Recipes  

7 Summer-Ready Pasta Salad Recipes

Discover delicious pasta salad recipes that are perfect for any summer gathering. Vibrant and refreshing, they can be enjoyed on a picnic, at a barbecue or as a light dinner. From classic versions to more creative twists, each recipe featured here will ensure a tasty and effortless summer meal!

1. Cold Ham and Mustard Macaroni Salad

A classic is a classic for a reason, and this is a winning macaroni salad everyone is sure to love. By mixing pasta, ham and celery with a creamy dressing made of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and lemon, you’ve got the perfect dish to bring to a summer potluck.

2. Garlic, Lemon and Anchovy Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are easy to make and always enjoyed no matter the occasion. This one combines fusilli with garlic, pepper flakes and pan-fried anchovies for that perfect umami kick!

3. Warm Tuna and Broccoli Pasta Salad

With a combination of green vegetables, farfalle, cherry tomatoes, cilantro and canned tuna, this nutritious salad not only makes a great side, but can act as a main dish, too. It’s a great dinner option on a warm and sunny evening.

4. Pasta Salad with Chorizo and Romesco Sauce

This pasta salad is inspired by a classic of Spanish cuisine: romesco sauce. Made with roasted red bell peppers and almonds, it’s fresh and velvety and always a big hit. Combining fusilli pasta with diced chorizo and fresh parsley, this is a dish that has just the right amount of spice!

5. Creamy Macaroni and Grilled Corn Salad

Reinvent this staple by including seasonal vegetables for added crunch. Make this version by mixing the pasta with grilled corn, fresh cucumber, celery and green onions. Make it in advance to allow the flavours to develop.

6. Pasta Salad with Lemon and Tuscan Kale

Simple and yet absolutely original, you’ll love the ingredients in this uncomplicated pasta salad: Tuscan kale, edamame, feta cheese, lemon and fresh mint. They go well together and the dish is sure to be a unanimous hit.

7. Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables and Tomato Dressing

This refreshing pasta salad with grilled vegetables and a creamy and tangy tomato dressing is the ultimate summer side. The combination of whole wheat pasta, which has some bite to it, with softened grilled zucchini and peppers, and cherry tomatoes that burst in your mouth with each bite, makes for a well-balanced dish.

Looking for a few more summer meal ideas you can bring to a potluck? Check out the recipe suggestions featured in this article: