Need a dish that’s easy to make, travels like a champ, and is guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “cheese” (because, let’s be honest, there’s probably cheese involved)?
These recipes are like magic. We’re talking zippy dressings, fresh ingredients, and enough variety to keep things interesting.
Take pasta salad up a notch with these amazing flavor combinations, so you’ll be the hero of the potluck, backyard party or family picnic.
Red Pesto Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Bite on The Side
Add this red pesto salad to your must-make list. Sun-dried tomatoes and red pesto are the two stand-out flavors in this pasta dish. Red pesto is made with sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, basil, and more.
This sauce is tangy and earthy which makes this dish so delicious.
Get the Recipe: Red Pesto Pasta Salad
Italian Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen
This classic Italian pasta salad uses tri-color pasta for pops of color. Loaded with salami, plump cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, mozzarella pearls, and other savory ingredients.
Pair with some crusty bread to slather up all the dressing left in the bowl. This is a tried-and-true pasta dish to share with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad
Chicken Macaroni Salad
Photo Credit: Maple and Mango
Chicken salad and macaroni salad collide to create one incredible chicken macaroni salad. Tender shredded chicken is paired with pasta, cubed cheese, and crisp vegetables, smothered in a sour cream and mayo-based dressing.
Consider this salad for a quick lunch, dinner, or side. It does make quite a bit, so it is perfect when you need a dish to serve a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Macaroni Salad
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Alekas Get Together
Get all the flavors of a Greek dish in this orzo salad. This recipe is irresistible, with all the Mediterranean flavors in one dish. Crisp cucumbers, salty olives, juicy tomatoes, crumbly feta cheese, and much more.
Fresh, vibrant flavors that will leave everyone wanting one more scoop of this salad.
Bonus – You can quickly whip this up and store it in the fridge a day ahead.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
California Spaghetti Salad
Photo Credit: Food N Service
This California spaghetti salad is one dish you want to make ahead of time. It allows all the veggies, pasta, and zesty dressing to meld their flavors, so when you serve it up, it is full of flavor.
This is the perfect cold salad to whip up when the summer heat is in full force. Keep this on hand for quick snacks, cool side dish or take to your next potluck.
Get the Recipe: California Spaghetti Salad
Shrimp Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: The Devil Wears Salad
This shrimp macaroni salad is a creamy and comforting recipe. The shrimp is the star of the dish, along with tender elbow macaroni, plump tomatoes, crisp peppers, and more smothered in a light mayonnaise-based sauce.
You’ll feel like you are sitting by the ocean when you dive into this seafood lover’s salad.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pasta Salad
Steak Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Crave the Good
Dish up a tantalizing blend of flavors in this steak pasta salad recipe. For steak lovers, this is a wonderful new way to serve your favorite meat.
Asparagus, crisp bacon, parmesan cheese, mayo, and an apple cider vinegar dressing creates a salty, tangy, and creamy flavor in each bite.
This dish is easy to customize by adding different vegetables that fit your liking.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pasta Salad
Potato Macaroni Salad
Savory, slightly sweet, tangy, and addictive are words to describe this Hawaiian potato mac salad. You get the flavors of a macaroni salad and potato salad all stuffed into one hearty dish.
The blend of vegetables creates extra flavor and a nice crunch in each bite. Pair this side dish with grilled burgers or impress friends and family at your next potluck.
Get the Recipe: Potato Macaroni Salad
Tofu Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Running to The Kitchen
Tofu pasta salad is a plant-based dish that’s a hit for meatless lovers. Season and sear the pressed tofu in a skillet and then pair it with balsamic for even more rich flavors.
This is a wonderful main dish or side to enjoy all year round. Have fun and play with ingredients to create different flavor profiles in this salad.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Pasta Salad
Mexican Macaroni Salad
Photo Credit: Haute and Healthy Living
This Mexican macaroni salad is a perfect side dish or potluck recipe. Full of cooked pasta, black beans, sweet corn kernels, red onions, diced avocado, and other flavorful ingredients bring this dish to life.
