My family’s top 11 salads that never fail

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Looking to impress at your next potluck? These 11 salads never fail to wow the crowd. Packed with flavor and easy to whip up, they’re the perfect addition to any meal. Your friends and family will be asking for the recipes, and you can enjoy the compliments. Make your meals memorable with these go-to salads. Be prepared for the “Can I get that recipe?” questions – they’re coming.

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This is a fresh take on a classic pasta salad! The star of the show here is the Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Perfectly al dente pasta is tossed with a medley of charred, smoky veggies fresh off the grill. A light vinaigrette adds a bright, tangy punch. It’s a hearty yet refreshing option that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You can’t go wrong with a good old-fashioned Macaroni Salad. This creamy, no-fuss dish is a staple at any picnic or potluck. It’s a simple pleasure that never fails to please, with tender macaroni coated in a rich, tangy dressing. The best part? It’s easy to whip up and always a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Upgrade your standard chicken salad with this fresh twist – the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Tender chunks of chicken are combined with crisp greens, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans for a wonderful blend of flavors and textures. A creamy dressing ties it all together for a fulfilling and nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add some vibrant color to your spread with this Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Crisp shredded cabbage is tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing for a refreshing side dish that’s sure to brighten up any plate. It’s a perfect complement to heartier mains, and a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who says salads have to be boring? The Pizza Salad is a fun and unexpected dish that combines all the flavors you love from your favorite pie: pepperoni, mozzarella, and a tangy Italian dressing. It’s a clever way to enjoy the taste of pizza in a healthier, lighter package. Plus, it’s a great way to get your pizza fix while getting in some extra veggies. Give it a try and surprise your palete with this delicious twist on a classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You’ll want to make room on your plate for this Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Fresh broccoli florets are tossed with crunchy bits of bacon, sweet cranberries, and a rich, creamy dressing that ties all the flavors together. It’s a delicious blend of textures and tastes that’s sure to win over even the most adamant broccoli haters.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Feast in the timeless Waldorf Salad. This wonderful dish features crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts, all brought together with a light, creamy dressing for a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. It’s a simple yet sophisticated option that’s sure to impress at any gathering or special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Get ready for a flavor explosion with the Seven Layer Salad! This colorful dish features a kaleidoscope of fresh veggies, creamy dressing, and a crunchy topping all layered together for a visually stunning and delicious result. It’s a true show-stopper that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad

Sliced halloumi cheese, beets and greens in a white ceramic bowl.
Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Expand your salad horizons with the Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad. Earthy roasted beets are paired with salty, charred halloumi cheese for a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. Fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette complete this unique and flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Indulge in the flavors of Italy with our Italian Pasta with Salami. This hearty salad features perfectly cooked al dente pasta combined with a delicious mix of crisp vegetables, tangy olives, and flavorful salami, creating a flavorful explosion of tastes and textures. A finishing touch of rich olive oil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese bring all the flavors together, making it a dish to remember.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Cobb Salad

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You can’t go wrong with a classic like the Cobb Salad. This protein-packed dish features a colorful array of fresh greens, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s an excellent and well-rounded meal that’s sure to keep you feeling full and energized. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch or a hearty dinner, the Cobb Salad is a delicious choice that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

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