With these 17 make-ahead salads, you can prepare a delightful array of colorful and tasty dishes well in advance, allowing you more time to soak up the sun or mingle with friends during summer parties.
Texas Caviar
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.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar
Broccoli Crunch Salad
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 Crunch Salad
Old Fashioned Pea Salad
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
Ramen Noodle Salad
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 Macaroni Salad
Get ready to dive into a bowl of creamy and flavorful Amish macaroni salad! It’s a great cookout 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
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
Amish Potato Salad
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
7 Layer Salad
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
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.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad
Pistachio Fluff Salad
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
Caprese Salad
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
Cherry Salad
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
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
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
Restaurant Style Coleslaw
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
Mexican Street Corn Salad
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
Caprese Salad Skewers
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