Pasta salads are a cinch to make and a great choice for big-batch, make-ahead meals. Add your choice of proteins and other add-ins, and you've got a satisfying main dish. What really sets a good pasta salad apart is a great-tasting creamy dressing. Here are some of our most popular pasta salad recipes that have perfected the ratio of pasta, add-ins, and just the right creamy dressing to pull all the ingredients together.
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Italian Confetti Pasta Salad
Rave Review: "This recipe is fantastic and so easy to make. The fresh basil is a MUST and I don't change a thing. This has turned into a family favorite — and I love it even more the next day with a little tuna mixed in for lunch." —Boomernkate
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Shrimp Pasta Salad with a Creamy Lemon Dressing
Rave Review: "It was the best Allrecipes meal that I made all week! We loved it and will definitely make it again." —kfolberg
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Amelia's Tuna Macaroni Salad
Rave Review: "This is a wonderful, delicious, and easy recipe. I love making it because it's a great side dish, or just to eat it by itself for lunch." —nancylo81
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Chicken Club Pasta Salad
Rave Review: "Excellent dressing for the pasta & flexible for any leftover proteins. The family demolished this!" —Kopita11
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Macaroni Salad with Pickles
Rave Review: "I love this macaroni salad and have made it several times. All of the extras — pickles, olives, green pepper, etc. — give this macaroni salad great flavor. And best of all, it's really easy to make." —anitahfl
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Springtime Pasta Salad
Rave Review: "Very tasty, creamy, and a keeper. The olives did the trick for me. I wouldn't change a thing. I would double for a picnic." —AuntE.
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Creamy Vegan Pasta Salad
"I bring this macaroni salad to BBQs and potlucks and everyone loves it — people never even realize it's vegan!" —btnymeg
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Mexican Fiesta Pasta Salad
"Your family and friends will love this zesty pasta salad. A surprising change from traditional pasta salads." —JOSLYN H.
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American Italian Pasta Salad
Rave Review: "Honestly, the best creamy pasta salad. Fresh parsley and the dry Italian dressing mix are definitely the key ingredients." —CMIKUS
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Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Rave Review: "Hands down the best pasta salad in the galaxy! My husband had it for BREAKFAST the next day!" —Elizabeth