Spring is finally here, bringing warmer weather, blooming flowers, and the perfect excuse to enjoy light, refreshing meals outdoors.
Pasta salads are ideal for this transitional season. They’re versatile, portable, and can be made ahead for picnics, potlucks, or simple weeknight dinners.
Here are 12 delicious pasta salad recipes that capture the fresh flavors of spring.
1. Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This Greek-inspired orzo salad brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. The small, rice-shaped pasta provides the perfect canvas for crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta, and briny olives. Finished with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing, it’s light yet satisfying – perfect for those first warm days of spring.
Pro tip: Allow this salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
2. Spring Vegetable Pasta Salad
Celebrate the season’s first harvest with this colorful bow tie pasta salad. Tender asparagus, sweet green peas, and peppery radishes add vibrant color and texture, while fresh mint adds a surprising brightness that screams spring. The light lemon-dill dressing ties everything together without weighing it down.
Pro tip: Blanch the asparagus and peas briefly, then plunge them into ice water to preserve their bright green color and crisp texture.
3. Caprese Pasta Salad
This Italian classic gets a pasta twist with rotini spirals catching all the flavors of fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds the perfect sweet-tangy finish. Simple yet impressive, this salad is all about letting quality ingredients shine.
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Pro tip: Use multi-colored cherry tomatoes for a more vibrant presentation, and add the balsamic glaze just before serving to maintain its dramatic appearance.
4. Lemon Herb Pasta Salad
When you’re craving something truly light and bright, this angel hair pasta salad delivers. The thin pasta is tossed with a medley of fresh herbs and spring greens, then dressed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’s refreshing, delicate, and lets the herbs take center stage.
Pro tip: Save some lemon zest to sprinkle on top just before serving for an extra burst of citrus aroma.
5. Greek Tortellini Salad
Take your pasta salad to the next level with cheese-filled tortellini as the base. Combined with cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives, this hearty salad gets a protein boost from a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. It’s filling enough to serve as a main dish for lunch or a light dinner.
Pro tip: For the best flavor, use full-fat Greek yogurt in the dressing and let the salad chill thoroughly before serving.
6. Pesto Pasta Salad
Nothing says spring quite like fresh basil, and this pesto-based pasta salad makes the most of it. Corkscrew fusilli holds onto the herby sauce, while sweet peas, pine nuts, and cherry tomatoes add contrasting flavors and textures. It’s vibrant, verdant, and absolutely packed with flavor.
Pro tip: Make your own pesto with the first basil of the season for the freshest flavor, but a good-quality store-bought version works well too.
7. Sesame Ginger Pasta Salad
For something a little different, try this Asian-inspired soba noodle salad. The earthy buckwheat noodles are paired with edamame, crisp vegetables, and a zingy sesame-ginger dressing. It’s refreshing yet satisfying, with a wonderful balance of flavors and textures.
Pro tip: Rinse the soba noodles with cold water after cooking to prevent them from becoming too sticky and to stop the cooking process.
8. Southwest Pasta Salad
Bring some southwestern flair to your spring table with this bold and colorful rotini salad. Black beans and corn provide heartiness, while avocado adds a creamy texture that’s complemented by a bright lime-cilantro dressing. It’s perfect for outdoor gatherings as the weather warms up.
Pro tip: Add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning, or toss it in a little extra lime juice to help maintain its color.
9. Shrimp and Avocado Pasta Salad
Elegant yet easy, this farfalle pasta salad features succulent shrimp and buttery avocado. The bow tie pasta catches the light citrus dressing in its nooks and crannies, making every bite flavorful. It’s sophisticated enough for a spring luncheon but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Pro tip: Cook the shrimp just until pink and opaque – overcooked shrimp can become rubbery in pasta salad.
10. Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad
This unexpected combination pairs sweet spring strawberries with tender spinach and small shell pasta. Creamy goat cheese adds tangy richness, while a poppy seed dressing brings a subtle sweetness. It’s a unique pasta salad that’s sure to surprise and delight your guests.
Pro tip: Choose firm, not overly ripe strawberries for this salad – they’ll hold their shape better when tossed with the other ingredients.
11. Caesar Pasta Salad
Transform the beloved Caesar salad into a hearty pasta dish by adding penne to the classic combination of crisp romaine, parmesan, and crunchy croutons. The creamy dressing coats each piece of pasta perfectly, creating a satisfying dish that works as a side or main course.
Pro tip: Make your own croutons by tossing bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian herbs, then baking until golden and crisp.
12. Spring Chicken Pasta Salad
Round out your pasta salad repertoire with this protein-packed option featuring grilled chicken and spring vegetables. Ear-shaped orecchiette pasta cradles tender snap peas and asparagus tips, while a light herb vinaigrette keeps everything fresh and lively. It’s substantial enough for dinner but won’t weigh you down.
Pro tip: Use rotisserie chicken as a time-saving shortcut, or grill extra chicken earlier in the week and save some for this salad.
These spring pasta salads are endlessly adaptable—feel free to swap ingredients based on what looks fresh at your market or what you have on hand.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, preparing for a potluck, or simply looking for a make-ahead lunch option, these versatile recipes have you covered all season long.
Where can we find the recipes?
We don’t have separate recipes for these. It’s more like a list of ideas for inspiration.