7 Must-Try Pasta Salad Recipes for Summer Cookouts

Ah, summer cookouts—the aroma of grilled food in the air, laughter, and the delightful clink of glasses. There's a wealth of options when it comes to side dishes at these events, but if there's one that's universally loved, it's pasta salad. Not only is it easy to make and share, but its versatility makes it a star on the picnic table. Today, we're going to share 7 must-try pasta salad recipes that will be the highlight of your summer gatherings. From classic Italian flavors to unique twists, let's dive into the world of cold pasta perfection.

Lemon Garlic Pasta Salad

Who knew that a simple combination of lemon and garlic could create such a refreshing dish? Here’s how to make a citrusy, herb-infused salad:

• 8 oz dried penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ¹⁄₃ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

To prepare:

1. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Toss the cooled pasta with the dressing, then add tomatoes, basil, and parsley.
4. If you like a bit of cheese, sprinkle Parmesan over the salad just before serving.

✨ Note: For a zestier salad, let it sit in the fridge for an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

Veggie Lovers’ Delight

This pasta salad is for the vegetable enthusiasts, packed with fresh and vibrant produce:

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned or shredded
• ¹⁄₂ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• ¹⁄₄ cup feta cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Here’s what to do:

1. Cook the rotini pasta until tender but still firm. Drain and cool.
2. Blanch the broccoli florets for 1-2 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to cool quickly and retain their color.
3. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, blanched broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, carrot, and onion.
4. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad, tossing to coat. Garnish with parsley and feta cheese if desired.

Caprese in a Bowl

The Caprese salad gets a fun twist with pasta. Perfect for those who adore the traditional combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil:

• 8 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, halved
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil leaves
• 3 tbsp balsamic glaze
• ¹⁄₄ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

To assemble:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and let it cool.
2. In a bowl, mix the cooked pasta with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle the balsamic glaze just before serving for an extra punch of flavor.

Antipasto in Pasta Form

Transform your antipasto platter into a pasta salad, perfect for those who love a medley of meats, cheeses, and pickles:

• 8 oz fusilli or bow-tie pasta
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• ¹⁄₂ cup salami, cubed
• ¹⁄₂ cup provolone cheese, cubed
• ¹⁄₂ cup black olives, sliced
• ¹⁄₄ cup pepperoncini, sliced
• ¹⁄₄ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
• ¹⁄₄ cup artichoke hearts, chopped
• ¹⁄₃ cup Italian dressing
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Follow these steps:

1. Cook pasta as directed on the package. Drain and let it cool.
2. In a large serving bowl, combine pasta with pepperoni, salami, provolone, olives, pepperoncini, red peppers, and artichokes.
3. Add Italian dressing and Parmesan, then toss to mix well.

Southwestern Fiesta Pasta

This Southwestern salad brings in the heat with a kick of spice:

• 8 oz tri-color rotini pasta
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (fresh or thawed from frozen)
• ¹⁄₂ cup red onion, diced
• ¹⁄₂ cup bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• ¹⁄₄ cup cilantro, chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup lime juice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cumin
• ¹⁄₂ tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste

Here’s how to put it together:

1. Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and cool.
2. In a bowl, combine pasta, black beans, corn, onion, bell pepper, and avocado.
3. In another bowl, mix lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Pour over the pasta salad and toss.
4. Garnish with cilantro just before serving.

Greek Pasta Salad

Experience the Mediterranean with this Greek-inspired pasta salad:

• 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• ¹⁄₂ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¹⁄₂ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ¹⁄₂ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup Greek dressing

Preparation steps:

1. Cook pasta and let it cool.
2. Combine pasta with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, onion, feta, and parsley.
3. Drizzle the Greek dressing over the salad and mix well.

Bacon and Ranch Pasta Salad

A creamy, flavorful salad for those who enjoy the richness of bacon and the tang of Ranch:

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• ¹⁄₂ cup cooked, chopped bacon
• ¹⁄₂ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup Ranch dressing
• ¹⁄₄ cup mayonnaise
• ¹⁄₄ cup buttermilk (optional for creamier dressing)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook pasta as per package directions. Drain and let cool.
2. In a bowl, mix Ranch dressing, mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Add pasta, bacon, cheese, and onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat.

These pasta salad recipes are not just flavorful but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for your next summer cookout. Whether you're looking for something light and refreshing like the Lemon Garlic Pasta Salad, or something with a bit more punch like the Southwestern Fiesta Pasta, there's a dish here for every taste. Remember, pasta salads are highly customizable, so feel free to add, subtract, or modify ingredients according to what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes, and watch your summer gatherings become the talk of the town with these delicious sides.

What kind of pasta works best for salads?

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Short, shaped pasta like penne, farfalle, fusilli, or rotini are best for pasta salads because they can hold onto the dressings and other ingredients well. However, any pasta shape can work; it’s all about what you prefer and how the dressing is absorbed.

Can pasta salads be made in advance?

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Yes, pasta salads can be prepared in advance. Most will even benefit from sitting a bit as the flavors will meld together. However, if you’re adding fresh ingredients like avocado, add them just before serving to prevent discoloration or becoming too soft.

How do I keep my pasta salad from becoming watery?

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To prevent a watery pasta salad, ensure you drain the pasta very well after cooking and let it cool completely before mixing with other ingredients. Additionally, cut watery vegetables like tomatoes over paper towels to absorb excess moisture before adding them to the salad.