the round up: pasta salad summer
hot summer days 🤝 pasta salads
We’re in the midst of the first major heat wave in Boston—and across the entire country it seems—and I know I’m trying to stretch my cool AC air as far as it’ll go, so the oven is simply not in the cards this week. This week’s pasta salad round up is for others who are avoiding lots of time in the kitchen this week, or if you’re looking for some cookout inspo for July, I’ve got you covered.
Pasta salads are the ultimate summer dinner, lunch, meal prep, guesting accessory… you name it, and so easy to take with you for a beach or boat day. It’s so easy to pack in protein, veggies, healthy fats, and fiber into a big bowl and to make it your own.
I love using GF orzo, brown rice pasta, or chickpea pasta as my pasta salad base (yay for extra fiber and protein!), and similar to how I build a bowl, it’s all about the add-ins from there. I aim for at least 2 veggies (bonus points for a green, like spinach, arugula, or basil!), and a source of protein like chickpeas, chicken, or beans.
Get scrolling for a round up of all different pasta salads you can make this summer!
The Round Up: pasta salad summer
Zucchini, Corn, and Basil Orzo Pasta Salad — This orzo salad is a must make! It’s the perfect blend of summer vegetables and flavors. The lemon basil vinaigrette used here is a copycat of the sweetgreen pesto vinaigrette, which is a long time favorite of mine. Make it for lunch meal prep or bring it to a party, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Garlic and Herb Orzo Pasta Salad — This salad is seriously a whole meal, it’s full of fiber-packed veggies and greens, balanced with creamy feta. Basil and spinach are our greens of choice here, they absorb all the flavors perfectly, the basil adds a subtle punch to each bite, and smells delicious.
Mediterranean Inspired Orzo Pasta Salad — This one is such a summer staple with classic Med-inspired flavors, you really can’t go wrong. It would pair well with grilled chicken or shrimp, and as a side for lamb meatballs (my fave!).
Dairy-Free Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken — It doesn’t get easier than this pesto pasta salad. It’s simple, delicious, and flavorful. To make it even easier, feel free to use rotisserie chicken or another store-bought fully cooked chicken, and store-bought pesto.
Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta Salad — I call this tomato basil shrimp pasta salad the “everything summer pasta salad” because it works perfectly for every summer occasion. Bring it in your cooler for a beach day, pack it in the car for a family trip to the lake, or make it your contribution to a summer dinner party with friends.
Pantry Staples Pasta Salad — Spending minimal time in the kitchen on those warm summer days is my goal, and this 10-minute pasta salad makes it easy to get a yummy dish on the table in no time. Although it’s simple, it’s also delicious and flavorful. You can easily add a protein like salami, chicken, shrimp, or steak, plus anything else you find in the pantry to mix in.
7. Spicy Edamame Peanut Noodles — These spicy edamame peanut noodles are a fun twist on your typical pasta salad. It’s packed with plant-based protein and all the savory flavor-makers like coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and fresh grated ginger. Chopped peanuts, almonds, or walnuts would make a delish crunchy topping too. Video tutorial up on Instagram now!
a pasta salad’s perfect match
Manifesting a glass of strawberry lemonade, a big bowl of pasta salad, and a 75 degree day. This Salty Strawberry Lemonade uses just 4 ingredients and takes less than a minute to put together. Garnish with a split strawberry and serve with your fave pasta salad! The addition of LMNT Lemonade Salt takes this summer drink to the next level with a refreshing salty-sweetness. Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase here. Find your favorite LMNT flavor, or share with a friend 🫶🏻
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Catch up on last week’s round up ⤵️
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Yum! I love putting feta and dill in my orzo
Yummy. Love pasta salad