Best 3 Easy Colorful Summer Pasta Salad Recipes

As the sun shines brightly and the air starts to warm, it's time to embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with a refreshing and colorful pasta salad. This delightful dish is a symphony of textures and colors, combining al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, juicy fruits, and a zesty dressing that brings it all together. Packed with wholesome ingredients like colorful bell peppers, sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this easy recipe is a perfect addition to your summer gatherings, barbecues, or picnics. Whether you're looking for a quick and healthy light meal or a side dish that will impress your friends and family, this colorful summer pasta salad is sure to become a favorite.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

EASY TRI-COLOR PASTA SALAD

Easy Tri-Color Pasta Salad image

Simple recipe for tri-color pasta salad. This recipe uses fresh mushrooms, onions, green peppers, etc. You can alter this recipe to suit your taste. Sometimes I throw in a chopped cucumber or broccoli florets. You can add diced pepperoni or baby shrimp. Great for summer picnics & BBQ's! Note: I use 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the prepared Good Seasons Italian dressing made in the cruet - depends on how many vegetables I add in on how much dressing I use.

Provided by BlondieItaliana

Categories Summer

Time 13m

Yield 18 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

12 ounces tri-color spiral pasta
1 green pepper, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, sliced
1/4 cup tomatoes, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained
3 7/8 ounces pitted sliced black olives
1 (8 ounce) package fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup prepared Good Seasons Italian dressing
salt & pepper

Steps:

Prepare pasta al dente as directed on package.
Meanwhile, prepare above ingredients. Drain pasta & cool. Combine all ingredients by stirring gently.
Chill & serve.

FRESH SUMMER PASTA SALAD

Fresh Summer Pasta Salad image

While preparing lunch, I made this summer pasta salad for dinner. It was fast and easy; delicious and colorful. We love to enjoy the fresh fruits and veggies in season. I served this salad with almond crackers and sharp cheddar slices. So tasty! -Cathy Orban, Chandler, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

4 cups uncooked campanelle or spiral pasta
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
2 medium peaches, chopped
1 pouch (11 ounces) light tuna in water
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup julienned cucumber
1/2 cup julienned zucchini
1/2 cup fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1/2 cup grated red cabbage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups Caesar salad dressing

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain; rinse with cold water and drain well. Transfer to a large bowl. Add carrots, peaches, tuna, celery, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli, cabbage, salt and pepper. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, at least 3 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 357 calories, Fat 23g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 651mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

EASY SUMMER PASTA SALAD

Easy Summer Pasta Salad image

I was looking for something easy to make for a Memorial Day picnic. I also found this is good for concerts.

Provided by little lisa p

Categories Summer

Time 2h45m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) box tri-colored pasta
1 cucumber
1 tomatoes
1 (4 ounce) can sliced ripe olives, and pieces
1 (16 ounce) bottle robusto Italian salad dressing
2 tablespoons Salad Supreme dry seasoning

Steps:

Boil a large pot of water for the box of pasta. After the water comes to a boil, dump in the whole box of pasta.
Use a large mixing bowl. Core the tomato. and Slice the cucumber. Cut the cucumber and tomato into small pieces. Then place in the bowl.
Add the whole can of black olives.
Once the pasta has cooked, let it cool for an hour. After it has cooled, add the pasta to the bowl with the vegetables.
Mix the vegetables and pasta. After you have mixed up all the ingredients, Add the bottle of Italian dressing.
Mix in the Italian dressing. Then add the Salad Supreme Seasoning and mix it up again.
Finally put in the frig and let it chill for 2 hours. Once chilled, Enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 401, Fat 18.5, SaturatedFat 2.9, Sodium 1064.3, Carbohydrate 51.3, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 6.8, Protein 8.2

Tips:

Use fresh, seasonal ingredients: The best pasta salads are made with fresh, in-season vegetables. This will give your salad the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the pasta: Pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
Let the pasta cool before assembling the salad: This will help to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Use a variety of colors and textures: A colorful pasta salad is more visually appealing and interesting to eat. Use a variety of vegetables, herbs, and cheeses to create a salad that is both beautiful and delicious.
Don't be afraid to experiment: There are endless possibilities when it comes to pasta salads. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a salad that is uniquely your own.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make, can be customized to your liking, and is always a crowd-pleaser. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a pasta salad that is both beautiful and delicious. So next time you are looking for a light and refreshing meal, give one of these pasta salad recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!