Potluck Pasta Salad – Barefeet in the Kitchen

A colorful medley of garden-fresh vegetables is tossed in a light oil and vinegar dressing to make this tangy pasta salad a surefire hit at your next gathering.

Potluck Pasta Salad

We love pasta salads as the weather warms up. There aren’t many things that beat having a meal ready-to-go in the fridge on a hot summer night.

Part of that is the fact that we lived in Phoenix for so many years. When it’s 108 degrees outside and muggy from a thunderstorm, you learn to eat as light as possible. And, you keep the oven off as much as possible.

No Mayo Pasta Salad

This recipe is great for a summertime gathering because it is simple to make, loaded with flavor, and you don’t have to worry about it sitting in the sun. No mayo is perfect for a potluck pasta salad.

If you’ve been here for very long, then you’ll know that I’m an equal opportunity employer of mayonnaise. I like a mayo free pasta salad with a bright vinaigrette just as much as I enjoy a creamy pasta salad with mayo.

You’ll love that this Italian Penne Pasta Salad can be set out and then forgotten about. There are no worries about a no mayo pasta salad spoiling in the sun.

This Garlicky Spinach Pasta Salad and this Summer Israeli Couscous Salad are excellent salads that are perfect for summer.

This California Spaghetti Salad is loaded with many of our favorite flavors too. And this Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad is a must any time you have fresh strawberries around!

Pasta Salad with Olives

This tangy pasta salad turned out light and flavorful with a great balance of tanginess from the vinegar and the bright flavors of the fresh vegetables. And, I love the slight bite from the onion and olives in pasta salad.

If you’re a fan of pasta salad with olives, then you’re in the right place. I adore the depth and distinctive flavor that they add to a dish. This Creamy Pasta Salad is one of my newest favorites.

My brother might pick around the olives in this California Spaghetti Salad, but that’s his problem–not mine. That just leaves more for the rest of us!

Tangy Pasta Salad

• small pasta: ditalini, elbow, fusilli, penne, etc
• red onion
• red wine vinegar
• olive oil
• grape tomatoes
• black olives
• bell pepper
• Monterey jack cheese
• salt and pepper

Set a medium sized pot of water over high heat and cook the pasta according to directions. Then, remove from the heat and rinse immediately with cold water until cool. Set the pasta aside in the colander to drain.

While the pasta boils, chop the onions. Then, place in a large mixing bowl with the olive and vinegar. Allow this to rest while preparing the rest of the vegetables and the cheese.

Add the tomatoes, olives, peppers, pasta, and cheese to the bowl with the onions. Toss well to coat thoroughly. Then, season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

I often make a double or triple batch of pasta salads like this one. Leftovers keep well in the fridge, and are fabulous for a quick lunch or snack.

When preparing the salad a day or more in advance, you might want to add a splash more vinegar and oil if needed. Be sure to toss again before serving.

Pasta Salad with Bell Peppers

For those of you who are here for the pasta salad with bell peppers, then you have got to try this Garlicky Pepper Pasta Salad next. It is loaded with crisp peppers and other fresh veggies. And, the garlic is divine.

This Cowboy Pasta Salad is like a deconstructed spicy cheeseburger with pasta instead of bread. And, if that doesn’t appeal to the meat-lovers at your table, nothing will. It’s a hearty meal all by itself.

Pasta Salad with Tomatoes

Probably more than any other vegetable (or fruit, if you’re into technicalities), the humble tomato gets put into pasta salads at my house. I adore pasta salad with tomatoes.

If you haven’t tried it yet, then this Marinated Tomato Pasta Salad should be high on your list. These tomatoes hit way above their weight in the flavor department.

This classic Italian Pasta Salad always gets rave reviews when I take it to a potluck. One of my favorite things about it is that you can adjust the recipe to include whatever vegetables you have on hand.

There’s not much that will be simpler than this Tomato Pasta. It’s great warm or cold, and it is positively bursting with flavor. Your taste buds will thank you!

{originally published 7/13/12 – recipe notes and photos updated 6/19/23}