21 Simple and Tasty Pasta Salad Recipes to Make at Home

Three people are sitting at a kitchen counter with various vegetables, including mushrooms, tomatoes, and peppers, in front of them. They are smiling at the camera. — Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Imagine opening your fridge and seeing a tasty, ready-to-eat meal waiting for you. No last-minute rushing, no grabbing unhealthy fast food. Sounds great, right?

Now is the time to make that happen with make-ahead pasta salads! These easy dishes will become your go-to in the kitchen, changing how you prepare meals and making your weekday lunches more enjoyable.

Being a mom of three kids is busy, to say the least. That’s why I love meal prepping, especially with pasta salads. Make-ahead pasta salads have helped me a lot on busy days when I don’t have much time.

They are simple to cook in large amounts, taste even better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two, and you can mix many different ingredients. Plus, they are great for using up leftover veggies in the fridge.

So, get ready to try 21 tasty pasta salad recipes that will make your meal prep easy. These salads are perfect for warm summer days or cold winter lunches.

Asian Sesame Noodle Salad

A plate of noodle salad with edamame, red peppers, carrots, cabbage, green onions, and sesame seeds. — Image Credit: iStock

Let’s go on a trip to Asia with this tasty noodle salad full of umami. Cook your choice of spaghetti or rice noodles for about 10 minutes, then let them cool. While waiting, make a dressing with sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a little honey.

Cut some bell peppers and shred some carrots. Mix the cooled noodles with the veggies, add some edamame for protein, and pour the dressing on top.

This salad is full of flavor, and the sesame-soy dressing gives it a yummy Asian taste that will make your lunch feel like a small getaway.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Plate of fusilli pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, spinach, chicken meatballs, and basil, garnished with cheese shavings. — Image Credit: iStock

Here’s a pasta version of the classic Italian salad that’s simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Cook your favorite short pasta, like penne or fusilli, for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool. Mix the cooled pasta with mozzarella balls, halved cherry tomatoes, and torn fresh basil leaves.

Drizzle with a generous amount of balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then chill before serving. This salad is like summer on a plate, the fresh basil and juicy tomatoes make it so refreshing, you’ll feel like you’re dining al fresco in Italy.

Southwest Pasta Salad

A white bowl of pasta salad with fusilli, corn, black beans, red bell peppers, and feta cheese on a striped cloth. — Image Credit: iStock

Let’s make this Tex-Mex style pasta salad. Boil rotini pasta for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool. Mix the cool pasta with black beans, corn, chopped bell peppers, and fresh cilantro.

Add a tangy mix of lime juice, ground cumin, and olive oil to the salad. Stir well and put it in the fridge before serving. This salad is full of flavor, with lime and cumin giving it a tasty kick that will brighten your lunch.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with fusilli, chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and herbs on a white surface, accompanied by a fork and napkin.

This crowd-pleaser never gets old, bringing all the flavors of Italy into one bowl. To make it, cook rotini pasta for about 10 minutes, then let it cool. While cooling, chop up some salami, mozzarella, black olives, and cherry tomatoes.

Mix everything in a big bowl and pour over your favorite Italian dressing. Pop it in the fridge to chill, and you’re done! The great thing about this salad is that it gets better with time as the flavors mingle and deepen, making it perfect for meal prep.

Greek Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo pasta salad with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onions, and herbs, garnished with basil. — Image Credit: iStock

This light and fresh dish will take you right to the Mediterranean. Cook orzo pasta for 8-10 minutes. While it cools, cut up cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. Mix these vegetables with the cooled orzo, along with olives and crumbled feta cheese.

Make a dressing with lemon juice, olive oil, and a little dried oregano. Stir everything well and let it chill in the fridge before eating. This salad is like summer in a bowl, fresh, tangy, and great for days when you want something light but filling.

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A dish of tortellini salad with pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, red onions, and basil leaves on a white oval plate. — Image Credit: iStock

Calling all cheese lovers! This hearty and flavorful salad will satisfy your cravings. Cook cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually about 8 minutes. Once cooled, mix the tortellini with your favorite pesto sauce, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach leaves.

Let it chill for at least 30 minutes before digging in. This salad is like a full meal in one bowl, the cheese-filled tortellini makes it super filling, while the pesto adds a punch of flavor that’ll keep your taste buds happy.

Spinach and Feta Pasta Salad

A bowl of penne pasta with spinach, red peppers, and a creamy sauce, next to a fork and a bottle. — Image Credit: iStock

This warm salad brings together the simple taste of broccoli and cheddar in a smooth, creamy sauce. Boil elbow macaroni for about 8 minutes, then let it cool off. While that cools, cook broccoli pieces in hot water for 2 minutes so they stay crisp and green. Cut sharp cheddar cheese into small pieces.

Put the cooled pasta, broccoli, and cheese into a bowl. For the sauce, mix mayonnaise, a little mustard, and some vinegar. Stir everything well, then chill before serving. This salad feels like a cozy bowl that is nice, tasty, and sure to be loved by the whole family.

Tuna Pasta Salad

A plate of macaroni salad with peas and a fork on the side. — Image Credit: iStock

This protein-packed option is perfect for a post-workout meal or a filling lunch. Cook elbow macaroni for about 8 minutes, then let it cool. Mix the cooled pasta with drained canned tuna, peas, and chopped celery.

Stir in enough mayonnaise to coat everything evenly. Let it chill for an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This salad is a great way to get some extra protein in your diet, and it’s super quick to throw together, perfect for those busy weeks when time is tight.

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Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad

A bowl of macaroni salad with broccoli, red bell peppers, and red onions, dressed in a creamy sauce. — Image Credit: iStock

Peanut Noodle Salad

A hand pouring peanut sauce over a salad with purple cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts on a white plate, accompanied by a fork, a bowl of peanuts, and cilantro. — Image Credit: iStock

Take your taste buds on a trip to Southeast Asia with this creamy, nutty salad. Cook spaghetti noodles for about 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water to cool them down. While the noodles cook, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, and sesame oil to make a creamy dressing.

Shred some carrots and slice some cabbage thinly. Toss the cooled noodles with the veggies and peanut dressing. This salad is a texture lover’s dream, the creamy peanut sauce coats the noodles perfectly, while the crunchy veggies add a satisfying bite.

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Cobb Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with rotini, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, boiled eggs, bacon, and dressing. A tray with grilled meat is in the background. A fork and spoon rest nearby. — Image Credit: iStock

This salad takes all the tasty things in a classic Cobb salad and makes them into a filling pasta dish. Boil rotini pasta for about 10 minutes, then let it cool down. While the pasta is cooling, cook some chicken on a grill and boil a few eggs until they are hard.

Cut the chicken into pieces, slice the eggs, and crumble blue cheese. Mix the pasta with the chicken, eggs, blue cheese, diced avocado, and chopped bacon. Pour a simple red wine dressing over everything and mix well. This salad is a whole meal on its own, full of protein and many different tastes and textures.

BLT Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with tomatoes, peppers, and bacon on lettuce leaves. Fork and knife beside the bowl. — Image Credit: iStock

If you love BLT sandwiches, you’ll adore this pasta version. Start cooking rotini pasta for 10 minutes, then let it cool. While the pasta cools, cook some bacon until crispy, then crumble it. Mix the cooled pasta with the crumbled bacon, chopped lettuce, and diced tomatoes.

Toss everything with a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Let it chill before serving to allow the flavors to come together. This salad is like your favorite sandwich in a bowl, it’s creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with chickpeas, avocado, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and zucchini, placed on a white surface with a striped cloth nearby. — Image Credit: iStock

This tasty and satisfying salad adds Mediterranean taste to your lunch. Boil small pasta such as ditalini for about 8 minutes, then let it cool. Combine the cooled pasta with chickpeas, diced cucumbers, and olives.
Make the dressing by mixing lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil with a whisk.

Add the dressing to the salad and mix everything very well. This salad is yummy and has a lot of protein from the chickpeas, so it works well for vegetarians or anyone who wants a filling dish without meat.

Shrimp and Avocado Pasta Salad

A bowl of penne pasta with shrimp and herbs, accompanied by slices of lime, with blue utensils. — Image Credit: iStock

This refreshing combo of shrimp, avocado, and whole wheat pasta is perfect for summer days. Start cooking whole wheat pasta for about 10 minutes, then let it cool. While the pasta cools, cook some shrimp and cut a ripe avocado into chunks.

Combine the cooled pasta with the cooked shrimp and avocado chunks. For the dressing, mix lime juice, chopped cilantro, and olive oil. Toss everything together and chill before serving. The creamy avocado, zesty lime, and succulent shrimp make this salad a real treat for your taste buds.

Antipasto Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with rotini pasta salad, featuring cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, salami pieces, and herbs. — Image Credit: iStock

Bring the taste of an Italian starter plate to a lunch meal with this salad. Boil rotini pasta for 8-10 minutes and let it cool down. Cut salami into small pieces and slice provolone cheese into cubes.

Mix the cooled pasta with salami and cheese. Add olives and cut artichoke hearts. Pour some Italian vinaigrette over the salad and put it in the fridge for a few hours before eating.

