Refreshing Summer Pasta Salad

It’s officially the dog days of summer here in Arkansas, and when the temperatures are climbing into triple digits, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend hours in a hot kitchen. That’s exactly why this Refreshing Summer Pasta Salad has become one of my favorite warm-weather recipes. It’s cool, creamy, packed with fresh flavor, and perfect for those days when you need something satisfying without heating up the house.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s a great way to use up garden-fresh vegetables. Crisp cucumbers, sweet green bell peppers, and fresh onions add plenty of crunch and color, making every bite taste like summer. Whether you’re picking vegetables from your own backyard or grabbing them at your local farmers market, this pasta salad lets those fresh ingredients shine.

The only cooking required is a quick boil of the pasta on the stovetop. After that, everything gets mixed together, making it an easy recipe that doesn’t require turning on the oven. Your kitchen stays cool, and you still end up with a delicious homemade side dish.

One ingredient that truly makes this recipe special is Cavender’s Greek Seasoning, a product with Arkansas roots that has earned a permanent spot in my pantry. I use it on just about everything, and yes—I’ve even bought it by the bucketful! It’s the best seasoning that adds the perfect finishing touch to this Refreshing Summer Pasta Salad and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Easy Peasy Pleasy Tips

• To make quick time of this recipe, dice up your veggies while your pasta water comes to a boil and you’re boiling the pasta.
• Reserve some of the mix-ins to top off the pasta salad so your guests will know what’s in the pasta.
• Use your favorite pasta shape. I also like swapping out the regular pasta for chickpea pasta.

Refreshing Summer Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• • 2 cups dry pasta
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 3/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Miracle Whip
  • 2 teaspoons Cavender’s Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Boil macaroni according to package directions. Dice up the cucumber, bell pepper, and onion. Mix together all ingredients while the macaroni boils. Once macaroni is ready, drain and rinse under cold water. Mix macaroni with all other ingredients until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Check out some other great recipes for summer…
Mexican Street Corn Salad⁠
Deliciously Sweet Broccoli Cauliflower Salad⁠
2 Ingredient Spinach Dip Pinwheels⁠
Easy Frito Corn Salad⁠
Refreshing Cucumber Salad⁠
Chicken Pasta Salad for the Summer Win⁠
Greek Pasta Salad⁠
Penne with Sun Dried Tomato⁠
Jello Marshmallow Pinwheels⁠
Grape Salad⁠