37 easy-peasy 10-minute pasta salad recipes that are sure to impress guests

The pasta salad may not be the most outstanding item in a buffet spread, but you can be quite sure that it’s going to be among the most popular. This makes the crowd-pleaser a safe bet to bring along for the next potluck dinner you’re going for or the dinner you’re hosting.

Easy to prepare, and doesn’t even have to be eaten fresh out of the oven (which means you could easily prepare this the night before!), pasta salads are not only sure to be a big hit amongst friends and family, but also fuss-free. (Psst, they’re also great on days you feel like packing lunch to work instead of eating out!)

This is why it’ll totally pay off to pick up a few pasta salad recipes. Here’s getting you started: 37 super easy pasta salad recipes you learn and make them into your signature.

1. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

We’d be hard pressed to find anyone who hates buffalo chicken, sans vegetarians and vegans. Tossed in spicy, creamy buffalo sauce, and topped with fresh veggies and bleu cheese, it is a winning combination that’ll have your guests diving in for seconds – and yes, including the self-professed salad-haters.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• package bow tie pasta, prepared al dente
• 3 oz. container nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup light Ranch dressing
• 2/3 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 1/2 cups cubed rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2/3 red onion, diced
• 4 oz. bleu cheese crumbles (optional)

You can read more about this recipe here.

2. Rainbow Antipasto Pasta Salad

A twist on the traditional antipasto, toss your cured meats, cheeses, or whatever leftovers you may have lying around in the fridge, and dump it all into one big heaping bowl. Drizzle some vinaigrette and you’re done!

P.S. Let’s be honest – how could such a colourful pasta not put a smile on your face too?

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 pound dry pasta (like a tri-color rotini)
• 4-6 cups chopped antipasto ingredients (like diced salami, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, pepperoncini, roasted red peppers.)
• 1 cup chopped fresh kale, massaged
• quarter of a small red onion, peeled and thinly-sliced
• 1 batch Italian Herb Vinaigrette

Italian Herb Vinaigrette

• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons McCormick Italian Blend Herb Grinder Italian seasoning, or homemade
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

You can read more about this recipe here.

3. Tuscan Tortellini Salad

Requiring only 10 minutes of your time, whip up this hearty Tuscan Tortellini Salad that’ll really impress the guests without the hard work, toil, blood and sweat your friends will think you’ve put in (but you can certainly pretend you did!).

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 lb. fresh cheese tortellini
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tbsp. honey
• kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup chopped salami or prosciutto
• 1/2 cup baby spinach
• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

You can read more about this recipe here.

4. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Chicken. Bacon. Ranch. Pasta. Literally nothing could go wrong with those ingredients right there! Especially bacon. Mmm, bacon, so unhealthy and greasy, yet oh-so-delicious. Needless to say, this’ll be a definite crowd-pleaser for sure!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 lb. gemelli or pene
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tbsp. freshly chopped chives

You can read more about this recipe here.

5. Tuna Macaroni Salad

This is reserved for those days when you’re too lazy to go down to the grocer’s to grab yourself some fresh ingredients. Forget about fresh produce you’re never going to have lying around the fridge – this pasta recipe can be made with things you have for sure. Like tuna. Or ground herbs.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 3 1/2 cups dry macaroni noodles
• 1 – 12oz. can tuna
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1-2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 5 eggs (boiled)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots (about one medium carrot)
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon dry parsley
• kosher salt
• pepper
• soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

You can read more about this recipe here.

6. Strawberry Balsamic Pasta Salad

Yes, you’re still on the pasta salad page, and yes, those are strawberries in a pasta salad recipe.

A pasta salad with a sweet, tangy twist, and sticky balsamic glaze, sprinkled with crunchy, toasty almonds, take this recipe for a whirl if you want something off-beat but still tasty.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 lb. farfalle
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup Feta, crumbled
• 2 cup strawberries, quartered
• 1/2 cup baby spinach
• kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup almond slivers, toasted, for garnish

You can read more about the recipe here.

