12 Refreshing Summer Pasta Salad Recipes for BBQs

Written by Abby Murphy in Seasonal Recipes

Summer is the perfect time for light, satisfying meals that can be enjoyed outdoors. Pasta salads not only bring together flavors but also give you a chance to play with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just enjoying a sunny day, these 12 exciting summer pasta salad recipes will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A delightful burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz fusilli pasta
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions; drain and cool.
  2. In a large bow, mix the pasta with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk olive oil and red wine vinegar. Pour over the pasta mixture and toss well. Season with salt and pepper.

Make it Unique:

  • Add chopped red onion for extra crunch.
  • Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier texture.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Classic ingredients meet pasta for a true summer joy.

Ingredients:

  • 10 oz tri-colored pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/4 cup balsamic reduction
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Cook the tri-colored pasta as per package directions; drain and cool.
  2. Combine pasta with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a large bowl.
  3. Drizzle balsamic reduction and olive oil over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper, and toss.

Make it Unique:

  • Substitute basil with arugula for a peppery twist.
  • Add avocado slices for creaminess.

Pesto Pasta Salad

A herbaceous delight that celebrates fresh greens.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup pesto sauce
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Cook penne pasta per package instructions; drain and cool.
  2. In a bowl, mix pasta with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts.
  3. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper.

Make it Unique:

  • Add grilled chicken for protein.
  • Mix in artichoke hearts for added flavor.

Italian Sausage Pasta Salad

Hearty and filling, perfect for meat lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 10 oz shell pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Cook shell pasta; drain and cool.
  2. Mix together pasta, sausage, bell peppers, and onion in a large bowl.
  3. Whisk olive oil and red wine vinegar together, pour over the salad, and toss. Season with salt and pepper.

Make it Unique:

  • Swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage for a lighter option.
  • Add corn for a touch of sweetness.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Salad

A zesty dish that’s packed with protein and flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Cook spaghetti and drain; cool it down.
  2. Sauté shrimp and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until shrimp are pink.
  3. In a large bowl, combine spaghetti, shrimp, lemon zest, and juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Make it Unique:

  • Add asparagus for crunch.
  • Integrate diced avocado for creaminess.

Taco Pasta Salad

Spice up your summer meal with a taco-inspired delight.

Ingredients:

  • 10 oz elbow pasta
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup taco seasoning
  • Tortilla chips for topping
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Process:

  1. Cook pasta as per package directions; drain and cool.
  2. In a bowl, mix pasta with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning.
  3. Top with crushed tortilla chips and cilantro before serving.

Make it Unique:

  • Introduce diced avocado for creaminess.
  • Add ground turkey for protein.

Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Creamy and luscious, perfect for avocado lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Cook rotini pasta; drain and cool.
  2. In a blender, combine avocados, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Mix pasta with avocado dressing and cherry tomatoes.

Make it Unique:

  • Add diced cucumber for crunch.
  • Integrate a sprinkle of cumin for warmth.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

A favorite for those who appreciate a crispy, savory touch.

Ingredients:

  • 10 oz pasta shells
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Process:

  1. Cook pasta shells; drain and cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine shells, bacon, ranch dressing, and tomatoes.
  3. Toss gently and top with green onions.

Make it Unique:

  • Use crispy tofu instead of bacon for a vegetarian twist.
  • Add shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

A crowd-pleaser combining favorite barbecue flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing

Process:

  1. Cook rotini pasta; drain and cool.
  2. Mix pasta with chicken, corn, bell peppers, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing.
  3. Toss everything together well.

Make it Unique:

  • Swap rotini with penne for a different shape.
  • Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Spinach & Artichoke Pasta Salad

A classic dip reimagined in salad form.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 2 cups spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Process:

  1. Cook rotini pasta; drain and cool.
  2. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan until smooth.
  3. Add artichokes, spinach, and pasta; mix well.

Make it Unique:

  • Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for added depth.
  • Substitute spinach with kale for a different flare.

Zesty Tomato & Basil Pasta Salad

A light and fragrant choice, great for a warm day.

Ingredients:

  • 10 oz farfalle pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Cook farfalle according to package instructions; drain and cool.
  2. Mix pasta, tomatoes, and basil in a bowl.
  3. Drizzle over olive oil and balsamic; toss well. Season with salt and pepper.

Make it Unique:

  • Add mozzarella balls for creaminess.
  • Consider integrating arugula for a peppery note.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad

Decadent and creamy for cheese lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 10 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

  1. Cook penne according to package directions; drain and cool.
  2. Combine pasta with peas in a bowl.
  3. Whisk mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Make it Unique:

  • Add diced chicken for a heartier option.
  • Substitute peas with broccoli florets for crunch.

Summer is all about enjoying time with friends and family while savoring delicious dishes. These pasta salad recipes offer a variety of flavors and styles to suit every palate. Get cooking and enjoy delectable meals right by the grill!

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