16 Spring Pasta Salad Recipes To Try This Season

Different seasons mean different foods on the menu. Once warm weather rears its head, there’s nothing better than diving into some fresh, vegetable-centric meals. But higher temperatures don’t necessarily mean that you’re going to want to subsist entirely on kale salads and acai bowls — so look to spring pasta salads when you need a bit of a carb fix in the most refreshing way. After all, with so many delicious spring vegetables in season, there’s no better way to dress up a bowl of noodles.

While you might have your own go-to pasta salad combination, there really is no limit to the number of ways you can prep this dish and the number and variety of ingredients you can include. For a more traditional take, look to pesto as a fail-proof pasta topping. If you want to get a little bit more experimental, try out some taco seasoning or even some miso. No matter what you decide, you’ll be left with a hearty yet refreshing meal that’s easy to pack up for picnics or to bring along for work.

These 16 recipes show that you should really start eating more pasta salad. With so many ways to enjoy it, what’s not to love?

1. Raw Pasta Salad With Herb And Lemon Dressing

You don't necessarily need pasta to make pasta salad. A creamy mayonnaise-based dressing makes A Cozy Kitchen's mix of spiralized vegetables taste perfectly comforting.

2. Pesto Pasta Salad

Artichokes give Savory Sweet Life's pasta salad a Mediterranean vibe. Use store-bought pesto to make it in a cinch.

3. Grilled Asparagus And Zucchini Pasta Salad

Zucchini, asparagus, and a little bit of lemon — Table for Two's pasta salad is simple, but it's anything but boring.

4. Peas And Chickpea Pasta Salad

This meal by Love and Lemons makes a basic but satisfying work lunch. Toss on plenty of feta for a cheesy accent.

5. Arugula And Goat Cheese Pasta Salad

You just need a handful of ingredients to make this pasta salad by Cookie and Kate. You're going to want to make a big batch of this.

6. Teriyaki Pasta Salad

Mel's Kitchen Cafe's secret to the most flavorful pasta salad ever? Let it marinate for at least an hour before serving!

7. Edamame And Cauliflower Pasta Salad

Soy sauce and maple syrup come together to make the perfect umami dressing for The Kitchn's pasta salad.

8. Taco Pasta Salad

Swap out taco night for something a bit more experimental — and totally delicious. Cara's Cravings makes a Mexican-inspired pasta salad you'll eat all the time.

9. Chicken Orzo Salad

Take a break from your usual spaghetti night, and try something a bit fresher with Averie Cooks' Italian-inspired pasta salad.

10. Smoky Ham Tomato Pasta

The unexpected star of Savory Sweet Life's bow-tie pasta salad? Plenty of edamame!

11. Arugula Spinach Pesto Orzo

Table For Two's pasta salad may give you your carb fix, but it's also packed with veggies like peppers and beets.

12. Mango Red Pepper Orzo Salad

Cilantro and mint emphasize the sweetness of mango in Love and Lemons' recipe, while a tahini-based dressing adds some nuttiness.

13. Sesame Ginger And Cucumber Soba Noodles

Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Soba noodles make a delicious alternative to more basic pasta salad recipes, as Cookie and Kate shows.

14. Miso Pasta Salad

I Am A Food Blog uses plenty of fresh, crisp vegetables in this pasta salad, but it's the miso-based dressing that really makes it a winning dish.

15. Thai Chicken Pasta Salad

Like your pasta salad with some extra crunch? The Kitchn tops off this dish with some crispy ramen noodles.

16. Pasta With Peas, Smoked Almonds, And Dill

Almonds in pasta salad? Definitely a good combination. A Spicy Perspective shows how to make contrasting textures work.

Images: I Am A Food Blog (2); A Cozy Kitchen (2); Savory Sweet Life (2); Table for Two (2); Love and Lemons (2); Cookie and Kate (2); Mel’s Kitchen Cafe; The Kitchn (2); Cara’s Cravings; A Spicy Perspective