• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Quick and Tasty Pasta Salads for All Your Summer Picnics

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 26, 2025, updated May 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Summer is the perfect time for picnics, and pasta salads are a great addition to any outdoor gathering. They are easy to make, can be served cold, and are packed with flavor. Here are 20 quick and tasty pasta salad recipes that will make your summer meals even more enjoyable.

    Easy Tuna Pasta Salad with Mayo

    Easy Tuna Pasta with Mayo.
    Photo Credit: Sims Home Kitchen.

    This Easy Tuna Pasta with Mayo is a quick and tasty dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. It combines creamy mayo with fresh capsicum peppers and red onions for a nice crunch. Seasoned with salt and pepper, this pasta is both simple and satisfying. It works well as a main dish or a side for dinner. Perfect for those warm summer nights when you want something light and refreshing.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the Recipe

    Halloumi Pasta Salad with Greek Herb Vinaigrette

    Halloumi Pasta Salad with Greek Herb Vinaigrette.
    Photo Credit: The Sage Apron.

    Halloumi Pasta Salad is a vibrant and tasty dish that fits perfectly into any summer meal. With pasta, a variety of fresh vegetables, olives, and halloumi cheese, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing. It's simple to prepare and brings a burst of flavor to your table. This dish is great for warm days when you want something light yet filling. Enjoy it as a side or a main dish at your next gathering.

    Get the Recipe

    Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad

    Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Herbeevore.

    This creamy pasta salad with cottage cheese is fresh and zesty, and it doesn't use any mayonnaise. It's a great option if you're looking for a high-protein dish. Perfect for summer gatherings like cookouts, tailgates, potlucks, or BBQs, this salad is sure to please. The combination of flavors makes it a standout side dish. Enjoy it as a light meal or a tasty addition to your next get-together.

    Get the Recipe

    Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

    Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is a flavorful dish that's easy to make. With just a few ingredients to chop and a quick prep time, you can have it ready in under 30 minutes. The dressing uses the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, adding a rich taste to the salad. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or a light meal. It's sure to impress everyone at the table!

    Get the Recipe

    Pesto Pasta Salad

    Pesto Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    This summer salad is a great choice for warm days. The Pesto Pasta Salad features fresh basil pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, and zesty arugula, creating a colorful and tasty dish. Topped with crunchy toasted pine nuts and fresh basil, it’s a simple yet delicious meal. It’s easy to prepare and works well for picnics or gatherings. Enjoy this refreshing salad anytime you want something light and satisfying.

    Get the Recipe

    Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

    Creamy Italian Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar.

    This pasta salad is packed with flavor and is perfect for summer. It features salami, which is great for meat lovers, along with two types of cheese that add creaminess. Fresh herbs bring a burst of freshness to every bite. The dressing combines tangy and garlicky notes, balanced with a hint of sweetness from honey. This dish is a great choice for a light meal or a side at your next gathering.

    Get the Recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Pasta Salad

    Caprese Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: In The Kitch.

    This Caprese pasta salad is a light and refreshing dish perfect for summer. It mixes cooked pasta with fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and small mozzarella balls that bring a nice creaminess. The combination of flavors makes it a delightful option for warm days. It's simple to prepare and great for gatherings or a quick meal. Enjoy this Italian-inspired salad as a tasty side or a main dish.

    Get the Recipe

    Roasted Beet Pasta Salad

    Roasted Beet Pasta Salad with Basil Dressing.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This pasta salad offers a fresh twist on the traditional recipe. It requires very little time to prepare, making it a great choice for summer gatherings. With its vibrant flavors, it pairs well with any meal. This dish is light and refreshing, perfect for warm weather. Enjoy it as a side at your next barbecue or picnic.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Pasta Salad

    Caprese Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Easy and Delish.

    Caprese Pasta Salad is a filling and enjoyable take on a classic dish. It features whole-grain bow-tie pasta mixed with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, creating a nutritious side. The tangy balsamic dressing adds a nice kick, making it a great choice for summer gatherings. This salad is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or just a simple meal at home. It's a refreshing option that everyone will appreciate.

    Get the Recipe

    Greek Pasta Salad

    Greek pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Home at Cedar Springs Farm.

    This Greek pasta salad is packed with fresh veggies and a tasty dressing that ties it all together. It's a light and refreshing dish that works well for summer meals. The combination of flavors makes it a great choice for a warm day. Enjoy it as a side or a main dish, and it's sure to please everyone. This salad is easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or a simple dinner at home.

