25 Cold Pasta Salad Recipes (because It’s Just Too Hot)

by Abigail MatsumotoJune 28, 2023

With these ideas, there’s no need to cook or worry about what to bring to that BBQ

Who wants to spend a hot summer day cooking in the kitchen? Not us! With these ideas, there’s no need to cook or worry about what to make for dinner or bring to the family gathering. From caprese to Greek-inspired, bookmark these pasta salad recipes for all those hot summer nights ahead.

Tri-Color Pasta Salad

This go-to pasta salad recipe is as easy as they come. You can use cheese, olives, cucumber or any other assortment of veggies. You can even swap regular pasta for tortellini. Get the recipe here.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

What do you get when you combine pasta and Caesar salad? This dish from Life Made Simple! It’s loaded with all the classic flavors you expect—crisp romaine, pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes and lots of cheese! For the recipe, click here.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese is a great way to entice little ones to eat fresh fruits and veggies! Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil come together with the pasta shape of your choice in this recipe from Pip & Debby. Make as a tasty side dish or a meal, you can't go wrong with this perfect pasta.

Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

an easy orzo pasta salad recipe — iStock

Oh, my, orzo! Here's why this pasta salad is a thing of beauty: it only has a few ingredients, the flavors are fresh and summery, and it's delicious cold or at room temp. Add it as a barbecue side or serve it up as the main course! Get the recipe here.

Lemony Artichoke Pasta Salad

Homemade lemon basil vinaigrette and flavorful pasta come together in this recipe from Gimme Some Oven. Fresh ingredients like artichoke hearts, asparagus and cheese round out this perfect picnic side dish that may also just convince a picky eater to eat, too!

BLT Pasta Salad

Bacon, lettuce and tomato plus pasta? We are SO in! This 15-minute BLT pasta salad recipe from Busy Budgeter means your dinner is ready in a flash. Top with your homemade salad dressing and enjoy not sweating it out in the kitchen.

Greek Pasta Salad

Perfect for a potluck or meal prep, Plain Chicken's Greek pasta salad recipe is packed with flavor. Fresh ingredients like tomato, basil, and lemon juice make this dinner refreshing and will transport you straight to Greece!

Pepperoni Pasta Salad

Do your little ones love pizza? Then this dish from Dear Crissy is sure to be an instant hit! It's got the all-important pepperoni, and you can customize it with additional "toppings" that usually grace your 'za.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

This idea from The Creative Bite has all the flavors of your fave tailgating dish and is super easy to whip up. It also has some sneaky veggies, and you can include crumbled bleu cheese on the side!

Garden Veggie Tortellini Pasta Salad

Tortellini is a kid favorite, so why not take a cue from Peas and Crayons and turn it into a delish cold salad? Toss with some homemade dressing and sneak in some healthy veggies and you're all set!

Nut-Free Basil Pesto Pasta

Pass the pesto! This nut-free sauce makes any pasta salad delicious and can be paired with all the additional ingredients you want. (Veggies? Cheese? Both?) It's a cinch to make—get the recipe here.

Broccoli Sausage Pasta Salad

Broccoli sausage pasta recipe — Boulder Locavore

Bring on the broccoli with this dish from Boulder Locavore! Not only is it a great way to eat your green veggies, but it also skips the usual pasta salad mayo for a zesty dressing.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Looking for the most flavorful pasta salad around? Dive into this dish from Chelsea's Messy Apron, which has tons of veggies, an adaptable chili-lime dressing, and tons of summer corn! Trust us, you'll want seconds.

Thai Chicken Pasta Salad

Amp up an average summer barbecue! This pasta salad recipe from I Wash You Dry sports crisp veggies and a creamy, flavorful sauce. Bonus: It calls for ramen noodles and rotisserie chicken—no muss, no fuss!

Vegan Macaroni Salad

There's no reason vegans can't get in on the summer pasta salad fun! The Minimalist Baker has you covered with a dish that veers away from dairy and eggs.

Poppy Seed Chicken and Grape Pasta Salad

Kiddos love grapes? Then it's time to bust out this great grape pasta salad recipe from Cooking Classy. It's got a slightly sweet dressing and makes for a refreshing addition to a summer picnic.

Quick & Easy Pasta Salad

quick and easy pasta salad recipe — Veggies Don't Bite

Need a pasta salad PDQ? This simple dish takes almost no time to make. Classic flavors, veggie-ful, and totally delish, it'll be your new go-to BBQ side dish. Get the recipe here.

Spaghetti Salad

Chances are you have spaghetti in the pantry—and this idea from Dinner at the Zoo is the perfect use for it! It's also filled with crunchy vegetables for an extra healthy kick.

Picnic Macaroni Salad (Gluten-free)

Prepping for a picnic? Don't forget this gluten-free dish from Boulder Locavore! It's just like the old-school pasta salad that you had when you were a kid and even sports healthy twists like grated carrot.

Meat Lovers Pasta Salad

This deli-inspired salad from The View from Great Island is a great way to please the meat lovers in your family. You can also customize it with whatever meats you have in the fridge for an extra easy summer meal.

Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

by Leah R. SingerJune 22, 2023

Take advantage of the seasonal fresh tomatoes and basil with this easy recipe from Leah’s Thoughts that encourages you to toss any ingredients you have in the fridge. We suggest adding veggies or chicken to this tomato basil pasta recipe to make it a little heartier.

Ingredients for Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe:

Olive oil, roughly 1/4 cup
Fresh tomatoes, roughly 2 cups, chopped
Fresh basil, roughly 1/2 cup, chopped
Fresh garlic, roughly 2 tablespoons, chopped
Salt and pepper
Cheese (Parmesan or fresh mozzarella if you’ve got it)
Pasta (whatever you want, though Penne works well)

Method:

1. Cook your choice of pasta according to the directions on the package and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil (roughly 1/4 a cup) in a large pan over medium heat.

3. Add the chopped tomatoes, simmer for a few minutes, then add the garlic, salt and pepper.

4. Let the sauce simmer until tasty (try it). Then add the fresh basil, and pasta and top with your choice of cheese.

Leah Singer is a freelance writer and a practicing speechwriter. She shares many family-friendly recipes, as well as stories of motherhood, craft ideas, writing, and other such topics at Leah’s Thoughts. Read more about Leah at: leahsthoughts.com.

An Easy Pasta Carbonara Recipe to Add to Your Dinner Rotation

by Erin LemJune 12, 2023

If you think that Pasta Carbonara is a dish you can only have in restaurants, you’ll be shocked to see how simple making it really is. Here to break down the steps for any home cook are Gayle Pirie and John Clark, Chefs and Co-owners of Foreign Cinema in San Francisco. Read on for the full recipe.

Ingredients for Pasta Carbonara:

1 pound (or just under) long noodles (spaghettini, fettucini, or linguine)
6 thick slices of smoky bacon
2 Tablespoons pure olive oil
4 eggs
Salt to taste
A chunk of Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Bring lightly salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook the noodles until tender but firm.

2. While the noodles cook, dice the bacon and cook it in the olive oil until just lightly crisped in a medium sauté pan. Pour off the excess fat, reserving 4 tablespoons in the pan.

3. In a bowl, beat the eggs and season with a little salt.

4. Drain the noodles, saving about 2 tablespoons of water for later. If the pan has cooled down, warm it up again right before adding the noodles.

5. Add the noodles to the warm bacon in the pan; thoroughly toss with the oil and bacon, and season with salt. Work fast and pour the beaten eggs onto the warm noodles and mix well to coat the noodles.

6. Add the reserved pasta water if the noodles look dry. The heat of the noodles and the pan will thicken and set the eggs. If there is not enough heat, turn the burner on very low, just to warm the noodles, then turn it off. Too much heat can scramble the eggs.

7. Once the noodles, egg, and bacon are well mixed, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and stir. Freshly ground black pepper is an essential addition. Serve in warm pasta bowls.

Partners Gayle Pirie and John Clark are two highly original talents who have been deeply involved in the competitive and innovative ferment of the San Francisco restaurant scene for over two decades. Today, Pirie and Clark are the chef talent, and owners behind the very popular and exciting dining destination- Foreign Cinema. In addition to Foreign Cinema they have published two cookbooks, Country Egg, City Egg in 2000 and Bride and Groom in 2006.

20-Minute Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

by Erin LemMay 30, 2023

The step that takes the longest in this five-step recipe? Boiling the water!

Your busy weeknight calls for a lightning-fast dinner. Next time you need to make dinner in a pinch, check out this Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe from Regina of the food blog, Leelalicious. It takes only 20 minutes to make and offers a nice balance of carbs, protein, and greens (from the pesto).

Yields 2-3 servings

Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Pasta:

8 ounces dry pasta* (I used fusilli)
1 chicken breast, cut into thin strips
salt + pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup pesto
chopped almonds and feta crumbles for garnish

Notes from the Chef: *use gluten-free, whole wheat, or low-glycemic pasta according to needs and preferences

Method:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add dry pasta, and cook until al dente.

2. Cut chicken breast into small strips. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken strips and sear until fully cooked.

4. Add ¼ cup of the pasta water to the skillet with the chicken. Drain pasta, then add to chicken together with pesto and stir everything until fully combined.

5. Serve hot and garnish with chopped almonds and feta crumbles.

For more delicious meal ideas your family will love hop on over to Leelalicious. And, don’t forget to follow her on Facebook by clicking here.

Hawaiian Pasta Salad with Just Four Ingredients

by scott wardellMay 1, 2023

Great for family barbecues (or picky pasta eaters) this quick pasta dish takes minutes to throw together and only requires four ingredients—all of which we’re willing to bet you have in your pantry. Rebekah of PDXfoodlove is a big fan of the simple combination of high-quality mayonnaise and freshly ground black pepper. This rich combination really makes the recipe pop. Originally created as a side dish, this Hawaiian Pasta Salad is a must-have recipe for summer. This recipe yields two small servings. You might want to double or triple it if you’re feeding some especially hungry kiddos.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Pasta Salad:

1 c (dry) small pasta, such as shells or elbow macaroni
3 tbsp excellent quality mayonnaise
1 tbsp milk
Lots of freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, and allow it to cool down a bit so as not to curdle your milk. In the meantime, mix the mayo and milk together with a fork to create a mixture a little thicker than say, ranch dressing. You can add milk or mayo to your preference.

2. Stir the two together, and then season with a very very large amount of freshly ground black pepper.

recipe and photo courtesy of Rebekah at PDX Food Love

Few people can say they boast a passion for food like Rebekah at PDXfoodlove. Whether it’s reading about food, thinking about food, or reading about food, Rebekah can never satiate her hunger for all things food. A graphic designer and outdoor enthusiast by day, once in the kitchen, Rebekah dons her apron and whips up seasonal dishes that boast some serious homey comfort. Check out her food blog, PDXfoodlove, for more of her recipes (and her awesome photography!).

Kid Friendly Pasta with Peas and Bacon

by Erin LemMay 1, 2023

This is a simple and delicious recipe the kids can help make

30-minute meals are the best. This recipe comes together quickly, which means you can spend your evenings doing things that matter like building forts and playing hide-and-seek. In fact, we found that the longest part of the prep work for this pasta dish was getting our water to boil. Tell us below what you think of this pasta with peas and bacon dish!

Ingredients for Pasta with Peas and Bacon:

16 ounces fettuccine (or whatever pasta you prefer)
3 strips of thick-cut bacon
1/2 onion, chopped
1 (10-ounce) bag frozen peas
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lemon, juiced

Method:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

2. Meanwhile, saute bacon in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until golden and crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and break up into small pieces.

3. In the same pan, saute onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add peas and garlic and saute for 3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, pasta, and bacon.

4. Moisten pasta with some of the reserved pasta water. Toss to incorporate, season with salt and pepper, if necessary, and serve, sprinkled with lemon juice.

recipe adapted from the Food Network

Nut-Free Basil Pesto Pasta

by writerredriMay 1, 2023

Whether your kids have nut allergies, or your school is nut-free, this easy lunchtime nut-free basil pesto pasta dish is a winner. Made with sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts, it’s a delicious and allergy-friendly addition to the lunch menu.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients for Nut-Free Basil Pesto Pasta:

1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup hulled roasted sunflower seeds
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
Kosher salt
1 pound fresh pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
Parmesan cheese

Method:

1. Place the basil, sunflower seeds, cheese, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the ingredients are well chopped, about 2 minutes.

2. Add the oil and process for another minute, or until smooth. Add salt to taste. For a smoother texture, add a little extra olive oil.

3. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserve some of the pasta water, and set aside.

4. Add the cooked pasta back to the empty pot and toss with the pesto and cherry tomatoes. Add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water.

5. Serve topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Reprinted from THE 52 NEW FOODS CHALLENGE: A Family Cooking Adventure for Each Week of the Year, with 150 recipes. Reprinted by arrangement with Avery, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2014 by Jennifer Tyler Lee.

Pasta Jambalaya

by writerredtriApril 3, 2023

Getting kids to eat their veggies may be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. The trick, according to recipe creator Leah Singer of Leah’s Thoughts is simple: add a veggie puree to your dish. This recipe for jambalaya also swaps the traditional rice for pasta, making it extra hearty.