7. Asian-inspired Pasta Salad

Can’t quite let go off your #Asianroots? Or have guests who insist on Asian food? Whip up this Asian-inspired pasta salads to convert even the most die-hard Asian food fans.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 8 ounces Linguine pasta
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 cup matchbox carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped celery

Dressing

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried ginger (or 1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger)

You can read more about the recipe here.

8. Bloody Mary Pasta Salad

Yes, there is vodka in this pasta salad. And also actual Bloody Mary in it. Need we say more?

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 cup Pasta Salad mix
• 3/4 cup Bloody Mary mix
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1 1/2 lb cooked deveined peeled medium shrimp, thawed if frozen, tail shells removed
• 1 cup chopped peeled cucumber
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper

Garnish

• Lemon and lime slices, marinated mushrooms, olives
• Beef jerky sticks
• Celery sticks

You can read more about the recipe here.

9. Devilled Egg Macaroni Salad

There is nothing more satisfying than the pleasure of digging out an entire halved boiled egg in the midst of all that pasta. Literally nothing. Add in a heaping of spices, herbs that you can get inexpensively, bunch of boiled eggs and you’re set!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 16 oz salad macaroni
• 1 1/2 cups Mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoon mustard
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 6 hard boiled eggs sliced
• 2-3 ribs celery finely chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives sliced
• 4 oz jar pimientos drained
• 3 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• salt and pepper to taste
• Garnish with green onions

You can read more about this recipe here.

10. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Like Caesar salad, but better. And by that we mean with some starchy goodness ala some good ol’ pasta in the mix.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 clove large garlic pressed
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 anchovies finely minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pound penne pasta cooked until al dente and rinsed with cool water
• 6 leaves large Romaine lettuce thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes
• 4 green onions. green parts sliced
• 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 grilled chicken breasts diced
• 1 1/2cups croutons

You can read more about the recipe here.

11. Pasta Salad with Prawns, Pesto, and Pistachios

Bright, zingy, and green – this is the perfect meal to bring on a picnic – heck, it doesn’t even need to be eaten warm! Plus, the addition of crunchy pistachios? Yum yum yum!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 4 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 1/2 pounds wild-caught raw prawns or shrimp, shelled and deveined, with tails intact
• 4 to 5 zucchinis, spiralized into thin noodles

Pesto

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 large handful of basil leaves, plus extra to serve
• 1 large handful of mint leaves
• 2 ounces pine nuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

To serve

• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup pistachio nuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Chili flakes

You can read more about the recipe here.

12. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Prepped with sweet corn, avocados, jalapenos, cheese, and bacon, this is the perfect Mexican pasta salad recipe to try if you’re looking for something that’s not run-on-the-mill.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 2 cups miniature farfelle pasta uncooked
• 3 cups either 2 (15-ounce) cans, or 3-4 corns on the cob)
• 1 large avocado
• 3 green onions
• 1/2 bunch cilantro
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno
• 6-8 strips hardwood smoked bacon
• 1/2 cup Cotija cheese (or queso fresco or feta — add cheese to preference (we like 1/2 cup)
• Optional: 1/2 canned cup black beans

Dressing

• 1/2 cup full fat regular mayo no substitutes
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon lime zest
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha or hot sauce
• Pinch of salt and ground black pepper

You can read more about the recipe here.

13. Broccolini Pasta Salad

Not to be confused with broccoli, broccolini is kind of like broccoli’s slightly immature cousin. Or a mix between Chinese kai-lan and broccoli. Mixed with Dijon mustard, spice-lovers will be in for their own piece of paradise.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 (16-ounce) box campanelle or other short pasta
• 1 bunch Broccolini, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 tbsp. olive oil
• 3 tbsp. white balsamic vinegar
• 1 small shallot, chopped
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 pt. cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
• 3/4 cup smoked almonds, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup Fresh basil leaves, torn

You can read more about the recipe here.

14. Bruschetta Pasta Salad

Love bruschetta, love pasta, love salads? Have all three of them at once in one bowl!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 3 cups cooked pasta
• 5 tomatoes (chopped (I use vine ripened because they have the most flavour!))
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• 1 tbsp red onion (chopped finely)
• 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bunch basil (chopped)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 – 4 tsp balsamic vinegar (to your taste)
• 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• salt & fresh ground pepper to taste

You can read more about the recipe here.

15. Barbeque Ranch Pasta Salad

Sweet, tangy, sour, spicy and all the things you love about barbecue, you gotta make this pasta salad if you love your barbecue sauce.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 pound pasta, I used cavatappi, cooked until al dente
• 1 cup Hidden Valley® Honey BBQ Dressing
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup canned corn, drained
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
• 1 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 cup corn chips

You can read more about the recipe here.

16. Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad

What better than juicy, crisp cucumbers than on a hot, humid day?

(And by that, we mean this is perfect for every day, hell yeah.)

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 long english cucumber
• 1/2lb medium sized pasta (like penne or rotini)
• 1/2 sweet white onion

Dressing

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• pepper to taste

You can read more about the recipe here.

17. Lemon Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad

Nothing makes summer, summer more than a healthy dosage of lemon, and tangy balsamic sauce, yassss.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 16 oz bowtie pasta
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 medium sized tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh squeezed

You can read more about the recipe here.

18. Bacon and Avocado Macaroni Salad

Bacon – sin incarnate. Avocado – king of superfoods, and dearly loved by health nuts out there. There, you just pleased both camps.

(But yes, it is as good as it sounds!)

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 12 ounces elbows pasta
• 5 slices bacon, diced
• 2 avocados, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Dressing

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup olive oil

You can read more about the recipe here.

19. BLT Pasta Salad

A classic combination that is foolproof in burgers, so why not in pasta salad?

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 pound bow tie pasta
• 1 cup zesty Italian salad dressing
• 1/2 cup creamy Ranch salad dressing
• 1 pound thick cut bacon, fried until crispy then cut into strips or crumbled
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
• 10 leaves of crispy romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped into bite sized pieces
• 1/3 cup red onion, diced.

You can read more about the recipe here.

20. Creamy Cheddar Pasta Salad

Hate salads (even in pasta form)? Throw in some huge chunks of cheese to make your eat that much more delicious.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 pound rotini (or pasta of choice)
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 ribs celery, finely chopped
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small chunks
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• *Optional – add in chopped fresh broccoli

You can read more about the recipe here.

21. Strawberry Avocado Couscous Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

Light, refreshing, with a hint of sweetness from the strawberries, this is the ultimate treat to make for yourself on one of those super hot, unbearable days.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup strawberries, quartered
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts

Lime Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar, or more to taste

You can read more about this recipe here.

22. Easy Summer Pasta Salad

Going for a barbecue potluck? You’ll have everyone thanking you for bringing something refreshing (and healthy!) to eat, in between mouthfuls of hearty smoky meats!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 pound dry pasta (we used farfalle)
• 1 small yellow bell pepper, seeds removed and diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, seeds removed and diced
• 1 small orange bell pepper, seeds removed and diced
• 1 large seedless cucumber, chopped
• 1 (12 oz) jar artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup store bought balsamic dressing (use your favorite brand)
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup finely chopped basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

You can read more about this recipe here.

23. Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing

A pasta salad first with strawberries in it, and now mandarins? What’s going on?

Spinach, pine nuts, cilantro, mandarin, and teriyaki sauce to top it all off – who could say no to a combination like that? Even if you’re sceptical – be honest – you want to try this.

Leftover mandarins (oh, so many!) from CNY (assuming you’re reading this near the season) – this is the perfect recipe to use your mandarins!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 8 ounces bowtie pasta noodles
• 4 cups spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup craisins
• 1/3 cup cashews or Diamond of California Pine Nuts
• 1 4-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

Dressing

• 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce (the thicker, the better!)
• 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar (may sub apple cider vinegar)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (if you have it)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup oil (such as vegetable oil, canola oil, olive oil)

You can read more about this recipe here.

