Cookout side tables need cold dishes that can sit beside burgers without feeling like an afterthought. These 11 pasta salads cover salmon, Italian vinaigrette, pizza toppings, BLT bacon, shrimp, bow ties, deviled eggs, rotisserie chicken, steak, and pesto orzo. The mix works because it includes creamy bowls, vinaigrette-based salads, seafood, chicken, beef, bacon, and small-pasta options that scoop cleanly from a picnic bowl. Use it when the grill is still working, and the sides need to carry their share of the meal.
Salmon Pasta Salad
Cooked salmon and chilled orecchiette make Salmon Pasta Salad a cookout side with 5 minutes of prep, 15 minutes of cook time, and 10 servings. Grated cucumber, sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper keep the bowl creamy without making it heavy. It fits the burger-side angle because the salmon adds enough protein for people who want more than chips. Serve cold beside grilled steak, pork, or chicken.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Italian Pasta Salad
Scratch vinaigrette and fusilli make Italian Pasta Salad a 1-hour 32-minute dish with 8 servings, including chill time. Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, mozzarella balls, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, Dijon, and red pepper flakes fill the bowl. It fits cookouts because it can chill ahead and be refreshed with reserved dressing before serving.
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Pizza Pasta Salad
Pepperoni and pepper Jack cheese give Pizza Pasta Salad a 20-minute timeline with 8 servings. Fusilli, bell pepper, red onion, grape tomatoes, Italian dressing or vinaigrette, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper bring pizza toppings into a cold pasta bowl. It belongs beside burgers because the cheese and pepperoni make it more filling than a plain side. Chill it before serving so the dressing settles into the pasta.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!
Crisp bacon and romaine bring sandwich flavor to BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!, a 25-minute salad with 8 servings. Dried pasta, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon, lemon juice, garlic powder, grape tomatoes, red onion, parsley, salt, and pepper round out the creamy bowl. It works for cookouts because the bacon gives the salad enough pull before the burgers come off the grill. Keep it chilled until everyone starts serving.
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Picnic Bacon Pasta Salad
Farfalle, bacon, and cheddar make Picnic Bacon Pasta Salad a 50-minute bowl with 6 servings. Grape tomatoes, green bell pepper, green onions, mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, bacon fat, smoked paprika, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper build the creamy herb dressing. It fits a cookout spread because the bacon and cheese make each scoop feel substantial. Pack it cold for picnics, BBQs, or potlucks.
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Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Shrimp and feta make Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp a 35-minute dish with 8 servings. Orzo, grape tomatoes, chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, dill, parsley, honey, salt, and pepper fill the bowl. It brings a lighter seafood option to the cookout table while still working as a full scoop. Refrigerate before travel and keep chilled until serving.
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Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Colorful vegetables carry Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad through 33 minutes of prep and cooking for 8 servings. Farfalle, grape tomatoes, orange bell pepper, zucchini, yellow summer squash, black olives, parsley, red onion, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, honey, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper make the bowl bright and crunchy. It fits the cookout side table because the vinaigrette keeps it lighter than creamy pasta salads.
Get the Recipe: Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Hard-boiled eggs and elbow macaroni make Deviled Egg Pasta Salad a 20-minute side with 8 servings. Mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, Dijon, sugar, apple cider vinegar, celery, red onion, red bell pepper, smoked paprika, and chives bring the deviled-egg profile into pasta salad form. It works beside burgers because the eggs add protein and the creamy dressing holds the bowl together. Serve cold with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Bowtie pasta and cooked chicken make Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad a 30-minute chilled salad with 6 servings. Rotisserie chicken, roasted red peppers, red onion, basil, parsley, garlic, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and optional sugar build a creamy, tangy dressing. It fits the cookout table because the chicken gives the pasta salad main-dish weight without extra cooking. Toss the dressing in about 30 minutes before serving.
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Steak & Pasta Salad
Thin-sliced cooked steak gives Steak & Pasta Salad a 25-minute timeline with 8 servings. Pasta, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, radishes, corn, blue cheese, red onion, candied walnuts, mayonnaise, buttermilk, Dijon, lemon juice, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper build the salad and dressing. It fits the title because steak moves a cold pasta salad into main-dish territory before the burgers are ready. Serve chilled.
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Pesto Orzo Salad
Basil pesto and pearl mozzarella make Pesto Orzo Salad a 20-minute cookout side with 6 servings. Orzo, mayonnaise, Parmesan, grape tomatoes, green onions, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, toasted pine nuts, and basil give the bowl a creamy coating with texture in every scoop. It works well beside grilled food because the small pasta shape cools fast and serves neatly. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad