When the weather gets warm, or you just need a simple dish, I always think of easy pasta salads. They are perfect for sharing at parties, packing for lunch, or as a fresh side for dinner. I love how you can make them ahead and they just get better.
I’ve put together some of my favorite simple pasta salad recipes for you. Each one is straightforward to make and packed with good flavors. You will find something here for everyone!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- 2. Easy Caprese Pasta Salad With Fresh Mozzarella
- 3. Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
- 4. Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
- 5. Easy Chicken Corn Pasta Salad With Bacon Pesto
- 6. Easy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
This recipe brings together classic buffalo flavors with pasta for a fun meal. It’s great for potlucks or a tasty weeknight side.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Buffalo Pasta
- Cooked Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a super quick option.
- Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: This cools down the heat and adds a creamy element.
What You Need for Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- 1 pound cooked pasta (rotini, penne), cooled
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- ¾ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup chopped celery
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Step 1: Combine Pasta & Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cooked pasta and the shredded cooked chicken. Mix them together gently.
Step 2: Add Dressing & Veggies
Pour in the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Add the chopped celery and finely diced red onion. Stir everything until all ingredients are well coated.
Step 3: Chill & Serve
Cover the bowl and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. If you like, top with blue cheese crumbles right before serving.
📝 Final Note
This pasta salad tastes even better the next day, so it’s great for meal prep!
Easy Caprese Pasta Salad With Fresh Mozzarella
Enjoy the fresh taste of Caprese in a pasta salad format. It’s simple to make and always a hit at gatherings.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Caprese Pasta Salad
- Fresh Mozzarella: Use small mozzarella balls (bocconcini or pearls) for the best texture.
- Ripe Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes work well and add natural sweetness.
- Fresh Basil: Don’t skip the fresh basil; it adds so much flavor.
What You Need for Caprese Pasta
- 1 pound cooked pasta (fusilli, rotini), cooled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (small), drained
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Cook your pasta according to package directions, then drain and let it cool completely. While it cools, halve your cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh basil.
Step 2: Mix Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.
Step 3: Dress & Serve
Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Toss everything gently to combine and serve right away, or chill.
📝 Final Note
For a richer flavor, you can let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving.
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
This pasta salad is packed with classic flavors: chicken, bacon, and ranch. It’s a comforting dish for any gathering or a delicious lunch.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Crispy Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy and crumble it for the best texture.
- Quality Ranch: Use your favorite ranch dressing, or make a simple homemade one.
- Add Vegetables: Diced bell peppers or corn can add extra crunch and color.
What You Need for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- 1 pound cooked pasta (penne, shells), cooled
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Step 1: Combine Basics
In a large bowl, mix together the cooled cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and crumbled crispy bacon.
Step 2: Add Cheese & Onion
Stir in the cubed or shredded cheddar cheese and the sliced green onions.
Step 3: Dress & Chill
Pour in the ranch dressing and toss everything together until well combined. Cover the bowl and chill for at least an hour before you serve it.
📝 Final Note
You can use leftover grilled chicken for this recipe to make it even easier.
Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Enjoy all the flavors of a classic Caesar salad combined with pasta. This recipe is simple to make and very satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chicken Caesar Pasta
- Romaine Lettuce: Add chopped romaine just before serving to keep it crisp.
- Quality Caesar Dressing: A good Caesar dressing is important for this salad’s taste.
- Croutons: Add crunchy croutons right before eating so they don’t get soggy.
What You Need for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- 1 pound cooked pasta (rotini, farfalle), cooled
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 cup croutons
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Step 1: Mix Pasta & Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cooked pasta and the diced or shredded cooked chicken.
Step 2: Dress the Salad
Pour in the Caesar dressing and toss until all the pasta and chicken are well coated.
Step 3: Chill & Finish
Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Cover the bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, you can add chopped romaine lettuce and croutons if you wish.
📝 Final Note
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten up the flavors.
Easy Chicken Corn Pasta Salad With Bacon Pesto
This pasta salad has a unique combination of chicken, sweet corn, bacon, and a creamy pesto dressing. It’s full of great taste.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chicken Corn Pasta
- Fresh or Frozen Corn: Use fresh corn if it’s in season, otherwise frozen (thawed) works perfectly well.
- Creamy Pesto: Mix pesto with a little mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a creamy texture that coats the pasta nicely.
- Bell Peppers: Red or yellow bell peppers add a mild crunch and vibrant color.
What You Need for Chicken Corn Bacon Pesto Pasta
- 1 pound cooked pasta (small shells, elbow macaroni), cooled
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 ½ cups corn (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Chicken Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon Pesto
Step 1: Prep Main Ingredients
Cook and cool your pasta according to package directions. Cook the chicken and bacon, then dice the chicken and crumble the bacon. Dice the corn (if fresh) and bell pepper.
Step 2: Make Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the basil pesto and mayonnaise until you have a smooth and creamy dressing.
Step 3: Combine & Dress
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, corn, crumbled bacon, and diced bell pepper. Pour the creamy pesto dressing over everything and toss until it’s well coated. Serve immediately or chill.
📝 Final Note
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra color right before serving.
Easy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe
A bright and zesty pasta salad with the fresh flavors of cilantro and lime. It’s a light and refreshing side dish for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cilantro Lime Pasta
- Fresh Cilantro: Use a generous amount of fresh cilantro for the best flavor.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is a must for that bright, zesty taste.
- Add Black Beans: Black beans or corn can be added for extra texture and a little more protein.
What You Need for Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
- 1 pound cooked pasta (orzo, small shells), cooled
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 diced avocado
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Step 1: Prepare Pasta & Veggies
Cook your pasta according to package directions, then drain and let it cool completely. Chop the fresh cilantro, finely dice the red onion, and the red bell pepper.
Step 2: Make Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Mix & Serve
Combine the cooled pasta, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and diced red bell pepper in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss everything until it is well coated. If you like, fold in diced avocado. Serve immediately or chill.
📝 Final Note
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
