better homes and gardens pasta salad

Grilled Veggie Pasta Salad

Credit: Karla Conrad

Although they're easy to throw together, pasta salads don't have to be an afterthought. We've rounded up some of our favorite, most inspired, and delicious pasta salad recipes for your next potluck or picnic. With so many varieties—Italian pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, and other party-ready recipes—there's no need to rely on the same recipe every time. Switch it up with our best pasta salad recipes featuring fresh veggies and flavorful herbs or go all-in with a pizza pasta salad recipe.

Summer Pasta Salad

Credit: Blaine Moats

Forget what you thought you knew about pasta and salad. This prosciutto- and produce-packed version changes everything. Broken lasagna noodles are a fun pasta choice, and add-ins such as olives and fresh mozzarella make this pasta salad dish something special.

Grilled Veggie Pasta Salad

Credit: Karla Conrad

Zucchini, asparagus, bell pepper—oh my! This vegan pasta salad (Parmesan cheese is optional) is filled to the brim with mouthwatering grilled vegetables, plus a homemade balsamic vinaigrette adds delicious flavor to the dish.

Test Kitchen Tip: To keep your salad moist, toss the cooked pasta in lemon juice and olive oil, then refrigerate overnight. This keeps the pasta from absorbing all the dressing, which can make the salad dry.

BLT Pasta Salad

Credit: Matthew Clark

Now you can enjoy your favorite sandwich in pasta salad form. This take on classic pasta salad proves that everything is better with bacon (plus lettuce and tomato). Better yet, it comes together in just 20 minutes.

Pesto Penne with Deli-Roasted Chicken

Credit: Blaine Moats

Calling all pesto-lovers: You need to try this pesto pasta salad. Using deli-roasted chicken and purchased pesto in this recipe makes it super easy and quick to prepare. You'll likely not find another pesto pasta salad recipe as easy and delicious as this one.

Buy It: Rao's Basil Pesto ($6, Target)

Pizza Pasta Salad

Credit: Matthew Clark

Pizza-lovers will flip for this picnic-ready dish. Add all of your favorite pizza ingredients—pepperoni, olives, mozzarella—to creamy pasta salad for a winning combo that will be devoured in no time. Pizza night just became pasta night with this creative pasta salad idea!

Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad

Credit: Jason Donnelly

This pasta salad is loaded with flavor. Simply toss roasted veggies like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers with fresh arugula and white kidney beans for a hearty and veggie-filled dish. This bright recipe will be a standout at any picnic or potluck.

Chicken, Spinach, and Pasta Salad

Credit: Jacob Fox

This veggie-filled pasta salad gets a healthy boost from fresh spinach, mushrooms, and roma tomatoes. Add in chicken and penne pasta, and this fresh dish is well on its way to being served as a main course. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Market Stand Pasta Salad with Garlic and Shallot Dressing

Credit: Jason Donnelly

We're all about putting a different spin on cold pasta salad recipes. Try this version using lasagna noodles and salami. You can customize the pasta salad recipe with your favorite vegetables or use the freshest produce from your garden or local farmers market.

Summer Spaghetti Salad

Credit: Andy Lyons

No elbows or rotini here. We classed things up with spaghetti and veggie noodles for this pasta salad recipe. Red wine vinegar, toasted walnuts, and Italian parsley add to the sophistication.

Italian Pesto Pasta Salad

Credit: Andy Lyons

Crunchy pine nuts, peppery arugula, and zippy basil pesto give this Italian pasta salad its signature texture and flavor. Homemade pesto makes all the difference, but store-bought will work if time's an issue. The super-simple pasta salad recipe takes only 30 minutes and makes 10 to 12 servings.

Bow Tie Pesto Alfredo

Bow-Tie Pesto Alfredo

Credit: Karla Conrad

There are so many different pasta salads, but this one receives high praise from all generations. This savory pasta salad earns entrée status with the addition of chicken sausage. Kid-friendly veggies make this a family favorite for an easy dinner.

