Our 8 Best Pasta Salads

Whether you need a side dish for a picnic or a potluck, or you're making a big batch to keep on hand for easy lunches or light dinners, these pasta salads have the ultimate flavor combinations and get better the longer they sit (just not too long). You can easily swap ingredients to fit what's local and in-season. We've even used zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free option.

01 of 08

Quick Italian Pasta Salad

This Italian pasta salad is bursting with fresh flavors! Peppers, salami, olives, and mozzarella make this a perfect picnic side dish or weekday lunch.

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02 of 08

Best Ramen Noodle Salad

high angle looking down at a large bowl of top ramen salad

Loaded with vibrant flavors, this ramen salad has a dynamic texture that everyone will love.

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03 of 08

Pasta Salad With Homemade Dressing

Created using pepperoni, Provolone, vegetables, and some fresh parsley, this is one pasta salad that will make you say, "WOW!"

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04 of 08

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Smoky bacon and cool ranch dressing belong together—it's indisputable. This is a creamy pasta salad using cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, cavatappi pasta, Parmesan, and a to-die-for dressing using ranch seasoning and a few other hidden gems.

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05 of 08

Magnificent Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is a classic barbecue, potluck, or picnic side dish. This recipe is full of flavor and perfect for a party or meal prep! Pasta, hard-boiled eggs, and other tasty add-ins are tossed together to make a creamy and delicious pasta salad.

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06 of 08

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

pasta salad with chicken, eggs, red onion — Christina

In this recipe, you'll make a flavorful pasta salad that contains green bell peppers, hard-boiled eggs, chopped red onions, cooked chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy Caesar salad dressing. With each bite, you'll be saying nothing but, "mmm."

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07 of 08

Sesame Pasta Chicken Salad

This salad can double as a full meal. Recipe submitter ohines says it "Tastes great right away, and even better if you can allow it to marinate for a while."

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08 of 08

Greek Zoodle Salad

This healthy zucchini "pasta" has all the flavors you love with the addition of being low in carbs. Feel free to throw in some cooked pasta if you want to make it a meal.

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