Food & Drink

20 Pasta Salad Recipes to Rely on When It’s Too Hot to Make Anything Else

written by JESSICA FRIEDHOFF
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Source: Pinch of Yum
Source: Pinch of Yum

Pasta salad could basically count as its own food group during the summer. It’s what you turn to when you need an easy side dish to bring to a gathering, a no-heat lunch you can take into the office, or a simple dinner that won’t heat up your house. Pasta salad recipes are so versatile, and there are so many different variations that you could eat all summer long without getting sick of it (I know I do). Plus, the only actual cooking you typically need to do is boiling some pasta, and the rest comes together by simply chopping some ingredients and tossing them in a bowl. If you load it up with enough mix-ins, pasta salad can totally count as a meal, but you could also add in some grilled chicken, salami, chickpeas, or even hard-boiled eggs for some extra protein.

If eating cold pasta gives you the ick, this recipe roundup is not for you. But for my girlies who are fully on board with the idea of a salad that’s mostly just carbs, you’re in good company. These pasta salad recipes are tasty enough to make on repeat all summer long:

1. Easy Pasta Salad

Source: Pinch of Yum

2. Grilled Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Source: Ambitious Kitchen

3. Caprese Pasta Salad

Source: Two Peas & Their Pod

4. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Source: Eating Bird Food

5. Antipasto Salad

Source: Salt & Lavender

6. Lemon Herb Pasta Salad

Source: Pinch of Yum

7. Peach, Tomato & Corn Arugula Pasta Salad

Source: Ambitious Kitchen

8. Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad

Source: Eating Bird Food

9. 30 Minute BLT Pasta Salad

Source: Midwest Foodie

10. Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Source: @bakerbynature

11. Italian Pasta Salad

Source: Love & Lemons

12. Greek Pasta Salad

Source: Salt & Lavender

13. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Source: Midwest Foodie

14. Artichoke Pasta Salad

Source: What’s Gaby Cooking

15. Tuna Pasta Salad

Source: by Erin Clarke of Well Plated

16. Pesto Pasta Salad

Source: Gimme Some Oven

17. Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad

Source: A Saucy Kitchen

18. Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Source: Feel Good Foodie

19. Mexican Pasta Salad

Source: The Endless Meal

20. Creamy Vegan Pasta Salad

Source: Jar of Lemons
Jessica friedhoff senior lifestyle editor
MEET THE AUTHOR

Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor

Jessica has been at The Everygirl since 2022, covering all things home, travel, food, hobbies, and more. She edits all lifestyle content, writes in-depth features, and curates the direction of the living section. Jessica’s true passion—and much of her expertise—lies in interior design and decorating. Before joining The Everygirl, she worked as the digital assistant home editor for Better Homes & Gardens.

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