57 Pasta Salad Recipes That Will Crush At Your Next Cookout

Deviled eggs are our go-to appetizer for every warm-weather gathering, from Easter dinner to a Labor Day picnic, but but we don’t always want to deal with the fuss of making sure they all stay upright and perfect until it’s time to serve. This deviled egg pasta salad is the perfect solution for getting the same vibes with much less fuss.

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Here, pasta is tossed with a dressing similar to what you would find on elote (Mexican street corn) for this standout salad. Mexican crema and cotija can be found in most supermarkets and Spanish markets, but if you're having trouble finding them, sour cream and feta make great substitutes too.

Get the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe.

If Caesar salad took a vacation to the Midwest, she would become this broccoli Caesar pasta salad. Bright green crisp-tender broccoli is tossed with cavatappi, shredded parm, and shards of crispy croutons in a silky homemade Caesar dressing for an unforgettable spin on the classic cookout staple.

Get the Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad recipe.

In this recipe, pasta salad gets a Mediterranean twist, showcasing some of our favorite flavors from that corner of the globe. And the best part—although pasta salad is usually thought of as a side, the added protein from the chickpeas will make this easy to turn into a main.

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Macaroni salad is one of our favorite things to pair with pulled pork or ribs, which is why it's such a disappointment when it's too dry or soggy. Not to fear—this recipe guarantees perfection ever time.

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Featuring crispy potato gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, fresh mozzarella, and salami, this is a medley of everything you love about antipasto layered around pan-seared gnocchi that's crispy on the outside and slightly chewy beneath.

Get the Gnocchi Antipasto Salad recipe.

Full of seasonal summer veggies and a creamy yet bright vegan mayo mixture, this macaroni salad is perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike. Seriously, the most devout of carnivores won’t be able to resist.

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In our opinion, pasta salad is a summertime must. We have plenty of beloved variations of this staple side dish, but this Italian-inspired recipe is our guaranteed go-to when we need a reliable BBQ side.

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Pasta salad is a classic summer potluck side, but in my opinion, it deserves a refresh. That’s where this green goddess pasta salad comes in. It’s bright green with a zesty, super-fresh green goddess dressing and some extra veggies mixed in to make it feel more like a hearty salad than a pasta dish.

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This super savory pasta salad is a hit at barbecues and potlucks, and hearty enough to qualify as a meal. Swapping in a tangy mustard vinaigrette for the usual mayo-based dressing lightens things up a bit, and seared chicken and crispy bacon make it satisfying enough to be a meal all on its own.

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Warning: If you make this spicy pasta salad at your next summer cookout, be prepared to have everyone asking for the recipe. It's got just the right amount of heat, thanks to a Cajun-seasoned, mayo-based dressing you're going to love.

Get the Grilled Chicken Cajun Pasta Salad recipe.

Cowboy caviar combines fresh vegetables, beans, and corn to make a colorful meal that can be enjoyed with chips or as a standalone dish. But once you add some pearl couscous? It becomes the star of any picnic or potluck.

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If you love tuna salad AND macaroni salad, the only logical thing to do is bring the two together in a generous serving of spicy tuna mac. This recipe calls for quick-pickling red onion, shredded carrots, and chopped pickles while the pasta cooks so you get nicely tart and crunchy elements in every bite.

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This ingenious salad uses uncooked ramen noodles (plus their flavor packet) as croutons. If you're making for a picnic or BBQ, toast the noodles and marinate the cabbage and carrots ahead of time, then toss everything together before you head out.

Get the Ramen Noodle Salad recipe.

A little sweet, a little savory, this strawberry-forward pasta salad will stand out among a sea of macaroni salads. The tangy-sweet glaze is everything.

Get the Strawberry Balsamic Pasta Salad recipe.

Hawaiian macaroni salad is a creamy, tangy, iconic comfort food that is practically synonymous with the state. It’s very simple to prepare—you might already have all the ingredients on hand!—making it the perfect easy side to bring to any summer party.

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We’re reimagining the classic macaroni salad here by adding buttery lobster meat and crispy bacon that pair perfectly with the tangy, creamy dressing. Think of this like the elevated version of your favorite BLT sandwich or lobster roll, made summer potluck-friendly.

Get the Lobster Roll Pasta Salad recipe.

This easy tortellini salad is ALWAYS a fave at picnics. Feel free to swap the sun-dried tomatoes here for fresh cherry tomatoes, use kale instead of spinach or bacon instead of salami, or replace the Parmesan with Pecorino or mozzarella. Anything goes!

Get the Tuscan Tortellini Salad recipe.

It’s not so hard to eat your greens when they come in pasta salad form. Sweet baby spinach is great here, but peppery arugula or tender baby kale would work well too.

Get the Super Green Vegan Pasta Salad recipe.

These noodles get coated in a sweet & spicy mayo-based dressing that can honestly go on anything. The heat of fresh ginger, garlic, and sriracha is tamed by the mayo and a touch of sugar; the creaminess of the mayo is in turn nicely balanced out by the tart rice vinegar and lime zest.

Get the Creamy Noodle Salad recipe.