These 20 delicious pasta salad recipes for a crowd are perfect for bringing to a party. You’ll find simple pasta recipes, pasta salad with chicken, and even vegetarian recipes.
Most of these are easy, perfect for summer when you want to make your kitchen time as little as possible. Serve one of these alongside this Grilled Bruschetta Chicken or this Old Bay Crab Cakes recipe, and you’ll be set!
These easy pasta salad recipes are what I turn to when life gets hectic. Don’t we all love dinner ideas we know our family will enjoy that also don’t take hours to make? These are all great for easy lunches, too. Let me know your favorite!
1
Pasta Primavera
One of my favorite pasta salad recipes, our healthy pasta primavera is so delicious, you won't miss all that butter and heavy cream so many primavera recipes include. Rotisserie chicken or shrimp pair perfectly with this salad if you want to add protein.
This Greek orzo salad is delicious and super easy to prepare. When you need a side dish for meat, chicken, or seafood, this is the perfect easy recipe! Tip: Use the little cucumbers (Persian) for the best crunch.
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Pizza Pasta Salad Recipe
What’s better than pizza and pasta? Combining them to make a healthier delicious pizza and pasta salad, even coming in at 3 Weight Watchers Smart Points! Tip: Use Sugar Bomb brand juicy cherry tomatoes if you can find them.
With a delicious combination of tangy dill pickles, creamy dressing, savory cheese, and tender pasta, this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for summer parties!
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delicious fusion of flavors featuring charred corn, cotija cheese, and a creamy chili lime dressing tossed with tender pasta.
This pesto orzo salad is tossed with a vibrant pesto, chewy sun-dried tomatoes, peas, cucumbers, and feta cheese, making it perfect as a quick and healthy meal.
Marry Me Pasta Salad takes all the rich, creamy flavors you love from the famous Marry Me Chicken and turns them into a cold, hearty salad. It’s parmesan
Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, this Mediterranean Pasta Salad is packed with crunchy veggies, creamy chickpeas and a zesty homemade dressing.It’s the perfect make-ahead salad for potluck!
Savor the ultimate flavor medley in this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, veggies, and cheese in creamy ranch dressing create a mouthwatering combination you’ll crave.
Though you can use whatever type of pasta variety you have on hand, the best pasta for pasta salad is one that holds onto the dressing best:
Rotini is probably the most popular choice. The spirals catch dressing and small ingredients beautifully.
Fusilli is similar to rotini but a little more elegant-looking.
Farfalle (bow ties) holds up well and looks great in photos.
Cavatappi is corkscrew-shaped with a hollow center; excellent for creamy or vinaigrette-based salads.
Gemelli is twisted strands that grab onto dressing and toppings.
How to Store Pasta Salad
Pasta salad will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. If the pasta salad sits out during a summer BBQ, it’s best to toss it at the end. Serving in a medium sized bowl and refilling is a good idea, so you don’t end up tossing too much.
Where do I click to see the recipes? :/
Amen for Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad from Quirky Inspired! Looks like heaven’s salad!
love pasta and salad how delicious
Me, too, Krystel. Could eat it every day!
Thanks for including mine! These all look so good.
They do all look good, Carrie! You’re in great company! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing my BLT Pasta Salad!
You’re welcome, Allyson! Thanks for sharing!