Hey Lykkers! Too hot to cook? These pasta salads are the coolest solution. Have you ever walked into your kitchen on a scorching day and immediately regretted it? Same.
When summer heat hits hard, turning on the stove just feels wrong. But we've still gotta eat, right?
Today, I've got two super simple, no-fuss pasta salads that are packed with flavor, come together quickly, and taste even better chilled. Whether you're whipping up a lunch for yourself, prepping for a BBQ, or just craving something cool and satisfying, these recipes have your back.
1. Mediterranean Pasta Salad:
This one's a personal favorite. It's fresh, colorful, and tastes like something you'd order on a sunny café patio—but way easier to make at home. The combo of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers and briny olives? Chef's kiss.
What you'll need:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne are ideal)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ½ cup sliced olives
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- Fresh parsley for a pop of green
Simple lemon-garlic dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to make it:
1. Add all the salad ingredients to a big bowl and give them a gentle mix.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the ranch and yogurt until it's nice and creamy.
3. Pour the dressing over your salad and mix it all up.
4. Stick it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let those flavors really come together. Total game changer.
2. Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad: Comfort Food, But Make It Cold
Need something a bit heartier? This one's for you. Loaded with juicy chicken, sweet bursts of corn, and a rich, creamy ranch dressing, this dish is pure comfort—no oven required.
What you'll need:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (shells or bowties work well)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- ½ cup corn (canned, fresh, or thawed frozen)
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
Creamy dressing:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons strained yogurt or sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to make it:
1. Pop all your salad goodies into a large bowl and mix them up well.
2. In a small bowl, stir the ranch and yogurt together until it's silky smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over your salad and toss it all together until everything's nicely coated. Dig in and enjoy!
4. Chill if you want, or dig in right away—it's delicious either way.
Stay Cool, Stay Full
These pasta salads are quick to whip up, perfect for meal prepping, and super versatile. Feel free to swap in whatever you've got on hand—extra veggies, different cheese, or go meat-free.
No stove. No sweat. Just tasty, chill meals to get you through those hot days. Let me know if you want more no-cook ideas, Lykkers. I've got loads of them!
