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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Easy Pasta Salads That Are Great for Busy Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 6, 2025, updated May 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Pasta salads are a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying. They are easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and are great for using up leftover ingredients. Here are 21 simple pasta salad recipes that are sure to please everyone at the table.

    Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad

    Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Maple + Mango.

    This dish features fresh asparagus, salmon, hard boiled eggs, and pasta all mixed together in a creamy lemon dill dressing. It's a simple and tasty option that’s perfect for warm weather. With its bright flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit during the spring and summer months. It's easy to prepare and makes a satisfying meal. Enjoy this refreshing pasta salad for lunch or dinner.

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    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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    Strawberry Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

    Strawberry Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Naturallie Plant Based.

    With the arrival of warm weather, this Strawberry Balsamic Vegan Tofu Pasta Salad is a perfect choice. It features fresh, juicy strawberries, marinated balsamic tofu, and a mix of spinach and basil, all topped with creamy feta cheese. This salad is great as a side for picnics or barbecues, but it also works well as a main dish for a weeknight dinner. It's light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish that captures the essence of summer.

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    Potato Pasta with Ham

    Potato Pasta with Ham.
    Photo Credit: All That's Jas.

    This dish combines soft potatoes and smooth pasta with ham, creating a filling meal that won't break the bank. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for any day of the week. With just a few common ingredients from your pantry, you can whip this up in no time. This is a comforting option that satisfies without needing much effort. Perfect for when you want something hearty and tasty.

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    Italian Pasta Salad

    Italian Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    This Italian pasta salad is packed with fresh veggies, mozzarella balls, and salami. It's tossed together with a tasty homemade Italian dressing that brings everything to life. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick meal, this dish is both colorful and satisfying. It’s a great way to enjoy seasonal produce while keeping things light and refreshing. This salad is sure to be a hit at any table.

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    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.

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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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    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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    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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    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.

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    Balsamic Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables

    Balsamic Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables.
    Photo Credit: Our Happy Mess.

    A balsamic pasta salad with grilled vegetables and crumbled feta is a vibrant and tasty dish that’s quick to prepare. It’s a great option for summer gatherings like BBQs or picnics, and it’s also perfect for a lunch that you’ll enjoy. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes it a standout choice. This salad is not only easy to make but also looks beautiful on the table. Enjoy this refreshing dish that everyone will love.

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    Cucumber Pasta Salad

    Cucumber Pasta Salad
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This pasta salad is simple to make and features a creamy vegan dressing that blends flavors similar to Ranch and tzatziki. Freshly sliced cucumbers and red onions add a nice crunch, while chopped dill gives it a refreshing twist. It's a great option for summer gatherings and barbecues. This dish is light and satisfying, perfect for warm weather. Enjoy it as a side or a main dish at your next outdoor event.

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    Tortellini Broccoli Salad

    Tortellini Broccoli Salad.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    Tortellini Broccoli Salad is a great option for any potluck or gathering. It combines fresh, crunchy broccoli with cheese tortellini for a satisfying bite. The addition of bacon, dried cranberries, and walnuts adds a nice mix of flavors and textures. A creamy and tangy dressing ties everything together perfectly. This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone.

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    Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad

    Mediterranean Pizza Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: A Taste for Travel.

    This pasta salad is a fun twist on the classic dish. It features sliced pepperoni, fresh vegetables, and a simple vinaigrette that brings everything together. Preparing it is quick and easy, making it perfect for a busy day. This salad is great for summer gatherings or a light meal at home. Enjoy a refreshing and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

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    Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

    Dill Pickle Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Belly Rules the Mind.

    Dill pickle pasta salad is a creamy and easy dish that works well as a meal or a side. It's great for lunch, especially when you need something quick to pack for a busy day. This salad is flexible and can be a hit at picnics or gatherings. Everyone seems to enjoy it, making it a popular choice. It's a simple way to add some flavor to your summer meals.

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    Grinder Pasta Salad

    Grinder Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Mama Needs Cake.

    This Italian grinder pasta salad brings all the great flavors of grinder sandwiches into a delicious dish. It's loaded with tasty Italian deli meats, fresh veggies, and a zesty creamy dressing. This pasta salad is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or even just to have on hand for meals during the week. If you're searching for simple pasta salad options, this one is definitely worth making. It's a fun and satisfying way to enjoy a classic favorite.

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    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Everyday Eileen.

    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a simple and tasty dish that works well for any gathering. It brings together the familiar flavors of Caesar dressing and chicken, mixed with pasta for a satisfying meal. This salad is ideal for warm days when you want something light yet filling. It's easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side. Perfect for summer, this salad is sure to please everyone.

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    Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad With Roasted Vegetables

    Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad With Roasted Vegetables.
    Photo Credit: Parsley & Parm.

    This pasta salad features roasted summer vegetables combined with a fresh, lemony walnut pesto. It's a healthy and tasty option for lunch or as a side dish at dinner. You can also bring it along to your next potluck, and it will surely be a hit. The vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients make it a perfect choice for warm weather. Enjoy this refreshing dish that highlights the best of summer produce.

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    Orzo Pesto Salad

    Orzo pesto salad.
    Photo credit: Healthfull Blondie.

    Orzo pesto salad is packed with colorful veggies and fresh mozzarella, all tossed in a delicious nut-free basil pesto. It's a great option for lunch or dinner, and it works well as a side dish for any spring or summer get-together. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying choice. This salad is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or just looking for a light meal, this dish fits the bill.

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    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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    Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

    Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: Everyday Eileen.

    Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a beloved side dish often found in Hawaiian eateries. It's a creamy pasta salad made with mayonnaise and features straightforward ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or barbecues. With its rich and satisfying taste, it pairs well with many main courses. Enjoy this classic salad as a refreshing addition to your meal.

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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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