This salad gets tastier after a while, so it works well for making ahead. The pasta takes in all the dressing and flavors from the meat and veggies.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

A bowl of creamy penne pasta with sliced green onions on top. — Image Credit: iStock

If you love the spicy kick of buffalo wings, you’ll adore this pasta salad. Cook penne pasta for about 10 minutes, then cool it down. Shred some cooked chicken and toss it with buffalo sauce. Mix the cooled pasta with the buffalo chicken, chopped celery for crunch, and crumbled blue cheese for tang.

Toss everything with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. This salad packs a punch of flavor, it’s spicy, creamy, and totally satisfying. It’s like enjoying your favorite bar food, but in a much healthier form.

Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Pasta Salad

A plate of creamy penne pasta with Brussels sprouts, bacon, and grated cheese. — Image Credit: iStock

This salad is great for people who think they don’t like Brussels sprouts. Roast halved Brussels sprouts at 400°F for about 20 minutes until they are crispy and brown. While they cook, boil penne pasta for 10 minutes, then run it under cold water to cool.

Fry some bacon until it is crispy, then break it into small pieces. Put the cooled pasta, roasted Brussels sprouts, and bacon bits together in a bowl. Pour a mustard vinaigrette over everything and mix well.

The mix of crispy bacon, sweet Brussels sprouts, and tangy dressing gives this salad lots of different tastes and textures. It could even get some people to like Brussels sprouts!

Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Salad

A wooden bowl of rotini pasta salad with diced chicken, celery, and red onion. A lemon is placed beside the bowl on a rustic wooden surface. — Image Credit: iStock

End your pasta salad journey with this light and refreshing option. Cook rotini pasta for 10 minutes, then cool it down. Grill some chicken seasoned with herbs, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Mix the cooled pasta with the chicken, then add plenty of fresh herbs like parsley and dill. For the dressing, whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. Toss everything together and chill before serving.

This salad is bright and zingy, perfect for warmer days or when you want something light but satisfying. The fresh herbs and lemon dressing give it a lovely, clean flavor that’s sure to perk up your lunchtime routine.

Zesty Quinoa Pasta Salad

A bowl of quinoa salad with black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges. — Image Credit: iStock

This gluten-free choice is healthy and tasty. Cook quinoa pasta as the package says (usually 8-10 minutes), then let it cool. Cut bell peppers, cucumbers, and red onions into pieces.

Mix the cooled pasta with the vegetables, then add a tangy citrus dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, and a little honey. This salad is ideal for people who need gluten-free food or want to eat more whole grains. The quinoa pasta gives a nutty taste and extra protein, making the salad filling and satisfying.

Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with bow-tie pasta, lettuce, bacon pieces, and grated cheese served on a table next to a lemon and a spoon. — Image Credit: iStock

Turn the classic Caesar salad into a hearty pasta dish with this recipe. Cook short pasta like fusilli for 8-10 minutes, then cool it down. Chop some fresh romaine lettuce and grate Parmesan cheese. Mix the cooled pasta with the lettuce and cheese, then toss with Caesar dressing.

For some extra protein, you can add grilled chicken or chickpeas. This salad combines the best of both worlds, the familiar flavors of a Caesar salad with the heartiness of a pasta dish. It’s a great option for those days when you can’t decide between a salad or pasta for lunch.

Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad

A wooden bowl filled with penne pasta mixed with grilled vegetables like corn, zucchini, and bell peppers. A wooden spoon is placed beside the bowl on a textured cloth. — Image Credit: iStock

This bright salad is a nice way to get more vegetables. Roast a mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. While the vegetables cook, boil penne pasta for around 10 minutes, then rinse to cool.

When the vegetables and pasta are both cool, gently mix them together. Pour a little balsamic glaze on top. The roasted vegetables give the salad rich taste, and their crispy edges go well with the soft pasta.

This is also a great use for extra vegetables that might be sitting in your refrigerator.

Pasta Salad Power: Your New Mealtime Secret Weapon

A woman and a child, both in aprons, smile while preparing vegetables in a kitchen.

These 21 make-ahead pasta salads are more than just recipes, they help you have easy mealtimes and happy, full families. With a little work on the weekend, you’ll have tasty, healthy meals ready for the week.

Keep in mind, these recipes can change. Feel free to switch ingredients based on what you have or what your family enjoys. The aim is to make your life simpler and mealtimes better.

So, which one will you try first? The classic Italian, the creamy avocado ranch, or the zesty quinoa? No matter your pick, you’re in for something great.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.

Author

Michael Gregory

Will Think is the founder and owner of WilThink.com. After a long career in finance, he retired early and decided to put his knowledge to work in a different way—by helping others. He is also a dad and an avid runner.

Will is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with over 20 years of experience in real estate investing. He’s also a published journalist whose writing has appeared on MSN, the Associated Press, and other major outlets.

His content combines real expertise with a clear, no-nonsense style that’s both smart and accessible.

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