10 Easy Cold Pasta Salad Recipes

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Cold pasta salads are the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, offering endless variations to suit any palate. However, let’s face it: not all pasta salads are created equal. No one wants a greasy or bland dish on their plate. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up 10 easy cold pasta salad recipes that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or quick weeknight meals.

1. Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

A classic Italian pasta salad that’s as tasty as it is visually appealing. This recipe combines al dente pasta with fresh, high-quality ingredients for an irresistible dish.

Ingredients

For the Vinaigrette:

• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Salad:

• 1 pound fusilli pasta
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup chopped hard salami slices
• 3/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup Italian parsley, chopped
• 12 oz mini mozzarella balls, halved
• 1 can (3.8 oz) sliced black olives, drained

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Whisk together vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl.
3. In a large salad bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, salami, peppers, onion, parsley, mozzarella, and olives. Pour vinaigrette over the top and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This 20-minute recipe puts a refreshing spin on the classic Caesar salad with the addition of tender pasta.

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

For the Salad:

• 8 oz uncooked rotini or penne pasta
• 2 Romaine hearts, chopped
• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Croutons (optional)
• Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

1. Whisk dressing ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
2. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and transfer to a serving bowl.
3. Toss pasta with Romaine, chicken, and dressing. Garnish with Parmesan and croutons, if desired. Serve chilled.

3. Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

A flavorful twist on a classic deviled egg recipe, this pasta salad features a creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of spice.

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

For the Salad:

• 9 oz macaroni
• 6-8 hard-boiled eggs, diced
• 1/3 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1/3 cup diced celery
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• Smoked paprika, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook macaroni to al dente, then rinse with cold water and drain.
2. In a small bowl, mix all dressing ingredients.
3. Combine pasta, eggs, bacon, celery, onion, and chives in a large bowl. Add dressing and mix well. Garnish with paprika before serving.

4. Flavorful Cold Pasta Salad

Perfect for spring or summer, this vibrant salad only gets better as it chills.

Ingredients

• 16 oz bowtie pasta
• 4-5 mini bell peppers, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz hard salami, chopped
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomato puree
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta until al dente, then rinse with cold water and drain.
2. Toss pasta with vegetables, salami, sun-dried tomato puree, and olive oil. Mix well.
3. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Sprinkle with feta, if desired.

5. Broccoli Pesto Pasta Salad

Bursting with fresh flavors, this gluten-free and vegan option is a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 oz gluten-free pasta
• 1 lb broccoli
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 cup olive oil
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Blanch broccoli florets and stems. Reserve stems for the pesto.
2. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water.
3. Blend broccoli, basil, spinach, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon zest, and juice to create a creamy pesto sauce. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed.
4. Toss pasta with pesto and serve warm or chilled.

6. Cold Ginger Noodle Salad with Mint, Edamame & Orange

This refreshing, nutrient-packed salad is light yet satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup tamari soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 12 oz whole grain noodles
• 1 cup edamame, thawed
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, segmented
• 1 cup torn mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and avocado oil to make the dressing.
2. Cook noodles and toss with 3/4 of the dressing. Let cool.
3. Add edamame, carrots, orange, mint, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with remaining dressing before serving.

7. Lemon Pasta Salad

A zesty pasta salad with pistachios and Parmesan that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cellentani pasta
• 2 cups peas
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/3 cup Parmesan flakes For the Dressing:
• 2/3 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Cook pasta and peas together. Drain and cool.
2. Combine pasta, peas, bacon, and Parmesan in a bowl.
3. Whisk together dressing ingredients and toss with the salad.

8. Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad

Loaded with shrimp and crab, this creamy salad is seafood lovers’ paradise.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 8 oz shrimp, cooked
• 8 oz crab meat
• 2/3 cup Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 cup diced celery

Instructions

1. Cook pasta and rinse with cold water.
2. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, and seasoning in a bowl.
3. Toss pasta with shrimp, crab, and celery. Fold in dressing and chill.

9. Watermelon Rind Caprese Pasta Salad

A creative twist on Caprese, featuring watermelon rind for a refreshing crunch.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fusilli pasta
• 2 cups peeled watermelon rind, sliced
• 1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz bocconcini cheese
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Cook pasta with watermelon rind during the last 4 minutes. Drain and cool.
2. Toss with tomatoes, cheese, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Garnish with basil leaves.

Enjoy these 10 easy cold pasta salad recipes for any occasion, and let the flavors shine in every bite!