Pasta salad isn’t just a picnic side dish. It’s a summer essential. Whether you’re packing a work lunch, prepping for a cookout, or craving a cold dinner on a hot night, pasta salad hits the sweet spot between refreshing and satisfying. And with the right pasta, it becomes a dish worth celebrating.
What sets a great pasta salad apart? Texture. Flavor. And a pasta that holds its own. Sfoglini pasta is bronze-cut and slow-dried, giving it a rougher surface that grips dressings and sauces like a dream. Our carefully crafted shapes, from playful Radiators to rustic Einkorn Ziti, don’t just soak up flavor, they enhance it. Plus, our organic grains, unique blends, and small-batch process bring flavor that makes every bite better.
Whether you want something creamy, herby, or sweet and savory, these recipes prove there’s a Sfoglini pasta salad for every mood.
Looking for a cool, satisfying salad with bold flavor? This Asian-inspired pasta salad features our signature Radiators, dressed in a creamy sesame-peanut sauce with a kick of ginger, garlic, and Gochujang. Crisp cucumbers and scallion bring texture, while the Radiators hold onto every bit of that rich, nutty sauce.
Why it works: Radiators are pasta salad powerhouses with ridges engineered for holding onto every drop of dressing. Hello, maximum flavor in every bite. Try it with our Semolina or Whole Grain Radiators.
Think of this as a mash up of the best parts of a Cobb salad and your favorite deli pasta salad. With crispy bacon, avocado, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette, this bowl is packed with flavor and color. Add grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal prep superstar.
Why it works: Sfoglini pasta adds chew and substance to balance out all the creamy, crunchy, and salty goodness. Choose a hearty shape such as Zucca, Quattrotini, or Cascatelli.
Juicy peaches, heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil meet Sfoglini Einkorn Ziti in this summery stunner. A little sweet, a little savory, and completely refreshing, this salad is all about balance. Serve it as a light lunch or an elegant side with grilled meats or seafood.
Why it works: Einkorn Ziti brings a nutty, whole grain flavor and a classic shape that pairs beautifully with stone fruit and creamy cheese.
Fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and your favorite Sfoglini pasta shape - it doesn’t get more summery than this. This salad comes together quickly and travels well, making it a potluck favorite or a simple dinner with a glass of chilled wine.
Why it works: Sfoglini pasta doesn't get soggy. Our shapes stay al dente even when dressed ahead of time, so you can make this salad a day in advance. When we say choose your favorite pasta shape, we mean it - this recipe is so versatile, it works with any of our short cut pasta shapes.
The right shape makes the salad. Sfoglini’s textured cuts are designed to hold dressings, mix-ins, and flavor in every bite. Use this guide to match your pasta with your salad style:
Cascatelli & Quattrotini
Great for: Chunky, mix-in-heavy salads
These ruffled shapes bring serious forkability. Their curves and ridges catch everything from diced veggies and beans to creamy dressings and crumbled cheeses.
Trumpets & Vesuvio
Great for: Big flavors and dramatic presentation
With deep folds and curled edges, these show-stopping shapes hold onto bold ingredients like olives, capers, roasted peppers, or tangy vinaigrettes.
Radiators & Cavatelli
Great for: Clingy, rich dressings
These textured shapes are made for creamy or nut-based sauces like tahini, ranch, or sesame peanut. Every groove grips flavor, so nothing slides off.
Einkorn Ziti & Whole Grain Reginetti
Great for: Grain-forward, hearty salads
These whole grain pastas add a nutty, toasty depth and work beautifully with sweet-savory pairings - think grilled veggies, vinaigrettes, and rich cheeses.
Cook pasta just to al dente. It will soften slightly as it soaks up the dressing, so avoid overcooking.
Toss pasta with a bit of dressing while it’s still warm. This helps the pasta absorb even more flavor from the start.
Let it chill. Pasta salads are best after 30 minutes to a few hours in the fridge. This lets all the flavors mingle and soak into the pasta, creating a more cohesive, flavorful dish.
Use bold mix-ins. Think crunchy vegetables, tangy pickles, grilled meats, and strong cheeses to keep every bite exciting.
Don’t forget the salt and acid. A generous pinch of salt and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar can bring the whole bowl to life.
Choose pasta shapes with texture. Ridges, ruffles, folds, and curves help hold dressing and add bite.