17 quick and easy salads for a stress-free Memorial Day

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Memorial Day is the perfect time to gather with family and friends. This selection of vibrant, tasty, and effortless salads that will complement any cookout or picnic.

Pistachio salad topped with nuts and cherries.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

7 Layer Salad

Seven layer salad in a bowl.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The classic 7 Layer Salad is a longstanding favorite, perfect for Memorial Day festivities with its striking layers and mix of flavors. It’s an elegant yet simple to assemble side that complements any outdoor feast.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Ramen Noodle Asian Salad

Three white bowls filled with ramen noodles and vegetables.
Ramen Noodle Asian Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Ramen Noodle Asian Salad combines crisp vegetables and crunchy noodles in an Asian-inspired dressing, making it a refreshing side for Memorial Day cookouts. It’s a quick, vibrant dish that’s sure to be a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodle Asian Salad

Cherry Salad

Cherry fluff salad in blue bowls with whipped cream.
Cherry Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cherry Salad is the ultimate quick-to-make dessert salad, requiring only six ingredients. This sweet, cool treat is a breeze to prepare, ideal for bringing a touch of nostalgia to Memorial Day celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With its creamy texture and sweet flavor profile, Amish Macaroni Salad is a beloved side dish for any Memorial Day gathering. Its uncomplicated ingredients come together to create a side dish that’s always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Pea Salad

Pea salad in a blue bowl.
Pea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The vintage Pea Salad offers a blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet tastes, making it a versatile side for any Memorial Day event. This make-ahead salad is a practical choice for any seasonal celebration.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Chickpea Salad

Healthy chickpea salad in a blue bowl.
Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This simple Chickpea Salad, brimming with fresh vegetables, is a colorful and healthy addition to any Memorial Day spread. It’s a fuss-free, make-ahead dish that’s as nutritious as it is easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad

Watergate Salad

Pistachio salad topped with nuts and cherries.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Watergate Salad, known for its pistachio goodness, is a five-ingredient, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for Memorial Day festivities. This make-ahead dish is a creamy complement to any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Amish Potato Salad

Creamy potato salad with eggs and mayonnaise.
Amish Potato Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Potato Salad is known for its creamy consistency and tangy flavor, making it a go-to side dish for Memorial Day cookouts. The classic combination of mustard, sugar, and celery seed creates a taste that’s both familiar and beloved.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad

Cajun Pasta Salad

Cajun pasta salad of noodles with celery and bell pepper.
Cajun Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Cajun Pasta Salad brings a spicy twist to the table, combining pasta with crisp vegetables and a creamy, remoulade-style dressing. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that will spice up any Memorial Day gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta Salad

Broccoli Slaw

A bowl of Broccoli Slaw
Broccoli Slaw. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Creamy Broccoli Slaw is a must-have for a Memorial Day BBQ, with its combination of crunchy vegetables and a creamy dressing. It’s an effortless dish that promises to be as impressive as it is simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw

Instant Pot Potato Salad

Potato and egg salad in a blue striped bowl.
Instant Pot Potato Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Potato Salad is a convenient dish to prepare for Memorial Day, featuring potatoes, eggs, and sweet gherkins. This recipe is a time-saver, ensuring you have a beloved side ready in a snap for your summer celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Potato Salad

Blue Cheese Coleslaw

Top view of a bowl of coleslaw with blue cheese on top.
Blue Cheese Coleslaw. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Blue Cheese Coleslaw offers a creamy and tangy alternative to traditional coleslaw, making it a standout addition to any Memorial Day menu. This easy side dish adds a flavorful and unexpected twist to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw

Caprese Salad

Caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese topped with basil.
Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A Caprese Salad with cherry tomatoes is a fresh, simple side that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. It’s an ideal choice for Memorial Day, combining juicy tomatoes with creamy mozzarella for a light, yet memorable dish.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad

Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower and Bacon

Amish broccoli salad with broccoli, cauliflower, cheese and bacon.
Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Amish Broccoli Salad is a hearty mix of broccoli and cauliflower, dressed in a creamy sauce and topped with cheese and bacon. It’s a robust and easy-to-prepare salad that’s perfect for a Memorial Day potluck.
Get the Recipe: Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower and Bacon

Cowboy Caviar

Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cowboy Caviar is a vibrant and fresh salad that’s as hearty as it is colorful. This combination of black-eyed peas, beans, and vegetables is a sweet and tangy addition to any Memorial Day celebration.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Beet and Blueberry Salad

A plate with beets and blueberries on it.
Beet and Blueberry Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Beet and Blueberry Salad is a patriotic dish with its vivid colors, complemented by a blueberry vinaigrette. It’s a simple yet flavorful salad that’s perfect for a Memorial Day gathering.
Get the Recipe: Beet and Blueberry Salad

Broccoli Crunch Salad

A close shot of a fork full of broccoli salad.
Broccoli Crunch Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Broccoli Crunch Salad is a crisp and refreshing choice for summer picnics, combining raw broccoli with dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon. This easy-to-prepare salad is a great way to add texture and flavor to your Memorial Day meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

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