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21 Pasta Salad Recipes That’ll Steal The Show

When the sun starts coming out in the spring, the first hint of warmth I’m firing up the grill. If it is grilling season that means it is also pasta salad season, which is one of my favorite times of the year. Whether you’re talking classic tuna pasta salad, or creamy pasta salad or some crazy variation, we’ve got something for everyone here, and enough pasta salads to last you through the whole grilling season, and then some.

BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A creative blend of a classic BLT sandwich and pasta salad, bringing together bacon, lettuce, and tomato in a satisfying and easy-to-make dish.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad

Smoked Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Smoked Greek Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A delightful blend of smoked chicken and Greek flavors, this pasta salad is both refreshing and filling. It’s an excellent choice for a summer meal or a potluck, offering a robust flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

BBQ Chicken & Feta Pasta Salad

BBQ Chicken & Feta Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A flavorful and filling pasta salad featuring BBQ chicken, feta and veggies perfect for picnics or as a summer meal.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken & Feta Pasta Salad

Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A flavorful and hearty pasta salad, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a satisfying meal. This salad includes tortellini and a variety of antipasto elements, offering a delicious and colorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Orange Ginger Chicken Pasta Salad

Orange Ginger Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A flavorful and zesty pasta salad with chicken, infused with orange and ginger. It’s a great option for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Orange Ginger Chicken Pasta Salad

Light Parmesan Ranch Pasta Salad

Light Parmesan Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A flavorful pasta salad combining the tastes of Parmesan and ranch dressing. It’s a great side dish for picnics or as a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Light Parmesan Ranch Pasta Salad

Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad

Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A fresh and flavorful pasta salad featuring the classic caprese ingredients of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, with a balsamic dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad

Fresh Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad

Fresh Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A fresh and flavorful pasta salad featuring tomatoes and pesto. It’s a great side dish for picnics or as a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A fresh and light pasta salad featuring the classic flavors of a Caprese salad, ideal for summer picnics or as a refreshing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Creamy Turkey Cobb Pasta Salad

Creamy Turkey Cobb Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A pasta salad twist on the classic Cobb salad, featuring turkey and a creamy dressing. It’s a great option for a filling and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turkey Cobb Pasta Salad

Easy Salmon Orzo Pasta Salad

Easy Salmon Orzo Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A refreshing and easy-to-make pasta salad featuring salmon and orzo. It’s a great choice for a light lunch or dinner, particularly appealing for seafood lovers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Orzo Pasta Salad

Ham and Pea Pasta Salad

Ham and Pea Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A refreshing and hearty pasta salad combining ham and peas, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a fulfilling side dish.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Pea Pasta Salad

Poppy Seed, Grape & Chicken Pasta Salad

Poppy Seed, Grape & Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A refreshing and unique pasta salad, this dish blends chicken with grapes and a poppy seed dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side at picnics and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Poppy Seed, Grape & Chicken Pasta Salad

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

A spicy and flavorful pasta salad that combines the kick of buffalo chicken. It’s a great choice for a summer cookout or a spicy twist on pasta salad.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Smoked Chicken Gorgonzola Pasta Salad

Smoked Chicken Gorgonzola Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A unique pasta salad featuring smoked chicken and bold gorgonzola cheese, creating a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Gorgonzola Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Greek pasta salad with Barilla Better for You pasta is a healthy spin on the classic side dish and filled with fresh veggies!
Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad

Grilled Caesar Pasta Salad

Grilled Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This hearty delicious grilled caesar pasta salad is made with homemade Caesar dressing and is going to be such a huge hit at your net gathering!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Caesar Pasta Salad

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This Italian tortellini pasta salad is a colorful and flavorful dish, perfect for picnics or as a side. It combines cheese-filled tortellini with a variety of fresh vegetables and a zesty Italian dressing. This salad is ideal for those who enjoy a combination of pasta and fresh, crisp ingredients in a light, yet satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This pasta salad is a refreshing mix that combines tuna with dill for a unique flavor. It’s an ideal choice for a light and easy meal, especially during warmer months.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This recipe brings the flavors of Greece into a pasta salad, perfect as a side dish for BBQs or potlucks. It’s a refreshing and flavorful option for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad

Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tofu pasta salad is an easy, light and healthy meal or side dish bursting with fresh summer vegetables and an easy balsamic dressing. A protein packed way to enjoy pasta salad while keeping it plant-based.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Nicole Johnson
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Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.