It's Potluck Season! Bring One of These Pasta Salad Bowls
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With warm weather in sight, we're looking forward to all the opportunities to host and entertain. Whether that means finally breaking out the grill for a cookout, setting up a picnic in the park, or attending an Easter potluck, the season for making some of our favorite spring and summer foods is finally here! Of course, none of these occasions would be complete without pasta salad—it's the make-ahead dish that we can serve again and again. Just like with potato salads, these pasta salad recipes come in all different forms like orzo salads, tortellini recipes, and macaroni salads.
You may already know that there are tons of creative pasta salads worth trying: the creamy macaroni salad you remember as a kid and the lighter, vinegary variety made without the mayo. Luckily, this list includes them both! For a classic BBQ side, look no further than Ree Drummond's Best-Ever Macaroni Salad. "I love macaroni salad, but I'm very picky about it!" Ree says. Her version is creamy but still light and full of tangy flavor—just the way she likes it! Looking for something more imaginative? We've got you covered. There are also fun twists like Greek pesto pasta salad, buffalo chicken pasta salad, and the ever-popular BLT pasta salad. No matter which one you choose, they'd all be perfect additions alongside hot dogs, burgers, and even grilled steaks.
Spicy Veggie Pasta Salad
This creamy, spicy dressing is made with pickled jalapeños, garlic, and a pop of lime. It's perfect for those who like their pasta salad with a fiery kick.
Get Ree's Spicy Veggie Pasta Salad recipe.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Ree loves when orzo salads are "filled with everything under the sun" so this recipe has tons of tasty mix-ins, like chickpeas, olives, veggies, and feta. You can make it ahead and store it in a cooler for any outdoor event.
Get Ree's Mediterranean Orzo Salad recipe.
Couscous Salad
Many people consider couscous as a type of pasta so it fits right in to this pasta salad category. Plus, it only takes five minutes to cook! Mix in veggies, pomegranate seeds, and herbs for light and flavorful picnic dish.
Get the Couscous Salad recipe.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
The key to making this very delicious, ranch-filled pasta in advance of your next BBQ is keeping the bacon on the side until ready to serve. This way, it stays nice and crispy.
Get the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This recipe combines two favorites: creamy pasta salad and chicken Caesar. It even has the satisfying combo of homemade dressing and crunchy croutons.
Get the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe.
Southwestern Pasta Salad
This Southwestern-inspired pasta salad will be the star of your next potluck. It's packed with mix-ins, like avocado, corn, and cherry tomatoes, and the whole thing is dressed in a creamy, chipotle dressing.
Get the Southwestern Pasta Salad recipe.
Chicken Pasta Salad
This pasta salad was inspired by Ree's popular chicken salad which has grapes and slivered almonds. Here, there's also chilled noodles and a creamy dressing.
Get the Chicken Pasta Salad recipe.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Between the sweet cherry tomatoes and the fresh basil, this pasta salad screams summer! A sprinkle of red chile flakes at the end helps to really liven up the flavor.
Get the Caprese Pasta Salad recipe.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This classic pasta salad gets its name from the Aloha state—where it's super popular! Pretend like you're on the tropical island yourself and make it with your favorite grilling recipes.
Get the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe.
Italian Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is typically served as a side dish at barbecues but don't let that fool you! This version is incredibly hearty thanks to pieces of salami, mozzarella, and baby bell peppers.
Get the Italian Pasta Salad recipe.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Pickles aren't just a topping for burgers, they're also the key ingredient in this tangy pasta salad! Here, pickle juice is used in the dressing and the diced pickles mixed throughout.
Get the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad recipe.
Tuna Pasta Salad
This recipe combines to family favorites: tuna noodle casserole and pasta salad. It's creamy, fresh, and filling!
Get the Tuna Pasta Salad recipe.
Greek Pesto Pasta Salad
Ree is a big fan of using pesto in every which way—including as a dressing for chilled pasta salads. You can use storebought pesto or make your own homemade pesto.
Get Ree's Greek Pesto Pasta Salad recipe.
BLT Pasta Salad
Everything you love about a classic BLT (including crispy bits of bacon)—in pasta form! It doesn't get much better than that.
Get the BLT Pasta Salad recipe.
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Did you know that you can make pasta salad with tortellini? It has a chewy texture and cheesy flavor that makes it a great choice for this make-ahead side dish.
Get the Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe.
Best-Ever Macaroni Salad
This classic barbecue side dish deserves a spot at your picnic table. It's easy to whip up in less than 30 minutes and can even be made ahead for easy entertaining.
Get Ree's Best-Ever Macaroni Salad recipe.
Greek Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is bright, light, and loaded with fresh vegetables. It's perfect for anyone who wants something different from the typical creamy pasta salads out there.
Get the Greek Pasta Salad recipe.
Garden Pasta Salad
This creamy pasta salad swaps the typical macaroni shape for pasta shells, but you can use any shape you like best. It's full of colorful, crunchy vegetables like radishes, jicama, and bell peppers.
Get Ree's Garden Pasta Salad recipe.
Grilled Chicken and Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
Orzo is a type of small pasta that looks like rice. When tossed with veggies and grilled chicken it can be transformed into a light lunch or hefty side dish.
Get the Grilled Chicken and Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad recipe.
Sesame Pork Noodle Salad
Yes, you can use ramen noodles to make pasta salad! It's a fun twist on the classic dish and it can even be served as a weeknight dinner thanks to the addition of pork.
Get Ree's Sesame Pork Noodle Salad recipe.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Along with pesto, this pasta salad is filled with Italian favorites like olives, mozzarella cheese, and pine nuts. Serve it up with a grilled pizza for a fun twist an Italian dinner.
Get Ree's Pesto Pasta Salad recipe.
Chipotle Pasta Salad with Mozzarella
This twist on pasta salad has a secret ingredient that gives it a ton of flavor: chipotles! It's creamy, tangy, and just a little bit spicy.
Get Ree's Chipotle Pasta Salad with Mozzarella recipe.
Kale Pasta Salad
Here's one way to get your kids to eat their greens: serve it with pasta salad! This versatile dish can be served chilled or hot—and it's delicious either way.
Get Ree's Kale Pasta Salad recipe.
Macaroni Salad With Ham and Cheese
The classic combination of smoky ham and cheddar cheese gives this classic tangy macaroni salad some added heft! Along with the peas, it would be perfect for a springtime lunch.
Get the Macaroni Salad With Ham and Cheese recipe at A Farmgirl's Dabbles.
Lobster Pasta Salad
This recipe combines two classic summertime salads: pasta salad and lobster salad! It's creamy, crunchy, fresh, and packed with Old Bay seasoning.
Get the Lobster Pasta Salad recipe at The View from Great Island.
Cashew Chicken Rotini Salad
This chicken pasta salad has a few surprising ingredients that you might not have expected, like crunchy cashews, sweet grapes, chewy dried cranberries, and ranch dressing! It'll make you wonder why you never thought to add them before!
Get the Cashew Chicken Rotini Salad recipe at Julie's Eats and Treats.
Spaghetti Salad
Who says that you can't use spaghetti for a pasta salad? This recipe proves that the long noodles are just as delicious as any other pasta shape.
Get the Spaghetti Salad recipe at Amanda's Cookin'.
Cobb Pasta Salad with Chicken
Cobb salad meets pasta salad in this fun summertime mash-up. Thanks to the hard boiled eggs, chicken, bacon, and avocado, it can even be a main course dish.
Get the Cobb Pasta Salad with Chicken recipe at Dinner Then Dessert.
Farmers' Market Pasta Salad
Whether you hit the farmers' market or your own back garden, this recipe is great for loading up on summer veggies. It's very customizable based on what you have on hand.
Get the Farmers' Market Pasta Salad recipe at Feasting at Home.
Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad
Sweet, juicy strawberries get paired with creamy mozzarella and fresh herbs (like mint and basil) for this fun pasta salad recipe. It's surprising and so summery.
Get the Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad recipe at Foodie Crush.
Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad
If you thought cowboy caviar couldn't get better, just wait until you try this pasta salad variation! It's a little bit spicy and loaded with mix-ins.
Get the Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad recipe at Simple Joy.
Summer Zucchini Noodle Pasta Salad
Zucchini noodles make this twist on pasta salad even healthier. They're light, refreshing, and delicious when served chilled with smoky grilled corn.
Get the Summer Zucchini Noodle Pasta Salad recipe at Food Faith Fitness.
Summertime Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Corn and Jalapeño Pesto
This bold, homemade pesto is made with fresh cilantro and parsley, toasted pepitas, and jalapeño for an added kick. It's the perfect dressing for this zingy summer-inspired pasta salad.
Get the Summertime Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Corn and Jalapeño Pesto recipe at Cookie and Kate.
Pizza Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is loaded with fun pizza toppings, like mini pepperoni, mozzarella, mushrooms, and olives. Even the red wine vinaigrette gives it an Italian flare.
Get the Pizza Pasta Salad recipe at Garnish and Glaze.
Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables
Instead of mayo, this pasta salad gets its creaminess from silky avocado and almond milk. It's a colorful side that you can feel good about eating.
Get the Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables recipe at Foodie Crush.
Mediterranean Salmon Orzo Salad
Canned salmon makes this orzo salad so quick and easy to make. In fact, it can be ready in under 10 minutes!
Get the Mediterranean Salmon Orzo Salad recipe at Marisa Moore.
Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
Hearty chicken and loads of veggies makes this creamy pasta salad a filling choice for lunch or dinner. Our favorite part? The fact that the dressing is made with ranch!
Get the Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad recipe at Immaculate Bites.
Lemon Pasta Salad
The combination of tomatoes, red peppers, and lemon juice make this pasta salad bright and colorful. For extra flavor and creaminess, add some crumbled feta over the top.
Get the Lemon Pasta Salad recipe at Simply Lakita.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
The dressing on this pasta salad is spicy, creamy, tangy, and full of buffalo flavor! It also has bits of celery, blue cheese, and diced chicken for the full effect.
Get the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad recipe at Yes to Yolks.
Taco Pasta Salad
This fun pasta salad variation has everything you love about tacos in a make-ahead barbecue side dish! It's loaded with ground beef, veggies, cheese, and even tortilla chips!
Get the Taco Pasta Salad recipe at Isabel Eats.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This pasta salad has all the flavors of elote (or Mexican street corn), including fresh corn, chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro. For additional flavor, try adding mix-ins like cotija cheese, black beans, or jalapeños.
Get the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe at Lexi's Clean Kitchen.
Green Goddess Pasta Salad
This bright green pasta salad is made with gemelli—a type of small spiral pasta that's perfect for holding onto the pesto dressing. If you can’t find gemelli, any twisty pasta will work.
Get the Green Goddess Pasta Salad recipe at The Cookie Rookie.
Shrimp Pasta Salad
This Southern favorite is just as creamy and delicious as the original but with some lightened-up twists. It uses Greek yogurt in place of mayo and whole wheat pasta for added nutrients.
Get the Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe at Well Plated by Erin.
Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad
Like any good salad, the mix-ins are always the best part. It's true for this pasta salad, too—it's loaded with diced chicken, mandarin oranges, wonton strips, sliced almonds, and more!
Get the Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad recipe at Little Spice Jar.
Pimento Cheese Pasta Salad
The dressing for this pasta salad is made with cheddar, pimentos, mayo, and spices—and it sure does pack a punch! It's the comforting pasta salad you never knew you needed.
Get the Pimento Cheese Pasta Salad recipe at How Sweet Eats.
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