3 Summer Pasta Recipes

When the temperatures rise, heavy meals can weigh you down. That’s where summer pasta recipes come in! Light, refreshing, and packed with seasonal ingredients, these easy dishes are perfect for cookouts, picnics, and quick weeknight dinners.

Today, we’re diving into three delicious pasta recipes that scream summer — whether you’re a fan of zesty lemon, garden-fresh veggies, or vibrant herbs, there’s something here for every palate.

Essential Cooking Tools:

Before you get cooking, here are the tools you’ll need:

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Strainer or colander

• Sharp chef’s knife

• Cutting board

• Mixing bowls

• Zester or microplane (for citrus)

• Tongs or large serving spoon

• Salad spinner (optional but helpful for greens)

3 Summer Pasta Recipes:

Craving something light, fresh, and totally satisfying? Read below to discover 3 summer pasta recipes that are perfect for warm-weather gatherings, quick dinners, or meal prepping your way through sunny days!

1: Lemon Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Preparation:

1. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

2. Wash and halve cherry tomatoes. Zest and juice the lemon.

3. Chop basil finely.

Instructions:

1. In a large pan over medium heat, warm olive oil and add cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly blistered.

2. Add lemon zest, juice, and red pepper flakes.

3. Toss in drained pasta and reserved pasta water to loosen.

4. Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve warm or cold, topped with Parmesan if desired.

Full Recipes: Lemon Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

2: Grilled Corn and Zucchini Orzo Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced

• 2 ears corn (or 1 1/2 cups kernels)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Boil orzo until al dente. Rinse with cool water and drain.

2. Grill or pan-fry zucchini and corn until slightly charred.

3. Slice red onion and chop parsley.

Instructions:

1. Cut kernels off the cob and dice grilled zucchini.

2. In a bowl, mix orzo, veggies, red onion, and parsley.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Toss to combine.

4. Add feta and gently stir.

5. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

Full Recipes; Grilled Corn and Zucchini Orzo Salad

3: Cucumber and Herb Rotini with Yogurt Dressing

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini pasta

• 1 large cucumber, diced

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Boil rotini, rinse under cool water, and drain.

2. Dice cucumber and mince herbs and garlic.

3. Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix pasta with cucumber and fresh herbs.

2. Pour over the yogurt dressing and stir to combine.

3. Chill for 20–30 minutes for best flavor.

4. Garnish with extra herbs before serving.

Full Recipes: Cucumber and Herb Rotini with Yogurt Dressing

Bonus Tips:

• Always salt your pasta water generously – it enhances flavor!

• Make pasta salads a few hours in advance for deeper flavor.

• To keep herbs vibrant, add them just before serving.

Customization Ideas:

• Swap orzo for couscous, quinoa, or farro in the second recipe.

• Add grilled shrimp or chicken to make any recipe more filling.

• Replace feta with goat cheese or mozzarella pearls.

• For dairy-free, use olive oil–based dressings or vegan cheese.

Storage Tips:

• Store each pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge.

• Best enjoyed within 2–3 days for freshness.

• Stir before serving in case dressing has settled.

Nutritional Stats (Per Serving – Approx.):

Takeaway:

Summer pasta doesn’t have to be boring or heavy. With fresh vegetables, zesty dressings, and bright herbs, you can whip up refreshing meals that impress guests or nourish your family. These 3 summer pasta recipes offer simplicity, flavor, and flexibility — exactly what a warm-weather meal should be.

Save On Pinterest:

Loved these summer pasta recipes? Save this post to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it whenever you’re planning your next picnic, BBQ, or light weeknight dinner!

We’d love to hear from you! Tried any of these pasta recipes? Got a twist of your own? Drop a comment below or tag us on Instagram with your creations. You can also sign up for our newsletter for more quick, seasonal meal ideas.

Read Next: 3 Cucumber Salads Recipes

FAQs:.

Q: Can I make these pasta salads the night before?
A: Absolutely! In fact, they often taste better the next day as flavors develop.

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta in these recipes?
A: Yes, just follow the package instructions carefully to avoid mushy texture.

Q: Can these pasta salads be served warm?
A: Definitely! While they’re great chilled, you can serve them warm right after cooking if preferred.

Q: How can I make these vegan?
A: Swap out cheese and yogurt with plant-based alternatives, and check your pasta for egg-free ingredients.