Pasta salads are the ultimate solution for a week of stress-free meals. Prep a big batch ahead of time, and you’ve got lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack ready to go whenever you need it. These recipes are packed with bold flavors, so you won’t get bored eating them day after day. Plus, they’re easy to customize with whatever ingredients you’ve got on hand, making them perfect for keeping things fresh all week.
Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
Balsamic tofu pasta salad is light, plant-based, and packed with fresh veggies. Easy to prep and perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
Greek Pasta Salad
This Greek pasta salad with fresh veggies is a lighter take on the classic. It’s quick to make, and the veggies and pasta come together for a meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad
Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Cheddar, bacon, and ranch—this pasta salad’s got all the crowd-pleasers in one bowl. Whip it up for a quick meal prep or take it to your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Street Corn Pasta Salad
This street corn pasta salad combines creamy dressing, sweet corn, and pasta for a bold dish. Perfect for meal prep or bringing along to your next get-together.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese pasta salad is all about fresh flavors—tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with pasta. It’s a quick, refreshing meal you’ll actually look forward to eating.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad
Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad
Shrimp pesto pasta salad is anything but boring. Toss pan-fried shrimp with pesto, rotini, and fresh veggies for a dish that’s great for prepping ahead or serving for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad is loaded with rotini and fresh veggies, all tied together with Italian dressing. Easy to make and works perfectly for quick meals or leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing team up with pasta and crispy onions for a salad that’s built to impress. Great for potlucks, quick meals, or whenever you need a meal that satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Tortellini Salad
Tortellini salad brings together cheese-filled pasta, crunchy veggies, and pepperoni in one big bowl. Easy to throw together and perfect for feeding a hungry group.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Salad
Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad
Creamy shrimp pasta salad is a no-brainer. Make it ahead for a quick meal or serve it cold—it’s simple, and the flavors are great.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad
Kale Pasta Salad
Kale pasta salad is all about simplicity—massaged kale with garlic, Parmesan, and sundried tomatoes. Easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Kale Pasta Salad
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad
Creamy cottage cheese pasta salad gives you a bright, tangy flavor without the mayo. It’s high-protein and a great side dish for potlucks or quick meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad
Pasta Salad With Veggies and Chickpeas
This veggie-packed pasta salad with chickpeas is a no-brainer for easy meals. Tangy dressing, fresh veggies, and protein-packed chickpeas make it the perfect make-ahead dish.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad With Veggies and Chickpeas
Cold Italian Pasta Salad
A classic pasta salad with tri-colored pasta, fresh veggies, and a homemade Italian dressing. It’s easy to prep, and makes a great side dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cold Italian Pasta Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill pickle lovers, this pasta salad’s for you. With crunchy pickles, fresh dill, and creamy dressing, it’s easy to prep and perfect for your next meal or potluck.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Coleslaw Pasta Salad
Coleslaw pasta salad takes everything you love about coleslaw and adds pasta. It’s easy, hearty, and makes for a great side dish to throw together at the last minute.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad
Mediterranean tuna orzo salad mixes tuna, orzo, and veggies for a light, refreshing dish. It’s quick to prep and works for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad
High Protein Pasta Salad
This high-protein pasta salad packs nearly 25g of protein per serving. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for prepping ahead for lunches or quick dinners.
Get the Recipe: High Protein Pasta Salad
Tomatillo Ranch Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Corn
Tomatillo ranch pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and corn hits all the right notes. Fresh, flavorful, and easy to make—it’s the perfect dish for easy meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Ranch Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Corn
Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto pasta salad is a quick, simple side that works for any occasion. With just five ingredients, you can throw this together in no time and add protein for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad
Pasta Salad Crudaiola Barese
Crudaiola Barese is a super simple pasta salad made with fresh ingredients. It’s light, satisfying, and makes for a great side dish or easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad Crudaiola Barese
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.