Best Pasta Salads for Easter Brunch

Unique Easter Pasta Salads That Stand Out

Corn Succotash Pasta Salad

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This one is packed with veggies and makes the bowl look extra cheerful on the table. It’s creamy without being heavy and has that sweet corn pop that just works with everything from ham to grilled chicken. I like to make this one the day before so the flavors really settle in.

Ingredients include: pasta, corn, zucchini, bell peppers, feta, and cherry tomatoes.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

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This is a fun one if you’re not afraid to shake up tradition. Think roasted corn, creamy lime dressing, and a little kick of chili powder. It’s bold, but still works great next to more classic Easter dishes. I always make a double batch because it disappears fast.

Ingredients include: pasta, charred corn, cotija cheese, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder.

Fiesta Corn Pasta Salad

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This is the one I bring when I want something creamy, colorful, and just a little bit different. It’s kind of like a mix between a traditional pasta salad and taco dip—and yes, people always ask for the recipe.

Ingredients include: pasta, corn, bell peppers, green onions, mayonnaise, rotel, and shredded cheese.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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This salad can hold its own as a main dish, especially if you’re hosting a brunch or early lunch. I like to use rotisserie chicken to make it even easier. It’s creamy, crunchy, and honestly tastes like a full meal in a bowl.

Ingredients include: pasta, cooked chicken, Caesar dressing, romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese.

Chimichurri Pasta Salad

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Fresh herbs, a punchy chimichurri sauce, and crunchy veggies make this one of my favorite lighter options. If you’re serving anything grilled, especially lamb or steak, this pairs beautifully.

Ingredients include: pasta, homemade chimichurri,corn, queso fresco, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers.

Chopped Italian Pasta Salad

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This one’s loaded with salami, mozzarella, and tangy dressing. It’s like the deli section met a pasta bowl. I usually toss in extra banana peppers because my family loves a little zip.

Ingredients include: pasta, salami, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, pepperoni, ham, banana peppers and homemade Italian dressing.

BLT Pasta Salad

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This is just fun. All the flavors of a BLT but in a creamy, chilled pasta salad. I like to crisp the bacon extra well so it stays crunchy, even if you make it a few hours ahead.

Ingredients include: pasta, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing.

Seafood Pasta Salad

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This one feels a little more fancy but is surprisingly simple. It’s loaded with shrimp and crab and has that cool, creamy vibe perfect for a spring day. Just don’t forget to keep it chilled—seafood salads need a cold serving dish.

Ingredients include: pasta, shrimp, celery, peas, and creamy dressing.

Classic Pasta Salad Options for Easter

Ham Pasta Salad

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This is the easiest way to use up that leftover Easter ham. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has little pops of crunch from celery and onion. Total throwback—and I mean that in a good way.

Ingredients include: pasta, corn, ham, and mayo-based dressing.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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Ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and some shredded cheese—it’s basically what everyone wants to see on the table. I usually stir this one up a few hours before guests arrive and give it a quick toss before serving.

Ingredients include: pasta, ranch dressing, bacon, shredded cheese, black olives.

Tuna Pasta Salad

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This one’s been around forever and still holds up. If you’re going super traditional this Easter, this is a solid pick. I always add extra pickle juice for tang.

Ingredients include: rotini pasta, canned tuna, celery, mayo, and tomatoes

Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

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The pesto gives this one a super fresh, springy flavor. I like to use smaller shrimp so they mix easily into every bite. It looks beautiful on the table and tastes even better cold.

Ingredients include: pasta, cooked shrimp, pesto, tortellini, mozzarella peas, and red pepper.

Pea Pasta Salad

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There’s something about peas, cheese cubes, and bacon bits in creamy dressing that just screams Easter. It’s simple, sweet, and I’ve been making it since my kids were little.

Ingredients include: pasta, green peas, cheddar cheese cubes, green onions, bacon, and mayo-based dressing.

Old-Fashioned Macaroni Salad

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This is the one people expect to see—and they always scoop a big spoonful. I love how the dressing gets a little tangy from the mustard and vinegar.

Ingredients include: elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, celery, and hard-boiled eggs.

Pesto Bowtie Salad

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Bright basil pesto and chewy bowtie pasta are always a hit. It’s quick to make and tastes great cold or room temp. Plus, those little pasta bows look cute on a holiday table.

Ingredients include: bowtie pasta, pesto, grape tomatoes, shredded parmesan, and olive oil.

Vegetable Macaroni Salad

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This one’s perfect if you’re trying to keep things light or need a vegetarian option. It’s colorful, crunchy, and super easy to make ahead.

Ingredients include: macaroni, cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, red onion, bell peppers, and creamy mayo dressing.

Amish Macaroni Salad

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This one has that sweet, tangy dressing that’s a little different from classic mayo-based salads. I always get compliments on it because it feels familiar but tastes just a little bit different.

Ingredients include: elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, sugar, mustard, celery, and hard-boiled eggs.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pasta Salad for Easter

Pasta salad is one of the easiest dishes to prep ahead, but a few tricks can help take your side dish from good to great:

• Choose the right pasta: Short cuts like rotini, bowtie (farfalle), penne, or elbow macaroni hold onto dressing and mix-ins better than long noodles.
• Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better in dressing and won’t turn mushy.
• Cool pasta before mixing: Tossing hot pasta with creamy dressings can cause separation. Rinse with cold water and drain well.
• Chill before serving: Give your salad at least an hour in the fridge so the flavors can meld.
• Keep it cold: If serving outside or buffet-style, nestle your serving bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice to keep things food-safe and fresh.