11 Best Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes to Brighten Your Table

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that'll make your taste buds dance? Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of bow tie pasta salads. These versatile dishes are perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or just a quick and satisfying meal at home. So, grab your apron and let's explore 11 Best Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes that'll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds).

1- Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad

Let's kick things off with a creamy, dreamy avocado pesto pasta salad that's sure to impress. This recipe combines the rich, buttery texture of avocados with the fresh, herbaceous flavors of basil pesto. It's a match made in pasta salad heaven.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bow tie pasta
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cherry tomatoes and extra pine nuts for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a food processor, blend avocados, basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Toss the cooled pasta with the avocado pesto mixture and Parmesan cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and extra pine nuts.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This creamy avocado pesto pasta salad is not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats and nutrients. It's a perfect way to sneak some extra veggies into your meal while satisfying your pasta cravings!

2- Classic Italian Pasta Salad with Salami and Mozzarella

Now, let's take a trip to Italy with this classic pasta salad that's bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that'll transport you straight to a sunny Italian piazza.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bow tie pasta
• 8 oz salami, diced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
5. Add chopped basil and gently mix.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

This classic Italian pasta salad is perfect for potlucks and picnics. The combination of salty salami, creamy mozzarella, and tangy dressing will have everyone asking for the recipe.

3- Delicious Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

Here's a versatile bow tie pasta salad recipe that you can easily customize to your liking. It's the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bow tie pasta
• 1 cup mixed bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
5. Add chopped parsley and gently mix.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This delicious bow tie pasta salad is a blank canvas for your favorite add-ins. Try adding grilled chicken, feta cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor!

4- Protein Packed Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Looking for a pasta salad that'll keep you full and satisfied? This protein-packed chicken Caesar pasta salad is the answer! It's a delicious twist on the classic Caesar salad that's perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bow tie pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Croutons for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice.
4. Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with croutons before serving, if desired.

This protein-packed chicken Caesar pasta salad is a meal in itself. The addition of Greek yogurt to the dressing adds extra protein and a tangy flavor that complements the classic Caesar taste.

5- Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Spice up your pasta salad game with this creamy Buffalo chicken version! It's got all the flavors of your favorite wings in a cool, refreshing pasta salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bow tie pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, celery, and red onion.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and mayonnaise.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
5. Gently fold in blue cheese crumbles and chopped chives.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

This creamy Buffalo chicken pasta salad is perfect for those who like a little kick in their meals. The cool ranch dressing balances out the heat of the Buffalo sauce, creating a harmonious and addictive flavor profile.

6- Pasta Salad Dressing: The Secret to Unforgettable Pasta Salads

The key to any great pasta salad is a delicious dressing. Here's a versatile pasta salad dressing recipe that you can customize to your liking:

Basic Pasta Salad Dressing Recipe:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all ingredients.
2. Shake vigorously until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

This basic pasta salad dressing can be customized in countless ways. Try adding grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or a splash of lemon juice to create your own signature dressing!

7- 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad: Simple, Delicious, and Quick

Sometimes, less is more. This 4-ingredient pasta salad proves that you don't need a long list of ingredients to create a delicious dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bow tie pasta
• 1 cup Italian dressing
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta and cherry tomatoes.
3. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and toss to coat evenly.
4. Add grated Parmesan cheese and gently mix.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This simple 4-ingredient pasta salad is perfect for busy weeknights or last minute potluck invitations. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or protein to make it even more satisfying.

8- Cold Pasta Salad Recipes for Summer

When the temperature rises, nothing beats a refreshing cold pasta salad. Here are three quick and easy cold pasta salad ideas perfect for summer:

Greek-Inspired Cold Pasta Salad

• Bow tie pasta
• Cucumber
• Kalamata olives
• Feta cheese
• Red onion
• Cherry tomatoes
• Greek dressing

Caprese Cold Pasta Salad

• Bow tie pasta
• Fresh mozzarella balls
• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Balsamic glaze
• Olive oil

Tropical Fruit Cold Pasta Salad

• Bow tie pasta
• Pineapple chunks
• Mandarin oranges
• Shredded coconut
• Cashews
• Poppy seed dressing

These cold pasta salad recipes are perfect for beating the summer heat. They're refreshing, easy to make, and can be prepared in advance for picnics or barbecues.

9- Easy 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad with Mayonnaise

Here's another simple 4-ingredient pasta salad, this time featuring creamy mayonnaise as the base for the dressing:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bow tie pasta
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup diced ham

Instructions:

1. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, thawed peas, and diced ham.
3. Add mayonnaise and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

This easy 4-ingredient pasta salad with mayonnaise is creamy, satisfying, and perfect for those who prefer a milder flavor profile. It's a great option for picky eaters or kids who might not enjoy more adventurous pasta salads.

10- Zesty Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Feta

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this zesty pasta salad featuring bold flavors and vibrant colors:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bow tie pasta
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, olives, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and minced garlic to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

This zesty Mediterranean pasta salad is bursting with flavors that will transport you straight to a Greek island. The combination of tangy feta, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and briny olives creates a harmonious blend that's simply irresistible.

11- Spicy Southwest Chipotle Pasta Salad with Black Beans

Spice up your pasta salad routine with this Southwestern-inspired dish that packs a flavorful punch:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bow tie pasta
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers, and cumin to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

This spicy Southwest chipotle pasta salad is perfect for those who like a little heat in their meals. The creamy chipotle dressing adds a smoky flavor that complements the hearty black beans and sweet corn. It's a fiesta in every bite.

Conclusion: Your Pasta Salad Adventure Awaits

There you have it, folks 11 Best Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family. From creamy avocado pesto to spicy Southwest chipotle, there's a pasta salad for every palate and occasion.

Remember, these recipes are just starting points. Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own twists. Swap out ingredients, experiment with different dressings, or throw in some unexpected add-ins. The world of pasta salads is your oyster (though maybe don't actually add oysters to your pasta salad... or do, if you're feeling adventurous.).

Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a refreshing summer meal, these bow tie pasta salads have got you covered. So grab your favorite pasta, chop up some veggies, and let's get tossing.

Happy cooking, and may your pasta salads always be delicious and never soggy.