15 make-and-take salads that won’t embarrass you or fall apart by the time you get there

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These 15 salads were built for travel and still show up looking like they belong at the table. No wilting, no leaking, no strange smells halfway through the drive. They hold their shape and don’t lose confidence when everyone starts lifting lids. You won’t need to explain or apologize, just drop the bowl and let it speak for itself.

A white bowl filled Hawaiian with macaroni salad with a spoon inside.
The Best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta

A spoon drizzles balsamic glaze over a salad with watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, and arugula in a white bowl on a light surface.
Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Everyone loves a fresh option, and Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta delivers just that. This salad combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that stay crisp and intact for hours. It’s a go-to for spreading joy at gatherings or adding something extra to your packed lunch. Serving it is effortless, making it ideal for both casual meet-ups and formal occasions.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta

Easy Three Bean Salad

A glass bowl filled with a Three Bean Salad including kidney beans, chickpeas, green beans, and sliced red onion, with a wooden spoon and a striped cloth nearby.
Easy Three Bean Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Busy days call for dishes that are simple yet functional, and Easy Three Bean Salad fits that description perfectly. It’s classic, versatile, and a great choice for helping you feel organized when dining away from home. The flavors meld well while remaining satisfying and sturdy, holding up without falling apart during transport. Great for potlucks or quick prep, it’s as practical as it is enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Easy Three Bean Salad

Authentic Panzanella Salad

A white bowl filled with panzanella salad, featuring bread cubes, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and sliced red onions on a white surface.
Authentic Panzanella Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

When you need something fresh but filling, Authentic Panzanella Salad steps in with just the right balance. Bread and vegetables are the stars here, staying firm and flavorful long after leaving the kitchen. The combination keeps the salad hearty yet portable, ideal for small get-togethers or taking along for lunch breaks. This one proves traditional recipes can be both reliable and delicious to share.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Panzanella Salad

Creamy Radish Salad

A bowl of Creamy Radish Salad garnished with dill, with a spoon lifting a portion above the bowl.
Creamy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For something creamy and unique, Creamy Radish Salad stands out as a solid choice. It carries bold flavors that complement its texture, keeping everything well-balanced and easy to take anywhere. Whether for personal meals or group settings, it’s a fun dish that offers something slightly different while staying simple to prepare. Its flavor holds up, making it worth adding to your salad rotation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Radish Salad

Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

A Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts in a white bowl, accompanied by a fork.
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Adding personality to the table, Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts is both satisfying and long-lasting. The combination of ingredients stays consistent and keeps its shape, even if you’re traveling or hosting. Whether you’re sharing or enjoying this alone, it’s a well-rounded dish that everybody appreciates. It’s a great option to make and take while staying on theme with fresh flavors.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Creamy BLT Pasta Salad

A white bowl filled with BLT pasta salad, featuring spiral pasta, creamy dressing, pieces of bacon, and other visible ingredients, is shown with a spoon. Red onions, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and parsley are in the background.
Creamy BLT Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Everyone can appreciate a familiar favorite, and Creamy BLT Pasta Salad brings just that with a twist. It’s hearty enough to share, but easy to batch and carry wherever you go. No soggy leftovers here; the texture and taste stay consistent long after it’s made. Whether you need something for unexpected guests or a quick meal, this one never disappoints in practicality.
Get the Recipe: Creamy BLT Pasta Salad

Ambrosia Salad

A colorful Ambrosia Salad beautifully arranged in a serving bowl.
Ambrosia Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For those who enjoy a sweeter option, Ambrosia Salad is a fun answer to traditional greens you’d usually serve. It’s ideal for events or gatherings where you want something playful and simple but easy to carry. The flavors hold up and won’t get messy, making it suitable for transportation and storage. Anytime you want to switch things up, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Salad

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Plate of Deviled Egg Pasta Salad on a wooden table, accompanied by three forks and a blue plaid napkin.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Combining two comfort foods, Deviled Egg Pasta Salad offers an impressive yet easy-to-make dish. It’s nice and filling, appealing to both traditional and unique tastes in salads. Mix it, pack it, or share it; it holds up well thanks to its sturdy textures and fantastic flavor pairings. Whether working solo or prepping for family gatherings, it adds a creative flair to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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

You don’t need to reinvent salad recipes to wow a group, and Mexican Street Corn Salad does just that efficiently. It brings bold flavor and stays fresh without losing its edge during transport. Whether for casual meals or festive plans, this salad pairs with a variety of situations. With easy prep and plenty of appeal, it’s always a smart option as a go-to dish for taking anywhere.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Shirazi Salad

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

Sometimes you just want something light yet flavorful, and Shirazi Salad delivers on both fronts. Its blend of ingredients stays crisp and refreshing no matter how far you travel with it. From small lunches to larger gatherings, it’s an easy-to-make choice that people genuinely love to pass around. It’s proof you don’t need something complex to create something worth sharing.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with rotisserie chicken pasta salad.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If simplicity appeals to you, Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad puts this into practice effortlessly. It’s both fulfilling and practical, offering a balance between quick prep and reliable portability. You’ll find it stays lush and flavorful even hours after preparation without needing much upkeep. Perfect whether you’re enjoying it yourself or contributing to a shared mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

A white bowl of Mediterranean Quinoa Salad on a light blue tablecloth.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Packed with proteins but made lightly, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is always a winner for make-and-take meals. Its structure works well for traveling, offering smooth, rounded flavors without feeling heavy. Bringing this one along is easy because it doesn’t lose its appeal throughout the day. Great for versatile occasions or as a fresh option to balance other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Italian Broccoli Salad

A bowl of Italian broccoli salad with sliced olives, almonds, onions, and red peppers, served on a white plate with a fork and napkin beside it.
Italian Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Keeping things fresh is essential, and Italian Broccoli Salad steps up with great portability and flavor control. Being veggie-packed ensures the salad can stay sturdy while also delivering taste that holds up over time. It’s simple to prep, easy to travel with, and doesn’t require elaborate serving steps. Anytime you want something easy to share, this salad makes the process seamless.
Get the Recipe: Italian Broccoli Salad

Smashed Cucumber Salad

A bowl of smashed cucumber salad with sesame seeds, red chili pieces, and cilantro.
Smashed Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fresh flavors and textures make Smashed Cucumber Salad an ideal choice for travel-friendly meals. It doesn’t need fancy preparation methods to stay crisp and pleasant hours after it’s made. Perfect for quick gatherings or small lunches, it’s a great go-to option when you want something refreshing and simple. Bring it along, and it’ll always feel like the right addition.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Cucumber Salad

The Best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

A white bowl filled Hawaiian with macaroni salad with a spoon inside.
The Best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Lunches or picnics are made easier with The Best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, built to hold up without losing quality. It blends comfort-inspired ingredients with a versatile structure that’s enjoyable anytime. Whether for social events or single-serving meals, this salad doesn’t disappoint, especially for busy schedules. It’s an excellent way to switch up standard heavy dishes while keeping flavor consistent.
Get the Recipe: The Best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

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