Chilled pasta salads are a refreshing addition to any picnic table. Chilled pasta salads are always a favorite side dish at any potluck party. Made with colorful summer vegetables and a vibrant vinaigrette, this pasta salad recipe is a family favorite. Try pairing these fresh, vibrant pasta salad recipes with summer chicken, beef, pork, or seafood dishes. These recipes are perfect to make and store in the fridge for the warmer months, ready to go when your hungry summer companions start calling.
While there are plenty of meals that are easy to fill up on, thanks to proteins like chicken and tuna, there are also side dishes that are perfect for seasonal main dishes, like juicy burgers and easy-to-fall-off-the-bone ribs. With so many delicious options to choose from, try these summer pasta salad recipes all summer long and you’re sure to find a new family favorite.
Robbie Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors-Hall
Two Southern favorites come together in this out-of-this-world pasta salad. There’s a reason our Broccoli, Grape and Pasta Salad is one of Southern Living’s most popular recipes of all time.
Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Tory Cox
The addition of pasta and snap peas transform pickled shrimp from an appetizer into a hearty meal. Enjoy this hearty dish for a simple summer dinner or an easy, on-the-go lunch.
Caitlin Bensel
This new twist on the popular tuna noodle casserole is perfect for warmer weather, and using a vinaigrette instead of mayonnaise brightens up this classic salad, packed with fresh veggies and flavor.
Victor Protacio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daly
Pasta salad and deviled eggs are staples at any Southern summer get-together, so we decided to combine these two classics to create a popular dish that gives you the best of both worlds.
Photographer and Prop Stylist: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Add a leafy green like arugula to turn the salad into a main dish-worthy salad, or customize the recipe by adding ingredients like grilled steak or charred corn, and top with pistachios or pine nuts for crunch.
Victor Protacio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daly
Inspired by the traditional Southern sandwich, this easy bowl tastes just like a BLT with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and trusty mayonnaise. It’s easy to make, but add the toasted breadcrumbs and green onions just before serving.
Victor Protacio, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors-Hall, Prop Stylist: Shel Royster
No summer get-together is complete without this creamy classic, and this easy-to-make recipe is just like the old-fashioned layered salad you’d have at Grandma’s house.
Photographer Victor Protacio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Kristin Keeley
This vibrant pasta salad features a broccoli-based pesto sauce, and the addition of frozen peas adds texture. This dish is perfect as a chilled pasta salad, but you can also serve it warm out of the pan if you don’t want to wait for it to cool.
Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clark
All you need to make this vibrant pasta salad is fresh produce and classics like Italian dressing. For extra protein, add rotisserie chicken to the mix of olives, tomatoes, salami, artichokes, peppers, and mozzarella.
Jennifer Causey, Food Styling: Melissa Gray
Sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, basil and Parmesan give this salad its unique flavour, and the pasta is served with a sun-dried tomato-based sauce, topped with fresh herbs and feta cheese.
Photo: Hector Sanchez
The classic combination of watermelon and feta is elevated with peppery watercress and arugula, and served with a lemon-shallot vinaigrette, this dish will soon become a staple.
Hector Sanchez
Add flavor to salads with fresh dill (you can also substitute basil, mint, or parsley). For pasta, try whole wheat, any kind, for an earthy, crunchy texture.
Photography: Hector Manuel Sanchez, Prop Styling: Lydia Purcell, Food Styling: Toni Brogan
Pasta salad and three bean salad, with a lemony vinaigrette for a summery flavor.
Photography: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Styling: Claire Spollen, Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer
This bouncy salad is the furthest thing from a sad desk lunch. With three cups of veggies, it’s a feel-good salad you’ll enjoy.
Antonis Achilleos, Prop Styling: Claire Spollen, Food Styling: Rishon Hannaz
This is one of our favorite pasta salads and one you’ll want to make all summer long. Use any fresh herbs you have on hand to create a bright lemon vinaigrette.
Photography: Kelsey Hansen, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis, Food Styling: Julia Levy
You don’t have to use cute little jars to present it, but I think they make a very attractive presentation. Add in some rotisserie chicken and this veggie-packed salad becomes the perfect summer meal.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Your favorite summer fresh veggies include heirloom tomatoes, corn, zucchini and peaches in this colorful recipe, and cheesy tortellini instead of penne makes for a hearty dish.
Photographer and Props: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors-Hall
This seafood dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days so it’s ready to eat, and the Creole mustard and seasonings give it great flavor.
Alison Miksch
Don’t expect to make this irresistible pasta salad recipe just once — after just one bite, everyone around you will be declaring it their new favorite.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
This versatile pasta pairs well with any grilled veggies, so use whatever you have on hand or what looks best at the farmers market. Refrigerated Cheese and Spinach Tortelloni makes a quick and hearty salad.
Ralph Anderson
Store-bought tortellini is seasoned with olives, peppers, onions, herbs and a simple vinaigrette, and using pre-cooked chicken or tuna makes for a quick and easy dinner.
