10 Summer Pasta Salad Recipes – Become the Star of Every BBQ
When the sun is shining and the grill is fired up, nothing beats a refreshing, flavorful pasta salad to complement your summer spread. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a potluck, or just craving a light yet satisfying meal, these 10 summer pasta salad recipes are guaranteed to impress.
Pasta salads are versatile, easy to prepare, and endlessly customizable, making them a summer staple. Below, we’ll cover classic favorites, bold twists, and pro tips to ensure your dish is always a hit.
1. Classic Italian Pasta Salad
A timeless favorite packed with fresh veggies, tangy dressing, and savory Italian flavors.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup pepperoni, diced (optional)
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing:
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta al dente, rinse under cold water, and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, pepperoni, and mozzarella.
- Whisk dressing ingredients and pour over the salad. Toss well.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, let the salad marinate overnight—the pasta soaks up the dressing beautifully!
2. Creamy Avocado & Lime Pasta Salad
A zesty, creamy twist with avocado lime dressing—perfect for hot days.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fusilli pasta
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (grilled or canned)
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Dressing:
- 1 avocado, mashed
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook and cool pasta.
- Blend dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Toss pasta with avocado, corn, bell pepper, and cilantro.
- Fold in dressing and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Add a dash of chili powder for a spicy kick!
3. Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
A Mediterranean-inspired dish with feta, olives, and a lemony dressing.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook orzo, rinse, and cool.
- Combine with veggies, olives, and feta.
- Whisk dressing and toss with salad.
- Chill before serving.
Pro Tip: Add grilled chicken for a protein boost!
4. Spicy Southwest Pasta Salad
A fiery, smoky pasta salad with black beans, corn, and chipotle dressing.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Dressing:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo (minced)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- ½ tsp cumin
Instructions:
- Cook pasta, cool, and mix with veggies.
- Blend dressing ingredients and toss with salad.
- Top with extra cilantro before serving.
Pro Tip: Add diced jalapeños for extra heat!
5. Caprese Pasta Salad
A fresh, elegant take on the classic Caprese salad.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing:
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook and cool pasta.
- Toss with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Drizzle with dressing and serve.
Pro Tip: Use heirloom tomatoes for extra sweetness!
6. Tropical Mango & Coconut Pasta Salad
A sweet, tangy, and creamy pasta salad with a taste of the tropics.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Dressing:
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp ginger, grated
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta, rinse under cold water, and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, mango, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth and pour over the salad.
- Toss well, top with toasted coconut, and chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Pro Tip: Add grilled shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist!
7. Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Salad
A protein-packed, zesty pasta salad with tender grilled chicken.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bowtie or fusilli pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
Dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook and cool pasta.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan.
- Whisk dressing ingredients and toss with the salad.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Pro Tip: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick prep!
8. Pesto & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
A bold, herby pasta salad with rich Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz farfalle or penne pasta
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped
- ½ cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing:
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta, rinse, and drain.
- Toss with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, pine nuts, and basil.
- Mix pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice, then coat the salad.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Pro Tip: Add crumbled feta for extra creaminess!
9. Asian Sesame Noodle Salad
A crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet pasta salad with an Asian flair.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti or soba noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- ½ cup edamame, shelled
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions:
- Cook noodles, rinse with cold water, and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine noodles, carrots, cabbage, edamame, green onions, and cilantro.
- Whisk dressing ingredients and toss with the salad.
- Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Pro Tip: Top with crushed peanuts for extra crunch!
10. BLT Pasta Salad
A creamy, smoky twist on the classic BLT sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta, rinse, and drain.
- In a large bowl, mix pasta, tomatoes, bacon, lettuce, and green onions.
- Whisk dressing ingredients and fold into the salad.
- Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 hour (add lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp).
Pro Tip: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version!
Final Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad
✔ Cook pasta al dente – Avoid mushy pasta by slightly undercooking it.
✔ Rinse with cold water – Stops cooking and removes excess starch.
✔ Let it chill – Flavors meld beautifully when rested.
✔ Add dressing in stages – Prevents sogginess.
