Pasta Salads Your Potluck Is Missing
Everyone has their favorite pasta salad — whether it’s oil-based, mayo-based or a secret family recipe. But there’s always room for a new kind of pasta salad on the menu! These unique takes incorporate global flavors and ingredients to satisfy a taste for adventure. And don’t forget: pasta salads taste better after they’ve had a chance to rest, so prepare any of these recipes up to three days in advance and keep your cool — even in the summer heat.
Elote Pasta Salad
This twist is inspired by the beloved Mexican street food — grilled corn slathered in a spicy, creamy dressing and topped with creamy cotija cheese.
Asian-Inspired Pasta Salad
This tangy salad is a fun take on a classic Vietnamese sandwich served on a crusty baguette filled with chicken or pork and a selection of pickled veggies.
Greek Pasta Salad
The vinaigrette dressing in this Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad can sit at room temperature for several hours without fear of spoiling.
BLT Pasta Salad
Crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes make this salad totally irresistible.
Pizza Pasta Salad
From the familiar flavors to the 20-minute total time, everything about this dish is super satisfying.
Grilled Curried Chicken Pasta Salad
The warming curry flavor makes this dish especially satisfying.
Smart Swaps
Swap Yogurt for Mayo
The consistency and texture of greek yogurt makes it a perfect substitute for mayo in creamy pasta salads. There’s slightly more tang than mayo, and it packs in an extra punch of protein. You can either replace half or all of the mayo depending on your taste preference.
Swap Whole-Grain or Gluten-Free for Traditional Pasta
These yummy pasta alternatives are sure to please. Simply follow the cooking instructions on the package — but only cooking until al dente.
Swap EVOO for Vegetable Oil
Reap more heart-healthy benefits by choosing extra-virgin olive oil as your dressing base. It provides antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and healthy monounsaturated fats. Add some red wine vinegar and you’re really cooking.