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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Best Pasta Salads to Make for Lunch

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 31, 2025, updated May 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Pasta salads are a fantastic option for lunch, offering a mix of flavors and textures that can be both satisfying and refreshing. With so many variations, you can easily customize them to suit your preferences or use up leftovers. Here are 21 delicious pasta salad ideas that are perfect for a quick meal or a picnic.

    Rotini Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

    Rotini Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
    Photo Credit: Cooking with Mamma C.

    This Rotini Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is quick and easy to prepare, taking just 30 minutes. After mixing everything together, let it chill for a bit to enhance the flavors. This Italian pasta salad is a great option for gatherings, and it doesn’t use any mayo. The sun-dried tomato vinaigrette adds a nice touch that everyone will enjoy. It's a refreshing dish perfect for summer.

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    Lemony Kale Pasta Salad with Pistachio Nuts

    Lemony Kale Pasta Salad with Pistachio Nuts.
    Photo Credit: EA Stewart.

    Zesty Kale Pasta Salad combines a variety of textures and flavors that work really well together. You’ll find crunchy kale, bright lemon juice, savory Parmesan, and crunchy pistachios all in one bowl. This dish is simple to prepare, making it a great choice for a quick meal. It's also a healthy option that doesn't skimp on taste. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch, this salad is sure to please.

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    Easy Summer Pasta

    Easy Summer Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Occasionally Eggs.

    This summer pasta salad is simple and perfect for warm days. It comes together in the time it takes to boil the pasta. Fresh stone fruit, juicy tomatoes, vibrant greens, and fragrant basil add a burst of flavor. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner. Enjoy a refreshing meal that highlights the best of summer ingredients.

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    Greek Pasta Salad

    Greek Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Greek Foodie.

    Greek pasta salad is a great side dish to serve with grilled meats or to enjoy as a light dinner. It features short pasta, roasted peppers, dill pickles, and a tangy mustard dressing that brings everything together. This salad is tasty whether it's warm or served at room temperature. It's perfect for summer gatherings or a quick meal at home. Enjoy this refreshing dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

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    Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad

    Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad is a refreshing side dish perfect for summer. It’s served cold and features artichokes, tomatoes, and fresh basil. This salad is not only tasty but also a healthy option for your meals. It’s great for picnics, barbecues, or just a light lunch. Enjoy this vibrant dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing mix of crunchy corn, celery, tender pasta, shredded chicken, green onions, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a rich buffalo sauce made with mayonnaise. This dish is packed with bold flavors that fans of buffalo sauce will really enjoy. It's a simple and satisfying option for lunch or as a side dish during the summer. Perfect for gatherings or just a quick meal at home, this salad is sure to please. Enjoy it chilled for a delightful treat on warm days.

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    Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad

    Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Two Pink Peonies.

    This Italian bow tie pasta salad is a simple and affordable dish. It's quick to prepare and works well for gatherings or casual get-togethers. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover ham you might have. This salad is light and refreshing, making it a nice choice for warm days. Enjoy it as a side or a main dish.

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    Chicken Pasta Salad

    Chicken Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Mom Foodie.

    This Chicken Pasta Salad is a simple dish that captures the flavors of a classic chicken dinner. It comes together in just a few minutes, making it a great option for busy summer days. Served cold, it’s refreshing and satisfying, perfect for warm weather. Using canned chicken keeps things easy and quick. This is a great meal to enjoy when you want something light and delicious.

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    Taco Pasta Salad

    Taco Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    This Taco Pasta Salad is a great side dish for potlucks and barbecues. It's packed with black beans, cheese, and fresh veggies, making it colorful and satisfying. The chili-lime yogurt sauce adds a nice kick that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for gatherings and is sure to please a crowd. It's an easy way to bring something delicious to the table.

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    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Crunchy Croutons

    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Crunchy Croutons.
    Photo Credit: Cook Eat Live Love.

    Caesar salad gets a fun twist in this pasta salad version. It’s creamy and tangy, bringing all the classic Caesar flavors together with tender pasta for a filling dish. This is a great option for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or as a side for dinner. It combines the best of both worlds, making it a hit with everyone. Enjoy this refreshing and satisfying salad anytime you want something light and delicious.

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    Orzo Pesto Salad

    Orzo Pesto Salad.
    Photo Credit: Evergreen Kitchen.

    Orzo Pesto Salad is a simple and tasty dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It combines fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil pesto for a flavor that reminds you of a Caprese salad. This salad is great for quick dinners during the week, easy lunches you can prepare in advance, or as a vegetarian side dish that you can make ahead of time. It's light, refreshing, and perfect for summer meals. Enjoy this salad as a quick option that everyone will love.

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    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!

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    Spaghetti Pasta Salad

    Spaghetti Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: She's Not Cookin'.

    Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a simple and refreshing side that works great for barbecues and picnics. It's loaded with fresh vegetables, cheese, and a zesty dressing. Once the pasta is cooked, you can whip this up in just 10 minutes. This dish is perfect for warm days when you want something light and tasty. It's a great addition to any summer meal.

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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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    Pepperoni Pasta Salad

    Pepperoni Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: A Table Full of Joy.

    Pepperoni pasta salad is easy to whip up and packed with flavor. It's a great side dish for family meals or get-togethers. This salad combines pasta with pepperoni and other fresh ingredients for a satisfying bite. It’s perfect for warm days when you want something light yet filling. Enjoy it at picnics, barbecues, or any casual gathering.

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    Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

    Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Aline Made.

    This Italian Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is a great dish for summer gatherings. With toasted pine nuts and a creamy balsamic dressing, it brings a delicious flavor that everyone will enjoy. It's easy to prepare and works well as a side or a main dish. This salad is sure to impress your friends and family at any outdoor event. Enjoy a refreshing and satisfying meal that captures the essence of summer.

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    Grilled Asparagus Pasta Salad

    Grilled Asparagus Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    Grilled Asparagus Pasta Salad is a great choice for barbecues and spring picnics. It combines grilled vegetables and pasta with a zesty lemon-dijon dressing. This dish is quick to prepare and offers a fresh, vibrant flavor. It's a versatile side that pairs well with many main courses. Enjoy this plant-based option that everyone will love.

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    Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad

    Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad is a refreshing side dish perfect for summer. It’s served cold and features artichokes, tomatoes, and fresh basil. This salad is not only tasty but also a healthy option for your meals. It’s great for picnics, barbecues, or just a light lunch. Enjoy this vibrant dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table.

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    Mediterranean Orzo Salad

    Mediterranean Orzo Salad.
    Photo Credit: Mommy Evolution.

    This salad is bright and full of flavor, featuring orzo pasta combined with fresh vegetables. The dressing is light and zesty, adding a nice kick to the dish. It's perfect for warm days when you want something refreshing. This is a great option for lunch or a side dish at dinner. Enjoy it as a simple meal that’s easy to prepare.

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    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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    Chicken Macaroni Salad

    Chicken Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: Maple + Mango.

    Chicken Macaroni Salad is a tasty mix of creamy pasta and chicken salad. It's simple to prepare and a great way to use up any leftover chicken you might have. This dish is ideal for lunch or a quick dinner during the week. It's also a fantastic option for summer BBQs and picnics. Enjoy this refreshing salad on warm days!

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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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