This post will show 22 cold, healthy pasta salad recipes that are quick and easy to make for lunch, dinner, or an appetizer for parties. 

Do you struggle to find quick meals that are both wholesome and flavorful?

I get it. Finding something that’s both nutritious and delicious can be a real challenge sometimes.

But cold, healthy pasta salad recipes are the answer to your cravings.

This can be added to your eating routines as a light lunch, a munchy side dish, or a simple weekend treat to satisfy your cravings without putting on calories. 

I’ve curated the complete list of cold, healthy pasta salad recipes that are easy to make for lunch and even for dinner. 

22 Cold Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes for You!

1. Quinoa Pasta Salad With Olives

This quinoa pasta salad is one of my favorite feel-good meals.

It’s got brown rice pasta for that satisfying bite, and tri-colored quinoa, which adds plant-based protein, fiber, and all nine essential amino acids—basically, a powerhouse for energy and cell repair.

The veggies (like cucumber, tomato, and red onion) bring crunch, antioxidants, and hydration, while olives add healthy fats and a salty kick.

And the lemon dill vinaigrette? So fresh and zesty, plus it supports digestion and gives your immune system a little love.

It’s naturally gluten-free, easy to throw together, and keeps well. It’s perfect for meal prep or sharing at a summer potluck.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it:

Gluten-free brown rice pasta, tri-colored quinoa, cucumber, grape tomatoes, red onion, black olives, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, fresh dill, garlic, salt, black pepper.

2. White Beans & Lentils Pasta Cold Salad 

This high-protein salad contains a unique composition of three ingredients: white beans, lentils, and pasta, to give a simple and healthy meal that also satisfies hunger.

Also, the white beans act as a source of dietary fiber, potassium, and magnesium to aid digestion.

Lentils are packed with protein and iron, which makes them super important for vegetarians and anyone looking to eat healthy.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it:

Pasta (whole wheat), broccoli, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, canned lentils, red onion, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, dried herbs, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil

3. Homemade Pesto & Pine Nuts Pasta Salad Recipe 

This great homemade pesto pasta salad recipe has been winning the hearts of my family since the day I started making it. 

The finely tuned fusion of fresh pesto cream and the texture of pine nuts makes for a delicious recipe.  

I use whole-grain pasta instead of regular refined pasta to make it super healthy.

Indeed, whole-grain pasta has a fiber content that slowly releases carbohydrates and gives you sustained energy all day.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it:

Cooked whole-grain pasta, extra-virgin olive oil, pesto, frozen peas, Greek yogurt (instead of mayonnaise), Parmigiano-Reggiano, pine nuts (toasted), mozzarella pearls, salt, black pepper, fresh chopped basil

4. Multigrain Spaghetti Salad

Multigrain spaghetti is an awesome substitute for the refined wheat flour pasta we often eat for breakfast or lunch. 

This recipe is packed with fiber, which is great for your digestion and helps you feel full for longer.

It can be beautifully paired with healthy vegetables and a homemade dressing.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it: 

Multigrain spaghetti, Italian salad dressing, grated parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes (sliced in half), red bell pepper (diced), red onion (diced), English cucumber, sliced black olives, mini pepperoni

5. Herby Mixed Veggies Pasta Salad

The real talk and no unwanted facts! This is one of the best healthy pasta salad recipes that everyone should try. 

This herby pasta salad is packed with vitamin C, potassium, and fiber from the mixed vegetables.

Just add the magic of fresh herbs.

Also, to make this recipe 100% healthier, choose whole wheat pasta instead of refined wheat flour pasta.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it: 

Whole wheat pasta, extra virgin olive oil, organic pork or chicken sausage (or ground chicken/turkey), onion (finely diced), spinach, minced garlic, frozen peas, lemon (squeezed), grated Parmesan, chives, fresh cracked pepper, sea salt, fresh dill

6. Herby Olive Italian Orzo Pasta Salad

This herby Italian orzo salad is a must-try – it’s easy, flavorful, nutritious, and easy to prepare.

It is nutritious with whole grain orzo, filled with crunchy veggies, sour & savory olives, and creamy feta cheese.

Want to really amp up the flavors? Just mix in some homemade Italian dressing for a delicious summer lunch on those hot days. It’s the perfect way to make your meal refreshing and vibrant!

This can totally be one of your go-to clean-eating lunch ideas—super tasty, full of flavor, and super easy to tweak to your liking.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it: 

Whole-grain Orzo, cucumber (English or Persian), baby tomatoes (cherry or grape), red onion (or shallots), fresh flat leaf parsley (or thyme/oregano), Kalamata olives (pitted), feta (block packed in brine), lemon vinaigrette.

7. Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Here is our next healthy and colorful recipe loaded with layers of Mediterranean vegetables that make a perfect summertime cold pasta side dish in less than 30 minutes.

With summer around the corner and the temperatures rising, it’s the ideal time to dig into a fresh Mediterranean pasta salad packed with veggies.

Think juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tasty olives, and those delicious sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a perfect dish for the heat!

Just toss these ingredients together with tomato vinaigrette to get a “wow” taste.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it: 

Whole wheat pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber (diced), red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, fresh parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.

8. Avocado Tomato Chickpea Pasta Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

This salad is super easy to whip up and only takes 20 minutes to make, so you’ll have enough energy to keep going all day long!

This dish is absolutely amazing! It’s packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors and has a super tasty lemon basil dressing!

A super easy pasta salad recipe that’s perfect for a hot summer lunch.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it: 

Multigrain Rotini pasta, avocado Greek Yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, fresh basil.

9. Tuna Macaroni Salad 

It’s a super easy way to add some high protein to your dinner.

Whenever I head over to my parents’ place, I always ask my mom if she’s cooking her tuna and whole wheat macaroni salad.

She makes it with this amazing homemade Greek yogurt dressing, which makes it both nutritious and healthy.

You should definitely give it a try! It’s a filling and budget-friendly dish that’s hard to resist because it’s just so good.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it: 

Whole wheat macaroni pasta, tuna, celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, black pepper.

10. 5-Ingredient Italian Pasta Salad

This recipe is a lifesaver for those lazy nights when you don’t feel like putting together a full dinner.

If you’ve got unexpected guests and are scrambling to figure out what to cook, this low-carb pasta dish will definitely please them!

Plus, if you want to make it a bit healthier, swap out regular pasta for whole-grain pasta in your Italian pasta salad.

This is also the perfect meal prep salad that you’ll be excited to eat.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it:

Whole grain pasta, pepperoni, salami, cherry tomatoes, black olives, orange bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, pepperoncini, and fresh mozzarella pearls.

11. Shrimp, Bacon, Avocado Pasta Salad

Here is another popular recipe that works well as either a side dish or a light main course.

Yesterday, my family had dinner, and my mom prepared this dish for the second night in a row.

She made a healthier version of the salad by using multigrain pasta instead of regular pasta to improve its nutritional value.

We can definitely say it’s super healthy, hearty, and satisfying.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it:

Multi-grain pasta, raw shrimp, chipotle pepper powder, salt, bacon, red onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, avocado, and cilantro, fresh homemade lemon juice & red wine vinegar.  

12. Roasted Chickpeas & Sprouts Pasta Salad

This pasta salad recipe, teamed up with roasted chickpeas and a sprout salad, is going to be a hit.

It’s packed with tasty, plant-based ingredients that will keep you full for longer.

Plus, chickpeas are loaded with iron and magnesium, making them a great addition.

It’s a solid choice for a post-workout meal, so dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!

Ingredients you’ll need to make it:

Cooked whole-grain pasta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata or black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, corn, parsley, avocado, extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

13. Cucumber Pasta Salad

If you’re thinking it’s a bit odd that there’s coconut in this, don’t worry—this creamy no-mayo cucumber pasta salad is totally delicious!

It’s super easy to whip up and has tons of flavor and crunch.

