Pasta salad has to do more than taste good when it is headed to a cookout. It needs noodles that stay firm, dressing that can be refreshed, and add-ins that still make sense after a chill in the cooler. This collection focuses on sturdy pasta shapes, creamy or vinaigrette-style dressings, and bowls that can work as sides or light mains. Keep them cold, pack the extra dressing when needed, and they are ready for potlucks, BBQs, and backyard tables.
Pizza Pasta Salad
Loaded with fusilli, pepperoni, Pepper Jack, grape tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and Italian dressing, Pizza Pasta Salad comes together in 20 minutes. Serve it chilled after at least an hour in the fridge, with extra dressing nearby if it dries out. Makes 8 servings, so it works for BBQ tables, potlucks, or lunches packed from leftovers.
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Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Built on elbow macaroni, six hard-boiled eggs, mayo, relish, Dijon, celery, red onion, and red bell pepper, Deviled Egg Pasta Salad takes 20 minutes from start to finish. Chill it before serving, then finish with smoked paprika and chives. Makes 8 servings and fits cookouts where a creamy side needs enough eggy richness to stand beside burgers, fried chicken, or sandwiches.
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Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad
With farfalle, grape tomatoes, orange bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, olives, and a red wine vinegar dressing, Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad lands in 33 minutes. The vegetables bring crunch, while the reserved dressing can refresh the bowl right before serving. Makes 8 servings and works well when the table needs something bright next to grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or BBQ ribs.
Get the Recipe: Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!
Dried pasta, crumbled bacon, grape tomatoes, romaine, red onion, and parsley fold into a mayo-sour cream dressing in BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!, ready in 25 minutes. Chill it for at least 30 minutes, but keep the lettuce separate until serving if making ahead. Makes 8 servings, with the BLT flavor built for burgers, barbecue chicken, or a simple summer spread.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Using 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken, bowtie pasta, roasted red peppers, red onion, basil, parsley, and Greek yogurt dressing, Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is ready in 30 minutes. Dress it about 30 minutes before serving so it stays creamy without getting heavy. Makes 6 servings and can work as a side or a fuller lunch when the cookout table needs protein.
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Steak & Pasta Salad
Thin-sliced cooked steak turns Steak & Pasta Salad into a 25-minute chilled bowl with pasta, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, corn, radishes, blue cheese, and buttermilk ranch. Toss with most of the dressing, reserve the rest for leftovers, then chill for 20 minutes. Makes 8 servings, which helps it cover both main-dish salad and hearty side duty.
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Salmon Pasta Salad
Cooked salmon, chilled orecchiette, grated cucumber, sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, parsley, and lemon juice make Salmon Pasta Salad a creamy 10-serving bowl with 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking. The cucumber gets salted and drained first, which helps keep the dressing from watering down. Serve it cold as a main-course salad or lunch when leftover salmon needs a second job.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe
Farfalle, grape tomatoes, green bell pepper, cheddar, bacon, green onions, and a mayo-sour cream herb dressing make Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe a 50-minute side. Chill it for at least an hour so the dressing settles into the pasta. Makes 6 servings, a fit for grilled burgers, steaks, chicken, fried chicken, pulled pork, or a picnic spread.
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Pesto Orzo Salad
Dry orzo, basil pesto, mayonnaise, Parmesan, mozzarella pearls, grape tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, green onions, lemon juice, and toasted pine nuts turn Pesto Orzo Salad into a 20-minute side. Chill it for about 30 minutes, then finish with basil before serving. Makes 6 servings and brings a smaller pasta shape that stays easy to scoop next to smoked chicken, grilled steaks, or baked chicken.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad