21 Easy Cold Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Love for Dinner or Sides

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Cold pasta salads aren’t just for summer, it’s my secret weapon year round.

As a busy mom of three, I’ve leaned on these easy, make-ahead meals for school lunches, family gatherings, last minute potlucks, BBQs, picnics, and nights when I just don’t feel like cooking much.

After testing dozens of recipes (some wins, some total flops), I’ve rounded up the ones that are simple, full of flavor, and actually get eaten, leftovers included. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just need something quick and satisfying from the fridge, these cold pasta salads have got you covered.

From vegetarian salads like Pesto Orzo Salad, Chickpeas pasta salad and classic macaroni salad to the meat filled Italian Hoagie Sub salad and creamy broccoli pasta salad with bacon, there’s something to love every night of the week.

Yummy Cold Pasta Salads To Make This Week

1. Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Large white bowl filled with cold creamy broccoli pasta salad, made with rotini pasta, broccoli florets, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, dried cranberries, and chunks of chicken, all coated in a thick, peppery dressing. — Photo & recipe by Packed for Life

Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and chewy cranberries turn ordinary broccoli pasta salad into something seriously crave-worthy. It’s one of my family’s favorite recipes that we bring out for potlucks, camping trips, vacations and BBQ sides.

Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing and served cold, it’s the kind of dish that goes well with everything.

Plus it’s so versatile, and easy to adapt to personal preferences. Need a nut free version? Use sunflower seeds. Don’t like cranberries? Just leave them out or sub for fresh apple chunks.

Easy to prep and full of texture, it’s a no-fuss win for busy nights.

Get the recipe: Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Also check out our other favorite salads & sides with the best lazy days BBQ sides, our top easy salads and this delicious dill pickle dip.

2. Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Small low bowl of Italian pasta salad with rotini pasta, mozarella balls, cherry tomatoes, black olives and salami cubes. — Photo & recipe by Packed for Life

Need a quick and crowd-pleasing side or light dinner? This zesty Italian pasta salad delivers bold flavor with every bite thanks to tangy dressing, crisp veggies, and savory bites of salami and mozarella cheese.

If there’s one recipe my kids ask for again and again, it’s this one. I’ve probably made different versions of this recipe 200 times over the last couple of years, no joke.

It’s the kind of easy cold pasta salad that begs for seconds at dinner, BBQs, and picnics. I’ll also often bring the leftovers to work the next day for lunch, and it tastes even better.

Get the recipe: Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

3. Classic Macaroni Salad

A vibrant turquoise and red patterned bowl filled with creamy macaroni salad, featuring elbow pasta, green peas, diced red onions, shredded carrots, and a rich mayonnaise-based dressing. A wooden spoon rests in the bowl, ready for serving. — Photo & recipe by Chicken Fried Kitchen

After years of backyard BBQs and holiday potlucks, this classic macaroni salad is still the side dish I reach for every time. I’ve found it works as well on beach vacations as it does busy weeknights or summer picnics too.

You’ll get a creamy, tangy bite in every forkful, without fussy ingredients or headache inducing prep.

Keep it simple or toss in your favorite mix-ins, either way, it’s a winner every time.

Get the recipe: Classic Macaroni Salad

4. Cold Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Overhead view of a medium sized decorative ceramic bowl filled with greek orzo salad with cucumbers, kalamata olives, feta and red onion pieces. — Photo & recipe by Packed for Life

When you need something fresh, fast, and full of flavor, this cold Mediterranean pasta salad delivers.

It’s got all the good stuff; feta, olives, crisp cucumbers, and orzo pasta, tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette. All the best things about a Greek salad.

Serve it at a backyard BBQ or stash it in the fridge for easy lunches all week. I usually have to hide some so my kids and partner don’t eat it all first.

Get the recipe: Cold Mediterranean Pasta Salad

5. Chickpea Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with a healthy cold pasta salad made with penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, kalamata olives, fresh basil leaves, and cubes of feta cheese, all tossed in a light vinaigrette and garnished with chopped parsley. — Photo & recipe by Dizzy Busy and Hungry

Chickpea pasta salad is one of my go-to recipes when I want something healthy, filling, and crowd pleasing without much effort.

Mediterranean inspired meals are one of my favorites for family get-togethers, and this one holds up really well on warm days.

Each bite gives you creamy feta, crisp veggies, and that lemony zing you’re looking for in a Mediterranean dish.

Get the recipe: Chickpea Pasta Salad

6. Italian Hoagie Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with creamy Italian pasta salad, featuring penne pasta tossed with sliced ham, pepperoni, provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, and chopped parsley. The dish is richly coated in a herb-speckled dressing and set beside a red and white checkered towel on a light countertop. — Photo & recipe by Packed for Life

This Italian Sub Salad is my answer to busy nights when I want big deli flavor without turning on the oven.

As a mom of three who’s pulled together more last minute potluck sides than I can count, I can confidently say this hoagie salad is a secret weapon.

Creamy dressing, crisp lettuce, spicy pepperoncinis, and all the best sub fixings—no soggy bread required. You can adjust the spice level to your preference (we love extra spice), or can take out the pepperoncinis if your family’s not a fan.

Best of all, my kids will eat it without complaints. Now that’s a win in my books.

Get the recipe: Italian Hoagie Pasta Salad

7. Easy Mexican Macaroni Salad with Corn

Colorful Mexican macaroni salad served in a large dish, featuring elbow pasta tossed with black beans, corn, avocado chunks, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh cilantro. A blue serving spoon lifts a generous scoop of the zesty, seasoned salad, perfect for a vibrant side dish. — Photo & recipe by Haute & Healthy Living

My family lives on cold pasta salads in hot weather, but to be honest I get tired of creamy mayo dressings.

Which is why this zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad tossed in a honey-lime vinaigrette is one of my favorites. Between the black beans, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and bold citrus, it’s got just the right balance of fresh and hearty tastes.

Get the recipe: Easy Mexican Macaroni Salad with Corn

8. High Protein Pasta Salad

Close-up of a cold bowtie pasta salad in a white bowl, featuring creamy farfalle pasta mixed with chickpeas, chicken, ham, cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, red onion, celery, and herbs. The vibrant ingredients are coated in a rich, herbed dressing. — Photo & recipe by Simple & Fraiche

When I need something filling, fresh, and meal-prep friendly, this high protein pasta salad loaded with protein-rich ingredients is always in rotation.

Creamy dressing, hearty chicken and ham, tangy feta, and crunchy veggies make each bite satisfying and anything but boring.

You’ll love how it holds up in the fridge all week, making lunch or your next BBQ side a total no-brainer.

Get the recipe: High Protein Pasta Salad

9. Cold Ramen Salad with Soy Ginger Dressing

Cold ramen salad served in a shallow bowl, featuring noodles tossed with shredded carrots, chopped greens, edamame, scallions, and a soy-ginger dressing. A fresh lime slice rests on top, adding a bright citrus garnish to the vibrant, refreshing dish. — Photo & recipe by Avocado Skillet

Cool, crunchy, and full of flavor, cold ramen salad brings major summer energy with every bite.

I love how the soy-ginger dressing clings to the noodles, edamame and other veggies. It’s so bright, savory, and seriously satisfying.

Whether you’re vegan or just ramen-obsessed, this one checks all the boxes for a no-fuss meal on hot days.

Get the recipe: Cold Ramen Salad with Soy Ginger Dressing

10. Seafood Pasta Salad

Creamy seafood pasta salad served on a teal plate, featuring shell pasta mixed with shrimp, imitation crab, green peas, celery, and diced red bell pepper. The salad is coated in a rich, pepper-speckled dressing. — Photo & recipe by XOXO Bella

Big coastal flavor meets creamy pasta with every forkful. The shrimp, crab, peas, and pasta shells are all tossed in a tangy, chill-friendly dressing.

Light yet satisfying, it’s one of those seafood pasta salad dishes that feels just a little fancy without any of the fuss. It’s a longtime favorite in my warm weather rotation because it doubles as a meal or a side.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, every bite brings that beachy, laid-back vibe.

Get the recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

11. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta salad served in a white bowl, featuring shell pasta tossed with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, chunks of chicken, and fresh parsley. The salad is coated in a rich ranch dressing, making it a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings. — Photo & recipe by Lemon and Zest

Could there be a list of the best cold pasta salad recipes without at least one Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad? I think not.

This is such a creamy classic flavor, that you can’t go wrong bringing it out for dinner, sides, or even meal prep lunches. The perfect hot weather, summer meal in my books.

Get the recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

12. Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

Fresh Caprese pasta salad served on a clear glass platter, featuring orecchiette pasta tossed in pesto with cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves. The vibrant salad is accompanied by a small dish of sun-dried tomatoes in oil and a plate with forks and a napkin nearby, set on a light surface. — Photo & recipe by In the Kitch

If you need something fast, fresh, and flavorful, this vegetarian pasta salad with pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella balls always delivers.

Caprese pasta salad comes together in under 20 minutes, travels well, and tastes even better after a quick chill in the fridge.

The combo of orecchiette and pesto clings to every bite, giving you that bold, herby flavor without a single drop of dressing wasted.

Get the recipe: Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

13. Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac pasta salad served in a wooden bowl, made with elbow macaroni, ground beef, chopped pickles, diced onions, cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. A pair of gold serving utensils rests beside the bowl on a white surface — Photo & recipe by Less with Laur

Think creamy, tangy dressing, seasoned beef, crunchy pickles, and shredded lettuce, all tossed with tender pasta for a bold twist on your usual BBQ side.

Homemade pasta salad with Big Mac flavors is one I’ve brought to pool parties, potlucks, and yes, even eaten straight from the fridge for lunch.

It’s fun, filling, and proof that comfort food can show up in the most unexpected (and delicious) ways.

Get the recipe: Big Mac Pasta Salad

14. Greek Pasta Salad

Vibrant Greek pasta salad in a white bowl, packed with rotini pasta, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red peppers, kalamata and green olives, pepperoncini, and crumbled feta cheese. The salad is garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of herbs, with a gold serving fork and white cloth napkin beside it. — Photo & recipe by Modern Honey

This is one of those colorful pasta salad bowls that hits every craving; salty olives, creamy feta, crisp veggies, and a zippy homemade dressing. I love going down to my local Mediteranean store that sells THE BEST feta I’ve ever had. So darn creamy good, that I put extra in the salad just because.

During beach trips or road trip travel, I usually pack this make-ahead favorite because it stays fresh for days and everyone in my family grabs a scoop.

Tangy, crunchy, and just a little spicy, it’s the kind of salad that makes lunch feel like a vacation, even if you’re busy at home.

Get the recipe: Greek Pasta Salad

15. Vegan Peanut Pasta Salad

Spicy vegan peanut pasta salad served in a textured white bowl, filled with noodles, chopped red bell peppers, green onions, shredded carrots, and zucchini, all tossed in a creamy peanut sauce. The dish is topped with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro, with a small bowl of peanuts and a blue-patterned napkin in the background. — Photo & recipe by Food Meanderings

While I’m not vegan, I do love a good spicy peanut sauce, whether it is on this delicious peanut pasta salad, or a dip for fresh Vietnamese spring rolls.

Where this recipe shines is the use of leftover spaghetti noodles, crunchy veggies, and a gorgeous spicy peanut sauce. So yummy and quick to make!

Get the recipe: Vegan Peanut Pasta Salad

16. Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Creamy dill pickle cold pasta salad served in a white bowl, made with ditalini pasta, diced cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, and fresh dill. The salad is coated in a rich, tangy dressing and topped with a sprig of dill for garnish. — Photo & recipe by Jennifer Cooks

Forget boring sides, dill pickle pasta salad brings serious attitude to the table with crunchy dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese and a creamy, zippy dressing.

