5 Show-Stopping Side Dishes | The BEST Pasta Salad Recipes

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Warmer weather brings picnics, barbecues, potlucks, parties, and all kinds of get-togethers, which means cold side dishes are back! Pasta salad is one of my favorites to bring because it can come together in minutes and pack a TON of flavor that everyone will love. I’ve put together 5 INCREDIBLE recipes that are sure to please!

This post is sponsored by Sfoglini pasta – Organic, non GMO, US Made Pasta. To get your own, head to their website here (Link earns commission): Sfoglini Pasta

Five bowls filled with different pasta salads

For step-by-step instructions for these recipes, watch the video on YouTube here:

Everything But The Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad

This first recipe packs in ALL the flavors: sweet, salty and savory. If you’re looking for a truly satisfying side dish that’ll have everyone talking, try this one!

Everything But The Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad

Everything But The Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz Pasta Radiators, Rotini, etc.
  • 1 Tbsp White Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Oil
  • ½ – ¾ cup Dressing
  • ¼ cup Colby Jack diced (or Mozzarella, Cheddar, etc)
  • ½ cup Pepperoncini Peppers sliced
  • 1 cup 8 oz Sun-dried Tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
  • ½ Red Bell Pepper small diced
  • ½ cup Salami diced
  • cup Black Olives sliced or chopped
  • ¾ cup Grated Parmesan
  • Dressing:
  • 1 cup Avocado Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp White Wine Vinegar
  • cup Red Onion
  • 1 Garlic Clove peeled
  • of a Red Bell Pepper chopped
  • 1 ½ Tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 Tbsp Honey
  • ½ tsp Sea Salt
  • ¼ tsp dried Oregano
  • ¼ tsp dried Basil
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta as directed on package. Strain, and place in a large stainless steel bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of oil and toss to incorporate. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or until pasta has cooled.
  2. While the pasta cools, make the dressing. To a blender or food processor, add avocado oil, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, red onion, garlic, red bell pepper, dijon, honey, salt, oregano, basil, and black pepper. Blend until completely combined. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  3. Once the pasta has cooled, remove from the refrigerator and add ½ cup dressing, cheese, pepperoncinis, sun-dried tomatoes, bell pepper, salami, black olives, and parmesan and stir until well combined. Add more dressing if needed. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
  4. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Brian Lagerstrom

BLT Pasta Salad (Kid Friendly)

This pasta salad recipe is great for pickier eaters and when kids are joining the party. It’s simple, yet full of flavor and it’s easy to modify to make your own.

BLT Pasta Salad (Kid Friendly)

BLT Pasta Salad (Kid Friendly)

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz Pasta Radiators, Rotini, etc.
  • 1 Tbsp White Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Oil
  • 4 slices Bacon cooked and diced
  • ½ cup Grape Tomatoes halved or quartered
  • ½ cup 4oz Cheddar Cheese, small diced
  • 1-2 Green Onions sliced
  • Pinch Black Pepper
  • Dressing:
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 ½ Tbsp White Vinegar
  • ¼ tsp Sea Salt

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta as directed on package. Strain, and place in a large stainless steel bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of oil and toss to incorporate. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or until pasta has cooled.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, and salt and whisk to combine. Set aside.
  3. Once pasta has cooled, remove from the refrigerator and stir in mayo mixture until completely coated. Add bacon, tomatoes, cheese, green onions, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Taste and season with more salt and pepper, if desired.
  4. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Ree Drummond

Veggie-Packed Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Packed with fresh veggies and a simple, light dressing, this recipe is perfect for a warm day, surrounded by lots of decadent, savory foods.

Veggie-Packed Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Veggie-Packed Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz Pasta Radiators, Rotini, etc.
  • 1 Tbsp White Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Oil
  • 2 cups Broccoli blanched and chopped
  • ¾ cup Grape Tomatoes halved or quartered
  • ¾ cup Cucumbers quartered
  • 2 oz Provolone or Mozzarella small diced
  • ¼ cup Salami small diced
  • ¼ cup Pepperoncinis and 1-2 Tbsp of the juice
  • ¼ cup Red Onion finely diced
  • cup Black Olives sliced or chopped
  • ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
  • ¼ tsp Dried Parsley
  • Dressing:
  • cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • ½ tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 clove Garlic minced

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta as directed on package. Strain, and place in a large stainless steel bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of oil and toss to incorporate. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or until pasta has cooled.
  2. Meanwhile, in a jar or small bowl, add extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Shake or stir until completely combined.
  3. Once pasta has cooled, remove from the refrigerator and add broccoli, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, salami, pepperoncinis, red onion, black olives, garlic powder, parsley, and dressing and toss until completely combined.
  4. Serve and enjoy or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Skinny Taste

Hawaiian Pasta Salad

I love to pair this decadent pasta salad with all my favorite barbecued meats, corn on the cob, fresh salad, and rolls. It’s the perfect side dish for a traditional BBQ on a sunny Spring or Summer day. Just be sure to keep it on ice!

Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz Pasta Cavatelli, Radiators, Rotini, Macaroni, etc.
  • 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 small Carrots finely shredded
  • cup Sweet Onion finely diced or shredded (Optional)
Dressing:
  • 1 cup cup Mayonnaise
  • cup Milk
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • ¼ tsp Sea Salt
  • Pinch Black Pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta as directed on package. Strain, and place in a large stainless steel bowl. Add apple cider vinegar, carrots, and onions, and stir to combine. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes or until pasta is slightly cooled.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayo, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper until completely combined.
  3. Once pasta has cooled, remove from the refrigerator and stir in dressing until completely coated. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Favorite Family Recipes

Italian Bell Pepper Pasta Salad 

This is my favorite, tried-and-true pasta salad recipe that I’ve used for years. It comes together quickly and uses a shortcut pre-made Italian dressing. It’s perfect the first day and even better after being refrigerated overnight, making it great to prep the day before.

Italian Bell Pepper Pasta Salad 

Italian Bell Pepper Pasta Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz Pasta Radiators, Rotini, etc.
  • 1 Tbsp White Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Oil
  • 1 cup Italian-style Salad Dressing choose your favorite!
  • ½ cup Grape Tomatoes halved or quartered (or 1-2 Roma Tomatoes, diced)
  • ½ Yellow or Orange Bell Pepper small diced
  • ½ Red Bell Pepper small diced
  • ¼ Green Bell Pepper small diced
  • cup Black Olives chopped or sliced

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta as directed on package. Strain, and place in a large stainless steel bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of oil and toss to incorporate. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or until pasta has cooled.
  2. Once cooled, remove pasta from the refrigerator and add tomatoes, bell pepper, black olives, and Italian Dressing. Stir until everything is mixed and well and coated with the dressing.
  3. Refrigerate, covered, for at least 2 hours and preferably overnight.
  4. Serve and enjoy!

I hope you enjoy the recipes and at least get a few ideas for side dishes to bring to your next get-together! Please let me know if you try anything and what you thought!

Happy Cooking!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Sfoglini Pasta sent us this pasta for free for us to create recipes with. All opinions are my own.

#SfogliniPastaSalad #ad

Disclaimer: This post is the opinion of the author. Always speak to your doctor before beginning any exercise plan or changes to your lifestyle or diet. The information provided in this post is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, legal, or other professional advice. Read and/or use any of the information from this post at your own risk. Some or all of the links displayed on this site may be affiliate links.

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