Ingredients for Pasta Jambalaya Recipe:

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
1 kielbasa sausage, sliced
2 cups of shrimp (we use frozen)
1 chopped onion
1 – 2 teaspoons of garlic
2 cans diced tomatoes (undrained)
Pinch of chili flakes
Cajon/Creole seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound penne pasta (or whatever you have around)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup carrot, spinach, or other veggie puree (optional)

Method
1. Saute the kielbasa with olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Remove sausage from the pan and replace with chicken. Do not empty the oil–it gives the chicken great flavor. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet.

2. Add a bit more olive oil and add onion and garlic. Saute until cooked through. (If you’re a fan of peppers, you could add chunks of peppers at this point.) Add cans of diced tomatoes, spices, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Add back into the pot the chicken and sausage. If you’re adding a hidden veggie, do it now!

3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, and add to the meat and tomato mixture. Taste of seasonings. At this point, add the frozen shrimp and let them steam cook for a few minutes. Stir and add the cream.

Leah Singer is a freelance writer and editor. She shares many family-friendly recipes, as well as stories of motherhood, craft ideas, writing, and other such topics at Leah’s Thoughts.

Easy Baked Ziti Your Kids Will Beg You to Make

by writerredtriMarch 29, 2023

If your kids love pasta but you want to change up your dinnertime routine, try out this easy Baked Ziti. Make it ahead of time and bake it when needed. From the refrigerator, the dish usually needs an additional 15 minutes of cooking time.

Ingredients for Easy Baked Ziti:

1 pound dry ziti pasta
1 finely chopped onion
1 lb ground beef
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
8 slices of provolone cheese
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for about 8-9 minutes; drain.

2. In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, heat through, then remove from heat.

3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking oil spray.

4. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, 1/2 of the sauce, Provolone cheese, sour cream, remaining ziti, remaining sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cheeses are melted. Cover with foil for the first 15-20 minutes of baking, then remove the foil so the cheese will melt and the top will brown.

recipe courtesy of Sisters’ Gourmet

20 Minute Pasta With Cream and Ham

by scott wardellMarch 10, 2023

Some days it feels as if all our kids will eat is pasta. To save you from another night of plain, buttery pasta, we humbly suggest this pasta with cream and ham that also has major grown-up appeal. Marta at Travel For Taste says this recipe is so simple, all you need are two major ingredients–ham and cream! An added bonus: it only takes 20 minutes to prepare, and that even includes cooking the pasta. We’re pretty confident you’ll be making this recipe on more than one occasion, so be sure to print it out and save it in your recipe book.

Ingredients for Pasta with Cream and Ham:

– 5 cups pasta
– 1 3/4 cream
– 1/2 lb ham
– salt to taste
– 1/2 tsp pepper
– 1 flat teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, if you want the cream thicker)
– parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Method:

1. Put the water for pasta to boil, salt it a bit, and add pasta. Follow the instructions on your package.

2. Pour cream into a deep frying pan and bring to a boil. Add salt and pepper. Keep cooking for 5-7 minutes, while stirring all the time, in order to reduce it a little bit.

3. If you like the sauce even thicker you might mix cornstarch with some cold water and add it to the cream (while stirring constantly).

4. Add ham and mix everything well.

5. Mix with pasta and serve. Optional step: serve with copious amounts of parmesan cheese.

recipe and photo courtesy of Marta at Travel For Taste

As a world traveler, Marta has experienced culinary creations from all across the globe. Mementos of her travels often come in the form of food-related souvenirs. Using nothing more than a tiny studio kitchen, she creates recipes that span the globe as wide as her travels, with a special emphasis on foods from her childhood. Find all of her favorite recipes as well as check out her superstar photography skills on her website, Travel For Taste.

With these ideas, there’s no need to cook or worry about what to bring to that BBQ

Tri-Color Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

Lemony Artichoke Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad

Pepperoni Pasta Salad

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Garden Veggie Tortellini Pasta Salad

Nut-Free Basil Pesto Pasta

Broccoli Sausage Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Thai Chicken Pasta Salad

Vegan Macaroni Salad

Poppy Seed Chicken and Grape Pasta Salad

Quick & Easy Pasta Salad

Spaghetti Salad

Picnic Macaroni Salad (Gluten-free)

Meat Lovers Pasta Salad

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