Heirloom Hearth

Pasta salad is a versatile dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or quick weekday meals. Whether you love classic flavors or bold, unexpected combinations, these 12 pasta salad recipes will give you plenty of delicious options to enjoy year-round.

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1. Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/3 cup Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, red onion, and basil.
2. Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss to coat evenly.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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2. Greek Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/3 cup Greek dressing

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, onion, and olives.
2. Pour Greek dressing over the salad and toss well.
3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

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3. Caprese Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/3 cup balsamic glaze
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil, then toss to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

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4. Southwest Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fusilli pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/3 cup ranch dressing
• 1 tsp chili powder

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Stir in ranch dressing and chili powder, mixing well.
3. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

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5. BLT Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 12 oz macaroni pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/3 cup ranch dressing

Instructions:

1. Mix pasta, tomatoes, bacon, and lettuce in a bowl.
2. Add ranch dressing and toss well.
3. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes.

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6. Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/3 cup pesto sauce

Instructions:

1. Combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, and Parmesan in a bowl.
2. Stir in pesto until evenly coated.
3. Chill before serving.

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7. Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup ham, diced
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Mix pasta, ham, pineapple, and bell pepper in a bowl.
2. Stir in mayo and honey, then toss well.
3. Refrigerate before serving.

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8. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fusilli pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/3 cup blue cheese dressing
• 1/4 cup hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Toss until evenly mixed.
3. Chill before serving.

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9. Asian Sesame Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti, cooked and cooled
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/3 cup sesame ginger dressing

Instructions:

1. Mix pasta, carrots, bell pepper, and green onions in a bowl.
2. Add dressing and toss well.
3. Chill before serving.

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10. Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 can tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/3 cup lemon vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Mix pasta, tuna, tomatoes, olives, and feta in a bowl.
2. Pour vinaigrette over and toss well.
3. Chill before serving.

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11. Taco Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1/2 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup Catalina dressing

Instructions:

1. Combine pasta, beef, beans, and tomatoes in a bowl.
2. Stir in dressing and mix well.
3. Chill before serving.

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12. Avocado Lime Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Mix pasta, avocado, tomatoes, and onion in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, then toss well.
3. Chill before serving.

Enjoy these delicious and unique pasta salad recipes for any occasion!