The prime summer entertaining season is in full swing! Long lazy days (and nights) made for cookouts and backyard barbecues. If you happen to be invited to a summer soiree this year, there is one dish you can bring that will be a hit every single time-pasta salad.
Pasta salads are so popular because they're so easy to make, travel well and usually don't require constant chilling, so they can sit out on a buffet table rather well, at least for a little while!
Related: 65 Cold Appetizers for Summer Parties
From cold pasta salads like Best-Ever Macaroni Salad and Healthy Pepperoni Pasta Salad to creamy pasta salads that have the flavors of a classic BLT and another with big bites of cheese, there is something that will please all palates in this mix. Plus, there are plenty of Italian pasta salad recipes and seafood pasta salads with tuna and lobster for some extra protein!
Related: 60 Summertime Salads For Backyard Barbecues
And the best thing about these easy pasta salad recipes is that you can usually use up whatever fresh vegetables you have laying around. Simply boil a pot of water, cook your pasta, toss in cheese, meat, fish and veggies, and you're good to go. They transport well and taste even better the next day.
Your summer parties need one, or maybe a few of these cold pasta salads, and the leftovers can always go in your picnic basket the next day too!
Related: 101 Easy Pasta Recipes for All Occasions
This classic goes perfectly with whatever you've got coming off the grill this summer.
This one is sure to make you the star of the next neighborhood cookout.
Imitation crab is the secret to keeping this budget-friendly.
As delicious as it is colorful, this Tex-Mex favorite is always a hit.
A sweet and tangy dressing and crunch veggies make this macaroni salad extra special.
All the flavors of the warm dip in a cool, creamy pasta salad.
Filled with all your favorite Greek salad ingredients.
Add this brightly flavored dish to your summer menu and watch your guests go back for seconds and thirds!
Summer fresh cherry tomatoes, olives and lots of pepperoni give this pasta salad a big flavor.
Creamy burrata cheese takes this pasta salad over the top.
This recipe has a secret ingredient that will keep people guessing.
Refrigerated grilled chicken strips make this a great dish for a last-minute party.
A unique use for broken lasagna noodles.
This dish will have you dreaming of Italy.
A total picnic-worthy side dish.
A vegetarian option with an Italian flare.
A comforting pasta salad with the flavors of a classic BLT.
Sure, this can be a cookout side dish, but it also makes a terrific light meal on a hot evening.
This pasta salad isn't swimming in dressing.
Highlight the best of summer produce.
This five-ingredient pasta salad has all the traditional Caesar salad flavors plus kale and cherry tomatoes too.
Grilling vegetables gives them so much flavor.
Pesto sauce made out of fresh spinach gives this salad flavor and vibrant color.
Garlic and herb cheese will keep guests coming back for more.
Fresh avocado, English peas and a creamy dressing make this pasta salad a little sophisticated.
Sink your teeth into big pieces of lobster meat.
Light, refreshing and delicious, this pasta salad has extra protein thanks to black beans.
This creamy, cheesy salad is perfect paired with fried chicken.
The kids will love this so much, they won't even care it's good for them.
This is great for picnics, or a light supper on a hot summer night.
This creamy pasta salad is filled with Tex-Mex flavors.
This might remind you of something from the deli counter.
Cayenne pepper gives this pasta salad a kick!
Your gluten-free guests will appreciate this one!