Pasta salad doesn’t need to be overly complicated to hit all the marks: The key, sometimes, is keeping it simple with the right ingredients—and the right ratios—to make every bite taste sensational. These recipes strike the perfect balance without a lot of ingredients. Inspired by popular sandwiches like the BLT, each recipe on this list has a smart, simple combination of veggies, proteins, condiments, and spices that sets it apart. Look no further to find your next favorite five-ingredient (or fewer!) pasta salad.
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mhassler
“A delicious pasta salad without mayonnaise,” says recipe creator mhassler. ”A friend of mine showed me how to make this and it’s incredibly easy — you’ll have so many people asking for the recipe! Add or delete vegetables as you desire.”
Soup Loving Nicole
“So simple, yet so delicious,” says recipe creator karabear8317. Made with Cavatappi pasta, this simple pasta salad includes tuna and olives for some protein and flavorful, briny notes.
Allrecipes
“I could not believe how much it tasted like a BLT without the bread. Will make it often!” —GrittyTaro7189
Chef Mo
“My family loves this recipe. I use the Tyson pre-packaged chicken chunks (near the Tuna at the grocery store) and I used Miracle Whip instead of mayo. This is quick and easy and perfect for a hot day.” —Smithmom
Chef Grace
“I used grape tomatoes, wheat rotini pasta, a little more lemon juice, garbanzo beans and grated Parmesan cheese on top, and followed the rest of the recipe ingredients, it was delicious, a meal in itself and very refreshing. Will definitely make it again.” —egerra
Barilla Canada
Penne pasta is the star of this recipe that incudes a simple medley of cherry tomatoes, basil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Erecka
“I had banana peppers, bell peppers and cucumbers in my garden this year so I used them in this pasta salad. It came out great.” —Dan Pyrik
Sarah Ripley
“My boyfriend and I love this recipe. We added black olives and left out the avocado, only because we did not have one. We used turkey bacon too and it was fabulous. My 5 year old loves is also a fan!!! Great recipe Sarah.” —LindseyLou
Dianne VanHuss
“This is the best tuna pasta salad I’ve ever had. I made it for my family and they absolutely love it! It’s a perfect salad for a hot day!” —pro_chef
“I made this recipe and it was fantastic. The cheese and pepperoni did not get soggy. It was as good the next day,or maybe, better.” —Norma Perkins
Mishelle Karpf
“This is so kitchen friendly, you can add anything and everything to this. I have added chunks of salami, cheeses of all kinds including chunks of bleu cheese, feta, provolone… This is the most versatile and easy recipe!” —Nena902
Allrecipes member
“This to almost too easy to make and so easy to dress up if you want to. The original recipe is a hit at my house and I just love it. It’s definitely a keeper.” —Candy
Minnie K
“‘Easy’ and delicious! This is a very simple salad that comes together quickly but tastes wonderful. It’s a great base to throw in whatever you want to make it you own.” —Jillian
