25 Potluck Salads Perfect For Summer Cookouts

We all remember those amazing salads that were the stars of every family gathering, the ones that felt like a warm embrace with every bite. Inspired by those memories, we have gathered a collection of potluck salads that are sure to bring back those cherished moments.

Vintage Pea Salad

Pea Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This classic, creamy pea salad is both a perfect side dish during the week or a perfect party buffet table.

Get the Recipe: Vintage Pea Salad

The Ultimate Greek Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Greek Pasta Salad recipe is a must-try! Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s loaded with colorful veggies and a delicious herb dressing.

Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Greek Pasta Salad

Oma’s “Viral” German Cucumber Salad

Oma's German Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat) recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This cucumber salad is what my German Oma used to make. It’s a refreshing German classic with just four simple ingredients. I told my 96-year-old Oma that her recipe keeps going viral. Her reaction: “Wie bitte? Was ist das?” – Engish: Excuse me, what does that mean?

Get the Recipe: Oma’s German Cucumber Salad

The Best Egg Salad

Egg Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This high protein, creamy egg salad combines perfectly hard-boiled eggs with crunchy bits of celery and onion in a zesty dressing.

Get the Recipe: The Best Egg Salad

Cilantro Lime Slaw

Cilantro Lime Slaw recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Cilantro Lime Slaw is a fresh, flavorful addition to any meal. Its vibrant colors and tangy-sweet dressing make it a standout side dish that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.

Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Slaw

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This easy, creamy pasta salad combines two delicious flavors: crispy bacon and creamy ranch. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Waldorf Salad With Candied Walnuts

Classic Waldorf Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Waldorf Salad is a classic! Crisp apples, sweet grapes, and crunchy celery served in a creamy dressing and topped with candied walnuts.

Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad With Candied Walnuts

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Enjoy a crowd-pleasing Seafood Pasta Salad with crab, shrimp, veggies, pasta, and a tangy dressing – perfect for your next gathering.

Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

The Best Creamy Shrimp Salad

Shrimp Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Shrimp Salad is delightfully light and refreshing. It’s made with perfectly cooked shrimp, onion, celery, cucumber, dill, and mayonnaise.

Get the Recipe: The Best Creamy Shrimp Salad

Easy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad (With Egg)

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Dill Pickle Pasta salad is made with tender pasta, dill pickles, sweet apples, and onions that are tossed in a creamy dill dressing.

Get the Recipe: Easy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Easy Watermelon Salad With Feta Cheese And Mint

Watermelon and Feta Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Watermelon Salad is an easy and refreshing summer salad! Made with juicy watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, salty feta, and a splash of lemon.

Get the Recipe: Watermelon Salad With Feta Cheese And Mint

Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This is the best Tuna Salad Recipe. My entire family is obsessed, and it takes less than 20 minutes to make.

Get the Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad

Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Chicken Salad recipe will be your go-to side dish for something light yet deliciously creamy that can be done in a jiffy.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad

Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our classic creamy Amish Macaroni Salad is great for picnics and potlucks. Sweet and tangy with lots of protein.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Amish Macaroni Salad

Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Italian Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser. Juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, creamy mozzarella, olives, and salami in a creamy dressing.

Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

Blt Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad recipe by Princess Pinky Girl.
Photo Credit: Princess Pinky Girl.

BLT pasta salad is a clever twist on your classic BLT sandwich! We take bacon, lettuce, tomato, and add in some homemade dressing and rotini pasta to make this delicious pasta salad.

Get the Recipe: Blt Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Pesto Pasta salad is a great, easy-to-make summer pasta salad. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for parties, picnics, and potlucks.

Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Chopped German Tomato Salad

Tomato Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This refreshing German tomato salad is made with fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions and tossed in a sweet, tangy dressing.

Get the Recipe: Chopped German Tomato Salad

Broccoli Pasta Salad

Broccoli Pasta Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad is bursting with sweet and savory flavors. And you’ll find all of the ingredients in your fridge and pantry.

Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pasta Salad

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad will get you excited to eat your vegetables! Add bacon and Cheddar cheese, and you have a filling salad.

Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Creamy Broccoli Slaw With Apples And Almonds

Broccoli Slaw recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This easy Broccoli slaw is made with crispy broccoli, apples, and almonds and tossed in a deliciously creamy dressing. Perfect for summer.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Slaw With Apples And Almonds

Cobb Salad With Cilantro Ranch Dressing

Cobb Salad with Garlic Cilantro Ranch Dressing recipe by xoxoBella.
Photo Credit: xoxoBella.

A good recipe for Cobb salad is always worth getting excited about. I love to make this recipe using leftover ham and serve it with a dairy-free ranch dressing. You will just love this homemade ranch dressing which is the perfect addition to this filling dinner salad.

Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad With Garlic Cilantro Dairy Free Ranch Dressing

Smoked Italian Pasta Salad

Smoked Italian Pasta Salad recipe by xoxoBella.
Photo Credit: xoxoBella.

You must try this smoked Italian pasta salad. It takes everything that’s great about pasta salad and adds a wonderful smoky flavour to it. Pepperoni, salami and mozzarella cheese are included in this summer BBQ salad along with a pepperoncini dressing.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Italian Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Dressing

Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad

Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad recipe by xoxoBella.
Photo Credit: xoxoBella.

This Tex Mex chicken pasta salad is so delicious. It’s a southwest pasta salad with chicken and this is a flavourful dinner salad just bursting with colour and flavour! This is the perfect salad for a summer BBQ, so add this favourite summer salad recipe to the menu and you won’t be disappointed.

Get the Recipe: Zesty Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad

Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.

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