Homemade macaroni salad with trivelle pasta and canned tuna, carrot, lettuce, tomato, corn and mayonnaise dressing in a white plate on wooden table.
Food & Drink

50 pasta salad recipes to pair perfectly with any meal

Written by:
Madison Troyer
October 20, 2021
Kritchai7752 // Shutterstock

50 pasta salad recipes to pair perfectly with any meal

There's no such thing as the perfect dish, but if there was it might be some variation of pasta salad. A crowd favorite that is easily portable and endlessly flexible– you can add in almost anything you like– pasta salad can work as a side dish, a main dish, or an appetizer. With the unofficial start of summer just days away—Memorial Day 2025 is May 26—there's no better time to celebrate this iconic summer dish.

The origins of what seems to be a distinctively American concoction—room temperature noodles dressed with mayonnaise, mustard, and/or oil and red wine vinegar—are a bit unclear. Many say the version we know (and ) today is a spawned at the turn of the 20th century, but others say it either to the Phonecians between 2500-64 B.C.E. or to , who would reuse cold pasta on the sabbath when cooking is prohibited.

Today, many Italians would likely bristle at the mayo-drenched U.S. versions of pasta salad (though they do have their own take in the form of , typically filled with cheese and vegetables and ).

The truth is, while many people have their favorite pasta salad recipe, there really is no right way to make it. Case in point: this list of 50 pasta salad recipes Â鶹ԭ´´ compiled from . From classics to more unique takes on the food, you're sure to stumble across a preparation you've never thought of before.

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Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.6/5 (323 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Additional time: 13 hours 20 minutes
- Total time: 13 hours 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
-

Antipasto Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.6/5 (1,549 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Additional time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 12 servings
- Number of ingredients: 15
-

Pesto Pasta Caprese Salad

- Rating: 4.7/5 (197 reviews)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
-

Greek Orzo Salad

- Rating: 4.5/5 (635 reviews)
- Prep time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 11
-

Israeli Couscous Salad

- Rating: 5.0/5 (8 reviews)
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Additional time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 95 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 17
-

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Spinach and Orzo Salad

- Rating: 4.6/5 (854 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Additional time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
-

Greek Pasta Salad I

- Rating: 4.6/5 (1,055 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 2 hours
- Total time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 15
-

Asian Salad

- Rating: 4.7/5 (451 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
-

Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad

- Rating: 4.8/5 (428 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 8 minutes
- Additional time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Total time: 4 hours 33 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 12 servings
- Number of ingredients: 16
-

Broccoli and Tortellini Salad

- Rating: 4.6/5 (704 reviews)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 12 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
-

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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.6/5 (178 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 12 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
-

Amish Macaroni Salad

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1,382 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 12
-

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1,518 reviews)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Additional time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
-

Orzo Ham Salad

- Rating: 4.2/5 (32 reviews)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 14
-

Classic Macaroni Salad

- Rating: 4.4/5 (2,842 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 4 hours
- Total time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 12
-

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Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing

- Rating: 4.7/5 (277 reviews)
- Prep time: 35 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 8 hours
- Total time: 8 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 18
-

Simple Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.6/5 (173 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Additional time: 3 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 12 servings
- Number of ingredients: 7
-

Greek Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.7/5 (390 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 3 hours
- Total time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 14
-

German Shrimp Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.0/5 (1 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Additional time: 8 hours
- Total time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 1 6-quart bowl
- Number of ingredients: 13
-

Quick Italian Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.8/5 (165 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 12 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
-

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Frog Eye Salad

- Rating: 4.7/5 (283 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Additional time: 13 hours 20 minutes
- Total time: 13 hours 65 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 15
-

Magnificent Macaroni Salad

- Rating: 4.7/5 (179 reviews)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 5
- Yield: 5 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
-

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1,518 reviews)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Additional time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
-

Awesome Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.6/5 (711 reviews)
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 16
- Yield: 16 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
-

Amish Macaroni Salad

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1,382 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 12
-

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Easy Cold Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.6/5 (75 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Additional time: 2 hours
- Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
-

Chicken Club Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.7/5 (351 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
-

Easy Asian Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.5/5 (85 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 11
-

Amelia's Tuna Macaroni Salad

- Rating: 4.5/5 (171 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
-

Vermicelli Salad

- Rating: 4.8/5 (17 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Additional time: 13 hours 20 minutes
- Total time: 13 hours 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 7
-

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Mom's Best Macaroni Salad

- Rating: 4.4/5 (690 reviews)
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 16
- Yield: 16 servings
- Number of ingredients: 11
-

Black Bean and Couscous Salad

- Rating: 4.7/5 (1,441 reviews)
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Additional time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 12
-

Simple Tasty Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.9/5 (19 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
-

Tortellini Salad

- Rating: 4.6/5 (186 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Additional time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 11
-

Easy Tuna Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.9/5 (7 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 14
-

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Creamy Macaroni Salad

- Rating: 4.5/5 (57 reviews)
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 12 servings
- Number of ingredients: 17
-

Rainbow Pasta Salad II

- Rating: 4.6/5 (164 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 5
-

Creamy Crab and Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.4/5 (52 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 12
-

Acini di Pepe Salad

- Rating: 4.5/5 (131 reviews)
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
-

Sesame Noodle Salad

- Rating: 4.6/5 (274 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
-

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Thai-Inspired Noodle Salad

- Rating: 4.4/5 (283 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 11
-

Pearl Couscous Salad

- Rating: 4.6/5 (25 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Additional time: 8 hours
- Total time: 8 hours 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 19
-

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

- Rating: 4.9/5 (22 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Additional time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 14
-

Seafood Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.5/5 (260 reviews)
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 5 hours
- Total time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
-

Ham and Shell Salad

- Rating: 4.5/5 (50 reviews)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 11 minutes
- Additional time: 59 minutes
- Total time: 80 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
-

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Rainbow Rotini Salad

- Rating: 4.7/5 (51 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
-

Ranch, Bacon, and Parmesan Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.4/5 (79 reviews)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Additional time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 7
-

Shrimp and Pasta Shell Salad

- Rating: 4.8/5 (193 reviews)
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Additional time: 2 hours
- Total time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 15
-

Salami Lover's Italian Pasta Salad

- Rating: 4.4/5 (42 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Additional time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 65 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
-

Grandma's Macaroni Salad

- Rating: 4.5/5 (8 reviews)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Additional time: 4 hours
- Total time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 13
-

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