Pasta salads for barbecue season!

pasta salads have earned their place in the pantheon of great summer sides for good reason

They add a little bit of needed carb-y goodness to all the summery salads and veggie sides we love to make, and they are a fantastic vehicle for all sorts of flavor combinations. When you sneak in a little protein, the right pasta salad can also make a great summer lunch or casual dinner, so it’s worth having a few delicious recipes up your sleeve this season!

Lemon basil pasta salad

Simple, but bursting with the bright fresh flavors of summer, this pasta salad is a versatile side dish that goes with so many summer dinners.

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Mediterranean pasta salad

This is a prime example of a side salad that moves seamlessly from the backyard cookout to work-week lunches. I added tuna to mine for extra protein, but you could also add shrimp, chicken, or whatever you like!

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Asiago pasta salad

Inspired by one of my favorite pre-made salads at the grocery store, this unexpected simple combo of nutty asiago cheese, olives, and sweet peppers is totally fresh but traditional and crowd-pleasing at the same time. Get ready for the recipe requests!

Spicy Thai spaghetti salad

This salad is a firm fan favorite, and it’s not hard to see why. Loaded with crunchy, herby, fresh, yummy Thai flavors, this side dish is another one that makes a fantastic straight-from-the-fridge lunch in the summertime.

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BLT pasta salad

Does it get any better than bacon, lettuce, and tomato? This better-than-the-sum-of-its-parts trio makes for one of the best pasta salads I’ve had in my life!

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Mediterranean orzo salad with creamy lemon dressing

Even though it looks like rice, orzo is actually a small pasta, and it makes for a pasta salad with great texture. Chickpeas, feta, and lots of fresh veggies round out the sunny Mediterranean vibes in this recipe. The creamy lemon dressing alone is worth the price of admission!

Blueberry and broccoli pasta salad

This salad has a sort of retro soul but with thoroughly modern flavors that make it totally unique and fun. I love all the colors, crunch, and contrast going on here.

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Summer spaghetti salad

When you’ve got the makings of a great summer salad, but you’re craving something with just a little bit more substance…enter spaghetti salad! Equal parts amazing summer dinner or super fresh barbecue side, this spaghetti salad is a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce.

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Pasta Salad with Tuna

This humble salad looms large for me. I grew up eating it and carried the recipe with me throughout my life. I love it!

Mediterranean orzo salad with shrimp

It’s hard to call this a pasta salad because it’s so much more. This salad could be the centerpiece of any meal. Tender orzo, meat shrimp, and lots of herbaceous flavor make this recipe a summer win.

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Lobster Pasta Salad

Probably the most luxe summer side salad ever invented, we enjoy it with chips and cold beer!

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Couscous Almondine Salad

We can’t forget couscous, which makes the fluffiest, lightest pasta salad of them all. This Middle Eastern take on pasta salad has sweet currants, slivered almonds, and an aromatic lemon vinaigrette lightly spiced with cinnamon and allspice.

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Curried Couscous Salad

One more couscous salad because I’m obsessed with them right now ~ I love how the fluffy grains pick up so much flavor in this curried version.

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Tortellini salad with artichokes and edamame

Prepackaged fresh tortellini feels like a delicious cheat ~ it’s flavor, protein, carbs, and that amazing chew factor all wrapped up in pretty little bundles ready to throw into your pasta salad.