15 Best Pasta Salad Recipes for Quick and Healthy Dinners

Discover 15 mouthwatering pasta salad recipes that are perfect for dinner ideas. Quick, easy, and flavorful, these salads are sure to impress your guests!

Pasta salad recipes are the ultimate go-to for anyone needing quick yet satisfying dinner ideas. They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and can be made with a variety of ingredients, making them perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re whipping up a meal for a summer cookout, a potluck, or a cozy dinner at home, these pasta salads will not disappoint.

Let’s dive into 15 delectable pasta salad recipes that are guaranteed to become family favorites!

1. Classic Italian Pasta Salad

This Italian pasta salad is bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh vegetables, savory salami, and tangy Italian dressing. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for picnics or as a dinner side.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumbers, diced
• 1/2 cup red onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup salami, cubed
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, salami, and mozzarella.
3. Pour in Italian dressing and toss until evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, season with salt and pepper, and serve chilled.

2. Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad – Pasta Salad Recipes

This Caesar pasta salad combines the rich flavors of Caesar dressing with tender pasta, making it a delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups penne pasta
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1/2 cup croutons
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/4 cup bacon bits
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix pasta with Caesar dressing until well coated.
3. Add chicken, croutons, Parmesan cheese, lettuce, and bacon bits. Toss gently.
4. Top with black pepper and serve immediately.

3. Greek Pasta Salad

This Greek pasta salad is a refreshing and zesty dish filled with classic Mediterranean flavors like feta cheese, olives, and a tangy lemon dressing.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fusilli pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, olives, feta, cucumber, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled.

4. Pesto Pasta Salad – Pasta Salad Recipes

Pesto pasta salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s packed with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan, offering a delightful alternative to the typical pasta salad.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups farfalle pasta
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup mozzarella balls
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix pasta with basil pesto until well coated.
3. Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and pine nuts. Toss gently.
4. Top with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve at room temperature.

5. Southwest Pasta Salad

This Southwest pasta salad is loaded with black beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing, making it a hearty and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups penne pasta
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

6. Caprese Pasta Salad – Pasta Salad Recipes

This Caprese pasta salad captures the essence of a traditional Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, all tossed with pasta and a balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil, then toss gently.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve at room temperature.

7. BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT pasta salad is a fun twist on the classic BLT sandwich, featuring crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce mixed with pasta and a creamy dressing.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups macaroni pasta
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard.
3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, bacon, and lettuce.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve chilled.

8. Tuna Pasta Salad – Pasta Salad Recipes

This tuna pasta salad is a classic, combining tender pasta with protein-packed tuna, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing for a quick and nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix pasta, tuna, celery, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled.

9. Spinach and Feta Pasta Salad

This spinach and feta pasta salad is a delightful combination of tender spinach leaves, salty feta cheese, and savory pasta, all tossed in a light vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fusilli pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled.

10. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad – Pasta Salad Recipes

Chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is a creamy and flavorful dish packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a tangy ranch dressing, making it perfect for a filling dinner.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rotini pasta
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.
3. Add ranch dressing and toss to coat evenly.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve chilled.

11. Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This Mediterranean pasta salad is bursting with fresh flavors from tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, olives, feta, red onion, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to combine. Serve at room temperature.

12. Asian Noodle Pasta Salad – Pasta Salad Recipes

This Asian noodle pasta salad brings an exotic flair with sesame-soy dressing, crisp vegetables, and tender pasta, making it a refreshing and unique dinner idea.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups soba noodles
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, julienned
• 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine noodles, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and salt.
4. Pour dressing over noodle salad, toss to coat, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve chilled.

13. Avocado Pasta Salad

This creamy avocado pasta salad is a healthy and delicious dish that combines the richness of avocado with the freshness of cherry tomatoes and spinach.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fusilli pasta
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, avocado, tomatoes, spinach, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss gently. Serve immediately.

14. Vegan Pasta Salad – Pasta Salad Recipes

This vegan pasta salad is a light and refreshing dish made with plenty of vegetables, a simple vinaigrette, and no animal products, making it a great option for vegans.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups bowtie pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumbers, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell pepper, and olives.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled.

15. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Mexican street corn pasta salad is a bold and flavorful dish inspired by elote, featuring sweet corn, spicy crema, and cotija cheese.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cavatappi pasta
• 1 cup corn kernels, grilled or canned
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup Mexican crema
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, corn, red onion, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together Mexican crema, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to coat. Serve chilled.

Conclusion

There you have it—15 scrumptious pasta salad recipes that are perfect for any dinner idea. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want a quick and delicious meal, these pasta salads are sure to satisfy.

From the rich flavors of a Classic Italian Pasta Salad to the bold zest of a Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

So why not try one of these recipes tonight and see which one becomes your new favorite?

For more healthy recipes CLICK HERE!

Or check my Pinterest board with healthy recipes collection