10 Summer Pasta Salads That Deserve a Spot at Your Cookout

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These summer pasta salads are easy, fresh, and perfect for every cookout, picnic, and busy weeknight meal.

Nothing says “warm weather” quite like a vibrant, satisfying pasta salad.

Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner, these recipes are loaded with fresh ingredients and delicious dressings that will make them your new go-to side dishes.

1. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh and filling recipe for an easy summer lunch, dinner, or potluck side.

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The combination of crunchy croutons, crisp romaine, juicy chicken, and creamy Caesar dressing in this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad makes every bite just unbeatable.

2. Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad is a bold make-ahead side dish that always disappears fast at cookouts, picnics, and summer parties.

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Italian Pasta Salad is easy to make, loaded with all the good stuff, and tossed in zesty homemade dressing.

3. Street Corn Pasta Salad

Street Corn Pasta Salad brings creamy, zesty corn flavor to a fun summer side dish people will definitely go back for.

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Street Corn Pasta Salad has fresh roasted corn tossed with pasta and a flavorful creamy lime sauce – it's everyone's favorite.

4. Tortellini Pasta Salad

Tortellini Pasta Salad is an easy make-ahead recipe that makes potlucks, BBQs, and quick summer meals feel more satisfying.

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Tortellini Pasta Salad turns cheese-filled tortellini into a filling cold salad with vegetables, dressing, and plenty of flavor for BBQs, picnics, or meal prep. Also, try our Pesto Tortellini.

5. Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad is a fresh and easy basil-packed recipe for picnics, potlucks, or simple dinners that need a little upgrade.

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Bright basil flavor, pasta, vegetables, and parmesan make Pesto Pasta Salad a fresh summer recipe that feels easy but is still special enough for company.

6. Orzo Salad

Orzo Salad is a light and fresh summer side dish for when dinner needs something easy that still tastes special.

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Orzo Salad is light, fresh, and easy to serve with grilled chicken, burgers, fish, or sandwiches all summer long.

7. Cold Noodle Salad

Cold Noodle Salad is a fresh 15-minute recipe for easy lunches, picnics, pool days, or simple summer dinners.

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Cold Noodle Salad is fresh, fast, and packed with noodles, crisp veggies, herbs, crunchy nuts, and a tangy soy-lime dressing. You can add protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp!

8. Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad

Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad is a satisfying make-ahead meal or side dish for busy summer days when no one wants complicated.

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Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad is a satisfying make-ahead option with tender chicken, pasta, vegetables, and dressing in every bite.

9. Classic Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad is the classic cookout recipe that knows exactly where it belongs at every BBQ, picnic, and family gathering.

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Creamy, classic, and completely nostalgic, Macaroni Salad is the cookout side dish that has never once wondered whether it belongs next to burgers and hot dogs.