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12 Pasta Salad Recipes For A Delicious And Carb-Filled Summer

As a classic barbecue side dish and perfect picnic food, pasta salad is a summer mainstay — so it's important that we keep our menus varied with unique pasta salad recipes. This summer staple is so much more than a simple side. In fact, with a little effort, this refreshing dish becomes satisfying enough to count as a meal.

Amp up your pasta salad with cheese, fresh veggies, and of course, cheese, but don't forget to switch things up. These 12 recipes prove that pasta salad makes a tasty and versatile meal you'll want to eat all summer long.

Image: The Crepes of Wrath

by Rebecca Deczynski

Orzo Capreze In Tomato Cups

Who needs bowls? Not you, with this creative pasta salad recipe by Domestic Fits.

Image: Domestic Fits

Lemony Macaroni Salad

With a light citrusy taste, The Crepes of Wrath’s macaroni salad makes a great, easy-to-pack picnic food.

Image: The Crepes of Wrath

Roasted Garlic And Cherry Tomato Penne

While it may also be delicious freshly made and piping hot, The Crepes of Wrath’s tomato pasta salad is just as good cold.

Image: The Crepes of Wrath

Broccoli Pasta Salad

The secret to A Beautiful Mess’ creamy pasta salad goodness? Greek yogurt — and some cheddar cheese for an extra touch.

Image: A Beautiful Mess

Arugula And Goat Cheese Pasta Salad

Goat cheese gives Cookie and Kate’s green-filled pasta salad a comforting creamy touch.

Image: Cookie and Kate

Greek Pasta Salad

Domestic Fits makes this creamy macaroni salad even better with plenty of olives, onions, and cheese.

Image: Domestic Fits

Italian Pasta Salad

Parmesan shavings and citrus zest make A Spicy Perspective’s dish a refreshing yet filling summer salad recipe.

Image: A Spicy Perspective

Orzo With Honeyed Beets, Greens, And Feta

A little spice can make a big difference — just try out Five and Spice’s cumin-dressed orzo salad to see.

Image: Five and Spice

Tuna Pasta Salad

Take your usual tuna salad to the next level with Table for Two’s macaroni version.

Image: Table for Two

Orzo With Mixed Herbs And Summer Squash

There are so many ways to eat summer squash, but Five and Spice’s fragrant dill-cilantro-mint pasta salad may just be the perfect complement.

Image: Five and Spice

Summertime Pasta Salad With Jalapeño Pesto

Forget your usual pesto fix. Cookie and Kate blends jalapeños with basil for an unexpected spicy kick.

Image: Cookie and Kate

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

You can’t go wrong with a combo like feta, grape tomatoes, and cucumber in Table for Two’s Greek-inspired salad.

Image: Table for Two

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