When it comes to summer parties, there are a few dishes that always have a place at the table -- one of them is pasta salad. The classic recipe of mayonnaise-laden macaroni with a few pieces of vegetables here and there is what everyone expects. But why not take a chance and try a new take?

Our recipes are all a bit different: some include more than just pasta, like grilled sausage, tuna or chicken. A couple are inspired by the Mediterranean, while others are made with fruit instead of vegetables. Check them out in the slideshow below!

Loading Slideshow...

  • Pasta Salad With Grilled Sausages

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/pasta-salad-with-grilled-_n_1058602.html" target="_hplink">Pasta Salad with Grilled Sausages recipe</a></strong> Lemon, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic and thyme flavor the vinaigrette that ties together this pasta salad made with gemelli pasta and thinly sliced grilled sausage and vegetables.

  • Pasta Salad With Tomatoes, Zucchini And Feta

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/03/pasta-salad-with-tomatoes-zucchini-and-feta/" target="_hplink">Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Zucchini and Feta recipe from The Pioneer Woman</a></strong> This salad has summer written all over it with its combination of cherry tomatoes and zucchini. Crumbled feta adds a nice tang.

  • Greek Pasta Salad

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.gastronomersguide.com/2010/05/greek-pasta-salad.html" target="_hplink">Greek Pasta Salad recipe from Gastronomer's Guide</a></strong> The flavors of Greece influence this summery pasta salad, which includes Greek olives, bell pepper and tomato. Olive oil, fresh oregano and feta cheese create the dressing.

  • Crunchy Asian Pasta Salad

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://thecuttingedgeofordinary.blogspot.com/2010/06/crunchy-asian-pasta-salad.html" target="_hplink">Crunchy Asian Pasta Salad recipe from The Cutting Edge of Ordinary</a></strong> This Asian-inspired salad is packed with flavor and crunch from broccoli, snow peas, almonds, pumpkin seeds and dry ramen noodles. Mandarin oranges add a nice sweetness.

  • Orzo Salad With Tomatoes, Feta And basil Vinaigrette

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/orzo-salad-with-tomatoes_n_1057855.html" target="_hplink">Orzo Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Basil Vinaigrette recipe</a></strong> This pasta salad is packed with vibrant flavors from tomatoes, baby spinach, and feta. A pesto-like basil vinaigrette ties everything together.

  • Broccoli And Ham Pasta Salad

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/broccoli-ham--pasta-sal_n_1062174.html" target="_hplink">Broccoli And Ham Pasta Salad recipe</a></strong> Ham and broccoli take this pasta salad to the next level. Raisins add bursts of sweetness. A creamy yogurt-based dressing ties everything together.

  • Mom's Macaroni Salad

    <strong>Get Mom's <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/moms_macaroni_salad/" target="_hplink">Macaroni Salad from Simply Recipes</a></strong> This classic macaroni salad will bring back memories of childhood. It includes hard boiled egg, bell pepper, onion, parsley and paprika, all combined with mayonnaise.

  • Shrimp Pasta Salad

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.ateaspoonandapinch.com/2012/06/shrimp-pasta-salad.html" target="_hplink">Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe from A Teaspoon and a Pinch</a></strong> Shrimp adds a nice touch to this creamy pasta salad made with bowties. Dill adds a nice bright flavor that works well with seafood.

  • Chicken And Blueberry Pasta Salad

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/chicken-amp-blueberry-p_n_1049587.html" target="_hplink">Chicken and Blueberry Pasta Salad recipe</a></strong> This pasta salad would work well as a main dish or side. It has poached chicken, salty feta cheese and sweet blueberries.

  • Couscous And Fruit Salad

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/couscous-amp-fruit-sala_n_1056700.html" target="_hplink">Couscous and Fruit Salad recipe</a></strong> Many people might not realize that couscous is actually a tiny pasta. Here it's combined with fresh berries, nectarines, nuts and an orange vinaigrette. Serve the salad with grilled fish or chicken.

  • Mediterranean Pasta Salad

    Get the <a href="http://www.dreamydish.com/mediterranean-pasta-salad" target="_hplink">Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe from Dreamy Dish</a> Tricolor pasta makes this salad look all the more festive. Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta and fresh herbs, it's truly Mediterranean.

  • Macaroni Salad

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/macaroni-salad_n_1062503.html" target="_hplink">Macaroni Salad recipe</a></strong> This lighter take on the classic macaroni salad is made with carrot, celery, onion, baby spinach, edamame and a sour cream and mayo dressing. Top with shredded cheddar for some extra flavor.

  • Garden Pasta Salad

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/garden-pasta-salad_n_1049233.html" target="_hplink">Garden Pasta Salad recipe</a></strong> Cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, scallion, carrot, black olives and basil add vibrant flavor to this garden-style pasta salad.

  • Pasta Salad Nicoise

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.gastronomersguide.com/2009/03/pasta-salad-nicoise.html" target="_hplink">Pasta Salad NIcoise recipe from Gastronomer's Guide</a></strong> In this recipe, American pasta salad and French tuna Nicoise meet. Blanched green beans, bell pepper, olives, capers and olive oil-packed tuna combine to create this main course dish. Serve with hard-boiled eggs.


Related on HuffPost: