12 Easy Cold Pasta Salad Recipes

Cold pasta salads have become a staple for potlucks, barbecues, picnics, and weeknight dinners—and for good reason.

They’re refreshing, versatile, and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a perfect choice for busy families and food lovers alike.

With countless variations, pasta salad can be as simple or as gourmet as you’d like. From creamy classics to zesty Mediterranean-inspired bowls, these dishes bring together fresh vegetables, herbs, cheeses, and flavorful dressings that make every bite exciting.

Whether you’re hosting guests, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something light yet satisfying, cold pasta salads are the answer.

Below, you’ll find 12 easy cold pasta salad recipes—each with its own unique twist—that you can whip up in no time.

1. Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

A timeless favorite for backyard barbecues, this creamy macaroni salad is simple, tangy, and always crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup celery, diced
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 boiled eggs, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta, drain, and cool completely.
2. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Add celery, peppers, onion, and eggs.
4. Fold in macaroni until coated.
5. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

2. Italian Pasta Salad with Zesty Dressing

Loaded with vibrant veggies and cured meats, this pasta salad delivers bold Italian flavors in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• ½ cup salami, cubed
• ½ cup mozzarella balls
• ½ cup Italian dressing
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss pasta with Italian dressing.
2. Add tomatoes, cucumber, olives, salami, and mozzarella.
3. Mix well and chill for 30 minutes.
4. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

3. Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

A protein-packed, creamy salad that’s great for lunch or meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups bow-tie pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 can tuna, drained
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup celery, diced
• ¼ cup pickles, chopped
• 2 boiled eggs, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, yogurt, salt, and pepper.
2. Add tuna, celery, pickles, and eggs.
3. Stir in pasta until well coated.
4. Chill for 1–2 hours before serving.

4. Greek Pasta Salad with Feta

This refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad combines olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese for a bright, tangy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups penne pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• ½ cup red onion, sliced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup olive oil + 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss pasta with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and onion.
3. Add feta cheese.
4. Mix gently and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

5. BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

A hearty, smoky dish that combines barbecue chicken with creamy pasta salad for a flavorful twist.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup corn kernels
• ½ cup black beans
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix barbecue sauce and mayonnaise in a bowl.
2. Add pasta, chicken, corn, beans, and onion.
3. Stir well until evenly coated.
4. Garnish with cilantro and chill before serving.

6. Caprese Pasta Salad

Inspired by the classic Caprese salad, this pasta version is bursting with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fusilli pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella balls
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ cup balsamic glaze
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss pasta with olive oil.
2. Add tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
4. Mix gently and serve chilled.

7. Ranch Bacon Pasta Salad

Creamy ranch dressing pairs perfectly with smoky bacon for an irresistible salad.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups macaroni pasta, cooked and cooled
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup green peas
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• ¼ cup green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Combine ranch dressing and mayonnaise in a bowl.
2. Mix in pasta, cheese, peas, bacon, and onions.
3. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

8. Pesto Pasta Salad

A bright and herbaceous pasta salad made with fresh basil pesto.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups penne pasta, cooked and cooled
• ½ cup basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup mozzarella balls
• ½ cup arugula
• 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted

Instructions:

1. Toss pasta with pesto.
2. Add tomatoes, mozzarella, and arugula.
3. Sprinkle pine nuts on top.
4. Serve chilled.

9. Southwest Pasta Salad

A zesty, colorful salad packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
• ½ cup black beans
• ½ cup corn
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup avocado, diced
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup chipotle ranch dressing

Instructions:

1. Toss pasta with chipotle ranch dressing.
2. Add beans, corn, peppers, avocado, and cheese.
3. Mix gently and serve chilled.

10. Shrimp Pasta Salad

A light and refreshing seafood option perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups bow-tie pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup celery, diced
• ½ cup green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Add pasta, shrimp, celery, and green onions.
3. Stir well and refrigerate before serving.

11. Veggie Lover’s Pasta Salad

A colorful salad packed with crisp, fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fusilli pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• ½ cup carrots, shredded
• ½ cup cucumbers, diced
• ½ cup Italian vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Toss pasta with vinaigrette.
2. Add all vegetables and mix well.
3. Chill for 1–2 hours before serving.

12. Hawaiian Ham & Pineapple Pasta Salad

A sweet-and-savory salad that blends tropical pineapple with savory ham and pasta.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups macaroni pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup ham, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup celery, diced
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix mayonnaise and sour cream in a bowl.
2. Add pasta, ham, pineapple, pepper, and celery.
3. Stir until evenly coated.
4. Refrigerate before serving.

Conclusion

Cold pasta salads are more than just side dishes—they can be the star of any meal. From creamy classics to bold Mediterranean flavors, these 12 easy recipes show just how versatile pasta salad can be.

Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, prepping weekday lunches, or simply craving a refreshing dish, you’ll always find a cold pasta salad recipe to match the occasion.