Six Refreshing Pasta Salad Recipes to Kickstart Your Summer

With summer right around the corner, lighter meals naturally start to sound more inviting. Pasta salads are super versatile, easy, and can be customized to your liking. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, gearing up for a picnic, or just hanging out at home, these six pasta salad recipes will definitely highlight the fresh flavors of summer.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This Mediterranean pasta salad brings together fresh ingredients that remind you of sun-soaked coasts. It features al dente pasta mixed with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of chopped cucumbers, 1/2 cup of red onion, 1/2 cup of black olives, 1 cup of chopped marinated artichokes, 1/2 cup of chopped bell pepper, and 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese. Feel free to add in any protein of your choice as well. For the dressing, I always use Newman's Own Italian Dressing.

To prepare this salad, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop cooking. Then, combine all ingredients in a large bowl, pour in the dressing, and mix well. For the best flavor, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Colorful Mediterranean pasta salad with fresh vegetables and parmesan cheese.

Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

This delightful blend of Pesto and Caprese features 3 cups of cooked bowtie pasta, 1 cup of fresh mozzarella balls, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup of fresh basil. Topped with rich basil pesto, bringing out lots of summer flavors.

Start with cooking the pasta until it is al dente. Once cooked, cool it quickly under cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine the pasta with the mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and basil. Coat the ingredients with basil pesto. This salad can be enjoyed warm or chilled, offering flexibility for any occasion.

Fragrant Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Thai Chicken Peanut Pasta Salad

Add a global flavor with this Thai Chicken Peanut pasta salad, perfect for adventurous eaters. It includes 2 cups of rotini pasta, 1 cup of shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of bell peppers, 1 cup of grated carrots, and 1 cup of roasted broccoli all tossed in creamy peanut sauce. Garnish with crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Start by cooking the pasta and shredding the chicken. In a separate bowl, blend 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of lime juice,1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of sriracha, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1 clove of minced garlic to make the peanut dressing. Toss everything together and serve after chilling in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Greek Pasta Salad

The Greek pasta salad combines pasta with classic Greek flavors into one refreshing dish. It features 3 cups of fusilli pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of sliced cucumbers, 1/2 cup of red onion, 1/2 cup of green bell peppers, 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, and 1/2 cup of Feta cheese. Topped with greek dressing to tie everything together.

After cooking the pasta, allow it to cool. In a large bowl, toss the pasta with the other ingredients, ensuring they are well-coated in the dressing. Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour enhances the flavors, making it a great choice for picnics or gatherings.

Caesar Pasta Salad

Transform a traditional Caesar salad into a heartier pasta dish. This Caesar pasta salad includes 3 cups of your choice of pasta, 2 cups of romaine lettuce, 1 cup of sun dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of croutons, all coated in creamy Caesar dressing.

Cook the pasta then cool it before mixing it with chopped romaine, tomatoes, and croutons. Drizzle generously with dressing, stirring everything to combine. This salad also pairs really well with grilled meats.

Creamy Asian Noodle Salad

For a light and tangy option, the creamy Asian noodle salad is a fantastic choice. Made with 8 oz of soba noodles or spaghetti noodles, it features 2 cups of shredded purple cabbage, 1 cup of grated carrots, 1/2 cup of edamame, and 1/4 cup of chopped scallions, all mixed with a creamy sesame dressing.

Cook the noodles according to package instructions and rinse under cool water. In a large bowl, combine the noodles with the vegetables. For the dressing, mix 2 tablespoons of tahini, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce,1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 clove of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. This salad not only tastes great but also adds a burst of color to your summer table.

Savor the Summer

These six pasta salads are perfect for any summer gathering, bringing refreshing flavors and vibrant colors to your meals. Whether it's the lively Mediterranean mix or the comforting Caesar twist, there is something for everyone in this collection. Each recipe is super easy to make and can be tailored to your preferences.

Whatever salad you choose, there is something for each of your friends and family to enjoy with these six flavorful pasta salad recipes that celebrate the joy of summer eating!

Want more recipes? Head over to the Clean Food Page for more healthy and easy recipes that will add more flavor to your home!