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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 creamy pasta salad recipes that have perfected the ratio of pasta, add-ins, and just the right dressing to pull all the ingredients together.
Italian Confetti Pasta Salad
“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
Shrimp Pasta Salad with a Creamy Lemon Dressing
“It was the best Allrecipes meal that I made all week! We loved it and will definitely make it again.” —kfolberg
Amelia’s Tuna Macaroni Salad
“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
Chicken Club Pasta Salad
“Excellent dressing for the pasta & flexible for any leftover proteins. The family demolished this!” —Kopita11
Macaroni Salad with Pickles
“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
Springtime Pasta Salad
“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.
Creamy Vegan Pasta Salad
“I bring this macaroni salad to barbecues and potlucks and everyone loves it — people never even realize it’s vegan!” —btnymeg
Mexican Fiesta Pasta Salad
“Your family and friends will love this zesty pasta salad. A surprising change from traditional pasta salads.” —JOSLYN H.
American Italian Pasta Salad
“Honestly, the best creamy pasta salad. Fresh parsley and the dry Italian dressing mix are definitely the key ingredients.” —CMIKUS
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
“Hands down the best pasta salad in the galaxy! My husband had it for BREAKFAST the next day!” —Elizabeth
Creamy Macaroni Salad
The Spruce
“This creamy pasta salad recipe is easy and a huge hit at every function I take it to. I’ve looked all over for a great macaroni salad, and this is it!” —Mandy Franke
Pesto Tortellini Salad
“A wonderful pesto tortellini salad with crunchy veggies and basil pesto sauce. This recipe is so different from the classic Italian pasta salads. Works as a main dish or a very hearty side dish for lunch.” —Jenny Saunders