10+ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that makes a great addition to any meal or gathering. With easy pasta salad recipes, you can create delicious and refreshing salads that are perfect for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. These salads are not only simple to prepare, but they also allow for creativity with various ingredients.

Whether you prefer classic flavors or something more unique, there’s a recipe out there that will suit your taste. You can mix and match your favorite vegetables, dressings, and cheeses to make a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Get ready to explore some easy pasta salad ideas that you can whip up in no time!

1) Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a perfect dish for gatherings. It combines rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing. You can enjoy it cold, making it great for warm days.

To make this salad, you can add ingredients like mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, olives, and salami. These flavors come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s also quick to prepare, saving you time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup salami, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, salami, and onion.
3. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

2) Creamy Pesto Pasta Delight

Creamy Pesto Pasta Delight is a simple and tasty dish. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a side for dinner. The creamy pesto dressing adds a rich flavor that makes this pasta salad stand out.

You can load it up with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, arugula, and mozzarella balls. These ingredients help create a colorful and appealing salad. You will love how easy it is to prepare this dish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) rotini or pasta of your choice
• 1 cup (240 ml) creamy pesto sauce
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (30 g) fresh arugula
• 1 cup (150 g) mozzarella balls
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, creamy pesto, cherry tomatoes, arugula, and mozzarella.
3. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious salad!

3) Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Bowl

This Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Bowl is a simple and refreshing dish. You can prepare it in just a few minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal or side.

To start, you’ll need ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Cherry tomatoes work well for a burst of flavor. The creamy mozzarella pairs nicely with the juicy tomatoes.

Add some fresh basil for a fragrant touch. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for extra flavor. A sprinkle of salt and pepper rounds it all out.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
2. Tear basil leaves and add them to the bowl.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss gently to combine and serve.

4) Zesty Lemon Herb Rotini

Zesty Lemon Herb Rotini is a fresh and vibrant pasta dish. It combines the lively flavors of lemon and herbs to create a delightful meal. This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a light lunch or a side at dinner.

Start by cooking rotini pasta until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and let it cool.

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Then, mix the pasta with the dressing, ensuring each piece is coated.

Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also toss in cherry tomatoes or olives for extra flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces rotini pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cherry tomatoes or olives

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and allow it to cool.
3. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Stir in the chopped basil and parsley.
5. Combine the pasta with the dressing and mix well.
6. Add salt, pepper, and optional ingredients.
7. Serve chilled.

5) Mediterranean Feta Mix

This Mediterranean Feta Mix is a delicious way to enjoy pasta salad. It combines fresh vegetables and tangy feta for a lively flavor. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients.

Start with cooked pasta, then mix in diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy touch. For extra flavor, toss in some red onion and fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Drizzle a light vinaigrette made from olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. This simple dressing complements the ingredients perfectly.

Feel free to let the salad chill for a bit before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together nicely.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta of choice
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup olives, sliced
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

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

6) Sun-Dried Tomato Fusilli

Sun-Dried Tomato Fusilli is a tasty and colorful dish that’s easy to make. The pasta twirls hold the bright flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs.

You’ll start by cooking the fusilli according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and let it cool a bit.

Next, mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls. A drizzle of olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar will bring all the flavors together.

This pasta salad is perfect for picnics or quick lunches. It’s both filling and refreshing.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fusilli pasta
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot and cook the fusilli for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Drain the pasta and cool for a few minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls.
4. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top. Mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

7) Tangy Dijon Summer Pasta

Tangy Dijon Summer Pasta is a refreshing dish perfect for warm days. This easy recipe combines pasta with fresh veggies and a zesty Dijon vinaigrette. It comes together quickly and is great for picnics or barbecues.

To start, cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s ready, drain and let it cool.

In a large bowl, mix the pasta with your choice of chopped veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.

For the dressing, whisk together Dijon mustard, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour it over the pasta and veggies. Toss everything well to combine and let it chill for a bit before serving.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup cucumbers, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
2. Let the pasta cool in a large bowl.
3. Chop the bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the chopped veggies to the pasta.
6. Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies.
7. Toss everything together and chill before serving.

8) Broccoli and Walnut Crunch

Broccoli and Walnut Crunch is a fresh and satisfying pasta salad. It combines crunchy broccoli with toasted walnuts, making it a perfect side dish. This recipe is simple and great for any gathering.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta until al dente. As the pasta cooks, chop fresh broccoli into small pieces. Toast walnuts in a pan until golden to enhance their flavor.

Once the pasta is done, drain it and let it cool. Mix the pasta with broccoli and walnuts in a large bowl. A light dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper will add a zesty touch.

Chill the salad in the fridge for a while before serving. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrition.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pasta (your choice)
• 1 head of broccoli, chopped
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. Chop broccoli into small pieces.
3. Toast walnuts in a pan over medium heat until golden.
4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, broccoli, and walnuts.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Mix well and chill before serving.

9) Hearty Salami and Olive Medley

This hearty pasta salad is perfect for gatherings. You’ll love the mix of flavors from salami and olives. It’s simple to prepare and always a hit.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta until it’s al dente. You can use rotini or penne for a great texture. Let it cool before adding other ingredients.

Combine the pasta with cubed salami, sliced olives, and diced bell peppers. Then, add some Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost. A zesty Italian dressing ties everything together.

This salad can be made in advance, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (rotini or penne)
• 8 ounces salami, cubed
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• ½ cup green olives, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¾ cup Italian dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain and cool the pasta.
3. In a bowl, combine pasta, salami, olives, bell pepper, and cheese.
4. Drizzle with Italian dressing and mix well.
5. Chill before serving.

10) Vibrant Veggie Twirl

Get ready for a colorful and tasty pasta salad! This Vibrant Veggie Twirl is packed with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. It’s a great choice for lunch or a side dish at your next gathering.

For this recipe, use spiral pasta for a fun twist. You can add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives for extra flavor. Toss it all in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing taste.

This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for warm days. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or add protein, like chickpeas, for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups spiral pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the spiral pasta according to package directions. Then, drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, and olives.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Next, pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix well.
5. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.