-packed versions, and even veggie-forward options, this roundup offers something for everyone. Make it cold, make it colorful, and make it memorable.

Autumn Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta salad with spinach, roasted squash, pecans, and feta cheese, placed on a textured mat, with a spoon and sliced squash nearby. — Autumn Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Roasted squash, cranberries, or apples give this pasta salad a seasonal twist. The dressing balances sweetness with mild tang. Pasta carries the flavors evenly throughout. Each bite reflects autumn-inspired warmth.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Pasta Salad

Bacon Egg Pasta Salad

Chunks of bacon and hard-boiled eggs create a rich, savory base. Pasta absorbs the flavors from the dressing. The combination feels hearty without being heavy. It is easy to serve chilled or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Pasta Salad

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

A bowl of rotini pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, broccoli, sliced black olives, red onion, and creamy dressing, garnished with parsley. — Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Crisp bacon pieces mingle with creamy ranch dressing. Pasta provides a smooth and consistent texture. Vegetables like corn or peas add brightness. The mix comes together quickly and is familiar in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Balsamic-marinated tofu adds depth and a mild tang. Pasta blends easily with the marinade. Fresh vegetables balance the flavor. It creates a satisfying mix of textures.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

A plate of pasta salad with bowtie pasta, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese cubes, bacon strips, and creamy dressing. — BLT Pasta Salad. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes come together in a familiar combination. Pasta absorbs a light dressing that ties all ingredients together. Each bite features both crisp and soft elements. It mirrors a classic sandwich in a new form.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad

Broccoli and Tomato Pasta Salad

Broccoli adds crunch while tomatoes offer sweetness. Pasta carries the flavors throughout the bowl. A simple dressing brings everything together. The mix feels bright and inviting.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Tomato Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

A glass bowl of farfalle pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and herbs sits on a white surface next to a wooden spoon, pepper mills, and fresh basil. — Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil form the core of this salad. Pasta absorbs the dressing, creating a cohesive mix. Each bite has a balance of soft and firm textures. The flavor is fresh and colorful.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

Colorful pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a light dressing. Perfect for family meals on a budget. — Delicious, budget-friendly pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, herbs, and light dressing, ideal for family meals.

Pesto adds a rich herbal layer to the classic Caprese ingredients. Pasta carries the flavors evenly. Cherry tomatoes provide sweetness and mozzarella adds creaminess. The combination feels lively and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Tender chicken and crisp bacon meet creamy ranch in this classic mix. Pasta absorbs the dressing and carries the flavors throughout. Vegetables add a touch of freshness. Each bite is hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with rotini, sliced lettuce, cherry tomatoes, croutons, shredded chicken, Parmesan cheese, and creamy dressing. — Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Grilled chicken blends with pasta and Caesar dressing. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty note. Croutons or crisp vegetables bring texture. The salad tastes like a traditional Caesar in a portable format.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Coleslaw Pasta Salad

A large white bowl filled with pasta salad containing small pasta tubes, diced vegetables, and herbs, with serving utensils placed inside. — Coleslaw Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Shredded cabbage mixes with pasta for a crunchy base. A light dressing coats everything evenly. Additional vegetables or seasonings create layers of flavor. The salad is simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad

This salad combines beans, corn, and bacon with pasta for a southwestern-inspired mix. The dressing is tangy and slightly smoky. Each bite delivers a variety of textures. It is hearty and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cucumber Ranch Pasta Salad

Crisp cucumber slices add coolness to the creamy ranch pasta. Pasta absorbs the dressing while staying tender. The combination feels light and refreshing. Fresh herbs can brighten the mix further.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Ranch Pasta Salad

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Chopped deviled eggs blend with pasta and a creamy dressing. The flavor is rich and slightly tangy. Each bite combines soft and firm textures. It is a unique take on a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

A bowl of rotini pasta salad mixed with creamy dressing, diced pickles, cubes of cheddar cheese, and sprinkled with fresh dill. — Dill Pickle Pasta Salad. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Dill pickles bring a tangy crunch to pasta and dressing. Each bite has a mix of smooth pasta and crisp pickle. The flavors are bold but balanced. It stands out among traditional pasta salads.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill. — Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Salmon adds savory depth to a pasta base. Vegetables or fresh herbs complement the fish. The dressing ties all ingredients together. Each bite offers tender and soft textures.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Everything Bagel Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Deviled eggs pair with pasta and seasoning inspired by everything bagels. The spice blend adds crunch and flavor. Pasta carries the creamy mixture. The salad feels familiar yet creative.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

A close-up of a bowl of orzo pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, olives, and green bell pepper, served with a wooden spoon. — Greek Orzo Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Orzo forms a tender base for olives, tomatoes, and feta. A light dressing enhances the flavors. Each bite offers soft pasta and firm vegetables. The combination brings classic Greek notes to the table.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad (Cold Pasta Salad)

A white bowl filled with creamy macaroni salad garnished with chopped green onions, placed on a white plate next to fresh parsley and salt and pepper shakers. — Hawaiian Macaroni Salad (Cold Pasta Salad). Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Macaroni forms a creamy base for pineapple and other tropical ingredients. The mixture is cool and refreshing. Each bite balances soft pasta with sweet or tangy notes. It is a tropical twist on a classic comfort dish.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad (Cold Pasta Salad)