Everything you love about pasta salad comes together in these Pasta Salad Skewers that are a fun appetizer or side dish. These are easy to make ahead and great to serve to a crowd – no utensils necessary. 

We are so ready for the weekend over here. June has started smooshing her older sisters’ names together and shouting “MaGaGa” (Molly + Clara) whenever she wants them. Our house is full and loud and feels like summer. There are damp footprints all of the floor from where kids are running through sprinklers and then ducking inside to get towels and sunscreen.  I find myself constantly reminding everyone to close the doors (“we’re air conditioning the outside!”). June is living her best summer life and having popsicles on the deck near daily.

With Father’s Day weekend here, I’m dreaming of all the potluck and BBQ meals, even if these celebrations are small ones this summer. It will just our immediate family at home on the back deck, but I still want the summer entertaining food on our table.

And tasty things on sticks? That is true summer food.

I shared a sneak peak of these Pasta Salad Skewers on Instagram a few weeks ago and heard from so many of you. Food on sticks feels fun to you too! Bonus that these are incredibly easy to make and can be done ahead. Here’s all you need to know.

How to Make Pasta Salad Skewers

1. Prepare pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions and drain well. 
2. Cool pasta: The most important step in prepping to make pasta salad skewers is to cool the pasta in a way that prevents sticking. If left in the strainer, some pasta may stick together, so instead, spread the drained pasta out in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. The pasta will cool completely and then will be ready to slide onto skewers.
3. Skewer: Thread all of your ingredients onto skewers in any order you’d like. Larger pieces (like basil leaves and meat) are best if they are folded over once or twice before skewering. See below for many other ideas for ingredients to add to pasta salad skewers.
4. Refrigerate: If not serving right away, place the skewers on a serving platter or sheet pan and cover tightly with plastic wrap (to prevent the pasta from drying out). Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.

Like to dip? Try these Sauces / Dressings

These pasta salad skewers are fun on their own, but they’re great with a sauce or dressing served on the side. People can add a spoonful of dressing to their plate and dip the ingredients on the skewer as they eat them. Here are a few great sauces and dressings to serve with Pasta Salad Skewers:

• Basil Pesto
• Creamy Herb Yogurt Dressing 
• Ranch Dressing 
• Sriracha Mayo (for a spicy twist!)
• Sour Cream Dressing
• Caesar Dressing

Variations on Pasta Salad Skewers

Want to mix things up? It’s easy to make these skewers gluten-free, vegetarian, or to load up the veggies by mixing up the ingredients. Try these other items that are great on pasta salad skewers:

• Olives (black, green, or kalamata)
• Zucchini
• Bell Peppers
• Pickles
• Cucumbers
• Steamed Broccoli 
• Mushrooms
• Other Pasta Shapes (rigatoni, orecchiette, rotelle, ravioli, or farfalle would work; use gluten-free if needed)
• Other Cheese (try halloumi, white cheddar, or provolone)

More Easy Skewer Recipes

Caprese Skewers

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

Chili-Lime Glazed Beef Skewers with Charred Corn Salsa

Panzanella Salad Skewers