Kick back and enjoy your Labor Day weekend without the last-minute kitchen scramble. These 21 make-ahead salads are perfect whether you’re hosting a full-on backyard bash or keeping it low-key.
Pea Salad
This pea salad is a breeze to make and keeps well in the fridge. It’s packed with crunchy peas, cheese, and bacon — a hit at any gathering. It’s like a creamy, tasty time-saver waiting to rock your Labor Day!
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Pea Salad
Cowboy Caviar
Say hello to Cowboy caviar! It’s a vibrant mix of beans, veggies, and a kickin’ dressing. Make it the night before, and let those flavors meld together for the perfect Labor Day side dish..
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar
Broccoli Crunch Salad
This salad packs a crunch! With broccoli, bacon, and sunflower seeds, it’s an addicting combo of flavors and textures. Plus, it holds up well, making it perfect for Labor Day prep.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Ramen Noodle Salad
Forget what you knew about ramen; this salad elevates it to a new level! Tossed in a tangy dressing and loaded with veggies, it’s a mouth-watering dish that you can prep in advance.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad
Lime Jello Salad
Not just for the kiddos! This lime jello salad is a zesty and sweet palate cleanser that can be made a day ahead. A surefire way to add a pop of fun to your Labor Day menu!
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad
Amish Macaroni Salad
Classic comfort with a twist, Amish macaroni salad brings together pasta, veggies, and a creamy dressing. The longer it sits, the better it gets, so make it ahead and forget it until Labor Day!
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Amp up your coleslaw game with this blue cheese version. It’s tangy, creamy, and adds a gourmet touch to your Labor Day BBQ. Plus, it’s another dish that only gets better as it sits!
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw
7 Layer Salad
Talk about a showstopper! This 7 layer salad is visually stunning and packed with layers of flavor. Prep it the night before and just toss it right before serving. A total Labor Day win!
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Chickpea Salad
Light, refreshing, and protein-packed, this chickpea salad is the perfect make-ahead dish. With simple ingredients and robust flavors, it’s one less thing to worry about on the big day.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad
Amish Potato Salad
Creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned, Amish potato salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You can make it the day before, let the flavors mingle, and boom: Labor Day side dish, done.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad
Pistachio Fluff Salad
Looking for something different? This pistachio fluff salad is a creamy, nutty, and sweet delight that’s perfect for making in advance. It’s Labor Day nostalgia in a bowl!
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Fluff Salad
Cajun Pasta Salad
Spice up your Labor Day with this Cajun pasta salad. Loaded with veggies and a kick of spice, it can be made ahead and packs a punch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta Salad
Caprese Salad
Simple, fresh, and utterly delicious. This Caprese salad is just mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Make it ahead to let those flavors really come alive for Labor Day!
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad
Amish Broccoli Salad
Who knew broccoli could be so good? This Amish broccoli salad is a blend of fresh broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, all tied together with a sweet dressing. Make it ahead and watch it disappear on Labor Day!.
Get the Recipe: Amish Broccoli Salad
Cherry Salad
Sweet cherries take center stage in this delicious salad. It’s a fruity twist on a classic dish and perfect for making ahead. Trust us, it’s the cherry on top of your Labor Day!
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 perfect for Labor Day.
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. With only 5 ingredients, it is quick and easy to make and so refreshing! Make your Labor Day prep simple with this side dish.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad
Faux Potato Salad Recipe
Don’t forget your guests with special diets on Labor Day! This Faux Potato Salad Recipe is made a gluten-free and diabetic version of low carb yogurt mayonnaise and the salad uses turnip radish, which gives you the best potato alternative.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad Recipe
Restaurant Style Coleslaw
Elevate your Labor Day 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 dish for a Labor Day. This combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar works as either an appetizer or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers