24 Delicious Healthy Summer Pasta Salad (for your next BBQ)

healthy summer pasta salad

Warm weather is finally here, and you know what that means? It’s pasta salad season, and that’s GREAT news!

Pasta salads are just PERFECT for summer. They’re cool, refreshing, and super easy to whip up. Great for BBQs, picnics, or even a quick lunch. And guess what? They can be REALLY healthy too!

Forget those heavy, mayo-loaded salads. We’ve got 24 fantastic ideas for light, bright, and tasty summer pasta salads. You’re going to find something you absolutely LOVE.

So, get ready to discover your new favorite summer dish!

1. Pearl Couscous Salad

Pearl Couscous Salad

This Pearl Couscous Salad is loaded with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and chewy pearl couscous.

It features salty feta cheese and the most delicious lemony dressing, creating a bright and satisfying dish.

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2. Keto Pasta Salad

Keto Pasta Salad

Enjoy a refreshing Keto Pasta Salad, a light and healthy take on a summer favorite. This delightful zucchini pasta salad brings together fresh flavors in a simple balsamic vinaigrette. You won’t miss the carbs with this incredible low-carb side dish.

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3. Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is a bright and colorful dish, packed with fantastic flavors.

It features tender bow-tie pasta and delicious sun-dried tomatoes, all brought together with a zesty white balsamic vinegar dressing.

This beautiful pasta salad is perfect for any gathering, and the leftovers are even better!

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4. Goat Cheese Pasta Salad

Goat Cheese Pasta Salad

This creamy Goat Cheese Pasta Salad is a breeze to prepare and will quickly become a family favorite.

It’s a wonderful cold pasta salad that you can easily customize with your favorite vegetables.

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5. Creamy Lemon Pasta Salad with Spinach

Creamy Lemon Pasta Salad with Spinach

This Creamy Lemon Pasta Salad with Spinach is a wonderfully light and refreshing dish. It features a delicious Greek-yogurt based sauce that keeps it from feeling heavy. Serve this delightful lemon pasta salad over a bed of fresh spinach for a complete and satisfying meal.

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6. Roasted Pepper Orzo Salad

Roasted Pepper Orzo Salad

Enjoy this vibrant Roasted Pepper Orzo Salad, bursting with the taste of chargrilled roasted peppers and fresh herbs. This delightful Orzo Pasta dish is tossed in a bright, zingy lemon dressing, making it a perfect Orzo Salad with roasted peppers.

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7. Artichoke Lemon Pesto

Artichoke Lemon Pesto

Artichoke Lemon Pesto is a new and delicious take on traditional pesto.

This vibrant lemon pesto offers a wonderful tangy and hearty flavor.

It’s a delightful way to enjoy a unique artichoke pesto.

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8. Mexican Pasta Salad

Mexican Pasta Salad

This simple Mexican Pasta Salad recipe is a joy to create. Packed with vibrant veggies, this vegetarian dish features the best creamy and flavorful Mexican Pasta Salad dressing. It’s a wonderfully delicious choice for any occasion.

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9. Mexican Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

Mexican Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

Enjoy this Mexican Elote Pasta Salad, a delicious take on Mexican street corn salad that’s perfect for any gathering. This high protein pasta salad combines sweet corn and a zesty chili-lime dressing, making it a great choice for BBQs or meal prep.

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10. Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad is a bright and refreshing dish perfect for any meal. This easy pasta salad combines tender pasta with fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes. Enjoy its delicious sweet and tangy flavors.

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11. Gluten-Free Summer Pasta Salad

Gluten-Free Summer Pasta Salad

This Gluten-Free Summer Pasta Salad brings all the bright flavors of the season to your table. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and zesty dressing, making it a delicious way to enjoy your pasta. Serve this as a perfect BBQ appetizer or a refreshing side dish.

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12. Easy Caprese Orzo Salad

Easy Caprese Orzo Salad

This Easy Caprese Orzo Salad combines tender orzo pasta with sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella pearls, all brought together by a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

It’s a delicious and versatile caprese orzo salad that makes a perfect side dish for any occasion, all year long.

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13. Cold Sesame Noodles Chicken Salad

Cold Sesame Noodles Chicken Salad

Cold Sesame Noodles Chicken Salad is a delicious choice for warm weather. This refreshing dish combines flavorful cold sesame noodles with chicken and vegetables. It’s a perfect meal to pack for a lunch box or enjoy on a picnic.

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14. Summer Vegetable Acini De Pepe Salad

Summer Vegetable Acini De Pepe Salad

The Summer Vegetable Acini De Pepe Salad is packed with fresh summer veggies for a vibrant dish.

This acini de pepe pasta salad features a perfectly dressed yogurt-Parmesan sauce, making every bite delicious and never dry.

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15. Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

Enjoy this vibrant Caprese Pasta Salad, bursting with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and fragrant basil.

It features a light dressing and pine nuts, making this a perfect Caprese salad for any gathering or a delightful pasta salad side.

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16. Zucchini Pesto Pasta Salad

Zucchini Pesto Pasta Salad

This Zucchini Pesto Pasta Salad is a fantastic side dish for summer gatherings.

It features fresh spiralized zucchini, savory summer sausage, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed with vibrant pesto.

This delicious recipe is also a great low carb, keto, and gluten free option.

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17. Kale Mac and Cheese

Kale Mac and Cheese

Get ready to enjoy Kale Mac and Cheese, a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. This easy recipe is an ultimate side dish, making it one of the best kale recipes for a satisfying meal.

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18. Mexican Pasta Salad

Mexican Pasta Salad

This Mexican Pasta Salad is the perfect vibrant dish for your next barbecue or any summer gathering. Loaded with colorful additions and a kicked-up zesty Southwestern dressing, this lightened gluten-free pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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19. Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

This Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad features tender chicken pieces.

It’s mixed with fresh vegetables and black olives, all coated in a rich pesto sauce for a truly delicious bite.

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20. Creamy Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad

Creamy Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad

Enjoy the delightful Creamy Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad, a truly refreshing cold pasta salad recipe perfect for any gathering.

This ideal summer pasta salad is wonderful for your next BBQ, picnic, or a light meal.

It’s a fantastic pasta salad vegetarian option that can also be made dairy-free.

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21. Southwest Black Bean Pasta Salad

Southwest Black Bean Pasta Salad

Southwest Black Bean Pasta Salad is your new go-to dish for backyard BBQs and gatherings. This hearty black bean pasta salad delivers vibrant southwest flavors and makes a fantastic vegan pasta salad that’s even better as leftovers.

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22. Mexican Pasta Salad

Mexican Pasta Salad

Mexican Pasta Salad is bursting with vibrant south-of-the-border flavors.

Everything comes together with a deliciously creamy avocado dressing.

This delightful pasta salad is perfect for sharing at any gathering.

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23. Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Pesto Pasta Salad, loaded with fresh basil pesto.

It brings together pasta, mozzarella, olives, tomatoes, and pine nuts for a delightful mix.

This easy pasta salad is perfect for any potluck or picnic.

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24. Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad

This Taco Pasta Salad brings together all your favorite zesty taco flavors in a fun, easy way. It’s the perfect dish for any gathering, from casual potlucks to lively parties.

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