10+ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes for Refreshing Summer Meals

Cold pasta salad recipes are perfect for warm days or casual gatherings. These salads are not only easy to make, but they can also be tailored to any taste or dietary preference.

Whether you prefer classic Italian flavors or a zesty twist, there’s a pasta salad that will suit your needs.

Using fresh ingredients, these recipes allow for creativity and variety. You can mix different vegetables, proteins, and dressings to create a dish that is vibrant and satisfying.

Cold pasta salads are great as side dishes or main courses, making them versatile options for any meal.

1) Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a tasty and colorful dish. It combines pasta, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing. You can make it ahead of time, making it perfect for gatherings.

For this salad, you can use rotini or any pasta you like. Add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and bell peppers for flavor and crunch. You might also choose to include olives or pepperoni.

This salad is not only easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it at picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish with your meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella balls
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• ½ cup olives, sliced
• ½ cup Italian dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions.
2. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water.

In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, bell peppers, and olives.
4. Pour in the Italian dressing and toss well.

5. Chill in the fridge before serving.

2) Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a fresh and tasty dish. It combines orzo pasta with a variety of colorful vegetables and flavorful ingredients. You’ll enjoy the mix of feta cheese, olives, and chickpeas, which add both creaminess and a satisfying crunch.

This salad is perfect for picnics or as a side dish. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. With a light lemon dressing, this salad is vibrant and healthy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup chickpeas, drained
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.

In a large bowl, combine the orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, feta, olives, and parsley.
3.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

3) Zesty Lemon Basil Rigatoni

Zesty Lemon Basil Rigatoni is a refreshing dish perfect for any gathering. The bright flavors of lemon and basil combine wonderfully to create a tasty meal. You can enjoy it as a side or a main course.

To make this dish, you will need rigatoni pasta, fresh basil, lemon juice, and some other flavorful ingredients. The combination of sweet cranberries and salty feta adds a delightful twist to the taste.

Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain and cool the pasta under cold water.

In a large bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked pasta, cranberries, feta, and basil to the bowl.

5. Toss everything until well combined.

4) Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese pasta salad is a fresh and delicious option for any meal. It combines pasta with classic Caprese ingredients like ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. With a light dressing, this salad is perfect for warm days.

To make this salad, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Use short pasta like penne or casarecce. Once cooked, let it cool before mixing in the other ingredients.

Add a drizzle of olive oil and some white balsamic vinegar for flavor. Toss everything together and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) of short pasta (like penne or casarecce)
• 2 cups (300 grams) of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (150 grams) of fresh mozzarella balls
• 1 cup (30 grams) of fresh basil leaves
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) of olive oil
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) of white balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. Drain and let the pasta cool.

In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
4. Drizzle olive oil and white balsamic vinegar over the salad.

5. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

5) Southwestern Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad

This Southwestern Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad is a great choice for gatherings or a simple dinner. It’s colorful, tasty, and packed with nutrients. The combination of black beans, corn, and pasta makes it filling and satisfying.

You start by cooking your pasta until it’s al dente. Drain and rinse it under cold water to cool.

In a large bowl, mix in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chopped peppers for crunch.

For the dressing, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and spices like cumin and chili powder. Pour this over your salad and toss everything to combine. Chill it for a bit before serving to let the flavors blend.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water.

In a large bowl, combine pasta, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and bell pepper.
4. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss.
6. Chill for 30 minutes, then serve.

6) Pesto Tortellini Salad

Pesto tortellini salad is a quick and delicious option for lunch or dinner. It combines soft cheese tortellini with fresh vegetables and a tasty pesto sauce. You can have it ready in about 10 minutes!

To make your salad, cook the tortellini according to the package directions and let it cool. Then, mix it with halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and fresh mozzarella. Toss everything together with a generous amount of pesto for flavor.

You can serve this salad right away or chill it in the fridge for a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

• 10 ounces cheese tortellini
• ½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 6 ounces bocconcini mozzarella cheese balls, halved
• ½ cup pesto

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and cool.

In a large bowl, combine the tortellini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and mozzarella.
3. Add the pesto and toss to coat evenly.

4. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

7) Creamy Avocado and Bacon Bowtie Salad

This creamy avocado and bacon bowtie salad is perfect for a warm day. The smooth texture of the avocado pairs nicely with crispy bacon. You will love how easy and tasty this dish is.

Start by cooking your bowtie pasta until it’s al dente. Once it’s ready, cool it under cold water to stop the cooking process.

In a bowl, mix the pasta with diced avocado and crumbled bacon.

For extra flavor, add chopped green onions and juicy cherry tomatoes. You can create a simple dressing with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together gently.

Serve this salad chilled for the best taste. It’s a delightful dish that everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces bowtie pasta
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and cool the pasta under cold water.

In a large bowl, combine the pasta, diced avocado, and crumbled bacon.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and green onions.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

7. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

8) Thai Peanut Noodle Salad

Thai Peanut Noodle Salad is a tasty choice for a cold pasta dish. You can enjoy it as a side or a main course. This salad combines rice noodles with fresh veggies for a colorful meal.

The creamy peanut sauce adds a delicious flavor. You can make it vegan by sticking to plant-based ingredients. Edamame and green onions give it a nice crunch and vibrant look.

This dish is perfect for meal prep, too. You can keep it in the fridge and eat it over a few days.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup edamame, shelled
• ½ cup green onions, sliced
• ⅓ cup peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions.

In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, and garlic.
3.
Combine cooked noodles, carrots, edamame, and green onions.

4. Pour the sauce over the salad and toss to combine.

9) Greek Pasta Salad with Feta

Greek pasta salad is a tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines pasta with vibrant vegetables and creamy feta cheese. You can easily prepare it ahead of time for picnics or potlucks.

Start with cooked pasta, preferably a shape like rotini or penne. Add ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sliced olives for a burst of flavor. The feta cheese adds a nice tang that balances the salad perfectly.

Toss everything in a simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This dish is not only tasty but also colorful and healthy!

Ingredients

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup olives, sliced
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

10) Vegan Rainbow Veggie Pasta Salad

This Vegan Rainbow Veggie Pasta Salad is colorful and healthy. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and a tasty dressing. You can enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal.

Start with your favorite pasta. Toss in a mix of bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and chickpeas. This adds crunch and flavor.

For the dressing, use a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. It brightens up the salad nicely. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Then, drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and chickpeas.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Then, pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
5. Add fresh herbs if desired. Finally, serve chilled or at room temperature.