I’ve served this one at summer potlucks, quick lunches, and late-night snack sessions with zero regrets. Bold, briny, and wildly craveable, it’s a guaranteed win for pickle fans.

Get the recipe: Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

17. Pesto Orzo Salad

Bright and colorful pesto orzo salad served in a white bowl, featuring orzo pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber chunks, Kalamata olives, and fresh basil leaves. Two bronze serving utensils are placed in the bowl, with lemon, olives, and basil arranged around it for a fresh, Mediterranean vibe. — Photo & recipe by Nibble and Dine

Orzo pasta salad will be your new go-to warm weather recipe when you want something quick, fresh, and loaded with that basil pesto flavor.

I’ve tested it for potlucks, weeknight dinners, and even road trip lunches, and it always holds up beautifully. With just seven ingredients and a bright lemony pesto, it’s one of those recipes that makes summer meals feel effortless.

Get the recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

18. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican street corn pasta salad served in a large ceramic bowl, featuring bowtie pasta mixed with roasted corn, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped green onions, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Garnished with lime slices and accompanied by a wooden serving spoon and a green cloth napkin. — Photo & recipe by Chili Pepper Madness

Roasted corn, lime, jalapeño, and a creamy chili-kissed dressing turn this corn pasta salad into something way more exciting than your usual side.

I’ve brought it to BBQs and beach days, and there’s never a scoop left behind. Think elote meets pasta bowl in this cool, zesty, and totally addicting Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.

Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

19. Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Chicken pesto pasta salad served in a wooden bowl, featuring cavatappi pasta tossed with chunks of chicken, cherry tomatoes, arugula, Kalamata olives, pistachios, and a generous coating of green pesto. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful and vibrant presentation. — Photo & recipe by Frozen Bananas

There’s just something about chicken and pesto I love, and when you add pasta it becomes the best family friendly light meal, lunch or side dish for any party.

My youngest loves anything pesto, and pasta, so this is an often requested meal year round. If you use store bought pesto, and rotisserie chicken, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes.

Get the recipe: Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

20. Creamy Greek Tzatziki Pasta Salad

Creamy Greek tzatziki pasta salad served in a dark bowl, made with bowtie pasta, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all coated in a rich tzatziki-style dressing. Garnished with fresh parsley for a refreshing Mediterranean touch. — Photo & recipe by Three Olives Branch

Somewhere between a crisp Greek salad and creamy tzatziki dip, this one earns serious points for flavor without relying on mayo.

Chilled pasta gets tossed with cool cucumber, fresh herbs, and a lemony yogurt dressing that feels both light and satisfying. Not every salad holds its own as a meal, but this one absolutely can.

Get the recipe: Creamy Greek Tzatziki Pasta Salad

21. Macaroni Tuna Salad

Easy tuna macaroni salad served in a dark blue bowl, featuring elbow macaroni mixed with flaked tuna, green peas, diced celery, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. The dish is topped with cracked black pepper and a garnish of fresh parsley for a simple and classic presentation. — Photo & recipe by Kim Schob

Tuna and macaroni may sound old-school, but this combo still delivers when you need something cold, creamy, and filling without the fuss.

No fancy ingredients here, just pantry staples, a few crisp add-ins, and a quick stir before lunch is served.

Leftovers are even better the next day, especially when you don’t feel like cooking.

Get the recipe: Macaroni Tuna Salad

Final Thoughts: Best Cold Pasta Salads

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or tossing something together for a last-minute BBQ, these quick pasta salads are easy wins every time.

With options that range from high protein pasta salad ideas to fresh and flavorful vegetarian pasta salads, there’s truly something here for everyone at the table.

I’ve made many of these on hot nights when the oven is off-limits and the fridge is full of random ingredients, and they always come through for my family. They’re simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable with whatever veggies, dressings, or add-ins you’ve got on hand.

21 Easy Cold Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Love for Dinner or Sides