Crispy, crunchy and cool: 31 salads for your cookout

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Tired of the same old cookout sides? Level up your salad game and bring some excitement to your outdoor feasts with these 31 salads that will steal the show at your next cookout.

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

Broccoli Crunch Salad

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

This broccoli crunch salad is a crowd-pleasing option for summer cookouts. With crisp broccoli florets, crunchy almonds, and a tangy dressing, it’s a refreshing and nutritious addition to any outdoor gathering. Make it ahead of time, and the flavors will meld together, resulting in a deliciously satisfying salad that pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone dish.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

Texas Caviar

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

Add some Southwestern flair to your summer cookouts with this Texas caviar recipe. The combination of black-eyed peas, colorful veggies, and zesty dressing creates a flavorful and satisfying salad. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a salad, dip, or side dish with grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar

Old Fashioned Pea Salad

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

Prepare this old-fashioned pea salad in advance for a cool and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings. The combination of crisp peas, crunchy bacon, and creamy dressing creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Pea Salad

Orange Fluff Salad

Orange fluff salad in a bowl.
Orange Fluff Salad. Photo Credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This vibrant orange fluff salad is the perfect make-ahead dessert for summer days. With its creamy texture, citrusy flavor, and hints of sweetness, it’s a refreshing treat on a hot day.
Get the Recipe: Orange Fluff Salad

Ramen Noodle Salad

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

Add a unique twist to your summer cookouts with this flavorful ramen noodle salad. The combination of crunchy veggies, toasted almonds, and savory dressing creates a satisfying and refreshing dish.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad

Amish Potato Salad

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

Amish potato salad is a classic make-ahead side dish that’s perfect for summer BBQs. With its creamy dressing, tender potatoes, and a touch of tanginess, it’s a crowd favorite. This delicious potato salad pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad

Lime Jello Salad

Piece of lime jello salad topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Lime Jello Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Lime Jello salad is a refreshing and nostalgic dessert that brings a burst of citrusy goodness to summer cookouts. With its vibrant green color and sweet-tart flavor, it’s a fun and playful addition to any gathering. This cool and jiggly treat will bring back memories and create new ones.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Cajun Pasta Salad

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

Spice up your summer cookouts with this flavorful Cajun pasta salad. The combination of cooked pasta, colorful veggies, and zesty Cajun dressing creates a bold and tangy salad that will impress your guests and add a kick to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta 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 is a delicious twist on the classic summer side dish. The creamy coleslaw is elevated with the bold and tangy flavors of blue cheese, adding a unique and irresistible element to every bite. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches, bringing a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavor to your summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw

7 Layer Salad

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

Wow your guests with this impressive 7 layer salad that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. With layers of fresh lettuce, crispy bacon, tangy cheese, and other colorful veggies, it’s a showstopper at any summer event.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Chickpea Salad

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

This chickpea salad is a fantastic salad for summer cookouts. With its protein-packed chickpeas, crisp veggies, and refreshing dressing, it’s a nutritious and flavorful side dish. This versatile salad that complements grilled meats or works as a standalone vegetarian dish.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad

Pistachio Fluff Salad

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

Pistachio fluff salad is a sweet and creamy make-ahead dessert that brings a touch of nostalgia to your summer cookouts. With its combination of fluffy whipped cream, crushed pineapple, and crunchy pistachios, it’s a delightful treat for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Fluff Salad

Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad

Orzo pasta salad in a blue flowered bowl.
Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Add a burst of freshness to your summer cookouts with this lemon basil orzo pasta salad. The zesty lemon dressing, fragrant basil, and perfectly cooked orzo create a delightful and light dish that is full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad

Caprese Salad

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

Capture the essence of summer with a classic Caprese salad. With its vibrant colors, fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that celebrates the best of the season.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad

Beet Salad with Apples and Carrots

Grated beets, apples and carrots on a spoon.
Beet Salad with Apples and Carrots. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This vibrant beet salad with apples and carrots is a delightful make-ahead option for summer cookouts. The combination of earthy beets, crunchy apples, and sweet carrots creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Apples and Carrots

