Pasta salad is a cookout superstar. It’s easy to whip up, holds up in the heat, and tastes even better the longer it sits.
Whether creamy, zesty, or full of crunch, these bowls of goodness bring color and flavor to any picnic table.
The best part? There’s a style for every kind of eater—classic, bold, or totally out of the box.
1. Classic Italian Pasta Salad With Pepperoni And Olives
Tossed in a zippy Italian dressing, this salad brings the deli right to your picnic plate. Chewy pasta, tangy olives, pepperoni slices, and fresh peppers make every bite a little party.
It’s got that nostalgic vibe of family reunions and red checkered tablecloths. Serve chilled with plenty of Parmesan on top.
2. Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon And Peas
Creamy, savory, and dotted with smoky bacon crumbles, this one’s a no-brainer crowd favorite. The sweet peas pop against the rich ranch dressing and chewy pasta spirals.
It’s a little retro, a lot comforting, and totally scooped clean by the end of the party. Make extra—it vanishes fast.
3. Greek Pasta Salad With Feta And Cucumber
Briny feta, juicy tomatoes, and cool cucumber bring Mediterranean freshness to every forkful. The oregano-spiked vinaigrette ties it all together with a tangy punch.
It’s light but bold, crisp but filling—great next to grilled meats or as a lunch on its own. Kalamata olives seal the deal.
4. BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
Chopped grilled chicken, barbecue sauce, and creamy mayo team up for a smoky-sweet twist. Add corn, green onion, and rotini, and it becomes a backyard favorite.
It’s hearty enough to be a main dish but ideal as a shareable side. You can even toss in some shredded cheddar.
5. Caprese Tortellini Salad With Balsamic Glaze
Plump cheese tortellini swaps in for standard pasta, giving this salad serious richness. Cherry tomatoes and basil brighten it up, and a balsamic drizzle adds just the right bite.
It’s like summer in a bowl—fresh, creamy, and a little fancy without trying too hard. Serve it slightly chilled or room temp.
6. Southwestern Pasta Salad With Corn And Black Beans
Zesty, colorful, and packed with texture, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. A lime-cilantro dressing adds kick, while the beans and corn give it Southwest flair.
It’s a rainbow in a bowl, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Pairs perfectly with grilled burgers or tacos.
7. Tuna Pasta Salad With Celery And Dill
This cold salad brings back classic lunch vibes in the best way. Creamy dressing, crisp celery, and herby dill wrap around flaky tuna and tender pasta shells.
It’s chill, protein-packed, and always under-the-radar good. Best made ahead so the flavors really settle in.
8. BLT Pasta Salad With Buttermilk Dressing
Crunchy bacon, sweet cherry tomatoes, and chopped lettuce meet tangy buttermilk dressing in this picnic mashup. The pasta soaks up all the creamy flavor without going soggy.
It’s your favorite sandwich, transformed into a cold salad that’s built to last outdoors. Add a little avocado if you’re feeling extra.
9. Spinach And Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
Earthy spinach and chewy sun-dried tomatoes bring bold umami flavor with very little work. A light olive oil dressing keeps things fresh and easy to pair with heavier mains.
It’s a little more grown-up, but still comforting and colorful. Toasted pine nuts or shaved Parmesan add the perfect finish.
10. Antipasto Pasta Salad With Salami And Artichokes
This one’s all about variety—salami, artichoke hearts, olives, mozzarella, and pepperoncini tossed with corkscrew pasta. Every bite is a new surprise.
It’s salty, rich, and perfect for folks who want big flavors without grilling. Serve with crusty bread to soak up any extra dressing.
11. Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad
Chopped steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar, and a creamy mayo-based sauce bring warm casserole vibes to the picnic table. Elbow macaroni makes it feel old-school in the best way.
The crunch from raw red onion and sunflower seeds takes it to the next level. Kids and adults both love it.
12. Avocado Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Creamy mashed avocado blends with lime and garlic to create a rich, tangy dressing. Fresh cilantro and red onion give this salad a wake-up punch.
Like guacamole, but with noodles—and just as addictive. Great with tortilla chips on the side or grilled shrimp on top.
13. Roasted Veggie Orzo Salad
Caramelized zucchini, bell peppers, and onions mix with tiny orzo pasta for a texture-packed bite. A lemony vinaigrette keeps it bright and light.
Mellow, flavorful, and just as good warm or cold. Roasting the veggies ahead saves you time and boosts flavor.
14. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and a creamy ranch dressing create serious kick. Crumbled blue cheese and chopped celery bring the wings-on-a-plate vibe.
It’s bold, craveable, and ideal for spice lovers. Cool it down with extra ranch—or turn up the heat with more hot sauce.
15. Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Fresh basil, lemon zest, and juicy tomatoes give this salad garden-party charm. Light and tangy, it balances grilled food beautifully.
This one is very easy to make and feels like something from a sunny Italian picnic. Use bowties or fusilli to catch all the citrusy goodness.
16. Vegan Creamy Pasta Salad with Tahini Dressing
Tahini, lemon, and garlic whip into a creamy, dairy-free dressing that’s anything but boring. Tossed with crunchy veggies and your favorite gluten-free pasta, it’s a hit with everyone.
It’s satisfying without being heavy and holds up well outside. Great for mixed-diet cookouts.
17. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Tangy chopped pickles, fresh dill, and a pickle-juice-spiked dressing give this salad serious zing. Sharp cheddar and elbow macaroni round out the flavors.
If you love pickles, this one’s irresistible. It’s crunchy, creamy, and cuts through rich mains like a champ.
18. Pesto Pasta Salad With Toasted Pine Nuts
Herby green pesto hugs every twist of pasta in this fragrant, nutty salad. Cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan add color and depth.
It’s one of those salads that feels indulgent but still fresh. Use homemade pesto if you can—it makes all the difference.
19. Jalapeño Popper Pasta Salad
Cream cheese, jalapeños, and crumbled bacon come together for a spicy-creamy combo that’s impossible to ignore. Elbows or rotini hold the rich dressing just right.
This bold and playful salad is sure to be a conversation starter at any gathering.
20. Sweet And Tangy Asian Noodle Salad
Rice noodles or spaghetti get tossed in a soy-ginger dressing with crunchy veggies and sesame seeds. It’s light, sweet, salty, and totally slurp-worthy.
This one works well warm or chilled and adds an international twist to the cookout table. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts for extra crunch.