Summer Pasta Salads

Pesto Pasta Salad

Add bright flavor and a punch of color to the traditional pasta salad by using a simple homemade pesto. Mix the pesto ingreidents in a food processor for a quick side, which only calls for three other ingredients.

Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Roasted Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Instead of a mayonnaise-based dressing, this fruited pasta salad has a citrus-mustard vinaigrette. Chopped celery and toasted walnuts add crunch, and red grapes contribute just the right amount of sweetness.

Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Chicken-Penne Salad with Green Beans

Fresh green beans and roasted red peppers are the stars of this satisfying pasta salad. Because it has shredded chicken, it's certainly hearty enough for a quick weeknight meal and takes about 35 minutes to make.

Recipe: Chicken-Penne Salad with Green Beans

Greek Pasta Salad

Feature your favorite Greek flavors in this easy pasta salad: feta cheese, cucumbers, and Kalamata olives. The dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano further bring out the salad's Grecian nature, and fresh tuna makes it worthy of serving on Mount Olympus.

Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad

Macaroni Salad with Bacon, Peas, and Creamy Dijon Dressing

It's hard to say what makes this salad so spectacular–it's either crisp bacon crumbles or the creamy dressing that's made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. This will be quite a crowd pleaser at your next picnic.

Recipe: Macaroni Salad with Bacon, Peas, and Creamy Dijon Dressing

Tex-Mex Pasta Salad

This kid-friendly recipe is a takeoff on macaroni and cheese; it makes a large batch that holds well for two or three days. Serve with pickled jalapeño slices for grownups who like spicy food.

Recipe: Tex-Mex Pasta Salad

Garlicky Vegetable Pasta Salad

Add grilled red peppers, onions, portobello mushrooms, asparagus, feta cheese, and olives to fusilli for a hearty pasta side dish with Mediterranean flair.

Recipe: Garlicky Vegetable Pasta Salad

Orzo Salad with Corn, Green Beans, and Tomatoes

Summer vegetables shine in this easy-to-assemble pasta salad. Because you can make it ahead and let it chill, it's perfect for picnics and covered-dish suppers.

Recipe: Orzo Salad with Corn, Green Beans, and Tomatoes

Cavatappi Pasta Salad with Walnut-Sage Pesto

A traditional pesto is made with pine nuts and basil, but this version features the more intense flavors of walnuts and fresh sage. The warm pasta is tossed with the pesto, roasted butternut squash, and arugula for a satisfying salad that can fill in as a main dish.

Recipe: Cavatappi Pasta Salad with Walnut-Sage Pesto

Confetti Pasta Salad with Chicken

A colorful medley of chopped fresh veggies gives this creamy pasta salad both color and flavor. For a shortcut, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of simmering fresh chicken breasts. Or, stir in leftover grilled chicken.

Recipe: Confetti Pasta Salad with Chicken

Prosciutto and Picholine Pasta Salad

Intensely-flavored Mediterranean ingredients such as olives, Dijon mustard, prosciutto and Parmesan cheese make this a memorable salad. Serve it chilled with a glass of wine.

Recipe: Prosciutto and Picholine Pasta Salad

Summer Farfalle Salad with Smoked Salmon

Combine bow tie pasta with baby spinach, cheery tomatoes, and smoked salmon for a cool and classy salad that's perfect for hot summer nights.

Recipe: Summer Farfalle Salad with Smoked Salmon

More Pasta Dishes

Pasta is one of the most versatile ingredients you can keep in your pantry. Whether you're making salads, soups, or casseroles, pasta can make the recipe work.

• 7 Ways with Penne
• 7 Ways with Linguine
• 7 Ways with Spaghetti