From My Kitchen: Cold Pasta Salads for the Long Weekend


Hi Reader,

I don't know about you, but when a long weekend rolls around, I'm all about keeping things easy, cool, and full of flavor—especially if there's a cookout or backyard hang planned. And nothing says laid-back and delicious like a good cold pasta salad.

These are my go-tos when I want something I can make ahead, stash in the fridge, and pull out when it's time to eat.

🥒 Tuna Pasta Salad

Get the recipe →

Light, creamy, and so satisfying. It's got that nostalgic, comforting feel with just enough crunch from the celery. I love making a big batch and nibbling on it all weekend long.

🦐 Cold Seafood Salad

Get the recipe →

This one feels a little fancy but is actually super simple. Shrimp, imitation crab, pasta, and a light dressing are all yummy. They are beachy and bright, and people always ask for this recipe.

🥕 Macaroni Salad

Get the recipe →

A classic with a Southern soul. Creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor—it's the kind of side dish that disappears fast.

Whether you're grilling or kicking back, I hope these bring extra joy to your weekend. I'll be enjoying them, too—probably with something cold to sip and the kids running around outside. ☀️


Happy Cooking,

Tanya Harris

Owner of My Forking Life

Cooking up delicious meals with love and flavor
Read my story

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This email may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. I only recommend products I genuinely love and use. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me continue to share delicious recipes with you! 🍽️💕

349-L Copperfield Blvd NE, Concord , NC 28025

My Forking Life | Easy and Delicious Recipes

Hi, I'm Tanya, creator and owner of My Forking Life LLC. I provide all kinds of delicious recipes that focus on Southern and Caribbean cuisines. I also love kitchen gadgets and have many popular recipes made in air fryers, slow cookers, and pressure cookers.

Read more from My Forking Life | Easy and Delicious Recipes
yellow squash soup in bowl

Hi Reader, Every summer, when yellow squash starts piling up, I come back to this yellow squash recipe. It’s one of my favorite ways to use it—and one I’ve made more times than I can count. This soup is silky, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Just a handful of ingredients, blended to perfection, and finished with a touch of cream. If you’ve got yellow squash on your hands—or even if you’re just in the mood for something light but cozy—this is the one. Get this Recipe If you'd like...

watergate salad in white bowl

Hi Reader, I didn’t grow up eating Watergate Salad — but once I married into it, there was no going back. The first time I had it was at one of my husband’s family reunions years ago. Big potluck tables under the shade, paper plates stacked high, and someone always brought this sweet, creamy green fluff. Pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows… it was weird, wonderful, and unforgettable. We just had another family reunion this past weekend, and it brought back these memories. I add a...

watermelon salsa in blue bowl

Hi Reader, Today is Juneteenth—a time to reflect, celebrate freedom, and honor a powerful part of American history. Food has always been part of that celebration, and today I’m sharing something light, bright, and bold: This Watermelon Salsa is cool, juicy, a little spicy, and just right for warm-weather gatherings. Grab the recipe → Watermelon Salsa Recipe Or if you want to revisit this later, Pin it on Pinterest. Pin it for later → Pin me on Pinterest to Save for Later Whether you’re with...