Easy Potato Salad

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

No summer cookout is complete without a classic potato salad, and this easy recipe is a winner. With tender potatoes, creamy dressing, and a hint of tanginess from pickles, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Salad

Amish Broccoli Salad

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

Amish broccoli salad is a classic make-ahead dish that deserves a spot on your summer cookout menu. The combination of crisp broccoli florets, crunchy bacon, and a creamy dressing creates a flavorful and hearty salad.
Get the Recipe: Amish Broccoli Salad

Cherry Salad

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

This refreshing cherry salad is a perfect make-ahead dish for summer cookouts. The combination of sweet cherries, crisp lettuce, and tangy dressing creates a burst of flavors that will impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Beet cucumber salad with feta and dill on a pink plate.
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This beet and cucumber salad with feta and dill is packed with sweet, savory, earthy, tangy, and salty flavors. Crunchy cucumbers, tender cooked beets, and a fresh lemon vinaigrette combine to create a delicious beet salad you’ll crave.
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Low angle shot of a bowl of watermelon salad with kalamata olives and feta cheese.
Watermelon and Feta Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Watermelon Feta Salad with Kalamata Olives is a refreshing summer side dish. With only 5 ingredients, it is quick and easy to make and so refreshing!
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad

Faux Potato Salad Recipe

A white bowl of potato salad with mayonnaise.
Faux Potato Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Our Faux Potato Salad Recipe is made without cauliflower for an even tastier faux-tato salad. Our gluten-free and diabetic version of low carb yogurt mayonnaise potato salad uses turnip radish, which gives you the best potato alternative.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad Recipe

Restaurant Style Coleslaw

Copycat Popeye’s Coleslaw Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.
Copycat Popeye’s Coleslaw Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Elevate your summer cookout with this restaurant-style coleslaw that is crunchy, tangy, and perfectly balanced. With a homemade dressing that combines mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices, this coleslaw is the perfect side dish to complement your grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant Style Coleslaw

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate.
Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo Credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A fresh and flavorful side dish that you can enjoy year-round is green bean tomato salad. Not only is this delicious salad easy to prepare, but it also contains healthy ingredients that will make you feel great after eating it.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The perfect pick with anything off the grill or smoker, this easy salad features sweet corn, spicy jalapenos, tangy, cheese, and so much more!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Pesto orzo salad on two black plates.
Orzo Pesto Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This pesto orzo salad recipe highlights bold, delicious ingredients. Basil pesto sauce, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh, peppery arugula combine to create a bright, fresh, flavorful summer salad!
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Caprese Salad Skewers

caprese skewers on a silver tray.
Caprese Salad Skewers. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Serving caprese salad on skewers is a great way to serve this traditional summer dish for a party. This combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar works as either an appetizer or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers

Marshmallow Fruit Salad

Marshmallow Fruit Salad with Cool Whip.
Marshmallow Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Treat your tastebuds to a decadent marshmallow fruit salad made with Cool Whip. With just five simple ingredients, you can enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make dessert any time!
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Fruit Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shiraz Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shirazi salad is crisp, refreshing, and delicous. A tangy citrus-infused dressing puts it over the top, and with no mayo, you don’t need to worry about this salad in the heat.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Keto Broccoli Salad with Bacon inside wooden bowl.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Our easy hearty classic Broccoli Salad with bacon and blueberries is a simple cold salad perfect for your summer days. Fully low carb, keto, sugar-free, gluten-free, grain-free, and perfect for diabetics, this keto salad filled with nutrients is a perfect idea for your next Potluck party or get-together.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

German Potato Salad

Warm German potato salad in a white dish on a marble counter beside a bunch of fresh dill.
German Potato Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This traditional German Potato Salad is a delicious side with warm potatoes, crisp bacon, and a rich, bright dressing with sautéed onions, fresh herbs, and vinegar.
Get the Recipe: German Potato Salad

Shrimp & Cauliflower Salad

A closeup of Shrimp & Cauliflower Salad in a serving bowl.
Shrimp & Cauliflower Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Deliciously different and loaded with flavor, this tasty salad combines sweet shrimp and cauliflower with a dressing that puts it all over the top!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp & Cauliflower Salad

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