16 Make-Ahead Pasta Salads Perfect for Lunch
These tasty pasta salads are both hearty and full of flavor. Prepare them ahead of time, and let the ingredients soak in the deliciousness together. The best part? Pasta salad keeps well as leftovers! Have some extra pasta from dinner? Simply toss it with fresh veggies and Italian dressing for a quick lunch the next day. Whether you’re gearing up for a picnic or just spicing up your meal prep, these simple recipes are incredibly convenient.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
What People Are Saying: "This dish was incredibly flavorful, vibrant, and a true treat for the taste buds. It only got better after a few hours when the flavors had time to combine and chill." — Momma Mophead
- Find More: 13 Orzo Pasta Salad Recipes
Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad
Flaky salmon, colorful vegetables, penne pasta, and a homemade vinaigrette come together to make a delicious and healthy make-ahead lunch.
- You Might Like: Spicy Salmon Sandwiches
Chicken Sesame Pasta Salad
What People Are Saying: "I've made this so many times and it never fails to impress with its light, delicious flavors!" —rkrage1217
- Related: Sesame Noodles
Simple Asian Pasta Salad
A refreshing twist on your usual pasta salad. Give this Asian-inspired recipe a try—it only gets tastier the longer it sits!
- Try This: Shanghai Noodle Salad
Italian Confetti Pasta Salad
What People Are Saying: "I brought this to a potluck at work, and it was a total hit. So easy and refreshing!" —LINKELLEHER
- Related: 15 Best Macaroni Salad Recipes
Avocado Cucumber Pasta Salad
A vibrant and customizable lunch option that lets you mix and match different veggies or pasta shapes.
- You Might Like: Avocado Pasta Salad
Cheese Tortellini Salad
What People Are Saying: "This salad is a breeze to make, and I get compliments every single time." —DanaLane
- Related: Tortellini Salad with Tomatoes and Peas
Rainbow Pasta Salad
This 5-ingredient pasta salad is super budget-friendly and can last for days! Prepare it ahead of time and let the flavors blend overnight for the best taste.
- Find More: 12 Summer Pasta Salads with Bold Flavor
Bacon-Ranch Pasta Salad
What People Are Saying: "I absolutely love this salad! I always add grape tomatoes. It's the perfect make-ahead side dish. So tasty!" —maryb
- Check it Out: BLT Pasta Salad
Broccoli Pasta Salad
A linguine pasta salad featuring crunchy broccoli florets, Romano cheese, and a zesty olive oil-based dressing.
- Related: Creamy Broccoli Salad
Awesome Pasta Salad
What People Are Saying: "This is hands down the best pasta salad I've ever had. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or make your own tweaks, it's always a winner." —Lori
- Check it Out: 11 Creamy Pasta Salads for Summer
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
The addition of crumbled feta cheese and zesty lemon juice takes this dish to the next level.
- Similar: Pasta Pearls and Olive Salad
Quick Greek Pasta Salad with Steak
What People Are Saying: "This was incredible! I was hesitant to try sun-dried tomato pesto (we’d never used it before), but it added such a rich, deep flavor to the steak." —GRANNYLOOHOO
- Try This: Good for You Greek Salad
Mexicali Pasta Salad
A flavorful pasta salad dressed in taco seasoning and lime juice. It's a must-try recipe you’ll want to keep on hand!
- Related: Cowboy Caviar
Mandarin Chicken Pasta Salad
What People Are Saying: "This is absolutely amazing! I can’t stop eating it. The dressing is out of this world." —Aly
- Similar: Strawberry and Mandarin Salad
Spaghetti Salad
Got leftover spaghetti from dinner? Let it cool, toss in some fresh veggies, and add a tangy dressing. Let it chill overnight, and you've got a delicious lunch for the next day!
- Similar: Rustic Spaghetti Salad
- Find more pasta salad recipes here
With over eight years of experience in the food media industry, Emily Boyette is a seasoned editor. She brings expertise in everything from recipe manuscripts to galleries and articles, with a deep knowledge of cooking that extends beyond writing. Emily is a contributor at Dinogo.
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