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These delicious cold pasta salad recipes are easy to make and packed with flavor. Choose from tons of varieties that are perfect for any occasion.
Let’s get started with these easy recipes for pasta salads. Each of these recipes are guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
The ideas are endless for pasta salad and it is frugal too. You can easily feed a crowd inexpensively. Pasta is very budget friendly and you don’t have to use a ton of other ingredients to make it amazing.
Can you make pasta salad ahead of time?
Table of Contents
- Can you make pasta salad ahead of time?
- How long do pasta salads last?
- How to store pasta?
- The best Cold Pasta Salad recipes
- 1. Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
- 2. BLT Pasta Salad
- 3. Tuna Pasta Salad
- 4. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- 5. Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
- 6. Easy Macaroni Salad
- 7. Classic Italian Pasta Salad
- 8. Easy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
- 9. Easy Antipasti Pasta Salad Recipe
- 10. Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad
- 11. Avocado Pasta Salad
- 12. Tri Color Pasta Salad
- 13. Pizza Tortellini Pasta Salad
- 14. Chicken Pasta Salad
- 15. Caprese Pasta Salad
- 16. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- 17. Caprese Pasta Salad
- 18. Mediterranean orzo salad
- 19. Steak pasta salad
- 20. Bacon Macaroni Salad
- 21. Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad
- 22. Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
- 23. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- 25. Tortellini pasta salad
- Cold pasta salad recipes are delicious.
- Ideas to serve with pasta salad:
Yes, you can. In fact, I think the flavor is better when it has a little bit of time to combine.
Pasta salad is delicious made the night before or several hours before you plan to serve it.
This is also a great way to save time if you are making it for parties or gatherings.
Now, if the recipe you are making has ingredients that need to stay crispy, this changes things. I would not add those particular ingredients if possible until ready to serve.
Otherwise, it will get soggy. So, just keep that in mind.
How long do pasta salads last?
It will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. You might need to add more dressing to it and give it a good stir though. Sometimes, it can start to dry out.
Alternatively, it can also get soggy after an extended amount of time depending on the ingredients.
Pasta salad is definitely best eaten fresh.
How to store pasta?
Use an airtight container with lid to store the pasta in. Refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
The best Cold Pasta Salad recipes
Let’s get started with these easy but flavor packed recipes. There are so many different options to try. You will love how easy each recipe is.
1. Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
This classic recipe is loaded with pepperoni, veggies and more. Everything is combined with Italian dressing for tons of flavor.
Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
Take a look at this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe. It is the most simple pasta salad recipe ever and it feeds a crowd. The best pasta salad recipe is so easy.
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2. BLT Pasta Salad
Everything you love about a BLT is in this yummy pasta salad. The bacon and vegetables taste amazing with the creamy dressing.
BLT Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad is always a crowd pleaser. There is something about that creamy ranch dressing combined with the bacon and veggies that make this delicious.
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3. Tuna Pasta Salad
Tuna is an easy way to add protein to pasta salad. It literally takes just minutes to make for a fantastic pasta salad.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Tuna pasta salad recipe is a toss and go recipe full of protein, veggies and more. You will love the creamy pasta and delicious tuna for a quick meal.
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4. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Skip the box mixes and make this homemade Bacon Ranch salad. Not only is it bursting with vibrant colors but it tastes wonderful too.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
No need to buy the store bought mixes when it is so easy to make this bacon ranch pasta salad recipe. This is delicious with tons of ranch, bacon and more.
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5. Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Light and refreshing and so easy to make, Greek Pasta salad is an easy recipe to try. It is a great way to use veggies and incorporate more into your meal.
Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is so easy and frugal to prepare. Tons of veggies and pasta with the best flavor make this pasta salad recipe a family favorite.
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6. Easy Macaroni Salad
Try this recipe for classic Macaroni Salad. It is creamy and delicious with bits of cheese and more. This is always a hit at cookouts and potlucks.
Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe
This Easy Macaroni Salad recipe is the perfect side dish to bring to Summer BBQ’s, parties and more! Easy macaroni salad is loaded with veggies, cheese and more. You will love the creamy dressing.
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7. Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Tons of cheese, tomatoes, olives and more make this so yummy and filling. Anyone can make this easy pasta salad with a few simple ingredients.
Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Italian pasta salad recipe! Easy Italian pasta salad has the best flavor. Pasta salad with Italian dressing is the perfect side dish recipe.
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8. Easy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Turn ramen into a tasty salad. It is packed with crispy veggies and tons of Asian inspired flavor. The ramen noodles add a ton of crunch that makes his recipe even better.
Easy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Find the recipe here for this easy Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe. It’s packed with crunchy vegetables and Asian flavor. Try this Asian Salad Recipe today!
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9. Easy Antipasti Pasta Salad Recipe
Everything you love about an antipasti tray is in this pasta salad. Everything is coated in a delicious dressing that everyone will love.
Easy Antipasti Pasta Salad Recipe
Antipasti Pasta Salad recipe is loaded with veggies, cheeses, herbs, and meats and coated in a simple balsamic and olive oil dressing. Perfect for large get-togethers like BBQs and potlucks!
10. Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad
Tuscany pasta salad is loaded with your favorite Italian ingredients and easy to make. Get this on the table in just minutes for a fresh and fabulous side dish.
Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad
Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe is bursting with your favorite Italian fixings and on your table in 25 minutes! You can make the salad ahead of time for the perfect stress-free potluck side that everyone will love!
11. Avocado Pasta Salad
Try this healthier pasta salad for a delicious recipe. You can sneak in spinach and more. The avocado is wonderful in this pasta salad.
Avocado Pasta Salad
This Avocado Pasta Salad is one that’ll be different than all the others on the cookout table. It’s creamy, bright, packed full of (hidden) spinach, healthy pasta salad that just happens to be vegan friendly!
12. Tri Color Pasta Salad
Tri color pasta always looks so bright and colorful. The ingredients are super easy and this pasta dish is so yummy.
Tri Color Pasta Salad
This Tri Color Pasta Salad is a quick and easy rotini pasta salad that is great for picnics and potlucks! We especially love making this tri colored pasta salad when entertaining or bringing food to family and friends.
13. Pizza Tortellini Pasta Salad
Enjoy all of your favorite pizza toppings in this tasty pasta salad. It is easy to customize for what you have on hand and like.
Pizza Tortellini Pasta Salad
Pizza Tortellini Pasta Salad is a like a party in your mouth! It’s a blend of your favorite pizza toppings in a fabulously zesty and tangy summer pasta salad. This simple recipe is sure to be your new obsession!
14. Chicken Pasta Salad
If you love chicken salad, you will enjoy this easy recipe for Chicken Pasta Salad. It is super easy and so creamy and filling.
Chicken Pasta Salad
This Chicken Pasta salad is full of flavor and easy to make! Make for potlucks, parties, or even to go with lunch and dinner.
15. Caprese Pasta Salad
All the flavors of Caprese salad taste delicious in this pasta salad. Plus, the dish looks so bright and pretty. It is the perfect Summer dish but also delicious year round.
Caprese Pasta Salad
This easy-to-make Caprese pasta salad is a beautifully bright, sweet and tangy summertime salad that is refreshing light and simply delicious!
16. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Anyone that loves pickles needs to try this tangy pasta salad. It is quick, easy and frugal. Each bite has dill pickles for the best recipe.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Tangy dill pickles, tender pasta, cheese, and a flavorful dressing will make this dill pickle pasta salad a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
17. Caprese Pasta Salad
Inspired by a Caprese salad and vegetarian, this recipe will be a hit with everyone. The ingredients are so fresh and simple.
Caprese Salad
Make this Caprese Pasta Salad for a delicious vegetarian pasta salad recipe.
18. Mediterranean orzo salad
Orzo salad has tons of Greek flavor and fresh ingredients. It is so quick to make and goes with just about anything.
Mediterranean orzo salad
This Mediterranean orzo salad is easy, fresh, healthy, and quick! It’s bursting with fabulous Greek flavors and makes a nutritious side dish or light meal.
19. Steak pasta salad
Use leftover steak and make this hearty and tasty pasta salad. It will become a new favorite. Hearty eaters will love steak in this recipe.
Steak pasta salad
Steak pasta salad is packed with tender steak, vibrant asparagus, salty bacon, tangy Parmigiano Reggiano, and a delicious cream sauce. This easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for using up leftover steak!
20. Bacon Macaroni Salad
Make this flavorful twist on a classic pasta salad. The bacon and dressing make this so tasty. Salt and pepper to taste and you are set.
Herbed bacon macaroni salad
Put a twist on a classic favorite with this bacon macaroni salad! Featuring a fresh herb dressing and loads of bacon, this macaroni is sure to be a crowd favorite.
21. Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad
So many fresh grilled veggies come together for a great pasta salad. This is the perfect recipe to use up leftover veggies.
Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad
Perfectly grilled asparagus, zucchini, red onion, and peppers make up this savory grilled vegetable pasta salad. The perfect summer side dish for cookouts or a weeknight meal. Topped with shaved parmesan and a drizzle of lemon-infused avocado oil for a delicious grilled salad.
22. Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
If you love deviled eggs, then you are going to love this deviled egg macaroni salad.
Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is loaded with flavor and easy to make. This macaroni salad taste just like deviled eggs and is super creamy.
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23. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
If you love dill pickles, you have to try this fun pasta salad recipe.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
If you are needing to bring a pasta salad your next potluck, make Dill Pickle Pasta Salad. It is creamy, crunchy and easy to make with simple ingredients.
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25. Tortellini pasta salad
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Tortellini Pasta Salad is the perfect pasta salad to bring to your next BBQ. It is loaded with vegetables, pasta and delicious dressing.
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Cold pasta salad recipes are delicious.
Pasta salad recipes are some of the easiest side dishes to prepare. You can usually make these in 30 minutes or less especially when cooked al dente. Remember to use salted water in a large pot to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
They are budget friendly and so easy to modify based on what you have on hand. Some of our favorite ingredients include: sun dried tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese, red onion and bell peppers.
You can easily season pasta salad with just Italian seasoning and olive oil. Truly it is so simple to make pasta salad. If you like spicy, add red pepper to the recipes.
Rinse the pasta in cold water and toss everything together using a large bowl. Anyone can make these easy pasta salad recipes.
Let us know which recipe you plan to make first.
Ideas to serve with pasta salad:
- Grilled Chicken Kabob Recipe
- Grilled Hot Dogs
- Cataalina Glazed Chicken
- co*ke Marinated Pork Chops
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About the Author
Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!
I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!