    Get the recipe

    Cherry Caprese Pasta Salad

    Cherry Caprese Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This pasta salad is a great option for summer dinners. It combines sweet and savory flavors that everyone will enjoy. It's vegetarian, and you can easily make it vegan if you prefer. This dish works well as a side or can be enjoyed as a main meal. Perfect for warm evenings when you want something light and refreshing.

    Get the recipe

    Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

    Dill Pickle Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a simple and refreshing side dish perfect for summer. It features crunchy pickles, zesty lemon, fresh dill, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together. This salad is great for picnics or barbecues, adding a nice twist to your meal. It's easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Enjoy this delightful dish alongside your favorite grilled foods.

    Get the Recipe

    Pizza Pasta Salad

    Pizza Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    Pizza Pasta Salad is a fun twist on your favorite pizza, packed with pepperoni, tomatoes, cheese, and more. Tossed together with a zesty Italian dressing, it brings all the classic pizza flavors into a refreshing salad. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or a quick meal at home. It's easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying salad that captures the essence of pizza.

    Get the Recipe

    Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

    Dill Pickle Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying side dish perfect for summer gatherings. It combines a tangy and creamy dressing with crunchy pickles, making it a great choice for anyone who loves pickles. This salad is simple to prepare and uses everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. It's a great addition to barbecues, picnics, or any meal where you want something light and tasty. Enjoy this easy pasta salad as a fun twist on traditional summer sides.

    Get the Recipe

    Bow Tie Pasta Salad

    Bow Tie Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Chef Savvy.

    Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a bright and tasty dish that’s perfect for summer. It’s loaded with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, and olives. This salad is great as a side or a light lunch on warm days. The combination of roasted veggies adds a nice touch to the pasta. Enjoy this colorful meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

    Get the Recipe

    Lentil Pesto Pasta Salad

    Lentil Pesto Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Lentil pesto pasta salad is full of flavor and offers a healthy dose of fiber, protein, and iron thanks to the lentils. It's a perfect dish to bring to summer barbecues. This salad is not only tasty but also filling, making it a great choice for warm weather gatherings. With its vibrant ingredients, it adds a nice touch to any meal. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side or a light main dish.

    Get the Recipe

    Caprese Pasta Salad

    Caprese Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: From a Chef's Kitchen.

    Caprese Pasta Salad brings a fresh take on the traditional Caprese salad, packed with vibrant summer flavors. It combines cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fragrant basil with tender pasta and salami, all mixed together in a zesty Italian dressing. This dish is ideal for picnics or summer gatherings, making it a great choice for sharing with friends and family. It's easy to prepare and sure to be a hit at any event. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a light meal or a side dish.

    Get the Recipe

    Chickpea Pasta Salad

    Chickpea Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Dizzy Cook.

    This gluten-free pasta salad is ideal for summer days. It's a refreshing dish that works well for picnics, road trips, or camping trips since it doesn't have any mayo. You can enjoy it cold or at room temperature, making it super easy to serve. This salad is not only tasty but also simple to prepare, perfect for those warm evenings. It's a great option when you want something light and satisfying.

    Get the Recipe

    Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad

    Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad Walmart Copycat.
    Photo Credit: 24 Bite.

    Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad is a great option when you can't make it to the store for your favorite deli salad. The mix of broccoli and cheese is always a winner. This dish is easy to put together and perfect for a quick meal. It's a refreshing choice for summer gatherings or just a simple lunch. Enjoy this tasty salad any time you want something light and satisfying.

    Get the Recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • BBQ chicken.
      21 Relax and Unwind with These Simple Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Sheet pan roast pork tenderloin.
      24 Delicious Dump-and-Go Meals That Will Save You Time and Energy
    • Blue cheese coleslaw.
      22 Quick and Easy Summer Salads for Busy Weeknights
    • Enchilada casserole.
      23 Affordable Casseroles That Everyone Will Love

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    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!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Caprese pasta salad.
      20 Quick and Tasty Pasta Salads for All Your Summer Picnics
    • Oven baked BBQ chicken.
      23 Family-Friendly Summer Dinner Ideas That Everyone Will Love
    • Italian meatball soup.
      26 Easy Ground Beef Dinners for When You’re Too Tired to Think
    • Beet pasta.
      20 Best Pasta Recipes to Make This Summer

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB