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Home » Kitchen Tips and Info

6 Recipes that Will Make You Like Pasta Salad

Last Modified: Oct 8, 2024. Originally Published: Jun 2, 2025 by Janessa.

Whether thoughts of classic macaroni salad make your appetite disappear or you're simply looking for a fresh spin on pasta salad, this collection of recipes is just what you need! Perfect for meal prep, picnics or a BBQ side dish, these pasta salad recipes are all made without mayo and packed with flavor!

Serving bowl with pesto chicken pasta salad.

I'm on a constant quest to make delicious salad favorites without their typical mayo dressings.

Not that I'm trying to knock mayo- if you love it, all the power to you.

But I am simply not a fan. Classic coleslaw, potato salad and macaroni salad- all topped with a thick mayo based dressing- are dishes that I tend to take a pass on.

However, give me Chimichurri Slaw, Greek Yogurt Potato Salad or one of these scrumptious pasta salads and you'll see me going back for seconds.

So if you too are looking for a change up from classic mayo based pasta salad, I think you'll find that these pasta salad recipes are perfect!

And if you need help cooking the pasta, I have put together this guide to making pasta for pasta salad.

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
This creamy cilantro pasta salad is the perfect summer side dish. It is filled with perfectly cooked pasta, veggies and topped with flavorful avocado lime crema.
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Cilantro lime pasta salad in a serving bowl.
Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
Inspired by the flavors of a traditional Greek salad but with the addition of pasta and chicken, this pasta salad makes for a perfect summer meal or side dish. Pasta, chicken and vegetables are tossed with a simple Mediterranean vinaigrette and sprinkled with feta, this is sure to be a hit.
Greek-Inspired Pasta Salad
Greek chicken pasta salad in a large bowl.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Featuring crispy bacon, tender chicken and a creamy Greek yogurt-based homemade ranch dressing, salad is a hit at summer cookouts and potlucks.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
Chicken bacon ranch pasta salad in a bowl garnished with carrots and green onions.
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
A fresh and flavorful take on a classic, this pasta salad is quick and easy to make. Use fresh pesto if you have it or your favorite store-bought brand.
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Bowl of pasta salad topped with a pesto dressing.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Classic pasta salad gets a spicy twist with this Buffalo chicken version. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed with a creamy Greek yogurt-based Buffalo ranch dressing for a delicious summer cookout side.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Buffalo chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Fall Pasta Salad
Give your classic summer side an autumn twist with this fall pasta salad. Featuring classic autumn flavors like butternut squash, thyme, pepitas and a maple Dijon vinaigrette it is perfect for a Thanksgiving side and weeknight dinners alike.
Autumn Pasta Salad Recipe
Fall pasta salad in a serving bowl with a spoon.

Now that you've found the perfect pasta salad recipe, check out these ideas for What to Eat with Pasta Salad!

« 10 Fresh and Flavorful Lemon Recipes (Savory and Sweet!)
Vegetable Rice Soup »

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Janessa

Hi, I'm Janessa and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that are made with wholesome ingredients, are quick and easy and most importantly, delicious!

More about me →

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