The warmth of summer and refreshing cold salads complement each other perfectly, wouldn’t you agree? Pasta salads are a must-have at summer gatherings and they're always a hit with the crowd! One of the best things about pasta and summer salads is that you can prepare them in advance (depending on the ingredients) and enjoy them throughout the week. They make for quick and effortless weeknight dinners, delightful family picnics, or convenient lunches to take to work. I find it easiest to whip up two or three varieties at the beginning of the week, as you can simply grab them from the fridge whenever needed.
You can even prepare salads in single-serving mason jars with the dressing on the bottom and shake it up when you’re ready to eat. Perfect for lunch on the go!
Pasta Salad Recipes
My favorite part about this Greek Tortellini Salad is the dressing and the fact that it is so customizable. Feel free to swap out those Kalamata Olives! I make the dressing in a mason jar and add dressing throughout the week as needed. I often pair this one with this recipe for Greek Turkey Burgers, which are very delicious with homemade (and healthy!) yogurt sauce.
All your favorites in an Italian sub mixed up with cheesy and delicious tortellini – what’s not to love there? This recipe is so simple but the flavors are complex enough to have it stand alone as a meal.
My favorite part about this salad is the kick of ranch and BBQ sauce as the dressing. Plus… bacon.
Sweet childhood memories of eating macaroni salad all summer long pop up in my head as I read this recipe. The added combination of sugar and vinegar to the mayo makes this dressing sweet and less heavy than the traditional dressing combination. Plate this next to a burger topped with yellow American cheese and you just can’t go wrong.
Healthy Alternatives
Swapping out pasta for quinoa [pronounce: keen-wah] is a great way to trick your guests into eating something healthy that still packs all the same flavor. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, contains fiber and is a complete protein. Both these varieties below are completely customizable for your pasta salad tastes and extremely flavorful.
Healthy Asian Quinoa Slaw
Brussel Sprouts, Cranberry and Quinoa Salad
Easy Summer Salads
Crunchy Asian Broccoli Slaw
What could possibly be bad about anything that contains toasted Ramen? This summer salad recipe is literally so easy. Mix everything up in a bowl and serve. Tons of flavor, and you don’t even have to slurp the Ramen!
Broccoli Salad With Bacon & Cheddar
When something contains bacon and cheddar cheese, it doesn’t really need an explanation or an introduction.
Kale & Brussel Sprouts Salad
If you’re like me and LOVE the health benefits of kale but don’t always enjoy the taste, try this salad. It’s loaded with two healthy greens (kale and Brussels sprouts) and packed with the flavors of Parmesan cheese and toasted almonds... yum. The best part? Kale salads get better with age as the flavors meld together and the kale softens. So feel free to make this ahead of time or enjoy it for days.
Give any of these delicious summer salads a try at your next summer gathering (or to stock your fridge!), and you won’t be disappointed.