These tried and true pasta salad recipes make a great addition to a summer potluck, cookout or picnic. They are easy to make for a crowd and can be made in advance. There’s something here for everyone. Everyone loves a good pasta salad and cold pasta salads are perfect for summer meals as a side dish and they also work as a main dish if you add some protein.

Pasta salads can be a little bland, but not these recipes. They really pack the flavor.
Whether it be Memorial Day, the 4th of July or a poolside cookout, there’s a pasta salad for every occasion!

 
BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad is probably my all-time favorite pasta salad, especially for the summer months. This pasta salad goes so well with a cookout. It’s full of corn, black beans, cheddar cheese and crunchy frito chips all tossed in a BBQ Ranch dressing.
 
Caesar Pasta Salad is another summer favorite and you can easily add grilled chicken to it to make it a main dish. Penne pasta is coated in a homemade Caesar dressing and tossed with cherry tomatoes, croutons, romaine lettuce and grated Parmesan cheese. This pasta salad is fabulous!

 
Jalapeno lovers will adore this  Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad not only does it have a spicy kick, it’s full of smoky bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.

 
Shrimp Remoulade Pasta Salad is a fun take on the classic New Orleans dish. It has a little tang and is full of baby shrimp.
 

 
You can’t beat the creaminess of this Creamy a...