When the craziness of a fun summer sets in, I’m always trying to minimize my time doing housework, without falling off the wagon on my health goals. Pasta salad is a great solution to kill two birds with one stone. It’s a light, refreshing dish—and it actually tastes better as meal prep, once it’s had some time to marinate in the fridge.
These 4 recipes are great to get you started on your pasta salad journey. However, the beauty is: you don’t need a recipe! If you have an idea of something that would go well in one of these, add it! If you don’t like one of the ingredients, leave it out. A pasta salad is the perfect opportunity to stretch your culinary creativity. Just boil that pasta al dente, chop some stuff up, measure with your heart, throw it together, and enjoy.
Mama’s Classic Italian Pasta Salad
This rotini pasta salad is one that was an absolute staple in my childhood. My mom would make one for a cookout or a dinner side, and we would just eat off of it until it was gone. This is the dish that taught me I like black olives, and that leftovers were a cost-efficient godsend. Feel free to add protein to this one, such as a shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped salami.
Ingredients
- Tri-color rotini
- Frozen vegetable medley (carrots, corn, peas)
- Sliced black olives
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumbers, diced
- Mozzarella balls
- Italian Dressing
Directions
While cooking your pasta, add in the vegetable medley for about 5 minutes to cook the frozen veggies through, stirring often. Drain the mixture and let cool in the fridge so as not to wilt your fresh veggies. Once cool, toss ingredients together and enjoy.
Cowboy Pasta Salad
If you’re craving a little Southwestern flair, this one’s for you. The crunchy and spicy elements come together for a creamy finish that will make you say “yee haw!” Leave out the jalapenos to tone down the spice.
Ingredients
- Bow-tie pasta
- Ground chorizo or beef
- Red Onion
- Can black beans, drained
- Can corn, drained
- Can green chiles, drained
- Can sliced jalapenos, drained
- Mexican blend shredded cheese
- Chick-fil-A Creamy Salsa
Directions
Sautee red onion with a little oil in a pan. Add ground meat to brown it.
While pasta cooks, drain and combine canned vegetables into one mixture. Add meat and onion.
This one can be served hot or cold. I add the creamy salsa to each individual serving, so I can heat it up or keep it in a big batch without worrying about the dressing.
Spinach and Orzo Salad
I like this one because it’s super simple and light. I do a super simple dressing, but some kind of vinaigrette would go beautifully with the flavors. The recipe calls for sweet potatoes, but I don’t like them so I used chopped spudling potatoes instead. Regular feta works fine, but I think the jalapeno flavor gives it a gorgeous kick.
Ingredients
- Orzo
- Baby spinach, chopped
- Black beans, drained
- Sweet potato, roasted, cubed
- Red onion, chopped
- Jalapeno feta cheese crumbles
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions
While you roast your potatoes, boil your pasta and chop your veggies. Toss the veggies together, hot or cold. Then, finish with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Elote (Street Corn) Pasta Salad
The first time I tried elote as a little girl, I fell in love. Ever since then I’ve been trying to incorporate it into everything. This is the ultimate summer pasta salad, with a fun vibe: perfect for parties, cookouts, or just snacking. I also would recommend keeping the sauce separate when storing long-term on this one.
Ingredients
- Penne pasta
- Lots of corn, however you’d like to prepare it
- Cotija cheese, crumbled
- Mayonnaise
- Limes, zested and juiced
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Cayenne
- Salt
- Cilantro
Directions
While preparing your pasta and corn, combine your mayonnaise and spices.
Toss together your pasta, corn, and cheese. Finish with your spiced mayonnaise and finish with fresh cilantro.
There you have it! With these delicious salads, summer meal prep feels easy and fun so you can stay both safe and fed the whole season.
N’Crowd: What changes will you make to these recipes? What’s your favorite pasta salad?
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