17 Creamy Pasta Salad Recipes with Mayo

You know those summer barbecues where everyone brings a dish, and the pasta salads disappear first? Or maybe you’re just tired of dry, boring pasta salads that don’t quite hit the spot.

I’ve made my share of lackluster pasta salads—the ones that taste like plain noodles with a sad drizzle of dressing. But here’s the thing: a good creamy pasta salad, the kind with just enough mayo to coat every bite without being gloppy, is pure comfort food. It’s the dish people go back for seconds (and thirds) of.

The beauty of mayo-based pasta salads is how well they hold up. Make them a day ahead, and the flavors only get better. They’re perfect for potlucks, meal prep, and feeding a crowd. Here are 17 creamy pasta salad recipes that start with mayo and deliver every time.

1. Classic Macaroni Salad

The one that started it all. Simple, creamy, and exactly what you think of when someone says “pasta salad.” This version gets it right every time .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 35 minutes (plus chilling time)

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound elbow macaroni
2. 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
3. 1 cup celery, finely diced
4. ½ cup red onion, finely diced
5. ½ cup sweet pickle relish
6. ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the creamy dressing:

1. 1 cup mayonnaise
2. 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
3. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
4. 1 tablespoon sugar
5. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
6. 1 teaspoon onion powder
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
2. While pasta cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, celery, red onion, pickle relish, and hard-boiled eggs.
4. Pour dressing over and toss until everything is well coated.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
6. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.

2. Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

A classic for good reason. Protein-packed and satisfying, this salad is perfect for lunches or light dinners .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 25 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 12 oz rotini or shell pasta
2. 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
3. 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
4. ½ cup celery, diced
5. ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
6. ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped

For the creamy dressing:

1. ¾ cup mayonnaise
2. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
3. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
4. 1 clove garlic, minced
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, flaked tuna, peas, celery, red onion, and dill.
4. Pour dressing over and toss gently to combine.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

3. Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken makes this salad a breeze to throw together. It’s hearty enough for a main dish .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 25 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 12 oz bowtie or rotini pasta
2. 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
3. 1 cup red grapes, halved
4. ½ cup celery, diced
5. ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
6. ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the creamy dressing:

1. 1 cup mayonnaise
2. 2 tablespoons honey
3. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
4. 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chicken, grapes, celery, and almonds.
5. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Garnish with parsley before serving.

4. Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad

Fresh broccoli stays wonderfully crunchy in this creamy, bacon-studded salad. It’s always a hit .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 12 oz rotini or cavatappi pasta
2. 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
3. 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
4. ½ cup red onion, finely diced
5. ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
6. ¼ cup sunflower seeds

For the creamy dressing:

1. 1 cup mayonnaise
2. ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
3. 2 tablespoons sugar
4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Blanch broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes. Drain and plunge into ice water.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, broccoli, bacon, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
5. Pour dressing over and toss until well coated.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Top with sunflower seeds before serving.

5. Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad

Ranch dressing makes everything better, and this pasta salad is no exception. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and comes together in minutes .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 25 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound rotini or fusilli pasta
2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3. 1 cup cucumber, diced
4. ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
5. ½ cup red onion, finely diced
6. ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the creamy ranch dressing:

1. 1 cup mayonnaise
2. ½ cup sour cream
3. 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
4. ¼ cup milk (to thin, as needed)

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
4. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

6. Creamy Bacon Pea Pasta Salad

Bacon and peas are a classic combination, and they shine in this creamy pasta salad. Simple ingredients, big flavor .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 12 oz shell or rotini pasta
2. 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
3. 1½ cups frozen peas, thawed
4. ½ cup red onion, finely diced
5. ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

For the creamy dressing:

1. ¾ cup mayonnaise
2. ¼ cup sour cream
3. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
4. 1 clove garlic, minced
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, bacon, peas, red onion, and half the Parmesan.
4. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
5. Top with remaining Parmesan before serving. Chill for 1 hour if time allows.

7. Creamy Macaroni Salad with Cheese

All the comfort of mac and cheese, but served cold as a pasta salad. It’s exactly as good as it sounds .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound elbow macaroni
2. 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, cubed small
3. ½ cup celery, finely diced
4. ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
5. ¼ cup dill pickles, finely chopped

For the creamy dressing:

1. 1 cup mayonnaise
2. 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
3. 2 tablespoons pickle juice
4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
5. 1 teaspoon onion powder
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cheddar cheese cubes, celery, red onion, and pickles.
4. Pour dressing over and toss gently to combine without breaking up cheese cubes.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

8. Creamy Greek Pasta Salad with Feta

A creamy twist on the classic Greek salad. The mayo-based dressing pairs surprisingly well with feta and olives .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound rotini or bowtie pasta
2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3. 1 English cucumber, diced
4. ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
5. 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
6. ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
7. ¼ cup fresh oregano, chopped

For the creamy Greek dressing:

1. ¾ cup mayonnaise
2. ¼ cup Greek yogurt
3. 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
5. 1 clove garlic, minced
6. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and half the feta.
4. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
5. Top with remaining feta and fresh oregano. Chill before serving.

9. Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

All the spicy, tangy flavor of Buffalo wings in a cool, creamy pasta salad. Perfect for game day .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound rotini pasta
2. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
3. ½ cup celery, diced
4. ½ cup carrots, shredded
5. ¼ cup green onions, sliced
6. ½ cup crumbled blue cheese

For the creamy Buffalo dressing:

1. ¾ cup mayonnaise
2. ¼ cup sour cream
3. ⅓ cup Buffalo sauce
4. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
5. 1 clove garlic, minced
6. Salt to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Buffalo sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chicken, celery, carrots, and green onions.
4. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
5. Gently fold in blue cheese crumbles.
6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

10. Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

If you love dill pickles, this one’s for you. The pickle juice in the dressing gives it a tangy, irresistible flavor .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 25 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 12 oz rotini or shell pasta
2. 1 cup dill pickles, chopped
3. ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
4. ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
5. 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

For the creamy pickle dressing:

1. ¾ cup mayonnaise
2. ¼ cup sour cream
3. 3 tablespoons pickle juice
4. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
5. 1 clove garlic, minced
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped pickles, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
4. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.

11. Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

A creamy version of the classic Italian pasta salad. Pepperoni, salami, and provolone make it extra special .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound rotini or fusilli pasta
2. 4 oz pepperoni, diced
3. 4 oz salami, diced
4. 4 oz provolone cheese, diced
5. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
6. ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced
7. ½ cup black olives, sliced
8. ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
9. ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the creamy Italian dressing:

1. ¾ cup mayonnaise
2. ¼ cup Italian dressing
3. 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4. 1 clove garlic, minced
5. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, pepperoni, salami, provolone, tomatoes, pepperoncini, olives, and red onion.
4. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with parsley before serving.

12. Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad

Elegant enough for company but easy enough for weeknights. The shrimp and creamy dressing are a perfect match .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 12 oz shell or rotini pasta
2. 1 lb cooked shrimp, chopped
3. 1 cup celery, diced
4. ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
5. ¼ cup green onions, sliced
6. 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

For the creamy dressing:

1. ¾ cup mayonnaise
2. ¼ cup sour cream
3. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
4. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
5. 1 clove garlic, minced
6. 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, shrimp, celery, bell pepper, and green onions.
4. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.

13. Creamy Taco Pasta Salad

All the flavors of taco night in a creamy pasta salad. Ground beef, black beans, corn, and a zesty dressing .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 35 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound rotini pasta
2. 1 lb ground beef
3. 1 packet taco seasoning
4. 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
5. 1 cup corn kernels
6. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
7. ½ cup red onion, diced
8. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
9. ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

For the creamy taco dressing:

1. ¾ cup mayonnaise
2. ¼ cup sour cream
3. ¼ cup salsa
4. 1 tablespoon lime juice
5. 1 teaspoon cumin
6. 1 teaspoon chili powder
7. Salt to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Let cool.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cooled ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and half the cheese.
5. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
6. Top with remaining cheese and cilantro. Chill before serving.

14. Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon and ranch are a match made in heaven. This salad is always the first to disappear at potlucks .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound rotini pasta
2. 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
3. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
5. ½ cup green onions, sliced

For the creamy ranch dressing:

1. 1 cup mayonnaise
2. ½ cup sour cream
3. 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
4. ¼ cup milk (to thin)

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
4. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

15. Creamy Cajun Pasta Salad with Andouille

Spicy andouille sausage and a kicky Cajun dressing make this salad anything but boring .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 35 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound rotini or cavatappi pasta
2. 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced and browned
3. 1 red bell pepper, diced
4. 1 green bell pepper, diced
5. ½ cup celery, diced
6. ½ cup red onion, diced
7. ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the creamy Cajun dressing:

1. ¾ cup mayonnaise
2. ¼ cup sour cream
3. 2 tablespoons Creole mustard
4. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
5. 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
6. ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
7. Salt to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Brown andouille sausage slices in a skillet over medium heat. Drain on paper towels and let cool.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Creole mustard, apple cider vinegar, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, browned sausage, bell peppers, celery, red onion, and parsley.
5. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

16. Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

A creamy twist on pesto pasta salad. The mayo adds richness without overwhelming the fresh basil flavor .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 25 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 12 oz bowtie or rotini pasta
2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3. 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
4. ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
5. Fresh basil for garnish

For the creamy pesto dressing:

1. ½ cup mayonnaise
2. ¼ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
3. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
4. 1 clove garlic, minced
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pesto, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
5. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
6. Top with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

17. Ultimate Creamy Pasta Salad

This one has it all—ham, cheese, peas, and a perfectly balanced creamy dressing. It’s the pasta salad you’ll make again and again .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes

Servings: 10

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound rotini or fusilli pasta
2. 2 cups ham, diced
3. 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
4. 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
5. ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
6. ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
7. ½ cup red onion, finely diced
8. ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the ultimate creamy dressing:

1. 1 cup mayonnaise
2. ¼ cup sour cream
3. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
4. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
5. 1 tablespoon sugar
6. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
7. 1 teaspoon onion powder
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, ham, cheddar cheese, peas, bell peppers, and red onion.
4. Pour dressing over and toss gently to combine.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.