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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Pasta Salads That Are Perfect for Meal Prep

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 18, 2025, updated May 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Pasta salads are a fantastic option for meal prep, offering a variety of flavors and textures that can be enjoyed throughout the week. They are easy to make in large batches and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making them both satisfying and convenient. Whether you prefer a classic Italian style or something with a twist, these 18 pasta salad recipes will keep your lunches fresh and exciting.

    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. With only 15 minutes of actual prep and cooking time, it’s a simple dish that’s full of vegetables and flavor. You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, making it flexible for your needs. It’s just as tasty served cold as it is warm, making it a versatile option. This is a great choice for a summer meal.

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    Tomato Corn Pasta Salad

    Tomato Corn Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: A Wicked Whisk.

    This Tomato Corn Pasta Salad features basil pesto chicken, sweet corn, jalapeños, and lime for a bright and flavorful dish. It's creamy with a nice kick, making it a great choice for summer meals. You can enjoy it warm or cold, which adds to its versatility. This salad is quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes, making it ideal for BBQs or meal prep. It's a refreshing option that everyone will love.

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    Antipasto Pasta Salad

    Antipasto Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    Antipasto Pasta Salad is a simple and tasty dish that works well for potlucks or meal prep. It's packed with flavors and ingredients that everyone loves. This salad is great for warm weather and can be made ahead of time. You can enjoy it as a side or a main dish. It's a great option for busy days when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Macaroni Salad

    Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Macaroni salad is a crowd-pleaser that everyone enjoys. It's simple to prepare and has a flavor that appeals to many. With just a few basic ingredients and a creamy dressing made from scratch, this dish stands out. It's ideal for summer gatherings and can be made ahead of time, making it convenient for busy days. This salad is sure to be a hit at your next potluck.

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    Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad

    Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Pypers Kitchen.

    Orzo Pesto Salad is a versatile dish that fits well into any meal. It’s perfect for lunch, brunch, or dinner. You can serve it as a main dish or a side dish. This salad is refreshing and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for warm days. Enjoy it as a light meal or a tasty addition to your table.

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    Tortellini Pasta Salad

    Tortellini Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Dish Next Door.

    This tortellini pasta salad is tossed in olive oil and mixed with marinated artichokes and fresh herbs. It's a great side dish for warm weather gatherings. The combination of flavors is refreshing and satisfying. This salad is easy to prepare and perfect for picnics or barbecues. Enjoy it as a light meal or a tasty addition to any summer spread.

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    Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

    Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: She's Not Cookin'.

    Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with a creamy dressing that has a hint of lime. This salad is full of vibrant tastes, making it a great choice for gatherings. It's perfect to bring along to potlucks or to serve at summer barbecues. This dish is sure to be a hit with friends and family.

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    Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

    Dill Pickle Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Mom Foodie.

    This dill pickle pasta salad is a simple and refreshing dish that everyone will enjoy. With fresh pickles and a light dressing, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or just a quick side at dinner. It’s easy to throw together, making it a great choice for busy days. This salad adds a nice crunch and tangy flavor that pairs well with many meals. It’s sure to become a favorite at your table.

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    Pasta with Peas

    Pasta with Peas.

    Pasta with peas is a delicious 20-minute dish with pesto pasta and fresh veggies. Enjoy it warm or chilled as a refreshing rotini pea pasta salad!

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    Spanish Inspired Pasta Salad

    Spanish Inspired Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Carne Diem.

    This Spanish Inspired Pasta Salad is a great addition to any cookout. It's not only colorful and appealing but also packed with delicious ingredients. You'll find a mix of vibrant peppers, onions, and tomatoes, along with flavorful Spanish chorizo and salty Manchego cheese. This dish is sure to impress your guests and make your meal even more enjoyable. It's a simple yet satisfying option for summer gatherings.

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    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad is a bright and refreshing dish featuring orzo pasta, juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant fresh basil. It's a simple salad that comes together in no time, making it ideal for picnics or gatherings with friends. This salad is perfect for warm days when you want something light yet satisfying. Enjoy it as a side or a main dish, and it’s sure to please everyone. It's a great way to enjoy fresh summer flavors.

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    Tuscan Pasta Salad

    Tuscan Pasta Salad Recipe
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    Tuscan Pasta Salad is a simple and refreshing dish perfect for summer. It combines fresh vegetables, beans, and cheese for a satisfying meal. This salad can be enjoyed on its own or served as a side. It's a great option for warm days when you want something light. Enjoy this flavorful salad at your next gathering or as a quick lunch.

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    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    Pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Nutmeg and Vinegar.

    This chicken pesto pasta salad is a great choice for warm weather. It's a healthy and easy dish that you can whip up in no time. Perfect for picnics or barbecues, it brings a fresh taste to your meal. The combination of chicken and pesto gives it a delicious flavor that everyone will enjoy. This salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

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    Antipasto Pasta Salad

    Antipasto Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    Antipasto Pasta Salad is a simple and tasty dish that works well for potlucks or meal prep. It's packed with flavors and ingredients that everyone loves. This salad is great for warm weather and can be made ahead of time. You can enjoy it as a side or a main dish. It's a great option for busy days when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Bean Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

    Bean Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing.
    Photo Credit: The Carefree Cook.

    A refreshing bean pasta salad is perfect for those warm summer days when you want something cold and light. It features thinly sliced red peppers and onions that add a nice crunch, along with a simple homemade Italian dressing. This vegetarian salad is a great choice as a filling side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or backyard gatherings. It's easy to prepare and brings a burst of flavor to any meal. Enjoy this salad as a tasty addition to your summer menu.

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    Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

    Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Eating.

    This 5-ingredient Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is quick to prepare and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a light meal or a side dish at a summer gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip it up in no time. This salad is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a refreshing and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

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    Curry Noodle Salad

    Curry Noodle Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar.

    This curried pasta salad is a fun mix of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. It's a great dish for summer gatherings or just a quick meal at home. With its vibrant ingredients, it brings a refreshing twist to your usual pasta salads. This salad is easy to prepare and perfect for warm days. It's sure to be a hit at any table.

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    Vegan Pasta Salad

    Vegan Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: My Quiet Kitchen.

    This Vegan Pasta Salad is simple to make and full of vibrant colors, making it a great side dish for gatherings. It features fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and peppers, along with chickpeas and olives. The zesty Italian dressing ties everything together nicely. This dish is a favorite for a reason, as it’s both tasty and satisfying. It’s perfect for summer meals or any time you want something light and refreshing.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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