The mix of creamy Greek yogurt, lemon, and dill makes for a dressing that’s hard to resist.

Plus, it’s a healthier and fun option for both kids and adults. It’s really refreshing as it’s packed with cucumbers, and low in calories too.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it:

Whole grain or wheat rotini pasta, Persian cucumbers, red onion, Greek Yogurt instead of mayo, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper.

14. Black Bean, Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad

If you’ve never tried a black bean, corn, and avocado pasta salad, you’re seriously missing out.

This one’s my go-to when I want something fresh, filling, and full of flavor.

It’s got all the good stuff: creamy avocado, sweet corn (preferably fresh off the cob), black beans for some solid plant-based protein, and a zingy homemade herb-lime vinaigrette that ties everything together perfectly.

It’s super easy to throw together and somehow manages to feel both light and hearty at the same time. Bonus: it actually tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it: 

Whole wheat pasta, Black beans, Cilantro, Corn on the cob, Yellow bell pepper, Red onion, Green onions, Cotija cheese, Avocados, Limes, Sunflower oil, Salt, Black Pepper.

15. Artichoke, Chickpea & Mozzarella Pasta Salad

If you love antipasto platters, this pasta salad is basically that — but in bowl form.

It’s loaded with briny artichokes, pepperoncini, creamy mozzarella, and protein-packed chickpeas.

A simple herb vinaigrette brings it all together, and the salami adds a savory punch (optional if you’re keeping it veggie).

It’s fresh, filling, and perfect for picnics, parties, or just a no-fuss dinner that tastes like more effort than it is.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it:

Whole-wheat pasta, Extra-virgin olive oil, Vinegar, Fresh basil, Shallot, Lemon juice, Salt, Ground pepper, Chickpeas, Artichoke hearts, Cherry tomatoes, Red onion, Salami, Fresh mozzarella cheese, Pepperoncini.

16. Summer Vegetable Pasta Cold Salad

This summer veggie pasta salad is basically a garden in a bowl, packed with cherry tomatoes, zucchini, squash, broccoli, and red bell pepper, all tossed with a sweet and tangy honey-balsamic dressing.

Fresh basil gives it that signature summer flavor, and feta adds a creamy, salty kick (totally optional but highly recommended).

It’s colorful, refreshing, and super versatile; you can eat it cold or warm, as a side or a full-on light dinner.

Perfect for when your fridge is overflowing with summer produce!

Ingredients you’ll need to make it: 

Bowtie pasta (whole wheat), cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, broccoli, fresh basil, feta, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, pepper, dried basil.

17. Broccoli Pasta Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette

This broccoli cheddar pasta salad is super easy, no-fuss, and seriously tasty. No fancy skills needed.

Just chop, cook, toss, and you’re done in under 30 minutes. It’s got all the good stuff: crunchy broccoli, sweet red bell pepper, sharp cheddar, and red onion, all coated in a zesty homemade Italian vinaigrette (way lighter than mayo).

It’s great for meal prep, BBQs, or potlucks.

And the dressing? You’ll want to use it on everything from salads to roasted veggies.

Plus, it’s vegetarian and budget-friendly. Chill it for 30 minutes before serving so all those flavors come together just right.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it: 

Bowtie pasta (whole wheat or whole-grain), broccoli, red bell pepper, red onion, cheddar cheese, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, honey, oregano, parsley, salt & pepper.

18. Easiest Zesty Italian Pasta Salad 

This kind of pasta is the easiest to make. You can prepare it in just 20 minutes.

What’s more, this Italian flavor is perfect for the busy weeknights and summer BBQs we all want once in a while.

This pasta is just loaded with tasty veggies and tangy Italian dressing which tastes great.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it: 

Whole grain or wheat rotini pasta, Bell pepper, Grape tomatoes, Black olives, Cucumber, Banana peppers or pepperoncini, Shallot, Black pepper, Garlic powder, Dried basil, Dried parsley, Sea salt, Extra virgin olive oil.