24. Apples and Celery Pasta Salad

Want some crunch to your brunch? Add some raw apples, celery, and walnuts for that refreshing taste!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 2 cups low carb penne pasta , uncooked
• 1 to 2 Gala Apples , washed and cut into cubes (leave the skins on)
• 3 celery stalks , thinly sliced
• lemon juice of 1 whole lemon
• 4 cups fresh sweet baby lattuce blend (you can also use about 2 to 3 romaine hearts, chopped)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

Light Caesar Salad Dressing

• 1/2 cup Non-Fat Plain Yogurt (I use Dannon)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon water (add 1 more tablespoon for a thinner consistency)
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

You can read more about this recipe here.

25. Asparagus and Arugula Pasta Salad

Asparagus, lemon zest, and goat’s cheese – perfect for a potluck if you’re looking to impress – plus, super tasty, to boot!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, ends trimmed and discarded
• 1 pound whole-wheat pasta
• juice and zest of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons juice, 1-2 tablespoons zest)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• (optional) 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 large handfuls fresh baby arugula
• 2/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (or Parmesan cheese)
• 1/4 cup loosely-packed julienned (or torn) fresh basil
• freshly-cracked black pepper
• (optional: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts)

You can read more about this recipe here.

26. Southwestern Black Bean Pasta Salad

Wanna throw in some well-needed protein (or are vegetarian)? Whip up this super easy, super healthy recipe for that protein boost!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces rotini pasta, uncooked
• 1 can (about 15 1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (about 15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small can (about 4 1/2 ounces) chopped green chiles, drained

You can read more about this recipe here.

27. Chicken Berry Pasta Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

This is one of those meals to go for when you’re feeling for a sweet, fruity dessert, but you know you gotta stock yourself with mains (who made that rule, anyway?) before loading on the desserts. Oh yeah.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 8 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta (OR your favorite shape of pasta)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup quartered strawberries
• 1 cup blueberries
• 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese

Dressing

• 1 small clove garlic
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or heaping 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

You can read more about this recipe here.

28. Crab Pasta Salad

Mention crabs (the seafood, we mean!) and Singaporeans will, and can go crazy. Whip up this iconic seafood in your pasta salad, and you’ll have guests raving about it for days.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 lb medium pasta shells
• 1 pound package imitation crab meat cut bite size
• 1 can medium black olives sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper diced
• 3 or 4 green onions sliced thin about two inches into the green
• 3 stalks of celery diced
• 1 1/2 cups plain non fat yogurt see note
• 1/4 cup fat free mayonnaise
• 1/2 tbsp Spike found in the spice aisle
• 1 tsp celery salt
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Italian vinaigrette salad dressing

You can read more about this recipe here.

29. Greek Yoghurt Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

Want a little hint of Mediterranean touch in your pasta salad? Prepare this bad boy in no time!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 3 cups penne pasta, uncooked
• 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 4 Tbsp. pine nuts
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or store bought shredded)
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 (7 oz.) container Fage Total 2% Greek yogurt or any other brand of 2% Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 Tbsp. minced red onion
• 1 cup diced cooked chicken
• 3 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. lemon zest
• salt and pepper

You can read more about this recipe here.

30. Hawaiian Macaroni Pasta Salad

If you love Hawaiian pizza, here’s an equivalent – pasta version. It trumps over pizza because it doesn’t require re-heating up if you’re keeping them at leftovers (unless you’re into cold pizzas, ya nasti!).

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1/2 pound dry elbow macaroni, prepared according to package directions and rinsed in cold water
• 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ½ cup liquid for dressing)
• 2 cups cubed cooked ham
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 1/4 cup green onion
• Pineapple Dressing:
• 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice
• 1/2 light mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Sugar

You can read more about this recipe here.

