These easy pasta salad recipes can be made in larger batches to portion up and store in the fridge for lunches or lighter dinners. They also make a great addition to your next family BBQ or picnic, using fresh, seasonal ingredients and taking minimal time and effort to make.
We’ve rounded up our favourite pasta salad recipes that make the most of storecupboard staples, fresh produce and leftover ingredients to cater to every budget and help minimise food waste.
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Discover more of our budget-friendly pasta recipes and find new ideas to make the most of seasonal ingredients with our summer storecupboard recipes.
1. Quick & easy pasta salad
Try this simple storecupboard pasta salad inspired by the Mediterranean, made with sundried tomato and basil. You can easily make this vegan by leaving out the prosciutto or using your favourite plant-based alternative.
2. BLT pasta salad
Switch up your kids’ lunchbox with this cold pasta salad, inspired by the much-loved sandwich. It also packs in two of their 5-a-day. For more kids’ lunchbox ideas, check out these quick lunchbox recipes.
3. Salmon pasta salad with lemon & capers
For a budget-friendly and nutritious lunch, this filling meal is perfect if you’re on the go. The wholemeal pasta adds some extra fibre as well, which will keep you feeling fuller for longer.
4. Bacon & avocado warm pasta salad
Made in just 20 minutes and using only one pan, it doesn’t get much simpler than this bacon and avocado pasta. It’s easily doubled if you’re serving a crowd, or can be scaled down if just feeding one or two. Serve warm for a hot lunch or lighter dinner.
5. Chicken pasta salad
Perfect for the warmer evenings or an al fresco lunch, this pasta salad recipe can also be made with leftover roast chicken, if you have it. Box up the leftovers and have as a lunch the next day.
6. Veggie hummus pasta salad
It’s surprisingly easy to make your own hummus, as this veggie pasta salad recipe proves. Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is bursting with colour and flavour. For a homemade creamy hummus, take a look at our recipe here.
7. Ratatouille pasta salad with rocket
A great way to use up leftover ratatouille, this makes a filling vegetarian lunch that’s quick to prepare and provides all your five-a-day. Have a look at our top ways to use up your leftovers for more inspiration.
8. Greek pasta salad
Get that summer holiday feeling with this Greek-inspired pasta salad. It’s full of feta, olives and tomatoes, and makes for a perfect picnic dish or a filling lunch if you’re on-the-go.
9. Favourite pasta salad
With just five ingredients, lunch doesn’t get much simpler than this. This is a great recipe that you can make your own – why not add some chicken, salmon, or feta?
10. Pasta salad with pesto & prawns
Have a go at our classic pesto recipe, then use it to make this pesto pasta salad recipe. Or, simply use up the open jar in your fridge. Frozen prawns instead of fresh could also be a way of cutting costs.