Roasted Tomato Pasta with Mozzarella

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

For a hearty twist on traditional Caprese salad, we mixed rotini pasta with garlic-roasted cherry tomatoes. The result is a savory summer pasta salad that's easy and tasty. When you're ready to serve, top the Italian pasta salad with mozzarella balls and fresh basil leaves.

Cilantro-Lime Pasta Salad

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

This cilantro-lime recipe is one of our most popular cold pasta salads. Grilled chicken and whole wheat noodles are the base for this healthy pasta salad recipe. Fresh fruit and veggies provide gorgeous color, making this dish sure to attract grazers at any gathering.

Southwestern Chicken and Macaroni Salad

Credit: Andy Lyons

We kicked up the heat of this chicken and pasta salad by embracing poblano peppers and salsa taquera. The traditional Mexican salsa adds a slightly smoky flavor to this summer pasta salad recipe. To balance the spice, add cream cheese, avocado, and crispy chicken strips.

Peachy Chicken Pasta Salad

Credit: Andy Lyons

Fresh sliced peaches are tossed into the skillet at the last minute to give this warm pasta salad a sweet touch. Use any pasta from your pantry (like the radiatore shown here) in this elegant pasta salad, but we love the ribbon-like look of campanelle in this dish.

Test Kitchen Tip: Toast the walnuts for at least 5 minutes before chopping them for ultimate flavor.

Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad

Credit: Andy Lyons

Two potluck favorites—deviled eggs and pasta salad—find common ground in a side dish that everyone can agree on. Pasta salad recipes with mayo are always a hit, and this easy pasta salad recipe is no different, except it has pickled onions to add tang.

Roasted Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Salad

Credit: Andy Lyons

Pasta salads are perfect for potlucks and picnics, and this easy recipe is no exception. Starring herbed tomatoes, mushrooms, and hearty beans, this penne pasta salad (though we used bow tie in the photo because it's what we had on hand) is sure to satisfy with a simple dressing that brings out the natural flavors of veggies.

Greek Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Beans

Bow-Tie Pesto Alfredo

Credit: Karla Conrad

This Greek pasta salad is so easy. Simply toss together a few on-hand ingredients—pasta and canned beans—with favorites of Greek cuisine including spinach, feta cheese, and dried tomatoes. Shave some Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top for presentation points.

Shrimp and Rice Noodle Salad

Credit: Jacob Fox

Serve with a fresh plum on the side to provide a sweet balance to this lightly spicy dish (and make a complete meal). Crunchy snow peas and carrots contrast the tender shrimp and pasta in this Asian-inspired pasta salad. Maximize flavor with fragrant cilantro and a serrano chile pepper.

Greek Pasta Salad

Credit: Andy Lyons

Toss fresh herbs, veggies, and olives with pasta for a sprightly side salad. The Greek dressing comes together in a screw-top jar with just a few shakes, making prep fun for this simple pasta salad. Feta cheese gives the recipe a tangy finish.

Buy It: Ball Canning Jars ($14, Bed Bath & Beyond)

Lime Couscous with Summer Veggies

Credit: Andy Lyons

Don't discount couscous when picking the perfect pasta for your salad. We tossed tender veggies on top of the grain, then spiked the dish with citrusy dressing and a blanket of shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Make it a meal by adding shrimp or chicken.

Thai Chicken Pasta Salad

Thai Chicken-Noodle Salad

Credit: Blaine Moats

Using a pre-roasted chicken from the deli slashes the prep time for this cold pasta salad. This recipe calls for ramen noodles, but any sort of Asian noodle will do. Creamy peanut butter and coconut milk with lime juice give this dish its classic Thai flavors.

Shrimp-Boil Macaroni Salad

Shrimp Boil Macaroni Salad

Credit: Andy Lyons

All the flavors of a classic shrimp boil come together in this family-friendly twist on a classic macaroni salad. There's a little more prep involved in this pasta salad, but the layered flavors and 12 grams of protein ensure that everyone is satisfied. The secret is to simmer the shrimp shells in the cooking liquid to add flavor before discarding them.

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