Sarra Ina Garten pasta salad recipes range from creamy lobster-studded bowls to bright, herb-filled orzo tossed with feta and lemon. These 11 tested favorites include classic macaroni salad, shrimp orzo, Greek-style pasta salads, and a peanut-dressed noodle salad that works warm or cold.
1. Lobster Pasta Salad
Sweet lobster meat is folded into small pasta with celery, scallions, and a creamy lemon-dill mayonnaise dressing that coats every bite. The lemon zest and fresh herbs keep everything tasting bright against the rich, buttery lobster. Done in about 25 minutes and served chilled, this is the most elegant pasta salad in the lineup.
2. Orzo Salad With Feta
Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion are tossed with orzo in a tangy lemon-Dijon vinaigrette, then finished with crumbled feta, parsley, and dill. Every forkful has something crunchy, creamy, and bright all at once. Ready in about 25 minutes, this is the kind of side that disappears first at a cookout.
3. Greek Orzo Salad
Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta are tossed with orzo in a red wine vinegar and oregano dressing. Fresh parsley and mint add a cool, herby layer that makes this taste like a Greek salad with more substance. Ready in about 25 minutes, it holds up beautifully in the fridge overnight.
4. Orzo Salad With Shrimp
Sautéed shrimp are tossed with orzo, cucumber, red onion, scallions, and crumbled feta in a bright lemon vinaigrette with dill and parsley. The shrimp stay tender and the lemon dressing keeps the whole salad light and savory. Done in about 35 minutes, this works as a main course or a generous side.
5. Macaroni Salad
Elbow macaroni is dressed in a creamy mix of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar with finely diced celery, red onion, and fresh parsley. The vinegar and mustard cut through the richness and keep every bite tangy and balanced. Ready in about 25 minutes, this is a classic summer side that tastes even better the next day.
6. Orzo Salad With Cucumber
Cool, diced English cucumber is tossed with orzo, crumbled feta, fresh dill, and scallions in a lemon-olive oil dressing with a touch of lemon zest. The salad comes together in about 20 minutes and tastes crisp, tangy, and light. Served at room temperature or chilled, it is one of the simplest and freshest sides in her collection.
7. Roasted Vegetable Orzo
Roasted eggplant, bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini are tossed with orzo in a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. Crumbled feta and fresh herbs add a salty, tangy finish to every forkful. Ready in about 55 minutes and served at room temperature, this travels beautifully to picnics and potlucks.
8. Tomato Feta Pasta Salad
Fusilli is tossed with ripe tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then dressed in a tangy sun-dried tomato vinaigrette made with red wine vinegar, garlic, and capers. A shower of Parmesan and parsley finishes it off. Served at room temperature, this is one of her most popular summer salads.
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9. Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes are mixed with fusilli in a savory vinaigrette blended with garlic and capers. The fresh mozzarella adds a creamy, milky contrast to the tangy dressing and salty olives. Best served at room temperature, this was a bestseller at her East Hampton store.
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10. Pasta, Pesto, and Peas
Two shapes of pasta, fusilli and bow ties, are tossed with a creamy basil pesto blended with spinach, lemon juice, and mayonnaise, then folded with Parmesan, green peas, and toasted pine nuts. The pesto coats every nook of the pasta with a rich, herby flavor. Served at room temperature, this is a crowd-friendly side that holds up well on a buffet.
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11. Crunchy Noodle Salad
Thin spaghetti is tossed with crisp sugar snap peas, red bell peppers, and scallions in a savory peanut butter dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and honey. Toasted sesame seeds add crunch to every bite. Ready in about 35 minutes, this Asian-inspired noodle salad is a refreshing change from the usual mayo-dressed sides.
