I don’t know about you, but I’m a firm believer that no summer cookout is complete without a delicious pasta salad packed with a rainbow of produce.
Did anyone else grow up with bowls of mayo-filled pasta salads? Everyone…right?
I’m here to change that up with the best healthy pasta salad recipes that you’ll probably ever try. We’ve got tons of different types of noodles, every summer veggie, and of course, mayo-free, super flavorful dressings to pull them all together. and so many incredible flavor combinations.
I also included a little list of salad recipes that would be delicious with the addition of pasta! There’s a pasta salad for everyone here.
Fall in love with pasta salads
If you don’t already love them, I hope you’ll reconsider because pasta salads are:
- Easy and so quick to make
- Incredibly versatile — try adding your fav pasta shape to pretty much any salad recipe!
- The perfect leftovers because they can (of course) be eaten cold and the dressing beautifully marinates the pasta
Easily customize your pasta salads
Salads, in general, are super easy to customize to your taste preference and load up whatever you have lurking in your fridge. Pasta salads are no different! Here are some great ways to make these recipes your own:
- Go gluten free: simply use your favorite gluten free pasta shape.
- Pick a fun shape: speaking of pasta shapes, you can really use any of your favs! I love bowties, cavatappi, and even orzo.
- Add extra protein: feel free to add grilled chicken, a can of chickpeas, or grilled salmon to pretty much any of these recipes.
- Choose your dressing: whether you love a creamy dressing or a vinaigrette, feel free to mix it up! Check out all of my salad dressings here.
Let’s get to it! Check out my fav pasta salad recipes below, and remember to check out my list of bonus salad recipes that you should add pasta to.
Damn Good BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Jalapeño Cashew Dressing
Damn good BLT pasta salad made with fresh corn, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, creamy avocado and crispy bacon. This healthy, easy BLT pasta salad recipe is tossed in an incredible, creamy jalapeño cashew dressing for an unbelievably delicious twist on your favorite sandwich. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or enjoying for a healthy lunch or dinner!
Avocado Tomato Chickpea Pasta Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
Gorgeous avocado tomato chickpea pasta salad packed with fresh, delicious Mediterranean flavors and a bold lemon basil dressing. This easy vegetarian pasta salad recipe takes just 20 minutes to make and is perfect for parties or meal prep!
Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto + Goat Cheese
Delicious vegetarian Street Corn Pasta Salad with sweet corn, red bell pepper, avocado, creamy goat cheese and a super addicting cilantro pesto. This easy corn pasta salad recipe is not only delicious but is also a great way to use up your summer corn. Impress your friends and family with best pasta salad ever!
Herby Olive Italian Orzo Salad
Beautiful herby Italian orzo salad filled with crunchy veggies, savory olives and delicious feta crumbles. Everything gets tossed in a light homemade Italian dressing for the perfect summer lunch or dinner that’s easy to customize. Bring this fresh Italian orzo salad to your next BBQ!
Delicious peach, tomato & corn arugula pasta salad made with juicy ripe peaches, cherry tomatoes, feta and sweet corn. This easy vegetarian peach pasta salad is tossed with just olive oil and fresh lemon juice for a light, flavorful salad that’s perfect for lunch, parties & picnics!
Grilled Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Delicious chicken bacon ranch pasta salad packed with juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, zippy red onion and creamy avocado. This wonderful, easy chicken bacon pasta salad is perfect for customizing and is guaranteed to be a hit all summer long! The best side or main dish for BBQs, parties and potlucks.
Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad
Fresh and delicious vegan caesar pasta salad with creamy avocado, crunchy roasted chickpeas and a flavorful homemade vegan caesar dressing. This vegan caesar pasta salad makes the perfect summer lunch or easy side dish to serve at your next potluck or BBQ!
More salads to add pasta to
Because pasta = love, here are some more salad recipes that would be delicious with the addition of pasta:
- : simply swap the quinoa for your fav pasta!
- The Easiest Chopped Greek Chickpea Salad
- Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Peach Brussels Sprouts Crunch Salad with Creamy Tahini Poppy Seed Dressing
- Avocado Peach Tomato Salad with Dilly Tahini Dressing
- Greek Chicken Salad in a Jar: swap the quinoa for pasta!
- Green Goddess Tuna Quinoa Salad: you know the drill, swap that quinoa for your favorite noodle.
If you make any of these pasta salad recipes, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it!
