As soon as we turn the corner from April into May, there is only one thing on our minds: planning early-summer outdoor gatherings before it gets too hot. It seems like every weekend we calling family, friends, and neighbors to join us for casual picnics in the backyard or park with good food and great company. All you need is a list of recipes that you can serve a crowd, can handle the Southern heat, and are easy to pull together. Here are 15 pasta dishes that will be sure to impress.
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Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Clair Spollen; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The best part of this easy side salad? The pickled shrimp nestled among the herbs and creamy pasta. It’s fresh, flavorful, and made for summers in the South. One reviewed noted: “Made it for guests for Memorial Day and it was a huge success. Very very good.”
Credit: Photographer and Prop stylist: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
This 5-Star salad is made for family affairs. Ripe and juicy summer tomatoes are the stars of this salad that is perfect for making in big batches. One happy reviewer noted: “This salad was amazing! I made it for lunch with the girls and we inhaled it! We all went back for seconds and thirds. Will definitely make it again and again. I used heirloom type cherry tomatoes and it really complimented all the other flavors going on.”
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Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist Shell Royster
There’s nothing better than a two-step salad that comes together quickly and just needs some time for chilling (2 hours, to be exact). However one 5- star reviewer adds: “Loved it even before I let it chill for two hours. I was so hungry.”
Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Recipes inspired by casseroles are always a good idea. Enter this classic recipe which that comes together that brings some of our favorite ingredients– black beans, corn, cheese, ground beef– together in a pasta salad.
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Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Quite possibly the most popular Southern Living recipe of all time – and for good reason. A simple pasta salad is elevated by the grapes. pecans, broccoli, and a tangy dressing.
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Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Jasmine Smith; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This recipe name says it all: this salad is made for parties. Pepperoni is the shining star in this salad that comes together with onion, bell pepper, basil, and an out-of-this-world Italian dressing.
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Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayliss
No one said the pasta had to be a chilled dish at this picnic. Make room on the spread for a macaroni and cheese that gets a delicious lift from chunks of sweet ham.
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Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
When you’re looking for a little something different for the menu, this recipe will be sure to delight. This pasta dish is brought to life thanks to the store-bought rotisserie chicken, spinach, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes.
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Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Mama will surely request this dish make an appearance at the picnic party. This comforting casserole, which includes ground beef and spaghetti, is a hearty crowdpleaser. One reviewer notes: “Very tasty! Made this following directions exactly as written. Husband enjoyed it thoroughly.”
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Will Dickey
In the South, pasta can make its appearance at the picnic in many forms. Cue the fried balls. Plan to make a few batches because these creamy and delicious bite-size treats will be devoured by guests of all ages.
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Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke
We love taking a go-to pasta dish and adding summer produce to the recipe. For this casserole, we added juicy grape tomatoes, yellow squash, sliced zucchini, and fresh basil together for a satisfying seasonal recipe.
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Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
It might not be a competition, but you can prepare to win the picnic with this crowdpleaser. The classic BLT sandwich inspired this recipe which can be a main or side salad. One reviewer said: “I made this over the weekend – we loved it! Even my ‘I don’t like mayonnaise’ husband loved it (I didn’t tell him).”
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Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Uh-oh, Aunt Rita’s famous Thanksgiving deviled eggs have a little summer competition. The creamy, delicious flavor of deviled eggs bring pasta salad to new heights in this salad that’s made with eggs, mayo, mustard, pickle liquid, paprika, and more.
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
This pasta salad with chicken and fresh vegetables makes a quick and delicious lunch for a summer day. Prep this recipe a day in advance and have it ready to go for your picnic.
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Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
This is a rich pasta dish but the lemon makes it feel light. Bring extra because we bet people will want seconds.