• Jul 18, 2025
• by Agnes Durgan
• Comments

5 Flavorful Pasta & Couscous Salads Perfect for Summer

Escape the summer heat with these 5 refreshing and flavorful pasta and couscous salads! From Mediterranean delights to customizable chicken and cashew creations, find your perfect make-ahead meal for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch. Quick, easy recipes included!

1. Lemony Israeli Couscous with Asparagus

Description: Bright, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Lemony Israeli Couscous with Asparagus is a delightful dish perfect as a vibrant salad or a sophisticated side. The toasted couscous and tender asparagus, infused with lemon, create a symphony of textures and tastes.

Why You Should Try This: This salad is popular for its simplicity, vibrant colors, and the delightful combination of nutty couscous and fresh asparagus. It's also a great way to showcase seasonal produce.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a handful of crumbled feta cheese before serving.
• 2. The couscous can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just toss with the asparagus mixture and lemon juice before serving.
• 3. Feel free to substitute other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, depending on what's in season.

2. Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Hummus

Description: Transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant pasta salad! Creamy hummus replaces heavy dressings, lending a unique and irresistible flavor to every bite. Packed with fresh vegetables and a sprinkle of salty feta, it's a delightful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal.

Why You Should Try This: This salad is a crowd-pleaser due to its unique hummus-based dressing, fresh ingredients, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. It's also highly adaptable to dietary needs.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
• 2. If you're making this salad ahead of time, toss the pasta and vegetables with a little olive oil before adding the hummus to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much moisture and becoming dry.
• 3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The amount of hummus may vary depending on its consistency and your personal preference.
• 4. For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based feta alternative.

3. Pasta Salad in a Jar

Description: Elevate your packed lunches and picnics with this vibrant and portable Mason jar salad. Featuring delicate spinach and cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and fragrant pesto, this layered masterpiece is as delicious as it is visually stunning. A perfect make-ahead meal for a busy week!

Why You Should Try This: Its portability and visually appealing layered presentation makes this salad a popular choice for lunchboxes and gatherings. The make-ahead aspect is a significant advantage for busy individuals.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding marinated artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes.
• 2. Feel free to substitute the mache with other leafy greens such as baby spinach or arugula.
• 3. To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, ensure the tortellini and vegetables are completely dry before layering.
• 4. This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before serving to distribute the pesto and dressing.

4. Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad

Description: A delightful pasta salad where the creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy cashews perfectly complement tender chicken and al dente pasta. Ideal for potlucks or make-ahead meals, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and textures.

Why You Should Try This: The combination of creamy dressing, crunchy cashews, and tender chicken makes this salad a satisfying and flavorful option, perfect for larger gatherings.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For best results, use high-quality mayonnaise to enhance the creaminess of the dressing.
• 2. To prevent the cashews from becoming soggy, add them no more than 2 hours before serving.
• 3. Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preference; red bell peppers or celery would also work well.
• 4. If you want a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

5. Cold Chicken Pasta Salad

Description: A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad, featuring tender chicken, bright vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette. This dish is perfect for a light lunch, a summer picnic, or a potluck gathering. Feel free to customize it with your favorite seasonal veggies for a personal touch.

Why You Should Try This: This classic salad is a perennial favorite because of its simplicity, refreshing taste, and versatility. The ability to customize it with seasonal vegetables keeps it interesting and adaptable.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For an extra layer of flavor, consider grilling the chicken breasts before chopping and adding them to the salad.
• 2. Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or black olives to customize the salad to your liking.
• 3. If you don't have vermicelli pasta, you can substitute it with rotini, farfalle, or any other small pasta shape.
• 4. Make sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy when mixed with the dressing. Cook it al dente for the best texture.
• 5. The salad can be made a day ahead of time. Add the tomatoes just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.