Summer calls for easy meals, and nothing beats a refreshing pasta salad. I’ve gathered three fantastic pasta salad recipes for you today. These are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a simple weeknight dinner.
I know you’ll find a new favorite among these delicious ideas. Each recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor, designed to make your summer cooking enjoyable and stress-free.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy Pasta Salad Recipe For Summer
- 2. Easy Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe For Summer
- 3. Easy Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Easy Classic Pasta Salad for Summer
This classic pasta salad is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for warm weather gatherings or a casual lunch.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Easy Pasta Salad
- Pasta Choice: Use rotini or penne for the best texture; they hold the dressing well.
- Fresh Vegetables: Bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes add color and a nice crunch.
What You Need for Classic Pasta Salad
- 1 pound pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 30 min🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Easy Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook your pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain it well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Set aside.
Step 2: Prep and Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped bell pepper, and sliced red onion. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Dress and Chill
Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything gently until the pasta and vegetables are coated. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will get even better overnight!
Easy Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer
Bright and flavorful, this pesto pasta salad is a quick meal solution. The vibrant pesto sauce coats every piece perfectly, making it a favorite.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Pesto Pasta Salad
- Quality Pesto: Use a good quality store-bought pesto or make your own for the best fresh flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adding sun-dried tomatoes brings a sweet and tangy element that pairs wonderfully with pesto.
What You Need for Pesto Pasta Salad
- 1 pound pasta (fusilli or rotini)
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup small fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25 min🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings
How to Make Easy Pesto Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Prepare
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water immediately. This helps cool the pasta down quickly and prevents it from sticking.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, pesto sauce, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. Toss gently until all the ingredients are well mixed and the pasta is coated in pesto.
Step 3: Season and Chill
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Cover the bowl and chill the pesto pasta salad for at least 20 minutes before serving so the flavors can come together.
📝 Final Note
For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with the pesto.
Easy Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Transport yourself to the sunny Mediterranean with this refreshing pasta salad. It’s packed with classic flavors and healthy ingredients, perfect for a light meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Mediterranean Pasta Salad
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings a salty, tangy kick that is essential to Mediterranean flavors.
- Fresh Herbs: Lots of fresh parsley and mint really make this salad pop and brighten the taste.
What You Need for Mediterranean Pasta Salad
- 1 pound pasta (orzo or farfalle)
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon-herb vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)
⏱️ Time: 35 min🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Chop Vegetables
Cook the pasta as directed on the package. Drain and rinse with cold water. While the pasta cooks, chop your cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes and olives, and thinly slice the red onion.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
Step 3: Dress and Chill Before Serving
Pour the lemon-herb vinaigrette over the salad. Toss everything together gently until all ingredients are coated. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
📝 Final Note
This salad tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to deepen. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
