9 Pasta Salads to Take to Every Event This Summer

By: McCormick Kitchens

June 26, 2025

Instructions

Ah, pasta salad: the unsung hero of your summer cookouts. While it might not take center stage like your grilled entree, the right pasta salad perfectly complements the main course of your meal, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

But if you’ve found yourself going back to the same macaroni salad recipe one too many times, here's your chance to branch out. Read on for nine irresistible pasta salad recipes, including veggie-packed favorites and heartier pasta salads that can double as a meal.

Pasta Salad with Vinaigrette Recipe

Meet your new summer staple! This simple bowtie pasta salad pairs delicious and savory notes with bright flavor. This herb-packed vinaigrette features dill, basil and Italian seasoning for all your fave warm-weather flavors, and the salad features a mix of veggies for a pleasant crunch. Use whichever produce is at the farmer’s market to mix up this recipe all season long.

TIP: If you’re adding this vinaigrette to a bow tie pasta salad - or any pasta salad for that matter - make sure to let the pasta cool before tossing it with the other ingredients to avoid wilting.

Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe

Sometimes, the simplest pasta salads are also the tastiest, and this recipe proves it. Each bite is bursting with flavor thanks to McCormick Perfect Pinch Gluten Free Salad Supreme Seasoning, a zesty blend of paprika, garlic, sesame seeds and more. This recipe also saves time by using store-bought Italian or ranch dressing instead of homemade vinaigrette, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights.

Signature Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

Who says pasta salad needs to be a side dish? This chicken-topped salad is hearty enough for a main course. It’s easy to make — just combine pasta, veggies and chicken seasoned with an Italian herb marinade — so you can have a light dinner on the table in under 40 minutes. This recipe is also ideal for meal prep, since you can make it with leftover grilled chicken for an ultra-convenient meal.

Penne Pasta Salad

If you need a tasty recipe to use up your summer tomatoes, this pasta salad is a must-try. It’s dressed in a rosemary and white wine vinaigrette that lets the tomatoes’ flavors pop, and it also features bocconcini for cheesy goodness. Get creative by mixing up the cheese: Add a burst of Greek-inspired flavor with feta, or try bite-size chunks of cheddar or provolone.

Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy pasta salad is a classic for a reason, and this recipe offers a fresh twist on a favorite. It pairs traditional elbow macaroni with fresh tomatoes, sweet peas and hard-boiled eggs for a dish loaded with texture. A dash of French's Spicy Brown Mustard adds just enough kick to make the salad interesting, without being too spicy for kids.

Pasta Salad Caprese

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a vibrant twist on the classic Italian favorite. Packed with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s all tossed in a light balsamic and herb dressing for bold, garden-fresh flavor in every bite.

Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad

Bacon makes everything better, and pasta salad is no exception. Crispy, smoky bacon pairs perfectly with a garlic-forward dressing, while green peas add tiny pops of sweetness. Classic small shells give this salad a comforting “mac and cheese” vibe, but you could also add rustic texture by using orecchiette, instead.

Greek Style Cold Noodle Salad

Made with tender linguine noodles, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, this salad is tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette seasoned with McCormick® Perfect Pinch® Greek Seasoning for a burst of herby flavor in every bite.

Italian Pasta Salad

Whether you're meal prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, this cold pasta salad is a go-to favorite. It's quick to throw together and only gets better as it chills, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it at summer picnics, holiday gatherings, or alongside grilled favorites.