10+ Pasta Salad Recipes Perfect for Easy Healthy Meals

Pasta salad recipes are great for quick, tasty meals you can enjoy anytime. Whether you want something light for lunch or a side dish for dinner, pasta salad gives you a lot of options.

You can easily mix different vegetables, cheeses, and dressings to create a dish that fits your taste.

These recipes are simple, and most can be made in just minutes. You don’t need special skills or ingredients to make a flavorful pasta salad that everyone will like.

With a few basic items, you can toss together a fresh and satisfying meal that works well for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (like rotini or penne)
• Fresh vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers)
• Cheese (mozzarella, Parmesan)
• Dressing (Italian, vinaigrette, or your choice)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Chop the vegetables and cheese into bite-sized pieces.
3. Mix pasta, vegetables, and cheese in a large bowl.
4. Add dressing and toss everything together until well coated.
5. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

1) Classic Italian Pasta Salad with Salami and Provolone

This simple Italian pasta salad features cooked pasta mixed with slices of salami and provolone cheese. Add fresh veggies like bell peppers, olives, and a bit of onion for crunch and flavor.

Toss everything with a zesty Italian dressing. You can make your own or use a bottled dressing to save time.

This salad works great for picnics or as a quick lunch. Prepare it ahead and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or your favorite)
• 1 cup sliced salami
• 1 cup cubed provolone cheese
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
• ½ cup Italian dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, salami, provolone, bell peppers, olives, and onion.
3. Pour Italian dressing over the salad. Toss well to coat.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

2) Rotini Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Bell Peppers

This rotini pasta salad is colorful and full of fresh flavors. You’ll enjoy the soft mozzarella mixed with crunchy bell peppers.

It’s great for a quick lunch or a side dish at your next gathering. The pasta holds sauce and ingredients well, making every bite tasty.

Adding olive oil and a bit of basil keeps it light but flavorful. You can serve it cold or at room temperature.

Try adding olives or cucumbers if you like. It’s simple, fresh, and perfect when you want something satisfying without much hassle.

Ingredients

• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 1½ cups fresh mozzarella balls (or chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then rinse with cold water and drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, mozzarella, and bell peppers.
3. Drizzle olive oil over salad and sprinkle with basil.
4. Toss gently to mix. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving or enjoy right away.

For a detailed guide, check this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe.

3) Vegetable-Packed Pasta Salad with Cucumber and Grape Tomatoes

This pasta salad is fresh, crunchy, and colorful. It uses cucumber and grape tomatoes, which give it a light, crisp taste.

You can add any pasta you like, but small shapes like rotini or shells work best. Toss the veggies and pasta with a simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a bit of salt.

Adding fresh basil or parsley makes it even tastier. This salad is great for a quick lunch or a side dish at your next picnic.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or shells)
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. Chop cucumber and halve grape tomatoes.
3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, cucumber, and tomatoes.
4. Add olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Toss to mix.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs if using. Chill before serving for best flavor.

4) Tangy Dijon and Cider Vinegar Pasta Salad

You’ll love the bright, tangy flavor of this pasta salad. The Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar create a simple, tasty dressing that clings well to the pasta.

Toss the hot pasta in the dressing while it’s still warm to absorb the flavors. Add fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers to make it colorful and crunchy.

Let the salad cool before serving so the flavors blend nicely.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chopped veggies (tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes).
2. Whisk Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Drain pasta and toss it immediately with the dressing while still hot.
4. Add chopped veggies and mix well.
5. Let it cool to room temperature before serving.

5) Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Olives and Basil

This creamy Italian pasta salad is simple and full of fresh flavors. The creamy dressing blends well with olives, fresh basil, and pasta for a tasty dish.

The olives add a nice salty bite, while the basil gives it a fresh herbal touch. You can make the creamy dressing from scratch or use a store-bought Italian dressing mixed with a bit of mayo or sour cream.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
• 1 cup black or green olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup mozzarella, cubed
• 1/2 cup creamy Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix pasta, olives, basil, and mozzarella.
3. Stir in creamy Italian dressing until well coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

6) Quick Broccoli and Cherry Tomato Pasta Salad

This broccoli and cherry tomato pasta salad comes together fast. It’s fresh, colorful, and perfect for a quick lunch or side dish.

You’ll love the mix of crunchy broccoli and juicy tomatoes. The salad uses simple ingredients and a light dressing that brings out the flavors without being heavy.

You can enjoy it cold, making it great for picnics or meal prep. Add some red onion or feta cheese for extra flavor if you want.

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 6 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces cooked pasta
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. Steam or blanch broccoli until tender-crisp. Cool quickly.
3. Combine broccoli, tomatoes, pasta, and onion in a large bowl.
4. Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
5. Toss the salad with dressing. Add feta if using. Chill before serving.

For a helpful recipe guide, check this Broccoli Tomato Pasta Salad Recipe.

7) Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Black Olives

You’ll love this pasta salad for a quick, tasty meal. Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, sweet flavor.

The black olives bring a salty, rich taste, which balances the dish well. The dressing is simple but flavorful and often uses oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to tie everything together.

Add Parmesan cheese for a bit of sharpness and extra texture. This pasta salad works great for picnics, potlucks, or lunchboxes.

It’s easy to make ahead and tastes better when the flavors have time to mix.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (rotini or fusilli)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomato oil or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and black olives.
3. Pour sun-dried tomato oil over the salad. Mix well.
4. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

For more ideas, check a sun-dried tomato pasta salad recipe.

8) Rotelle Pasta Salad with Steamed Broccoli and Fresh Basil

This rotelle pasta salad has fresh flavors and simple ingredients. The steamed broccoli stays bright and tender, pairing well with the mild rotelle pasta.

Fresh basil adds a nice herbal touch that lifts the whole dish. Toss everything with a light dressing, like olive oil and lemon juice, to keep it fresh and easy.

This salad works as a side or a light meal. You can make it quickly and serve it cold or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rotelle pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rotelle pasta in boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente.

2. Steam broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and become tender.

3. Drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil right away.

4. Combine the pasta, broccoli, and basil in a bowl.

5. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and serve.

9) Easy Cookout Pasta Salad with Tangy Vinaigrette

This pasta salad works well for cookouts because it’s simple and full of flavor. Start with cooked pasta that is tender but still firm.

Toss the pasta with fresh veggies and a tangy vinaigrette. The vinaigrette combines vinegar and a little oil for a light, zesty taste.

You can add your favorite vegetables or cheese to customize the salad. It’s fresh and perfect for warm weather meals.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender but firm. Drain and let it cool.

2. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

3. In a large bowl, combine pasta and veggies. Pour dressing over and toss gently.

4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

10) Pasta Salad with Pepperoni and Italian Dressing

This pasta salad is great for picnics or potlucks. It includes rotini pasta, pepperoni, salami, and olives.

The Italian dressing ties the flavors together with a zesty taste. You can add fresh vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.

The mix of meats and cheese makes this salad filling. Serve it as a side dish or a light meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb rotini pasta
• 3.5-4 oz pepperoni, quartered
• 4 oz sliced salami
• 1 cup sliced olives
• 1 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup Italian dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until tender. This takes about 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain the pasta and let it cool.
3. In a large bowl, mix pasta, pepperoni, salami, olives, bell pepper, and provolone.
4. Pour Italian dressing over the salad. Mix everything well.
5. Chill the salad for at least one hour.
6. Serve cold.

For a full recipe example, see this Awesome Pasta Salad Recipe.