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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Summer Pasta Salads That Will Transform Your Lunch Game

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 10, 2025, updated May 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh and vibrant pasta salads that are easy to make and packed with flavor. These 23 recipes are not only quick to prepare but also bring a variety of ingredients and colors to your lunch table. Whether you're looking for something light and refreshing or a bit heartier, there's a pasta salad here for everyone.

    Asparagus Pasta Salad

    Spring Asparagus Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Little Nomads Recipes.

    This Pasta Salad with Asparagus is bright and refreshing. It’s simple to make and packed with fresh ingredients, all without any mayo. Picture tender asparagus, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella balls, all brought together with a hint of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil. This dish is perfect for warm days when you want something light and tasty. Enjoy it as a side or a main dish, and it’s sure to please everyone.

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    Grilled Zucchini Pasta Salad

    Grilled Zucchini Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    This Grilled Zucchini Pasta Salad is a perfect way to enjoy summer flavors. It combines fresh ingredients with a hint of citrus and plenty of cheese, creating a delicious dish. Grilled vegetables add a nice touch, making it great for gatherings or as a side for a quick dinner. It's easy to prepare and brings a taste of summer to your table. Enjoy this vibrant salad any night of the week!

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    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.

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    Caesar Pasta Salad

    Caesar Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Caesar Pasta Salad combines the familiar flavors of a classic Caesar salad with pasta for a filling dish. It's straightforward to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This salad is not only tasty but also refreshing, making it a great choice for summer. With its creamy dressing and crunchy toppings, it offers a delightful mix of textures. Enjoy this dish as a light dinner or a side at your next gathering.

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    Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

    Basil Pesto Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Champagne Tastes.

    Basil pesto pasta salad is a delicious dish that works well as a main course or a side. It's packed with garlic and nutritional yeast for extra flavor. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings or picnics. You can easily prepare it ahead of time and keep it in a cooler, making it a great option for camping or road trips. Enjoy this refreshing meal on warm days.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad

    Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Peanut Butter & Julie.

    This Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad is loaded with fresh veggies, cheese, salami, and herbs, all mixed together with a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It's a great option for serving a group, but it’s also hearty enough to enjoy as a main dish. The vibrant colors and flavors make it a hit at any gathering. Plus, it stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for easy lunches later on. This salad is a tasty way to enjoy summer ingredients.

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    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    A Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a great dish for summer. It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy Ranch dressing for a delicious flavor. This salad is easy to prepare and perfect for warm days. It's a filling option that everyone will enjoy. Whether you're having a picnic or a family dinner, this salad is sure to please.

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    Caprese Pasta Salad

    Caprese Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    This Caprese Pasta Salad brings together all the great flavors of a classic Caprese salad in a hearty and easy-to-make dish. It's a fantastic side for summer barbecues or can be enjoyed as a satisfying vegetarian main course. Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil come together with pasta for a refreshing meal. Perfect for warm days, this salad is light yet filling. Enjoy it at gatherings or as a quick dinner option.

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    Italian Sub Pasta Salad

    Italian Sub Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Italian Sub Pasta Salad is a great dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side. It combines the classic flavors of an Italian sub with pasta, making it a filling option. This salad is perfect for gatherings or casual dinners. It's easy to prepare and doesn't require much effort. Whether you're hosting a party or just having a meal at home, this salad is a tasty choice.

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    Penne Pesto Pasta With Vegetables

    Penne Pesto Pasta With Vegetables.
    Photo Credit: Scrummy Lane.

    This pasta salad is loaded with vibrant roasted vegetables, making it both tasty and healthy. It's creamy and super simple to prepare, which is great for meal prep. You can enjoy it warm or chilled, giving you options for any occasion. This dish is sure to become a go-to for your summer meals. It's perfect for those warm days when you want something light and satisfying.

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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 Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Get on my Plate.

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is perfect for a simple family dinner or a dish that everyone will enjoy at gatherings. It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cooked pasta with fresh veggies, all mixed together in a creamy ranch dressing. This salad is filling and satisfying, making it a great choice for any meal. It's easy to prepare and can be served as a main dish or a side. Enjoy this tasty salad that brings together great flavors in one bowl.

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    Summer Pesto Pasta Salad

    Summer Pesto Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    A tasty pesto pasta salad is perfect for summer. This cold tri-color rotini dish, tossed with pesto, tomatoes, and olives, works well as a light lunch or a side. It's easy on the wallet since it uses common pantry ingredients. With a mix of Italian and American flavors, it pairs nicely with BBQ, roasts, grilled chicken, seafood, sandwiches, or soup. This salad is a great addition to any meal.

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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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    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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    Caesar Pasta Salad

    Caesar Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    Caesar pasta salad is a great choice for summer gatherings or a simple dinner at home. It combines the creamy flavors of a classic Caesar salad with pasta, making it more satisfying. Adding extra vegetables brings in some freshness and color, enhancing the overall taste. This dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any occasion where you want something easy and tasty. Enjoy this refreshing salad that everyone will love!

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    Macaroni Salad with Tuna

    Macaroni Salad with Tuna.
    Photo Credit: Binky's Culinary Carnival.

    Macaroni Salad with Tuna is a simple and tasty side dish that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for summer gatherings or just a quick meal at home. With just a few ingredients, you can whip this up in no time. This salad is refreshing and satisfying, making it a great choice for warm days. It's a dish that pairs well with many main courses or can be enjoyed on its own.

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    Avocado Pasta Salad

    Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    This avocado pasta salad is delicious and simple to prepare. It's a great side dish for summer gatherings, or you can enjoy it as a light meal on its own. The combination of creamy avocado and pasta makes it satisfying and refreshing. With just a few ingredients, you can whip it up in no time. This salad is perfect for warm days when you want something quick and tasty.

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    Vegan Pasta Salad

    Vegan Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Plant Power Couple.

    This easy side dish is a modern twist on the classic pasta salad my grandmother used to prepare. It comes together quickly and is packed with the fresh flavors of vegetables like red peppers, tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Perfect for summer gatherings, this salad is light and refreshing. It’s a great way to enjoy seasonal produce without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish is sure to be a hit at any meal.

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    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.

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    Pasta Tuna and Sweetcorn Salad

    Pasta Tuna and Sweetcorn Salad.
    Photo Credit: Savory with Soul.

    This pasta salad with tuna and sweetcorn is a quick and easy dish that’s great for gatherings or outdoor meals. It’s light and refreshing, making it a perfect choice for warm days. The combination of flavors is sure to please everyone, even those who are usually picky about their food. With just a few ingredients, you can whip this up in no time. It’s a simple yet satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Ranch coleslaw.
      21 Simple Summer Salads That Are a Breeze to Make
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      31 Easy Summer Dinners: Slow Cooker Recipes You Need to Try
    • Dorito casserole.
      19 Summer Casseroles That Are Perfect for Potlucks
    • White chicken chili.
      22 Dump-And-Go Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine

    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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