12 Rich Creamy Pasta Salads Perfect for Summer Days

Summer calls for fresh, satisfying meals that don’t require heating up the kitchen. These creamy pasta salads deliver incredible flavor and cooling comfort for hot days.

Each recipe combines tender pasta with rich, flavorful dressings and fresh ingredients that make perfect side dishes or complete meals for any summer gathering.

01. Lemon Shrimp Pasta Salad

Tender shrimp and pasta tossed in bright lemon cream dressing. This refreshing salad brings restaurant-quality flavors to your summer table.

Ingredients: 1 pound medium cooked shrimp, 12 oz rotini pasta, ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, ½ cup diced red onion, ¼ cup fresh dill chopped, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Lemon Shrimp Pasta Salad

1. Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process, then drain again completely to prevent watery dressing.

2. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed for bright, balanced flavor.

3. Add cooled pasta, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh dill to the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the creamy lemon dressing.

4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Give it a final gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed before serving chilled.

02. Ranch Bacon Pasta Salad

Crispy bacon pieces and creamy ranch create the ultimate comfort pasta salad. This crowd-pleasing recipe disappears quickly at every gathering.

Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni, 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled, 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, 1 packet ranch dressing mix, 1 cup frozen peas thawed, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup diced celery, ¼ cup milk, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Ranch Bacon Pasta Salad

1. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until tender but still firm. Drain well and rinse with cold water until completely cooled, shaking off excess water to ensure the dressing adheres properly.

2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble into bite-sized pieces once cooled completely.

3. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch packet, and milk in a large bowl, whisking until smooth and creamy. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon nicely.

4. Add cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, peas, cheddar cheese, and celery to the ranch dressing. Fold everything together gently until evenly distributed and creamy.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. The flavors develop beautifully as it chills, and you can thin with additional milk if needed before serving.

03. Confetti Italian Pasta Salad

Colorful vegetables and fresh basil create a vibrant Italian-inspired pasta salad. The creamy herb dressing ties all the fresh flavors together perfectly.

Ingredients: 12 oz bow tie pasta, ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Italian dressing, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, ½ cup diced bell peppers, ½ cup black olives sliced, ¼ cup fresh basil chopped, ½ cup mozzarella cheese cubed, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Confetti Italian Pasta Salad

1. Cook bow tie pasta in well-salted water until al dente, following package directions carefully. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water until completely cool, ensuring pasta won’t wilt the fresh vegetables.

2. Whisk mayonnaise, Italian dressing, and red wine vinegar together in a large serving bowl until smooth and well combined. This creamy base provides the perfect foundation for all the colorful ingredients.

3. Add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and mozzarella cubes to the dressing. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the creamy Italian dressing.

4. Fold in the fresh chopped basil just before serving to maintain its bright color and fresh flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then chill for 1 hour minimum.

5. Give the salad a final gentle stir before serving, and consider adding a bit of canned tuna for a heartier lunch option the next day.

04. Pickle Macaroni Salad

Tangy pickles and crunchy vegetables make this macaroni salad extra special. The combination of textures and flavors creates an irresistible side dish.

Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni, ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon pickle juice, ½ cup diced dill pickles, ½ cup diced green bell pepper, ¼ cup diced red onion, ¼ cup black olives sliced, 3 hard-boiled eggs chopped, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pickle Macaroni Salad

1. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until tender but not mushy. Drain completely and rinse with cold water until cooled, then let drain thoroughly in colander for several minutes.

2. Whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and pickle juice in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. The pickle juice adds that perfect tangy flavor that makes this salad special.

3. Add the cooled macaroni, diced pickles, green bell pepper, red onion, and black olives to the dressing mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.

4. Fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs carefully to avoid breaking them up too much. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.

5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully. The salad tastes even better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.

05. Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

Simple ingredients come together in this foolproof macaroni salad recipe. The creamy dressing and tender pasta create pure comfort food perfection.

Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni, 1 cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, ½ cup diced celery, ¼ cup diced red onion, 2 hard-boiled eggs chopped, salt and white pepper to taste.

How To Make Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

1. Cook macaroni in heavily salted water until just tender, being careful not to overcook since it will soften more as it sits. Drain well and rinse with cold water until completely cooled.

2. Combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and yellow mustard in a large bowl, whisking until the sugar completely dissolves and the dressing is smooth and creamy.

3. Add the cooled macaroni, diced celery, and red onion to the dressing. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

4. Gently fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, being careful not to mash them. Season with salt and white pepper, adjusting to taste for the perfect balance.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The flavors improve significantly as it chills, and you may need to stir in a little extra mayonnaise before serving.

6. Give it a final taste and seasoning adjustment before serving chilled. This classic recipe works perfectly for any potluck or family gathering.

06. Club Chicken Pasta Salad

All the flavors of a chicken club sandwich in pasta salad form. Crispy bacon, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables create an amazing main dish.

Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta, 2 cups cooked chicken diced, 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled, ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, ½ cup diced celery, ¼ cup green onions sliced, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Club Chicken Pasta Salad

1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water until completely cool, then drain again to remove excess water.

2. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble into bite-sized pieces when cool enough to handle.

3. Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard together in a large serving bowl until smooth and creamy. This tangy dressing perfectly mimics club sandwich flavors.

4. Add cooled pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, celery, and green onions to the dressing. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

5. Fold in the crumbled bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

07. Fiesta Mexican Pasta Salad

Zesty southwestern flavors transform ordinary pasta into a fiesta. This colorful salad brings exciting Mexican-inspired tastes to your summer menu.

Ingredients: 12 oz spiral pasta, ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 can black beans drained and rinsed, 1 cup corn kernels, ½ cup diced red bell pepper, ¼ cup diced red onion, 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, ¼ cup cilantro chopped.

