As far as summer staples go, this ones a non-negotiable.
And what pairs more perfectly with grill fare than a delicious bowl of creamy-crunchy pasta salad?
It’s served cold, packs plenty offresh summer produce, and takes almost no effort to make.
Photo: GREG DUPREE
Whip upa bowl of summer-style comfortwith these vibrant, vegetable-rich dishes tonight.
They’ll all be the stars of your backyard spread.
Keep reading for a collection of delicious summer pasta salad recipes!
When doubled, this recipe makes enough for your Easter spread and lunch the next day (trust us, it’s that good that you’ll be craving the leftovers before you finish your first helping). Use fresh farmer’s market peas instead of edamame if you can find them.Get the Recipe:Edamame Pasta Salad.Greg DuPree
Chopped toasted almonds add some crunch, while sliced cherry tomatoes bring bursts of bright acidity.
Any pasta you don’t eat for dinner makes for stellar leftovers the following day.
First, you’ll quick-pickle the radishes and cook the soba noodles.
Victor Protasio
Garnish the noodles with peppery watercress and radish slices, and you’re good to go!
This salad is a great way to pack the same flavors your family loves into a different package.
It’ll still taste just as good.
Greg DuPree
For an extra treat, top it with a small handful of crushed tortilla chips.
Smoked paprika can be very assertive, so start with a pinch and add more to your liking.
Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad
This dish is a new take on our favoritesummer Italian flavors.
Enough with the gloopy peanut noodles—it’s time to freshen up your soba. Don’t worry, we didn’t cut out the peanut butter entirely, we just lightened it up with the addition of lemongrass, shrimp, fresh mint, and basil. Pack it for lunch with a few lime wedges—it’ll wake it up just enough that you’ll forget you’re eating leftovers.Get the recipe:Spicy Thai Shrimp Soba Salad.Greg DuPree
Save time by buying roasted, skinned hazelnuts.
Drizzle it on grilled chicken, veggies, and crusty bread.
Orzo Tomato Salad
This crowd pleaser makes the most of the season’s colorful, juicy tomatoes.
A salty snack-lovers dream come true, this easy pasta salad combines savory dried chorizo, salty herb-dressed olives, and Manchego, one of our all time favorite snacking cheeses. The dressing calls for a bit of anchovy paste—not enough to really taste it, but just enough to give it some oomph. If you’re super anchovy-averse you can skip it, just give the salad a taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.Get the recipe:Tapas-Style Pasta Salad.Greg DuPree
Roast them low and slow to concentrate their flavor.
Tuna and White Bean Salad
Blended beans are the secret (healthy!)
ingredient in this creamy, Caesar-ish dressing.
All your favorite taco night fixings, tossed with chewy pasta and a creamy avocado vinaigrette. This salad is a great way to pack the same flavors your family loves into a different package. The avocado dressing might oxidize overnight, so don’t worry if your lunch looks a little lackluster come Monday. It’ll still taste just as good. For an extra treat, top it with a small handful of crushed tortilla chips.Get the recipe:Southwestern Pasta Salad.Greg DuPree
Getting a helping before everyone else gobbles it up.
Adding chopped dill pickles and fresh dill amplifies the flavors, making it a perfect summer pasta salad.
Upgrade the dish with finely chopped radishes or capers for extra bursts of flavor and texture.
Caitlin Bensel
Israeli couscous offers plenty of texture in this fiber-packed salad, but if you can’t find it, use another small pasta shape like ditalini or orzo. Dried apricots and pistachios add great color, but golden raisins or currants and toasted almonds would be just as tasty. Smoked paprika can be very assertive, so start with a pinch and add more to your liking.Get the recipe:Moroccan Couscous Salad.Greg DuPree
This dish is a new take on our favorite summer Italian flavors. We added grilled broccoli rabe for just a touch of bitterness, and it’s perfect against the creamy mozzarella and the sweet and tangy tomato vinaigrette. Be sure to cut the broccoli rabe and onions into bite size pieces after grilling, making them easier to eat.Get the recipe:Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad.Greg DuPree
Greg DuPree Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart
