Whether you're throwing together a last-minute potluck dish, meal prepping lunches for the week, or just trying to keep the kitchen as cool as possible, summer pasta recipes are always the answer.
You'll be making these summer pasta recipes on repeat
These recipes lean on simple, fresh ingredients. I bet you can grow plenty of these ingredients if you have a garden! Most of these are easy enough to throw together in 30 minutes or less, and several can be made ahead of time. Bookmark this one now, because you're going to come back to it all summer long.
Summer Pasta Recipes
Looking for the ultimate cold pasta salad to serve at your next summer gathering? This Ditalini pasta salad is a crowd pleaser packed with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of crunch.
If you are looking for a simple pasta salad recipe, this pesto tortellini salad will be a favorite! It is so easy to make, and it is the perfect summer salad side dish, or you can enjoy it as a meal in itself.
This pesto gnocchi recipe is so perfect for the summer. Whether you're looking for a simple dinner for busy weeknights or you want a fun and fresh recipe for a patio dinner party, this is such a delicious recipe.
This sun-dried tomato pasta salad is one of my favorite summer pasta salad recipes. It's so easy to whip together and perfect for any summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner.
If you are looking for a summer pasta salad that will have everyone coming back for seconds, this elote pasta salad is the one. It is packed with all the bold, smoky, creamy flavors of Mexican street corn, tossed with tender pasta and the most delicious dressing you have ever had on a pasta salad.
This white wine butter sauce is bright, fresh, rich, and pairs so well with so many dishes from pasta to seafood to chicken and even vegetables! Made with simple ingredients like fresh garlic cloves, olive oil, white wine, and unsalted butter, it’s a delicious sauce that feels fancy without any fuss.
I love the Trader Joe's Sweet Corn and Burrata Ravioli, and most recently, Aldi has come out with a similar product! The Aldi seasonal ravioli never disappoints, and I created this roasted red pepper sauce with white wine and garlic to pair perfectly with the ravioli, and it's the perfect summer pasta dish.
This orzo pesto salad is one of my favorite summer pasta salad recipes. With a few simple ingredients, they could even be from your backyard garden, and about 10-15 minutes of your time, you have this pasta salad that's the perfect side dish for any summer bbq.
Tips for making cold pasta salads ahead of time
Cook your pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta will get mushy once it soaks up the dressing. You want it slightly firm, so it holds its texture even after a night in the fridge.
Salt your pasta water generously. This is your one chance to season the pasta itself, so don't skip it! Well-salted pasta makes a huge difference in the final flavor of your summer pasta salad.
Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking. For cold pasta salads, rinsing stops the cooking process and quickly cools the pasta, so it's ready to dress right away.
Dress it twice. Toss the pasta with about half the dressing while it's still slightly warm. It'll absorb more flavor that way. Then add the remaining dressing right before serving to freshen everything up.
Don't add delicate ingredients until serving. Fresh herbs like basil, arugula, or anything that wilts (looking at you, fresh mozzarella) should go in right before serving so they stay vibrant.
Store it right. Make-ahead pasta salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Give it a good toss before serving and a splash of olive oil or extra dressing if it looks dry.
Let it come to room temperature before serving. Cold pasta salad straight from the fridge can taste a little flat. Letting it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving wakes the flavors right back up.
Cocktails to pair with your summer pasta recipes
- If you're looking to add a bit of savory to your cocktails, try this dill pickle martini with your pasta!
- This Lillet Blanc Spritz is super crisp and refreshing, and pairs so nicely with so many of these recipes.
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