How To Make Fiesta Mexican Pasta Salad

1. Cook spiral pasta in salted boiling water until tender but still firm. Drain well and rinse with cold water until completely cooled, shaking off excess water thoroughly.

2. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and taco seasoning packet in a large mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and well blended. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

3. Add the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, and red onion to the seasoned dressing. Toss everything together until evenly distributed and coated.

4. Fold in the shredded Mexican cheese and fresh cilantro, mixing gently to combine all ingredients without breaking up the cheese too much.

5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the southwestern flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled with tortilla chips if desired.

08. Vegan Creamy Pasta Salad

Plant-based ingredients create surprisingly rich and creamy pasta salad. Nobody will guess this delicious recipe is completely vegan-friendly.

Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni, ½ cup vegan mayonnaise, ¼ cup cashew cream, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ½ cup diced celery, ¼ cup diced red onion, ½ cup shredded carrots, ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Vegan Creamy Pasta Salad

1. Cook macaroni in well-salted water until al dente, following package directions carefully. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water until completely cool, ensuring no excess water remains.

2. Whisk vegan mayonnaise, cashew cream, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. The cashew cream adds incredible richness.

3. Add the cooled pasta, diced celery, red onion, and shredded carrots to the creamy dressing. Toss everything together until evenly coated and well combined.

4. Fold in the fresh chopped parsley and season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for the perfect balance of flavors.

5. Chill for at least 3 hours before serving to allow flavors to develop fully. This salad gets even better overnight and fools everyone at potlucks.

09. Tuna Macaroni Salad

Protein-packed tuna transforms simple macaroni salad into a complete meal. This easy recipe works perfectly for lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni, 2 cans tuna in water drained, ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried dill, ½ cup diced celery, ¼ cup diced red onion, 2 hard-boiled eggs chopped, ¼ cup sweet pickle relish, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Tuna Macaroni Salad

1. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until tender but not mushy. Drain completely and rinse with cold water until cooled, then let drain thoroughly in colander.

2. Drain tuna well and flake into bite-sized pieces in a large mixing bowl, removing any large chunks for better distribution throughout the salad.

3. Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, and dried dill together until smooth and creamy. This lemony dressing perfectly complements the tuna and adds brightness to the salad.

4. Add cooled macaroni, celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish to the tuna and dressing mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.

5. Carefully fold in chopped hard-boiled eggs, being gentle to avoid mashing them completely. Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate for 2 hours before serving chilled.

10. Italian-American Pasta Salad

Classic Italian flavors meet American-style creamy dressing in this perfect fusion. Fresh parsley and Italian seasoning create authentic taste everyone loves.

Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta, ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Italian dressing, 1 packet Italian dressing mix, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, ½ cup pepperoni sliced, ½ cup mozzarella cheese cubed, ¼ cup red onion diced, ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Italian-American Pasta Salad

1. Cook rotini pasta in heavily salted water until al dente, being careful not to overcook since it will continue softening in the dressing. Drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool.

2. Combine mayonnaise, Italian dressing, and Italian dressing mix packet in a large serving bowl, whisking until smooth and well blended. Let stand 5 minutes for flavors to develop.

3. Add cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, pepperoni slices, mozzarella cubes, and red onion to the creamy Italian dressing. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

4. Fold in fresh chopped parsley just before serving to maintain its bright green color and fresh flavor. The parsley really makes this salad special and authentic.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This salad tastes even better after the flavors have time to meld together.

6. Give it a final gentle stir before serving chilled. The combination of creamy dressing and Italian flavors creates the perfect crowd-pleasing pasta salad.

11. Spring Vegetable Pasta Salad

Fresh spring vegetables and creamy dressing celebrate the season perfectly. Crunchy olives add a Mediterranean touch to this colorful salad.

Ingredients: 12 oz shell pasta, ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1 cup fresh peas, ½ cup diced cucumber, ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved, ¼ cup Kalamata olives sliced, ¼ cup fresh dill chopped, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Spring Vegetable Pasta Salad

1. Cook shell pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water until completely cool, ensuring pasta shells are well-drained to prevent watery dressing.

2. Blanch fresh peas in boiling water for 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking, then drain completely once cooled.

3. Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, and white wine vinegar together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. The vinegar adds a lovely tangy brightness to balance the richness.

4. Add cooled pasta, blanched peas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to the creamy dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated and distributed.

5. Fold in fresh dill and season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the spring flavors to meld beautifully together.

12. Pesto Tortellini Salad

Cheese-filled tortellini and basil pesto create an elegant pasta salad. Fresh vegetables add crunch and color to this sophisticated dish.

Ingredients: 1 pound cheese tortellini, ½ cup basil pesto, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, ½ cup bell peppers diced, ¼ cup pine nuts toasted, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated, ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pesto Tortellini Salad

1. Cook cheese tortellini according to package directions until tender but still firm. Drain well and rinse with cold water until completely cooled, being gentle to avoid breaking the delicate pasta.

2. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning and let cool completely.

3. Whisk basil pesto, mayonnaise, and lemon juice together in a large serving bowl until smooth and creamy. This combination creates the perfect balance of rich pesto flavor and creamy texture.

4. Add cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, and diced bell peppers to the pesto mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly without breaking the tortellini.

5. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan over the salad, then fold in fresh basil leaves just before serving. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Chill for 1 hour minimum before serving to allow flavors to meld. This elegant salad works beautifully as either a hearty side dish or light main course.

Final Thoughts

These creamy pasta salads bring variety and flavor to any summer gathering. Each recipe offers unique ingredients and textures that satisfy different tastes perfectly.

From classic comfort foods to international flavors, these recipes provide endless inspiration for delicious meals that keep everyone cool and satisfied all season long.