19. Lemon Kale Pasta Salad with Pistachio Nuts

This lemony kale pasta salad is everything: fresh, zesty, crunchy, and super satisfying.

It comes together in just 20 minutes, and it’s packed with good stuff (chickpea pasta, chopped kale, Parmesan, and pistachios) all tossed in a simple lemon-garlic dressing.

It’s healthy (hello fiber and heart-healthy fats), totally customizable, and works great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Want more protein? Add grilled chicken or salmon. Going dairy-free? Skip the cheese. It’s flexible, filling, and just plain delicious.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it: 

Chickpea pasta, kale, pistachios, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes.

20. Holy Guacamole Pasta Salad

If guac and pasta had a baby, this would be it. And yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

This refreshing pasta salad brings together juicy grape tomatoes, creamy chunks of avocado, lime juice, and cilantro for that classic guacamole vibe, but with fusilli tossed in to make it extra satisfying.

It’s super simple, takes just over 30 minutes, and feels like summer in a bowl.

Perfect for potlucks, light dinners, or when you’re craving something fresh and different.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it: 

Fusilli pasta (whole wheat), grape tomatoes, avocado, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, cilantro.

21. Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese lovers unite! This Caprese pasta salad is one of those recipes I keep coming back to.

It’s fresh, simple, and seriously delicious.

I toss pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, then drizzle it all with this balsamic glaze that brings everything together in the best way.

The whole thing takes about 20 minutes to make, and it’s perfect for picnics, lunches, or those easy dinners when you don’t feel like cooking anything complicated.

I usually make a little extra because the leftovers are just as good the next day.

Just hold off on adding the glaze until you’re ready to eat, so it doesn’t get soggy.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it:

Pasta (whole wheat), cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or brown sugar, salt, and pepper.

22. Spinach and Orzo Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

I made this salad because I had a huge tub of spinach I needed to use up, plus some sun-dried tomatoes and frozen feta hanging around.

Honestly, it turned out so good. It’s super simple, just orzo, spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes tossed in a quick homemade balsamic vinaigrette. That’s it.

This makes such a nice light lunch, or you can serve it as a side with whatever’s coming off the grill.

And if you want to level it up, go ahead and throw in some red onion, olives, grilled chicken, or artichokes.

It’s one of those flexible, no-stress meals you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.

Ingredients you’ll need to make it: 

Whole wheat orzo, fresh baby spinach, sundried tomatoes, feta, garlic, Dijon mustard, dried basil, balsamic vinegar, and pepper to taste. 

That’s A Wrap On Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes!

I have tried to list the best healthy pasta salad recipes in this blog post. 

All the above-mentioned cold healthy salad pasta recipes are perfect for family get-togethers, house parties, and even a solo weekend picnic. 

I recommend you try them once. So your eating routine doesn’t get dull. 

If you have already tried some of them, then let me know in the comments how they tasted.

You May Also Like:

• 23 Best Easy & Healthy BBQ Side Dishes: Perfect for a Crowd or Summer Parties
• 27 Easy & Healthy High-Protein Snack Ideas That Are Perfect For a Low-Calorie Diet

References

1. 7 Easy-To-Make Pasta Cold Salad Recipes For A Healthy Guilt-Free Meal! https://toneopeats.com/blogs/pasta-cold-salad-recipes
2. The Best Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes The Best Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes (no mayo!) | Ambitious Kitchen
3. Avocado & Tomato Chickpea Pasta Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Avocado Tomato Chickpea Pasta Salad | Ambitious Kitchen
4. This 5-Ingredient Pasta Salad Is Always in My Fridge This 5-Ingredient Pasta Salad Is Always in My Fridge
5. Shrimp Avocado Pasta Salad Shrimp Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe | The Seasoned Mom
6. Black Bean, Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/7973988/black-bean-corn-avocado-pasta-salad/
7. Best Pasta Salad Recipes https://www.budgetbytes.com/best-pasta-salad-recipes/
8. Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe (Easy & Fresh) – Basics With Bails https://basicswithbails.com/course/dinner/caprese-pasta-salad/