9 Easy 5-Ingredient Pasta Salad Recipes

Life can get busy, and finding time to cook a tasty meal might feel tough some days. That’s where pasta salad swoops in to save the day! It’s super quick to whip up, you can make it ahead of time, and it’s perfect for lunches on the go or easy dinners at home.

Plus, pasta salad is like a blank canvas—you can toss in whatever you love. Here are nine yummy pasta salad recipes that only need five ingredients each (not counting salt, pepper, and olive oil). These are so simple, you’ll have them ready in no time, even when your schedule’s packed.

Before we jump into the recipes, here are a few tricks to make your pasta salads even better:

• Cook the pasta al dente: This means it’s soft but still a little firm. It keeps the pasta from getting mushy in your salad.
• Rinse it off: After cooking, rinse the pasta with cold water. It stops the cooking and cools it down fast.
• Add dressing early: Toss in the dressing while the pasta’s still a bit warm. It soaks up the flavor better that way.
• Let it chill: Most of these salads taste awesome after sitting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
• Store it smart: Pop your pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for 3-4 days.

Ready? Let’s get cooking with these nine easy recipes!

1. Caprese Delight Pasta Salad

This pasta salad takes the classic Caprese combo and makes it even better with pasta. You’ve got juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil—all tied together with a sweet balsamic glaze. It’s light, refreshing, and feels fancy without any fuss.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked rotini pasta
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Grab a large bowl and toss in the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
2. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over everything and mix it up well.
3. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy it chilled or right away at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this pasta salad with grilled chicken or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also makes a great side dish for summer barbecues or picnics.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If making ahead, add the fresh basil just before serving to prevent wilting.

You can also try our Penne Caprese Pasta and keep the party going.

2. Mediterranean Magic Pasta Salad

Imagine a sunny day by the sea—that’s what this pasta salad tastes like! Tangy feta, salty olives, and crunchy cucumbers mix with a zesty Greek dressing. It’s a bright, flavorful dish that’s super easy to throw together.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked bowtie pasta
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup Greek dressing

Instructions:

1. In a big bowl, combine the cooked pasta, feta, olives, and cucumber.
2. Pour the Greek dressing over the mix and stir it all up.
3. Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend, then serve.

Serving Suggestions: Pair this pasta salad with pita chips or a Greek salad for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. It also makes a great side dish for grilled lamb or chicken.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

3. Ranch Lover’s Pasta Salad

If you love creamy and crunchy, this one’s for you! Crispy bacon, sweet peas, and sharp cheddar get a big hug from ranch dressing. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s ready in a snap.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Instructions:

1. Mix the cooked macaroni, bacon, peas, and cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
2. Stir in the ranch dressing until everything’s coated nice and creamy.
3. Chill it in the fridge for at least an hour before digging in.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this pasta salad as a side dish for burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches. It also makes a great addition to a potluck or picnic spread.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy dressing may thicken over time, so you may need to add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up before serving.

4. Roasted Veggie Rainbow Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is a burst of color and flavor! Roasting the veggies makes them sweet and tender, and the Italian dressing adds a zesty kick. It’s hearty, healthy, and oh-so-good.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked fusilli pasta
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the bell peppers and zucchini with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes until they’re tender.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the roasted veggies.
3. Add the Italian dressing and toss it all together. Serve it warm or chilled.

Serving Suggestions: Pair this pasta salad with roasted chicken, fish, or tofu for a hearty and healthy meal. It also makes a great side dish for grilled meats or as a vegetarian main course.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the dressing separates, simply stir the pasta salad before serving.

5. Pesto Perfection Pasta Salad

Love fresh herbs? This pasta salad’s got you covered with bold pesto flavor. Juicy tomatoes, crunchy pine nuts, and a sprinkle of Parmesan make it simple yet fancy—a perfect pick for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked rotini pasta
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. In a big bowl, stir the cooked pasta and pesto together until it’s all coated.
2. Toss in the cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and Parmesan, mixing gently.
3. Serve it right away or chill it for later—either way, it’s delicious!

Serving Suggestions: Serve this pasta salad with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a light and refreshing meal. It also makes a great side dish for grilled shrimp or chicken.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pesto may darken over time, but it will still taste delicious.

6. Zesty Artichoke and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

This salad’s got a tangy zip that’ll wake up your taste buds! Sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes bring bold flavors, while spinach keeps it fresh. The vinaigrette pulls it all together for a quick, tasty dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked bowtie pasta
• 1 jar (6 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup vinaigrette dressing

Instructions:

1. Combine the cooked pasta, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top and toss everything to coat.
3. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the flavors mix, then serve.

Serving Suggestions: Pair this pasta salad with grilled shrimp, a charcuterie board, or a simple green salad for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. It also makes a great side dish for roasted chicken or fish.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

7. Tuna Tango Pasta Salad

Need something hearty? This tuna-packed pasta salad’s got a great crunch from celery and a creamy finish from mayo. It’s filling enough to be a meal all on its own!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Mix the cooked macaroni, tuna, celery, and red onion in a big bowl.
2. Add the mayonnaise and stir until it’s all creamy and combined.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then chill it before serving.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this pasta salad as a standalone meal or with crackers for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. It also makes a great addition to a picnic or potluck spread.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta salad cold to prevent the tuna from spoiling.

8. Cranberry Pecan Crunch Pasta Salad

This one’s a fun twist—sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy goat cheese make every bite exciting. The honey mustard dressing adds a little zing that ties it all together. It’s a unique salad you’ll want to make again!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked rotini pasta
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup honey mustard dressing

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, cranberries, pecans, and goat cheese.
2. Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over it and mix gently.
3. Serve it at room temperature or chilled—your choice!

Serving Suggestions: Pair this pasta salad with a turkey sandwich or as a side dish for Thanksgiving leftovers. It also makes a great addition to a holiday potluck or buffet.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cranberries and pecans may soften over time, but the flavors will still be delicious.

9. Spicy Pepperoni Kick Pasta Salad

Got a taste for something bold? This pasta salad brings the heat with pepperoni and jalapeños, cooled down just right with cheddar and Italian dressing. It’s a spicy treat for anyone who loves a little kick!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked penne pasta
• 1 cup pepperoni, sliced
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing

Instructions:

1. Mix the cooked pasta, pepperoni, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese in a big bowl.
2. Pour the Italian dressing over the top and toss it all together.
3. Chill it for 30 minutes to let the flavors pop, then enjoy.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this pasta salad with a simple green salad or as a side dish for pizza. It also makes a great addition to a game day spread or potluck.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The spicy flavors may intensify over time, so adjust the amount of jalapeños to your taste.

These pasta recipes are perfect for your weeknights, potlucks, or prepping meals for the week ahead. Try them out and find your new go-to pasta salad—I bet you’ll love how quick and tasty they are!