15 Cheap Pasta Salads for a Crowd

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

This vibrant Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a perfect blend of fresh flavors and textures, ideal for a light and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking method:

1. Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Spicy Thai Peanut Noodle Salad

This Spicy Thai Peanut Noodle Salad brings a fiery twist to your traditional pasta salad with its rich peanut dressing.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rice noodles
• 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup edamame
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cooking method:

1. Cook rice noodles according to package directions, drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a bowl, mix together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, and honey to form the dressing.
3. Toss noodles, bell pepper, carrots, edamame, green onions, and cilantro in the dressing until evenly coated.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Classic Italian Pasta Salad

A simple yet delicious option, this Classic Italian Pasta Salad highlights the fresh and savory flavors of Italy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, quartered
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Italian dressing
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Cooking method:

1. Cook rotini pasta as per instructions on the package, then rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine rotini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoni, olives, and red onion.
3. Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.

Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Infuse your pasta salad with creamy avocado and lime in this refreshing, gluten-free dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fusilli pasta
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook fusilli pasta, then drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, avocados, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
3. Mix Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl for the dressing.
4. Add the dressing to the salad and gently toss to blend.

Pesto Tortellini Salad

Elevate your pasta salad game with this fragrant and flavorful Pesto Tortellini Salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cheese tortellini
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook tortellini according to package instructions, drain and cool.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine tortellini, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts.
3. Add pesto sauce and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
4. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper before serving.

Asian Sesame Noodle Salad

Embrace the zesty flavors of sesame and ginger in this delightful Asian-inspired salad.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz soba noodles
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup snap peas, halved
• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Cook soba noodles as per the package directions, drain, and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine noodles, red cabbage, snap peas, carrots, and green onions.
3. Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and ginger for the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well, and garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Southwest Black Bean Pasta Salad

With bold southwestern flavors, this Black Bean Pasta Salad is both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/3 cup lime vinaigrette

Cooking method:

1. Cook penne pasta, then drain and cool.
2. Mix pasta, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl.
3. Add lime vinaigrette to the salad and toss until well-coated.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Caprese Pasta Salad

A fresh take on a classic Italian dish, this Caprese Pasta Salad is easy to prepare and rich in flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb bowtie pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions, drain and cool.
2. Combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil in a bowl.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss lightly and serve.

Greek Yogurt Caesar Pasta Salad

Transform the classic Caesar salad with this creamy Greek Yogurt Caesar Pasta Salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup croutons
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking method:

1. Cook penne pasta, drain, and cool.
2. In a large bowl, whisk Greek yogurt with Caesar dressing.
3. Add pasta, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, then toss to coat.
4. Top with croutons and parsley before serving.

Lemon Herb Farfalle Salad

Bright and zesty, this Lemon Herb Farfalle Salad is perfect for a refreshing summer meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb farfalle pasta
• 1 cup asparagus, blanched and chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook farfalle pasta, then drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, peas, dill, and parsley.
3. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper together for the dressing.
4. Pour dressing over the salad, toss to combine, and serve.