Top 10 summer pasta salads

Discover more of our budget-friendly pasta recipes and find new ideas to make the most of seasonal ingredients with our summer storecupboard recipes.

For more summer salad inspiration, see our top 10 summer salad recipes and summer salad collection, plus our recipe for this epic summer salad.

1. Elote-inspired pasta salad

Elote-inspired pasta salad topped with coriander

Venture beyond the average pasta salad with the help of a Mexican staple, a corn on the cob dish, elote. Layering spirali with sweetcorn, feta and spring onion, and coated in a dressing made of mayonnaise, lime juice and chilli powder, it’s a fantastic salad to add to your rotation.

2. BLT pasta salad

Switch up your kids’ lunchbox with this cold pasta salad, inspired by the much-loved sandwich. It also packs in two of their five-a-day. For more kids’ lunchbox ideas, check out these quick lunchbox recipes.

3. Salmon pasta salad with lemon & capers

salmon pasta salad with lemon and capers in a grey rectangular lunchbox on top of some coloured-patterned napkins with a wooden fork next to the lunchbox

For a budget-friendly and nutritious lunch, this filling meal is perfect if you’re on the go. The wholemeal pasta adds some extra fibre as well, which will keep you feeling fuller for longer.

4. Pesto pasta salad

Pesto pasta salad with tomatoes and basil on a plate

Have a go at our classic pesto recipe, then use it to make this pesto pasta salad recipe. Or, simply use up the open jar in your fridge. This salad is packed with veggies, from cucumber and peas to cherry tomatoes, while keeping the ingredient list short. It’s great for a packed lunch or summery picnic.

5. Creamy bacon & tomato pasta salad

Recreate this summer pasta salad for your next picnic or al fresco lunch. It’s made with bacon, spinach, tomato and basil, and a delicious honey & mustard dressing for a flavour punch.

6. Chicken pasta salad

chicken pasta salad on a white plate on a green table cloth

Perfect for the warmer evenings or an al fresco lunch, this pasta salad recipe can also be made with leftover roast chicken, if you have it. Box up the leftovers and have as a lunch the next day.

7. Veggie hummus pasta salad

veggie and hummus pasta salad in a large wooden salad bowl with a wooden spoon

It’s surprisingly easy to make your own hummus, as this veggie pasta salad recipe proves. Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is bursting with colour and flavour. For a homemade creamy hummus, take a look at our recipe here.

8. Ratatouille pasta salad with rocket

ratatouille pasta salad in a turquoise rectangular lunchbox

A great way to use up leftover ratatouille, this makes a filling vegetarian lunch that’s quick to prepare and provides all your five-a-day. Have a look at our top ways to use up your leftovers for more inspiration.

9. Greek pasta salad

Greek pasta salad on a plate, with a large bowl of pasta salad behind

Get that summer holiday feeling with this Greek-inspired pasta salad. It’s full of feta, olives and tomatoes, and makes for a perfect picnic dish or a filling lunch if you’re on-the-go.

10. Tuna pasta salad

Throw together a classic tuna pasta salad in no time. It features a simple, but punchy dressing of yogurt, mustard, olive oil, vinegar, onion and basil, with red peppers and sweetcorn providing crunch. Pack into containers for tomorrow’s lunch or take to a picnic, if you like.