19 fresh and flavorful salads that are perfect for your next cookout

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Summertime means cookouts, and what’s a cookout without a selection of refreshing salads to balance the smoky flavors from the grill? We’ve gathered 19 fresh and flavorful salads, each one bursting with color, crunch, and creativity.

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

Old Fashioned Pea Salad

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

Make this old-fashioned pea salad for a cool and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts. 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

Broccoli Salad

A close shot of a fork full of broccoli salad.
Broccoli 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.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad

Texas Caviar

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

Add some Southwestern flair to your summer gatherings with this Texas caviar recipe. The combination of black-eyed peas, colorful veggies, and zesty dressing creates a flavorful and satisfying salad.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar

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

Cajun Pasta Salad

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

Spice up your summer parties 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

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 main course or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad

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

Get ready to dive into a bowl of creamy and flavorful Amish macaroni salad! It’s a great summer recipe as it offers a cool and creamy complement to grilled meats, and the combination of textures and flavors will make everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni 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.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw

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.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato 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 cookout 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

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

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

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

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 cookout. This combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar works as either an appetizer or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers

Shirazi Salad

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

Shirazi salad is crisp, refreshing, and delicious. 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

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