As the warmth of summer sets in, I’m excited to dive into a world of refreshing and delicious pasta recipes. While lettuce-based salads are always a hit, it’s easy to overlook the simplicity and charm of summer pasta dishes. These cold-prepared recipes are perfect for hot summer days when all you want is something light and revitalizing. The best part? Some summer pasta dishes can be prepared in no time at all, while others may require a bit more effort – but the payoff is well worth it.
Whether you’re looking for a standalone dinner or a side dish to accompany your main course, there’s a summer pasta recipe out there for everyone. What makes these recipes so special is the sheer variety of pasta shapes and styles available, allowing you to serve up a new and exciting dish every day without ever repeating yourself. And the beauty of it all? These recipes aren’t limited to just one season – with a few tweaks and modifications, many can be enjoyed year-round.
For those nights when time is scarce but hunger is real, easy summer pasta recipes are a lifesaver. So let’s get cooking and explore 30 mouth-watering summer pasta recipes that are sure to become new favorites!
Zucchini & Goat Cheese Pasta Dinner
In the realm of summer pasta recipes, a match made in heaven is formed when zucchini and linguine unite. The harmonious blend includes garlic, goat cheese, lemon zest, and a pinch of seasonings, all working together in perfect synchrony. What’s more, this delightful combination is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, as the pasta and zucchini are cooked separately before being artfully combined to create a sublime dinner experience.
Prosciutto Pasta With Peas & Parmesan Cheese
Looking for a creative way to incorporate prosciutto into your summer cooking? Consider combining it with penne pasta, sweet peas, crunchy bell peppers, and salty Parmesan cheese. This refreshing pasta salad is not only flavorful but also surprisingly easy to prepare. The result is a delightful harmony of textures and tastes that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Best Homemade Tuna Macaroni Salad
The humble tuna earns its place on this list of refreshing summer pasta recipes and chilled desserts with ease. This vibrant salad combines the classic duo of macaroni and hard-boiled eggs, adding a tangy kick from pickle relish, crunch from peas, freshness from celery, depth from onions, and of course, the star of the show – tuna! One of its greatest strengths is its adaptability, allowing for seamless substitutions to suit individual tastes.
When served chilled, this salad reaches new heights of satisfaction.
Ranch Pasta Salad
The humble rotini pasta often takes center stage in refreshing summer pasta salads, where its unique spiral shape allows dressings to penetrate deeply and ingredients to meld together harmoniously. When paired with an assortment of vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, and broccoli, along with the creamy richness of parmesan cheese and a tangy drizzle of ranch dressing – whether homemade or store-bought – rotini’s versatility shines through in this classic summer side dish.
Po’ Boy Shrimp Pasta Salad
Summer pasta dishes often take center stage with tantalizing combinations of flavors and textures. In this Po’ Boy Salad, it’s all about the harmonious union of tortellini and succulent shrimp. But that’s not all – a medley of cherry tomatoes, tangy dill pickles, crisp romaine lettuce, and thinly sliced red onion add depth and visual appeal to the dish.
To elevate the flavors further, a Cajun spice mix lends its unique charm, while a creamy remoulade dressing brings everything together in perfect harmony. And let’s not forget the crucial role of crunch factor – be sure to use the crispiest lettuce leaves to provide the perfect textural contrast.
Dump-And-Bake Summer Pasta
This summer pasta dish is a masterclass in effortless preparation, boasting the simplicity of a ‘dump-and-bake’ approach that’s sure to become a new favorite. The star of the show is an impressive cast of characters, including zucchini, corn, tomatoes, basil, chicken, broth, uncooked pasta, and mozzarella cheese – all of which come together in perfect harmony when baked to perfection.
With its emphasis on seasonal summer veggies and generous helping of melted cheese, this casserole is a true delight that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad
This summer, I’ve discovered a delightful way to combine two beloved dishes – pasta and pizza. The result is a refreshing and flavorful fusion that’s perfect for hot weather. The key ingredients in this recipe include fusilli pasta, pepperoni, olives, tomatoes, mozzarella, and parmesan. To bring everything together, I use a unique dressing made from Italian salad dressing and pesto. One of the best parts about this dish is that the topping possibilities are endless.
You can customize your pizza pasta to match your favorite pizza combinations, whether you prefer classic margherita or meat-lovers. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, so don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own unique twists!
Chicken Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Grapes & Cashews
Savory summer fusion is just a few ingredients away! When it comes to pasta dishes and dinner recipes, the possibilities are endless. Take bow tie pasta, for instance, paired with an eclectic mix of chicken, crunchy celery, juicy mandarin oranges, sweet pineapple tidbits, tart red grapes, and fresh green onions. This refreshing salad gets its zesty kick from a tangy coleslaw dressing. The key to bringing it all together?
A little patience – set aside some time for chilling and finish with a flourish by garnishing with craisins and cashews when serving.
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
Get the most out of your Instant Pot this summer with a trio of easy pasta recipes that’s perfect for any time of year. Case in point: creamy chicken spaghetti that’s a hit without relying on processed cheese. This dish is a staple for a reason, and when you add it to the mix of broths, spaghetti, chicken, onion, seasonings, cream cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses, you’ve got a recipe for success.
And don’t worry about getting lost in the kitchen – great directions make this dish a breeze to prepare.
Broccoli Chicken Mac & Cheese
Transforming the classic summer pasta recipe, Mac and Cheese, into a nutrient-dense meal by incorporating vegetables and protein is a game-changer. The revamped dish takes on new dimensions with its simplicity and versatility. This version features small shells as the pasta of choice, paired with broccoli florets cut to bite-sized perfection. A generous helping of sharp cheddar adds depth to this culinary masterpiece.
To elevate the recipe further, variations will be explored for using cooked or raw chicken, providing options for all palates and preferences. Additionally, expert tips on pasta preparation will be shared, guaranteeing a perfectly cooked dish every time.
Cilantro-Lime Pasta Salad
Summer’s warmth brings out the best in pasta recipes, particularly those that pair cilantro and lime. This harmonious duo elevates simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Take, for instance, the delightful combination of bow tie pasta, red onions, corn, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro, all coming together to form an unforgettable salad.
But what truly sets this dish apart is its tangy dressing, crafted with Greek yogurt as its base and infused with the brightness of lime juice, the pungency of garlic, and a touch of salt. The result is a refreshing and revitalizing meal perfect for hot summer days.
Sun-Dried Tomato, White Bean, & Artichoke Pesto Pasta Salad
Summer pasta recipes can be overwhelming with their endless variations. However, this particular combination stands out for its unique blend of textures and flavors. The dish features fusilli pasta tossed with a vibrant mix of ingredients including basil pesto, cannellini beans, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, peppery arugula, shaved parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and crunchy pine nuts.
This harmonious union creates a visually stunning salad that’s as delightful to the eye as it is to the palate.
Crab Pasta Salad
When seafood takes center stage on the menu, particularly crab, these summer pasta ideas are sure to delight. The versatility of crab in particular makes it an excellent addition to a refreshing pasta salad. With real or imitation crab, paired with pasta shells, black olives, red bell peppers, green onions, and celery, this dish is a flavorful explosion waiting to happen.
nThe dressing, a harmonious blend of mayonnaise and yogurt infused with seasonings, brings everything together in perfect harmony. Allow at least two hours for the flavors to meld and chill before serving, and you’ll be rewarded with a summer pasta salad that’s sure to impress.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican street corn has become a culinary sensation, and its popularity has led to the creation of innovative summer pasta salad recipes. The combination of fire-roasted corn, rotini pasta, crumbled Cotija or queso fresco, and fresh cilantro is nothing short of genius. What truly elevates this dish, however, is the tangy dressing made with a mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise, and a splash of lime juice. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
What sets this summer chicken pasta salad apart from others is its bold flavor profile. This recipe is remarkably easy to prepare and requires only a few key ingredients: macaroni, pre-cooked buffalo chicken strips, crunchy celery, sweet cherry tomatoes, pungent green onions, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch dressing. The dish consists of two distinct components – the pasta and chicken – which are cooked separately before being combined in perfect harmony.
Orecchiette Bruschetta Pasta
As the cherry tomato season reaches its peak, a refreshing summer pasta dish emerges, boasting an effortless charm that’s sure to please. The combination of al dente orecchiette pasta, juicy fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, zesty lemon, and savory garlic creates a filling yet light meal that echoes the flavors of bruschetta bread.
The subtle brightness of the lemon adds depth without overpowering the other ingredients, making this recipe an excellent choice for a warm-weather gathering or a quick weeknight dinner.
Summer Italian Spaghetti Salad
While many summer pasta recipes may seem inherently refreshing, this one-serving spaghetti dish takes a unique approach by presenting a delightful contrast. The addition of green and red peppers, cucumbers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, salami, black olives, cheese, and your preferred dressing elevates the flavor profile, making it a truly delectable experience.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Take the classic Caesar salad to new heights by merging it with summer’s best flavors. Imagine succulent pan-fried chicken, crispy bacon, al dente pasta, rich Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons all coming together in perfect harmony. It’s a match made in heaven that will leave you feeling satisfied and eager for more.
Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette
Transforming the classic chicken Caesar salad into a new creation is as simple as swapping out a few key ingredients. The result is a refreshing summer pasta recipe that’s sure to impress.
This reimagined salad features fresh basil as its green of choice, grilled chicken, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette dressing. To add some wholesome goodness, whole grain pasta takes center stage.
The finishing touch? A generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese to bring everything together.
It’s the perfect excuse to dig in and indulge!
Amazing Shrimp Pasta Salad
For many, a summer pasta dish with succulent shrimp as its star player can be the ultimate culinary delight. The combination of spiral-shaped pasta, succulent shrimp, juicy tomatoes, sweet red peppers, crunchy green onions, and a rich homemade sauce creates a mouthwatering seafood salad that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
The sauce itself is a masterclass in balance, offering just the right amount of creaminess and tanginess – a perfect harmony that elevates each bite to new heights.
Grilled Chicken & Asparagus Pesto Past
While the usual summer pasta recipes often revolve around classic combinations, this unique dish brings a refreshing twist with asparagus and toasted pine nuts. The recipe instructions focus on grilling the chicken and asparagus, but don’t be afraid to adapt your preparation methods to suit your style. This versatile dish can be just as satisfying served warm or at room temperature.
BLT Pasta Salad
Transform your love for bacon-filled delights by reimagining the classic BLT sandwich as a refreshing summer pasta salad. The combination of rotini pasta, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy ranch dressing is sure to impress even the most discerning palates, including Aunt Sally’s, who tends to stick to her own signature sides at family gatherings.
4-Ingredient Caprese Pasta Salad With Pesto
In addition to the refreshing summer pasta recipes featured earlier, another delightful cold prep option is the Caprese pasta salad. This dish offers a unique twist on traditional salads, with bowtie pasta serving as its base and a medley of flavors courtesy of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and a drizzle of pesto. The latter’s presence significantly alters the expected taste profile, making this side salad a standout addition to any summer gathering.
Southwestern Pasta Salad
When planning your next fiesta, why not spice things up with a summer pasta salad that combines the bold flavors of the Southwest? I recommend starting with this recipe, which features a medley of ingredients including farfalle, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, green onions, and cilantro. The addition of cumin and lime juice adds a tangy, savory depth to the dish. To take it to the next level, a homemade lime dressing is included in the recipe.
Plus, the chill time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Tuna Pasta Salad With Olives & Capers
The idea of a cold summer pasta dish with tuna is particularly appealing when it comes to avoiding any unwanted aromas that might otherwise be a concern. It’s almost as if the scent of the dish becomes a non-issue, even among those who are typically sensitive to strong smells.
It’s amusing how this can be the case.
This recipe cleverly combines the bold flavors of Italy with the sophistication of French Nicoise salad, resulting in a truly unique and exciting culinary experience.
At its core, this tuna pasta salad features fusilli pasta, albacore tuna packed in oil, juicy tomatoes, crunchy scallions, salty anchovies, Kalamata olives, spicy pepperoncini peppers, and capers. The result is a dish that’s not only delicious but also surprisingly elegant and refined.
Coleslaw Macaroni Salad
For those hot summer days when a simple yet satisfying pasta salad is just what’s needed, this recipe delivers. With its easy-to-assemble ingredients list and straightforward preparation process, it’s the perfect solution for a quick and flavorful meal. Just combine cooked macaroni with coleslaw mix, chopped green onions, coleslaw dressing, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper, then stir well and let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Bacon Broccoli Tortellini Salad
For an added twist on summer pasta ideas, consider incorporating tortellini into the mix. This indulgent combination of bacon, broccoli, tortellini, red cabbage, smoked sausage, and cheddar cheese is sure to satisfy. The real showstopper, however, is the creamy dressing that brings everything together – a perfect blend of mayo and sour cream that’s best prepared just before serving. With flavors this rich, it’s unlikely you’ll be left with any leftovers.
Steak Pasta Salad With Asparagus & Bacon
Sizzling summer nights call for a delectable dinner recipe that’s sure to impress – a mouthwatering steak and pasta dish! This delightful combination features tender asparagus, savory bacon, and juicy bite-sized pieces of cooked steak all perfectly balanced on a bed of small pasta. The pièce de résistance is the creamy dressing, crafted from the harmonious blend of mayo, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar.
To elevate the flavors, adjust the seasonings according to how well-seasoned the steak was during cooking. For a comprehensive guide on what to serve with pasta, look no further than CookingChew’s expert recommendations.
Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad With Shrimp
The foundation for some refreshing summer pasta dishes lies in the simplicity of baby arugula. This versatile green serves as the perfect starting point for recipes that are both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Take, for instance, this delectable bowl that combines the peppery zest of arugula with roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, and succulent shrimp, all perfectly balanced by the sweetness of bowtie pasta and the freshness of basil.
But what truly elevates this dish is a homemade salad dressing made with the finest ingredients – olive oil and white wine vinegar provide the perfect harmony of rich and tangy notes. Whether you’re in the mood for a light side salad or a satisfying whole meal, this recipe offers unparalleled flexibility.
Zucchini Pasta Salad
Summer pasta recipes are at their best when they strike a balance between familiar flavors and unexpected twists. Case in point: this vegan zucchini pasta salad, where the comforting trio of garlic, shallots, and capers is elevated by the surprising addition of walnuts. And the best part? This recipe provides great guidance for creating a dish that’s equally satisfying as a standalone option or as a base for adding protein if you desire.
Vegan Pasta Salad
Renee’s creative solution for a vegan pasta salad that’s both flavorful and time-efficient is an egg-free, meatless delight. The chilled dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to load it up with your favorite vegetables, such as chickpeas, chunked tofu, or any other variety of your choice. Simply be sure to balance the flavors with a pinch of salt and any additional seasonings you deem necessary.
The bottom line
As the warmth of summer settles in, it’s time to indulge in a medley of delectable pasta recipes that showcase the season’s vibrant colors and diverse flavors. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing meal or a hearty dish to satisfy your cravings, summer pasta recipes offer a delightful array of options. I hope these mouthwatering suggestions have brought a smile to your face as you’ve browsed through them!
