21 Prep-And-Go Pasta Salads For A Whole Week Of Easy Meals

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

Tofu balsamic pasta salad in a glass bowl with white rubber spatula. — Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Glass bowl of farfalle pasta salad. The salad contains farfalle pasta, a creamy dressing, cherry tomatoes, cubed cheese, and black olives. A wooden spoon is in the bowl. A smaller white square bowl with the same salad and a gold fork is on a red and white checkered placemat. A red onion, some cherry tomatoes, and green onions are on the placemat. A napkin is next to the smaller bowl. The background is a gray wooden surface. — Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two Kids and a Coupon.

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

Glass bowl of Mexican street corn salad. The salad contains corn kernels, mayonnaise-based dressing, cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro. Lime wedges are on top of the salad. A wooden serving spoon is next to the bowl. Three tomatoes, a small bowl of cotija cheese, and two lime wedges are on the table. A bunch of cilantro is in the upper left corner. A blue and white floral napkin is under the bowl. The background is a white marble surface. — Street Corn Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two Kids and a Coupon.

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

Glass bowl of pasta salad. The pasta is cavatappi, and the salad contains small mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes of varying colors. A lemon wedge is in the upper right corner. The background is a yellow patterned placemat. — Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Mommy Evolution.

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

Glass bowl of pasta salad. The pasta is rotini, and the salad contains cooked shrimp, feta cheese, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and diced cucumbers. A lemon wedge is visible in the upper left corner. A white and gray striped napkin is partially visible in the lower left corner. The background is a white marble surface. — Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Bless This Meal.

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

Two wooden bowls of pasta salad. The pasta is rotini, and the salad contains peas, corn, diced carrots, diced red bell peppers, diced cucumbers, and black olives. A small bowl of salt and a small bowl of sliced cucumbers are on the table. Two silver forks are in one of the bowls. A basil leaf is on top of the salad in each bowl. The background is a white marble surface. — Zesty Italian Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

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

Glass bowl of pasta salad. The pasta is rotini, and the salad also contains shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and what appears to be cooked chicken. The background is a dark brown wooden surface with a coral-colored textured napkin underneath the bowl. — Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

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

Oval-shaped dish of pasta salad. The pasta is rotini, and the salad contains cooked shrimp, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, corn, and red onion in a creamy dressing. A small bowl of crumbled feta cheese is in the upper left corner. Some asparagus spears are in the lower left corner, and a cutting board with sliced cherry tomatoes is also in the lower left corner. A red onion is in the upper right corner, and a yellow napkin is in the lower right corner. A glass beverage container is in the upper left corner. The background is a white marble surface. — Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Kitchen Divas.

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

Plate of pasta salad. The pasta is fusilli, and the salad also contains sun-dried tomatoes, kale, and what appears to be a creamy pesto-based dressing. A copper-colored serving spoon is in the lower right corner, and a red and white striped napkin is in the upper left corner. The background is a dark brown wooden surface. — Kale Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Savory Experiments.

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

Two bowls of pasta salad. The pasta is short and yellow, and the salad also contains cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. A light dusting of grated cheese is on top. A fork is in the smaller bowl. The bowls are white, and the background is a light brown wooden surface. — Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Herbeevore.

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

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

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.