BEST PASTA SALAD RECIPES (2024)

A fantastic collection of the BEST Pasta Salad recipes ever!

Pasta salads are a popular dish that can be enjoyed all year round. They are versatile, easy to make, and can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a light dinner option, pasta salads are a great choice.

One of the best things about pasta salads is that they can be made with a wide variety of ingredients. From fresh vegetables and herbs to meats, cheeses, and dressings, the possibilities are endless. This makes them a great option for those who like to experiment with different flavors and textures.

Choosing the Right Pasta

When it comes to making a pasta salad, choosing the right pasta is crucial. The type of pasta you use can affect the texture, flavor, and overall appearance of your salad. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting the pasta for your salad:

Consider the Shape

Different pasta shapes have different textures and hold dressings differently. For example, rotini and fusilli have ridges that can hold onto dressings, while penne and farfalle have a more smooth surface. Spaghetti and linguine are not recommended for pasta salads as they can be difficult to eat and tend to clump together.

Go for Durum Wheat Pasta

Durum wheat pasta is the best choice for pasta salads as it holds up well to dressing and won’t become mushy or soggy. Look for pasta that is made from 100% durum wheat semolina for the best results.

Cook the Pasta Al Dente

Cook the pasta just until it is al dente, which means it is cooked but still firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold up well in the salad. Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.

Summer Fruit Pasta Salad

Summer Fruit Pasta Saladis a delightful side dish that is perfect for BBQ’s and family gatherings during the hot summer months! Making thissummer pasta salad recipeis so easy, it comes together quickly and it an appetizing dish that everyone will enjoy.

Get the Summer Fruit Pasta Salad recipe here!

BBQ Pasta Salad

ThisBBQ Pasta Saladis sure to be unforgettable at your next potluck or summer party! This delectable salad is loaded with BBQ pulled pork, sharp Cheddar cheese, crisp corn, and other fresh veggies. Drizzle a BBQ-spiked creamy dressing on and this salad is ready to devour.

See the BBQ Pasta Salad recipe here!

Taco Pasta Salad

This traditional taco pasta salad is made with spiral pasta, ground beef, sweet tomatoes, veggies, plenty of cheese, and topped with sweet Catalina dressing.

Get the Taco Pasta Salad recipe here!

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is a deliciously cold, refreshing salad loaded with noodles, fresh vegetables, and pepperoni pieces all mixed with Italian vinaigrette. It’s as colorful as it is tasty and is the perfect salad to share at your next potluck or gathering! It is also hearty enough to be a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Get the Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad recipe here!

Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Saladwith rotini, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella, and a delicious basil-pesto dressing is super easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Get the Pesto Pasta Salad recipe here!

Tuna Pasta Salad

Perfect for lunch or potlucks, this crowd-pleasing cold tuna pasta salad is the perfect balance of creamy dressing, tender pasta, and fresh crunchy veggies.

Find the Tuna Pasta Salad recipe here!

Corn Pasta Salad

This amazing Corn Pasta Salad is loaded up with fresh crisp veggies, roasted sweet corn, thick-cut bacon, and a tangy chili-lime dressing.

See the Corn Pasta Salad recipe here!

Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

EasyItalian Pasta Saladis an easy side dish for any potluck. This simple pasta salad recipe has fresh vegetables, olives, pepperoni and salami and a Italian dressing that makes it the perfect summer salad.

Get the Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe here!

Pasta Salad Serving Suggestions

Pasta salads are versatile dishes that can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions that can help you make the most of your pasta salad:

• As a side dish:Pasta salads make a great side dish for any meal. They pair well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and burgers. You can also serve them with other salads for a complete meal.
• As a main dish:Pasta salads can also be served as a main dish. You can add protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make them more filling. You can also add vegetables to make them more nutritious.
• At a picnic or potluck:Pasta salads are a popular choice for picnics and potlucks. They are easy to transport and can be made ahead of time. You can also make a large batch to feed a crowd.
• In a lunchbox:Pasta salads make a great lunchbox option. They are easy to pack and can be eaten cold. You can also add fruit and vegetables to make them more nutritious.
• As a party appetizer:Pasta salads can also be served as a party appetizer. You can serve them in small cups or bowls for easy portion control. You can also add toppings such as cheese or croutons to make them more flavorful.

Overall, pasta salads are a great addition to any meal or occasion. With so many serving options, you can never go wrong with this versatile dish.

Storing Pasta Salad & Food Safety Tips

When it comes to storing pasta salads, it’s important to keep them refrigerated at all times. Leaving them out at room temperature for more than two hours can increase the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage. If the pasta salad has been sitting out for longer than two hours, it’s best to discard it.

To ensure maximum freshness, store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to three days, but it’s best to consume it within the first 24-48 hours. Before serving, give it a good stir to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom.

When preparing pasta salads, it’s important to follow proper food safety guidelines. This includes washing your hands before handling any food, using clean utensils and surfaces, and keeping raw meats and vegetables separate from cooked pasta and other ingredients.

It’s also important to make sure that any mayonnaise-based dressings are made with pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. If you’re unsure whether the eggs are pasteurized, it’s best to use a different dressing or make your own using pasteurized eggs.

By following these simple storing and safety tips, you can enjoy delicious pasta salads without worrying about foodborne illness or spoilage.

Pairing with Main Courses

Pasta salads are versatile dishes that can complement a wide range of main courses. Here are some suggestions for pairing pasta salads with various main courses:

Grilled Meats

Pasta salads make a great side dish for grilled meats such as chicken, steak, and pork. The acidity of the dressing can help cut through the richness of the meat, while the pasta provides a satisfying carb element. For a classic pairing, try a pasta salad with Italian dressing alongside grilled chicken.

Seafood

Pasta salads can also be paired with seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp or salmon. A pasta salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing can be a refreshing complement to the richness of seafood. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some chopped herbs such as parsley or dill to the salad.

Vegetarian Dishes

Pasta salads can also be a great option for vegetarian or vegan main courses. They can be made with a variety of vegetables and dressings to create a satisfying and flavorful dish. For a protein boost, consider adding some chickpeas or tofu to the salad.

Overall, pasta salads are a versatile and tasty side dish that can be paired with a variety of main courses. With a little experimentation, you can find the perfect pairing for your next meal.