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10 Delicious Pasta Salads for Every Occasion

Last Updated on May 12, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh

Welcome to our delicious roundup of 10 Cold Pasta Salad Recipes, perfect for everything from summer picnics to quick lunches when you’re on the go. This recipes feature a flavorful variety of pasta salads that are easy to prepare, full of fresh ingredients, and ideal for serving chilled. Whether you’re craving something creamy, tangy, or packed with veggies, there’s a recipe here to suit every taste. There’s no better time to make a cold pasta salad than during the summer months!

1. Funeral Pasta Salad

Funeral Pasta Salad Recipe with rotini, peppers, olives and Italian dressing.
Image Credit: Savvy Mama Lifestyle

Every now and then, a great potluck recipe comes around, and it’s so great that even crowds at a funeral will love it. That’s exactly what this delicious, easy, and simple salad is. Full of bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and olives, this Funeral Pasta Salad is a classic. Serve it for any party occasion, though! Get The Recipe: Funeral Pasta Salad

2. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Image Credit: Savvy Mama Lifestyle

This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is full of flavor with fresh basil, parmesan, red onion, peas and cherry tomatoes. Plus, it’s super creamy thanks to the mayonnaise dressing. What makes it unique is how you add the dressing to hot pasta, so it helps it absorb. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Get The Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

3. Dill Shrimp Pasta Salad

Shrimp Dill Pasta Salad Recipe
Image Credit: Savvy Mama Lifestyle

Meet the side dish you’re going to fall in love with: a stupidly easy pasta salad that’s perfect for spring occasions. It starts with tender pasta, cooked shrimp, bell pepper, and celery that is mixed with a creamy dill dressing. This Dill Shrimp Pasta Salad is a beautiful summer side dish that’s sure to be a hit. Get The Recipe: Dill Shrimp Pasta Salad

4. Chicken BBQ Pasta Salad

Image Credit: Devour Dinner

BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad is a fun pasta salad, perfect for a Pot Luck BBQ or to feed the family. With zesty flavor and a cinch to make, this recipe will soon be a favorite family meal. Get The Recipe: Chicken BBQ Pasta Salad

5. Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta Salad

Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta Salad
Image Credit: Savvy Mama Lifestyle

This Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta Salad has a zesty dressing that meets curly rotini pasta with juicy tomatoes, peas, cheese and bacon. The flavor combination is awesome and it’s hard to stop at one helping. It reminds you of a BLT! Get The Recipe: Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta Salad

6. Seven Layer Salad

This Leftover Ham 7 Layer Salad is the perfect post-holiday meal, so you don't waste any ham.
Image Credit: Savvy Mama Lifestyle

Whether you’re making Seven Layer Salad after a holiday or you’re just buying ham to make it, it’s a delicious way to combine pasta with ham. Layers of lettuce, pasta, peas, homemade dressing, cheese, hard-boiled egg and ham come together in a beautiful trifle dish. Get The Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

7. Classic Macaroni Salad

Image Credit: Southern Bite

This is such a summertime classic! Everyone needs to have a summertime Macaroni Salad recipe. A staple at potlucks in the South, this pasta salad recipe is an easy and filling side dish! Get The Recipe: Classic Macaroni Salad

8. Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad, Easy Pasta Salad, Summer Pasta Salad Recipe, Lunch Salad Recipe
Image Credit: Savvy Mama Lifestyle

Taco Pasta Salad is a bold and flavorful twist on the classic taco, served cold for a refreshing take. This hearty dish combines pasta, crisp veggies, shredded cheese, black beans and a zesty dressing for a satisfying salad that’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or an easy make-ahead meal. Get The Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

9. Bruschetta Pasta Salad

Image Credit: Chef Savvy

Bruschetta Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish that combines the flavors of traditional bruschetta into pasta salad form! This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, offering a delightful blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients! Get The Recipe: Bruschetta Pasta Salad

10. Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Image Credit: I Heart Naptime

This chicken pesto pasta salad is made with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and fresh basil pesto. A flavorful, make-ahead dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, or a weeknight dinner. This recipe combines cooked chicken and pasta with vibrant pesto, juicy tomatoes and creamy feta cheese. Get The Recipe: Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

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