5 Must-Try Pasta Salad Recipes for Summer

The warm, sunny days of summer call for lighter meals that are both refreshing and satisfying. Pasta salads perfectly fit this bill, offering versatility and deliciousness all in one. Whether you're heading to a picnic, hosting a BBQ, or simply enjoying an easy meal at home, these pasta salad recipes are sure to be a hit. Here are five must-try pasta salad recipes that will keep your summer meals exciting and palate-pleasing.

Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Starting off our list is a vibrant and creamy pasta salad that’s both healthy and indulgent. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 oz. pasta (fusilli or rotini work great)
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp. of fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¹⁄₂ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¹⁄₄ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• Optional: crumbled feta or goat cheese

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and cool.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine avocados, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and cilantro. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Mix the cooled pasta with the avocado sauce, ensuring it's evenly coated.
4. Add tomatoes, onion, and cucumber to the salad. If using, crumble in feta or goat cheese.
5. Toss everything together gently, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve chilled.

💡 Note: Avocado can oxidize and turn brown when exposed to air. To minimize this, prepare the salad just before serving or add a bit more lemon juice on top of the avocado dressing.

Greek Inspired Orzo Salad

The simplicity and robustness of Greek flavors make this orzo salad a delightful addition to your summer spread. Here are the ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¹⁄₄ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ¹⁄₂ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook orzo according to package directions, drain, and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine orzo with cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, feta, and parsley.
3. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, then serve.

🍋 Note: If you want to make the salad more refreshing, add a handful of mint leaves.

Mediterranean Pesto Pasta Salad

This pesto pasta salad brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with a basil-infused dressing:

• 12 oz. pasta (like penne or farfalle)
• 1 cup prepared basil pesto
• 1 cup grilled vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant)
• ¹⁄₂ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup pine nuts, toasted
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• ¹⁄₂ cup crumbled goat cheese or mozzarella pearls
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta, drain, and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix the pasta with pesto sauce.
3. Add grilled vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh basil. Stir to combine.
4. Gently fold in the cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper, adjust as needed. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

🌿 Note: Store bought pesto can be heavy on garlic; you might want to balance it with a bit of lemon juice for a fresher taste.

Asian-Inspired Cold Soba Noodle Salad

Introduce an international twist with this refreshing soba noodle salad:

• 8 oz. soba noodles
• 2 tbsp. sesame oil
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp. honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp. grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup edamame, shelled and cooked
• 3 green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Steps:

1. Cook soba noodles according to package directions, then cool under cold running water.
2. In a small bowl, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic to make the dressing.
3. Toss noodles with vegetables, edamame, and green onions.
4. Pour dressing over the salad, mix well, and garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta Salad

Simplicity at its finest, this pasta salad highlights the natural sweetness of heirloom tomatoes:

• 10 oz. fresh mozzarella balls or burrata
• 2 cups of mixed heirloom tomatoes, chopped
• 8 oz. short pasta like orecchiette
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• ¹⁄₄ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

1. Cook pasta as per the package instructions, drain, and let cool.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Gently combine pasta with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
4. Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately or let it marinate in the fridge for enhanced flavors.

These five pasta salad recipes are just the beginning of a culinary adventure filled with the joy of summer dining. Each one brings a unique twist to the traditional pasta salad, ensuring your table is never boring. From the creamy, healthy avocado dressing to the zest of Mediterranean flavors, and the exotic taste of Asian influences, these recipes cater to a variety of palates. They are simple to prepare, often requiring minimal cooking and can be prepped ahead, making them perfect for summer gatherings. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the satisfaction of serving dishes that are both visually appealing and bursting with flavor.

Can I make these pasta salads ahead of time?

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Yes, most of these salads can be prepared in advance. Just be sure to keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness. Add fresh ingredients like herbs or avocado just before serving to keep them looking and tasting their best.

What are some tips for making a great pasta salad?

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Ensure pasta is properly cooled before combining with other ingredients. Use a high-quality olive oil for dressings, and don’t skimp on the seasoning. Also, consider the textures of ingredients to add variety to each bite, and always let the salad sit for a while to allow flavors to meld.

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

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Absolutely. Pasta salad is very forgiving and adaptable. You can swap proteins, vegetables, or cheeses based on your preferences or what’s available seasonally. Just remember to adjust seasonings accordingly.