15 Easy Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Make on Repeat
Pasta salad is one of those meals that should be simple, but somehow it often ends up a bit flat. Too much mayo.
Not enough flavour. Or it just tastes the same as the one you made last month. Most people stick to one safe version because it works well enough, even if no one is that excited about it.
These 15 recipes are a bit more varied, but still easy. Some are creamy and filling, the sort you bring to a BBQ and actually look forward to eating.
Others are lighter, with fresh veg and simple dressings that don’t feel heavy.
A few are hearty enough to be dinner on their own, which usually helps on busy weeknights when no one wants to cook twice.
Nothing here is fussy or hard to find in the shops. It depends what you’ve got in and what you feel like that day.
Sometimes it helps just to have a few new ideas so you’re not making the same bowl of pasta again and again.
And honestly, most of these taste even better the next day, which feels like a small win.
1. Nagi’s Big, Easy Pasta Salad
This one is just easy in the best way. It makes a big bowl and usually feeds everyone without you stressing about portions.
The flavours are simple but not boring, and it works for picnics or just a random dinner when you don’t feel like cooking much.
It’s the kind of pasta salad most people go back for seconds.
2. Creamy Pasta Salad
Sometimes you just want something proper creamy and filling. This one feels comforting but still fresh enough for warm weather.
It’s good for sharing because the dressing holds up well and doesn’t dry out too fast. I think creamy pasta salads are usually the first to disappear at a buffet.
3. Chicken Pesto Pasta
Pesto and chicken just work together, they always have. This one feels a bit more like a full meal than a side dish.
It’s great if you want something you can pack for lunch the next day and it still tastes good cold.
The pesto gives it that fresh flavour without needing loads of extras.
4. Italian Pasta Salad
This is the classic one most people think of first. Olives, cheese, bits of veg, all mixed through with a light dressing.
It’s simple but it usually pleases everyone, even picky eaters. Sometimes the basics are just easier.
5. BLT Pasta Salad
If you like a BLT sandwich, this is basically that but in pasta form. The bacon gives it a salty crunch and it makes the whole thing feel a bit more exciting.
It’s not fancy, just solid and filling. Good for summer evenings when you don’t want anything heavy but still want something proper.
6. Chicken Pasta Salad
This one is creamy and packed with chicken, so it feels more like a meal than a side.
It’s handy for meal prep because it keeps well in the fridge for a day or two. Most people like it because it’s not too strong or spicy. Just easy and reliable.
7. Greek Pasta Salad
This one feels fresh and a bit lighter. Feta, cucumber, tomatoes, it all tastes clean and simple.
It’s good if you want something that doesn’t feel too heavy, especially in hot weather.
Sometimes you just want that sharp, salty flavour and this gives you that.
8. Creamy Pasta Salad with Crispy Bacon
Adding crispy bacon to a creamy pasta salad just makes sense.
It gives texture and a bit of smokiness that lifts the whole bowl.
It’s usually popular at barbecues because it feels indulgent but still easy to eat.
You don’t need loads on your plate to feel satisfied.
9. Cowboy Pasta Salad
This one is a bit heartier and feels more filling than a basic pasta salad. There’s usually beans, veg, maybe a slightly tangy dressing that pulls it together.
It’s good for feeding a crowd because it makes a lot and doesn’t feel flimsy. Sometimes it’s nice to have something that feels a bit different.
10. Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad
Grilled veg just tastes better, especially in summer. The slightly charred flavour adds something extra without much effort.
This one feels colourful and fresh and looks nice on the table too.
It’s a good option if you want something meat free that still feels proper.
11. Pimento Pasta Salad
This one has that slightly creamy, slightly tangy flavour from the pimentos. It’s not as common as the others, which makes it interesting.
Most people are curious about it and end up liking it more than they thought. It’s simple but has a bit of personality. Get the Recipes
12. Holiday Pesto Pasta Salad
This one feels a little more special. The pesto gives it colour and flavour, and it looks nice on a table for gatherings.
It’s the kind of dish that works for holidays but also just a weekend get together.
Sometimes you want something that feels slightly different without being complicated.
13. Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This one is full of fresh flavours and usually feels lighter than creamy versions.
Things like olives, herbs and maybe a simple dressing make it taste bright.
It’s good for warm days when heavy food just feels like too much. It depends on what you add, but it’s usually pretty flexible.
14. Tuna Pasta Salad
Tuna pasta salad is one of those things people grew up with. It’s easy, filling and doesn’t cost a lot to make.
Sometimes simple cupboard ingredients are all you need. It’s not fancy but it works.
15. Summer Pasta Salad
This one feels made for warm weather. Light dressing, fresh veg, maybe a bit of cheese, nothing too heavy.
It’s good for picnics or quick dinners when it’s too hot to cook properly.
Most people just want something easy in summer and this does that.
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