Pasta Salads That’ll Steal the July 4th Show

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Every July 4th potluck needs that one dish everyone talks about—and these pasta salads that will be the talk of your July 4th potluck absolutely deliver. We’re talking bold flavors, vibrant colors, and crowd-approved combos like Italian Chop Pasta Salad, Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, and Creamy Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad. From the smoky depth of the Grilled Kale + Red Pepper Tuscan Pasta Salad to the tangy zip of Tuna Macaroni Salad and the total showstopper that is Tortellini Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Artichokes, these sides were made to steal the spotlight (and possibly a few recipe requests)!

Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad w/ cherry tomatoes, baby mozzarella, olives & fresh basil tossed in a Creamy Pesto Dressing. Vegan, gluten-free adaptable.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for any occasion! Cherry tomatoes, baby mozzarella, olives and fresh basil are tossed in a creamy pesto dressing that can easily be made vegan and gluten-free. It’s a crowd-pleasing vegetarian recipe that’s ideal for potlucks, lunch, or a light summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Simple Grilled Kale + Red Pepper Tuscan Pasta Salad

Simple Grilled Kale + Red Pepper Tuscan Pasta Salad | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Simple Grilled Kale and Red Pepper Tuscan Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to bring to your next cookout. It’s packed with flavor from grilled kale and red peppers, fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, cheese, and a delicious balsamic vinaigrette. Plus, it’s gluten-free and vegetarian, so everyone can enjoy it!
Get the Recipe: Simple Grilled Kale + Red Pepper Tuscan Pasta Salad

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Tuna Macaroni Salad with pickles
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a delightful mix of classic flavors and textures. Featuring elbow macaroni, tuna, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect as a side or a light meal, it’s sure to be a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad with tomatoes and avocado
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for potlucks and picnics. It’s loaded with chicken, bacon, cheese, and tomatoes, all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing. This recipe is quick, easy, and sure to be a hit!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Mediterranean-Inspired Orzo Pasta Salad

Large bowl filled with a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired orzo salad
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

This Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion! It’s packed with fresh herbs, veggies, and a bright lemon vinaigrette that will have you coming back for more. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free optional, making it a crowd-pleasing option for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean-Inspired Orzo Pasta Salad

Nicoise Pasta Salad

Nicoise Pasta Salad foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This Nicoise Pasta Salad uses shredded chicken breast instead of tuna for a light and fresh take on the classic salad. It’s full of colorful veggies like green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, and olives, all tossed in a zesty lemon Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying lunch!
Get the Recipe: Nicoise Pasta Salad

Italian Chop Pasta Salad

Italian Chop Pasta Salad | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Italian Chop Pasta Salad comes together quickly with minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for your next spring or summer gathering. It’s packed with Italian flavors from salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, provolone, and a vibrant mix of chopped vegetables. This salad is always a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Italian Chop Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Presenting a delicious Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is packed with flavor and fresh ingredients like rotisserie chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and a lemon vinaigrette. It’s quick, easy, and perfect as a side dish or a light meal. Enjoy this vibrant and healthy salad that’s ready in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Damn Good BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Jalapeño Cashew Dressing

healthy BLT pasta salad in a bowl with golden spoons
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This BLT pasta salad is far from ordinary! It combines fresh summer produce, crispy bacon, and a creamy jalapeño cashew dressing for a flavorful twist on a classic sandwich. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Damn Good BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Jalapeño Cashew Dressing

Pesto Pasta Salad

Overhead image of the Pesto Pasta Salad
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Pesto Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of rotini pasta, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy mozzarella pearls, all tossed in the best homemade pesto dressing. Perfect as a side dish, light dinner, or vegetarian option, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to enjoy a burst of fresh flavors in every bite!
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Tortellini Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Artichokes

Tortellini Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Artichokes, Arugula and Pine Nuts
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Tortellini Pasta Salad is packed with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and toasted pine nuts. Tossed with arugula, Parmesan, and a simple vinaigrette, it’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it great for parties or meal prep!
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Artichokes

Everything But the Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad

Everything But the Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This vibrant Everything but the Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad is the perfect way to use up leftover veggies, sauces, and cheeses. Featuring a medley of fresh ingredients like grilled corn, ripe peaches, and a flavorful pesto, this salad from halfbakedharvest.com is both delicious and resourceful. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s great for picnics, BBQs, or a simple summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Everything but the Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad

Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe

A bowl containing penne pasta, sliced strawberries, avocado pieces, spinach leaves, feta cheese crumbles, and fresh basil.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad by The Cookie Rookie is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for summer! Combining sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy feta, it’s a delightful vegetarian option that can be served warm or cold. With a light poppy seed dressing, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad

strawberry feta pasta salad in a ceramic bowl
Photo credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

This Creamy Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings. It features a homemade poppy seed dressing and keeps well in the refrigerator for days, making it ideal for meal prep or potlucks. With fresh strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds, this salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad

Asparagus and Arugula Pasta Salad

Asparagus and Arugula Pasta Salad -- quick and easy to make, and a total crowd-pleaser! | gimmesomeoven.com
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

Looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish for your next cookout? This Asparagus and Arugula Pasta Salad is quick, easy, and features fresh spring ingredients. With lemon, feta, and basil, this dish is bursting with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and Arugula Pasta Salad

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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