As a side dish, pair it with salsa chicken, juicy steaks, or grilled shrimp. You can also make this dish ahead of time and keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad
Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Flavor The Moments
No more boring side dishes. This lemon orzo recipe includes a homemade lemon vinaigrette dressing, along with crrunchy veggies, sweet corn kernels, and creamy feta cheese. All these flavors work perfectly together to create a hearty pasta salad.
Whip it up the night before to allow the flavors to blend together even more.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Cincy Shopper
If you are searching for a side dish that comes together quickly, you’ll love this deviled egg pasta salad. It has the creamy deviled egg flavors but with pasta, crisp celery, and red onion.
A fantastic recipe for changing up your meal rotation, taking a dish to a potluck event, etc. Plus, this recipe is great to make in advance to save time in the kitchen later.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: To Simply Inspire
Take your favorite sandwich and transform it into a flavorful pasta salad. This BLT pasta salad is full of diced tomatoes, crisp lettuce, salty bacon, and al dente pasta smothered in a creamy mayo-based sauce.
This salad is a great side dish for your summer cookout, or serve it up for dinner any night of the week. Light, flavorful, and crave worthy.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad
Thai Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Cinnamon and Sage Co
This Thai salad is a light dish with a sesame dressing that really compliments the crisp, fresh vegetables and pasta. It gives you all the flavors of your favorite Thai dish: sweet, savory, crunchy, and mouthwatering.
It’s easy to throw this dish together for any occasion or dinner you have planned.
Get the Recipe: Thai Pasta Salad
Southwestern Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Dancing Through The Rain
The chipotle dressing really ramps up the flavor of this Southwest salad. Grab your favorite small pasta and whip this up in a little over 30 minutes.
It’s loaded with Monterey jack cheese, bacon, onion, peppers, and a sprinkle of cilantro. This can be a filling meal on its own or a side for a picnic in the park or summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Pasta Salad
Peach Mozzarella Basil Salad
Photo Credit: Through The Fibro Fog
Have you ever had peaches paired with orzo? If not, you need to try this peach salad with mozzarella, arugula, and basil. The honey and apple cider vinaigrette helps bring out the peaches’ natural sweetness and creates a tangy pairing.
The flavors are unique, making it a great recipe to serve at a potluck where it will stand out from the rest.
Get the Recipe: Peach Mozzarella Basil Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Simply Stacie
Whip up this easy chicken Caesar pasta salad. This is a great dish when you’re craving more than a green salad.
The pasta adds more texture and heartiness, while the Romaine lettuce offers a fresh taste. A truly tantalizing pasta salad.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Life As A Strawberry
Caprese salad is a dish you can make all year round. Skip the jarred pesto, the star of this salad is the homemade kale and basil pesto. It’s earthy, refreshing, and easy to whip up in no time.
Let the Caprese salad marinate in the fridge to blend all the flavors together.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Recipes From A Pantry
Pickle fans will go nuts for this dill pickle salad. It consists of tender al dente pasta, diced dill pickles, cubed cheese, and onions smothered in a creamy sour cream and mayonnaise dressing.
This pasta recipe is tangy and savory and offers the perfect crunch factor. You can make this recipe all year round for a simple side dish that’s easy to pair with a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Maple and Mango
Canned salmon takes front and center in this salmon and asparagus salad.This recipe would also work if you want to use smoked salmon. Enjoy the homemade lemon dill dressing that coats all the ingredients.
This pasta dish is hearty enough to be a main course or transform it into a side.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad
Asian Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: Strength and Sunshine
This salad is loaded with Asian flavors, thanks to crunchy broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and a flavorful sweet and savory dressing. The pasta helps create a heartiness to the dish.
It is a gluten-free and vegan-friendly dish you can serve as meal or a side. You will also find it is a soy-free recipe if you have certain food allergies you need to follow.
Get the Recipe: Asian Pasta Salad
Up Next: 21 Easy Potluck Dishes to Feed a Crowd
Photo Credit: Yum In The Kitchen
Easy potluck recipes from refreshing salads and flavorful dips to hearty casseroles and delightful finger foods.
You’re sure to find the perfect dish to bring to your next gathering.
Get the Recipes: 21 Easy Potluck Dishes to Feed a Crowd