Pasta Salad Recipes are always a huge hit at BBQ's, potlucks, picnics, and anywhere else that you need a good old fashioned pasta salad recipe that will feed a crowd.
The best part about these creamy pasta salad recipes is that you can make them ahead of time! Don't worry about scrambling to finish these before you eat. Make it early, pop it in the fridge to cool, and serve!
Everyone loves a good Italian pasta salad recipe, but we have other recipes here that are just as good, if not better! From the typical tuna pasta salad to a delicious pasta shrimp salad recipe, there is something here that everyone in the family will love!
If you have picky eaters at home, then these recipes are for you! Cold pasta salad recipes are easily customizable, so just add or leave out whatever you or your kids don't like.
Make a dill pickle pasta salad and serve it up along side burgers at your next barbecue, or make a pasta BLT salad for lunch. Just remember, salad won't last long when mixed into your creamy pasta salad so add in lettuce right before eating if you plan on eating it later.
WHAT TO PUT IN PASTA SALAD RECIPES
Some of the best pasta salad recipes include Antipasto salad, Italian pasta salad, pesto pasta salad, and tuna pasta salad. Add chicken to your salad to make it a full meal, or bring it to your next potluck at work or church.
You can use all sorts of noodles in your pasta salad, and you can even mix them together if you have a little left of several types of noodles. Rotini, elbow macaroni, and shells are the most common type of pasta for these recipes, but you can use your favorite type of noodle to really take the recipe to the next level.
If you're wondering how to make a pasta salad, it's not that difficult. You just need noodles, dressing (like ranch or Italian dressing), some vegetables, and maybe some meat. Mix it all together and you've got yourself a pasta salad!
There are many different types of pasta salad you can make, so if you need some pasta salad idea, check out our recipes below!
1. BLT Pasta Salad
From SPACESHIPS AND LASER BEAMS :: CLICK HERE For the full printable recipe. The perfect fresh side dish for any potluck, this BLT pasta salad not only has juicy cherry tomatoes, chopped bacon, and —you guessed it—crisp romaine, but is made even better by a zesty ranch based dressing.
2. Macaroni Salad
From JULIE'S EATS AND TREATS :: CLICK HERE For the full printable recipe. A classic Macaroni Salad that is a hit for potlucks, parties and BBQs with both kids and adults. It’s quick, easy and delicious recipe which makes it the perfect side dish.
3. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
From SPEND WITH PENNIES :: CLICK HERE For the full printable recipe. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is literally my favorite pasta salad ever! In this creamy pasta salad recipe, dill pickles play a starring role and add tons of flavor and crunch! It is even better when it’s made ahead of time making it the perfect potluck dish!
4. Pea Pasta Salad
From SALTY SIDE DISH :: CLICK HERE For the full printable recipe. Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad with Peas is a delicious blend of Ranch seasoning, mayo, crunchy bacon and cheese to pull together this filling, tasty, and easy side salad. The soft mini pasta shells are the perfect filling combination with fresh or frozen peas.
5. Italian Pasta Salad
From SPACESHIPS AND LASER BEAMS :: CLICK HERE For the full printable recipe. Simple to make, this Italian pasta salad goes great with any meal or get together. It will quickly become one of your summer staples!
6. The Best Pasta Salad
From IOWA GIRL EATS :: CLICK HERE For the full printable recipe. The BEST Pasta Salad is a family recipe that’s a hit at parties, potlucks, or as a zest side dish with dinner. Full of flavor and punch!
7. Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad
From SPACESHIPS AND LASER BEAMS :: CLICK HERE For the full printable recipe. Tender elbow macaroni, a homemade sauce, and colorful, fresh veggies combine for this simple and quick macaroni salad.
8. Hawaiian Tortellini Pasta Salad
From THE SLOW ROASTED ITALIAN :: CLICK HERE For the full printable recipe. Hawaiian Tortellini Salad is a like a party in your mouth! It's a blend of your favorite island flavors in a fabulously bright, sweet and tangy summer pasta salad. A simple recipe with an outstanding pineapple-ginger dressing, this will be a hit everywhere you take it.
9. Shrimp Pasta Salad
From I WASH YOU DRY :: CLICK HERE For the full printable recipe. Shrimp Pasta Salad is a super simple pasta dish that’s perfect for potluck, BBQ’s, and parties!
10. Tuna Macaroni Salad
From SPICY SOUTHERN KITCHEN :: CLICK HERE For the full printable recipe. Tuna Macaroni Salad is a classic potluck recipe and is so easy to throw together. It is creamy and delicious with lots of hard-boiled egg, peas, celery, onion, and sweet pickle relish.
much too pretty to eat...but it was enjoyed! thanx
I love your recipes
No longer have pineapples growing commercially in Hawaii...pineapples in Hawaii now come most often from Mexico and Philippines. A gentle reminder that adding pineapples to any dish does not make it "Hawaiian".
You can find tortellini in markets in HI. But you have to look carefully for a pineapple...sad but true.
Pineapples made it back to Mexico full circle...originally from Mexico, domesticated and grown in Hawaii in 19th century. Tomatoes are also native to Mexico. Who knew? We trace food origins in foodies club in an afterschool program.