31. Seafood Pasta Salad

We couldn’t possibly go through a whole list of 37 pasta recipes without once mentioning seafood pasta salad! Ever a classic, you can’t go wrong with a seafood pasta salad, just because.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 pound uncooked small pasta macaroni, rotini, small shells, etc.
• 1 cup fresh broccoli florets chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 (8 or 10 ounce) package grape tomatoes halved lengthwise
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
• 1/2 cup scallions sliced
• 1 1/2 cups chopped crab, shrimp, and/or lobster

You can read more about this recipe here.

32. Tropical Chicken Bowtie Salad

More interesting than its name would belie, throw in all your leftover fruits, a protein (read: chicken), and you’re set for a truly interesting feast that’ll have guests asking first: what’s in it, and second: can they please have seconds?

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 (1 lb) box bowtie pasta
• 1 can pineapple tidbits, drained
• 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 1/2 cups halved seedless grapes
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 3 green onions, sliced
• half of a 16 oz bottle coleslaw dressing
• 3 chicken breast thin fillets, cooked and diced

You can read more about this recipe here.

33. Sun-dried Tomato Pasta Salad

Seriously, sun-dried tomatoes and pasta? A classic match made in heaven.

With quirkier ingredients you wouldn’t expect like olives, grapes, and goat’s cheese in the mix, it’s kind of like the quirkier sister of something completely classic.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 pound dry corkscrew pasta rotini or fusilli
• 1 6.5 ounce jar Mezzetta Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Everything Spread
• 1 12 ounce container marinated fresh mozzarella balls, drained well
• 1 heaping cup red grape tomatoes halved
• 1 6 ounce can medium black pitted olives, drained
• 1 4 ounce container crumbled goat cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

You can read more about this recipe here.

34. Sweet and Sour Thai Carrot and Cucumber Noodle Salad

Looking for something healthy, tasty, but without the sinful carbs? Simply slice your carrots and cucumbers noodle-thin to achieve a similar – but tastier effect! Of course, you can still put in pasta if you can’t live without carbs.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1/4 tsp salt, plus extra, to taste as needed
• 1/8 tsp dill (fresh or dried)
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp fresh minced garlic
• 2 cups chickpeas (canned or cooked from dry)
• 1/4 – 1/2  cup fresh chopped cilantro, plus extra to garnish
• 1 large English cucumber, spiralised
• 1 large English cucumber, chopped
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely minced onions
• 2 – 3 extra large carrots
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 – 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/2 – 1 tbsp chia seeds

You can read more about this recipe here.

35. Roasted Fennel and Artichoke Pasta Salad

It’s healthy, yet with that smoky, roasted taste that is to die for, with how flavourful and indulgent it is, you’ll be surprised that there isn’t even meat in it!

Ingredients you’ll need:

Roasted Fennel

• 2 fennel bulbs
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Lemon Herb Dressing

• 1/4 cup lemon (zest of 1 lemon and 1/4 cup juice)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp capers

Pasta Salad

• 1 cup artichokes
• 1/2 lbs pasta
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp capers (drained)
• 4 tbsp pine nuts
• 4 tbsp cranberries (or dried blueberries)

You can read more about this recipe here.

36. Taco Pasta Salad

Love your tacos? Sprinkle some taco seasoning for that bit of taco magic into this pasta salad.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1lb medium pasta shells (or other pasta shape)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups corn, frozen, canned, or fresh (cooked)
• 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1 1/2 cups salsa
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Old El Paso taco seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 3 avocados , firm but ripe – diced

You can read more about this recipe here.

37. Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Forget your usual pasta noodles like fusilli – shake it up with some raw ramen noodles. Hard to imagine how that’d taste like? Just imagine your regular ol’ Mamee Monster noodles dumped into a bowl of salad!

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 (16-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
• 2 (3-ounce) packages of ramen noodles, crumbled
• 1 cup shelled and cooked edamame
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
• 1 mango, peeled, pitted, and julienned (or diced)
• 1/2 cup thinly-sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup thinly-sliced green onions (scallions)
• Asian honey vinaigrette (see ingredients below)

Asian Honey Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil, or any cooking oil)
• 1/4 cup honey (or your desired sweetener)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• pinch of salt and black pepper

You can read more about this recipe here.