19 Summer Pasta Salads For A Crowd
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Summer calls for pasta salads. They are fantastic options for anything from a beach picnic with friends to a family weekend barbecue. These types of salads are always crowd-pleasers and go great with just about anything you can throw on a grill. They can be an easy side dish or the main event. But no matter how you serve them, everyone will love them. Even the picky ladies at that potluck you have to attend. So make sure everyone is happy, and bring the pasta salad.
1. Turkey Vegetable Pasta Salad
This turkey vegetable pasta salad is a good “general” type of dish that will pair well with pretty much anything. It can be a side dish or a main course and is both filling and flavorful. It goes great with anything off of a grill and can be made to accommodate a few different types of eating styles.
2. Traditional Macaroni Salad
If you enjoy traditional dishes, this traditional macaroni salad is probably the dish you want to make sure your guests get to enjoy, too. It’s a classic macaroni that is made from scratch and has all the regular macaroni salad flavors you would expect from a dish like this. It’s also delicious and easy to make.
3. Rustic Italian Pasta Salad
If you enjoy heartier pasta salads, this rustic Italian pasta salad is a great option. It will pair well with grilled meats and veggies, or you can add some shredded meat to it to make it a complete meal all on its own.
4. Artichoke Chicken Pasta
Artichoke lovers should not pass up this artichoke chicken pasta salad. It’s a complete meal all on its own, but can also be a delicious and filling side dish to things other than chicken (it already has chicken in it). The leftovers are also great for lunch the next day.
5. Orzo Salad With Pesto
Orzo salad with pesto is one of those classic crowd-pleasers that will go with just about anything. It’s a fantastic side dish and can be enjoyed as a main course by anyone who is vegetarian.
6. Mexican Pasta Salad
Mexican pasta salad is a fantastic side dish for things like Mexican skewers on the grill. You can enjoy this with other classic side dishes such as refried beans and even some Mexican rice. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily adjusted to your liking or dietary needs.
7. Greek Pasta Salad
Greek pasta salad has all the Greek flavors you would hope to find in a pasta dish like this. It’s savory and tangy, thanks to Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs, either. They truly make the flavor in this finished dish.
8. BLT Pasta Salad
For lovers of this classic American sandwich, you now have a new classic to love. This BLT pasta salad is an epic addition to any backyard barbecue or potluck. Nobody can resist this pleasing combination that can be a main course or a wonderful side dish.
9. Tuscan Pasta Salad
If you love Tuscan flavors, this Tuscan pasta salad will be a fantastic addition to your buffet table or picnic table. It’s light enough to be a summer meal but hearty enough to really help fill you up. Pair it with a side of grilled chicken or some pork chops and a green salad on the side to round out the meal.
10. Rainbow Orzo Salad
Veggie lovers will adore this rainbow orzo salad. It has plenty of summer favorites, all pulled together with a deliciously simple dressing. It’s quite possibly the perfect summer side dish. Everyone will want seconds for sure, so you might want to make a double batch of this.
11. Easy Macaroni Salad
A quick and easy macaroni salad is one of the best things you can bring to a barbecue or summertime event. Any time food needs to be shared, macaroni is quite possibly the perfect option. It’s easy to eat and pairs well with just about anything else that is served.
12. Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad
If you need a pasta salad that is done in just about the time it takes to cook the pasta, then this tuna pasta salad is the way to go. There are minimal ingredients here that require minimal effort. By the time you are done prepping everything else, the pasta will be done, so all you have to do is stir it all together in a mixing bowl.
13. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Anybody who loves Buffalo chicken will go nuts for this Buffalo chicken pasta salad. It has that spicy tang you love in Buffalo chicken but has the comfort and creamy goodness of a delicious pasta dish.
14. Vegetable Pasta Salad
If a meat and veggie combo sounds like a great pasta salad, try this vegetable pasta salad recipe. It’s easy to make and uses real-food ingredients. Nothing boxed or packaged. Just honest ingredients that come together to make a delicious meal for anyone you care to share it with.
15. Cavatappi Pasta Salad
If the combination of sausage and pasta appeals to you, try this Cavatappi pasta salad. Tender sausage, delicious veggies, and cooked-to-perfection pasta all get mixed together with a yummy dressing to create this fantastic pasta salad that is perfect for summer.
16. Orecchiette Pasta Salad
Orecchiette pasta is named that because they are shaped like little “ears”, which this Italian word is in reference to. These little handmade pastas are delicious and easy to eat in a pasta salad. This Orecchiette pasta salad is a fantastic option for barbecues and potlucks. All you need is a big serving spoon so people can help themselves.
17. Avocado Pasta Salad
Avocado lovers will be giddy over this avocado pasta salad. It’s fast and easy to make, tastes amazing, and pairs well with just about anything else you want to eat. It’s easy to share and travels well to boot.
18. Chickpea Orzo Salad
This simple chickpea orzo salad is packed with summer veggies, beans, delicious orzo, and a wonderfully fresh dressing. It’s a dish that will go with anything and can be enjoyed as either a side dish or a vegetarian main course.
19. Asparagus Orzo Salad With Bacon
Orzo pasta dishes are great for big summer events. They travel easily and are easy to serve with a simple serving spoon. Everyone will love this asparagus orzo salad with bacon because… bacon. But it also has plenty of tasty dressing, asparagus, and fresh summer tomatoes.
More From The Gracious Pantry
Need more dinner ideas? These can help. Chicken and turkey are very versatile foods that can be used to create an unlimited number of dinners. Here are 118 ideas to get you started.
