While no backyard barbecue is complete without burgers and dogs on the grill, these delicious summer potluck salads will be the real stars of the show.
39 Summer Potluck Salads for Your Cookouts
Updated on Sep. 01, 2024
1/38
Creamy Macaroni Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we grill, my mother asks me to make this creamy macaroni salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
2/38
Fruit Salad in a Pineapple Boat
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings (1-1/3 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet, summery treat that looks as good as it tastes! No one, young or old, will be able to resist this healthy fruit salad.
Amy Short, Lesage, WV
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 81 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
3/38
Fresh Corn Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People who prefer food with some tang find this corn salad particularly appealing. It's a pretty dish, too, and very economical. If you are like me and enjoy growing your own ingredients, you won't have to pick up much at the store. —Carol Shaffer, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 102 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
4/38
Creamy Pasta Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love creating new and tasty foods, such as this popular salad. I make it often for my husband and me, especially during the summer months. If you add some shredded cooked chicken breast, you can make this a meal for two. —Lorraine Menard, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 233 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 1021mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
5/38
Grilled Romaine Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a great-tasting salad, try this recipe on the grill! It's equally good with any dressing of your choice. —Susan Court, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 98 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
6/38
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A bold homemade dressing gives this Greek tortellini salad a burst of flavor. Watch it disappear from your buffet table. If you do have leftovers, stir in sliced grilled steak for an easy dinner the next day. —Sue Braunschweig, Delafield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 267 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
7/38
Italian Potato Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 170 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
8/38
Blood Orange Avocado Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My refreshing side salad is such a nice addition to our calorie-loaded Thanksgiving dinner. Use regular oranges if you can't find blood oranges. Finely chopped walnuts work well in place of the pomegranate seeds, too. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 241 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
9/38
Grilled Potato and Corn Salad
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Corn salad and potato salad are two summer classics. I smashed them together for a crowd-pleasing side that we love with burgers. Locally sourced ingredients from the farmers market make it extra special. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 260 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
10/38
Spicy Thai-Inspired Noodle Watermelon Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our county is famous for its fabulous Green River melons. While you won’t find this unique and refreshing salad at the county fair, it’s definitely our favorite way to eat watermelon all summer long! —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 240 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
11/38
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had to figure out how to make Hawaiian macaroni salad at home because my husband was getting tired of ordering enough for our whole family from a local restaurant. Sometimes I use green onions and serve the salad with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. —Blaine Kahle, Florence, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 464 calories, 33g fat (5g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
12/38
Asian Noodle Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This rice noodle salad is easy, sweet, spicy, nutty and light. Many friends request this for get-togethers, and our family enjoys it at least once a month for dinner. —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 149 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
13/38
White Balsamic Blueberry, Corn and Feta Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not typically a huge fan of summer corn, but when it comes to this sweet, salty, refreshing salad, I can't put my fork down. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 133 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
14/38
Strawberry Kale Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fresh, zingy salad is super easy and tastes just like the one I get at Culver's! The sliced strawberries and fresh mint give it an extra-summery feel, and crumbled bacon and toasted almonds add the perfect amount of crunch. —Luanne Asta, Hampton Bays, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 231 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 399mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
15/38
Dill Pickle Potato Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy dill pickle potato salad makes a flavorful and attractive addition to a Fourth of July picnic or church supper.—Nancy Holland, Morgan Hill, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 415 calories, 30g fat (5g saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
16/38
Cubano Macaroni Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my favorite sandwiches is a hot Cubano, piled high with juicy pork, layers of ham and melty Swiss cheese. These same ingredients are amazing in a macaroni salad. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 300 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
17/38
Favorite Mediterranean Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
28 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Got a crowd coming over for a backyard barbecue? This crisp, big-batch Mediterranean salad recipe makes a great accompaniment to any main dish you fix on the grill. —Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 69 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
18/38
Bok Choy Toss
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chop some fresh veggies, add a gingery bottled dressing and savor this unique bok choy salad that’s big on flavor and crunch. How cool is that? —Andrew McDowell, Lake Villa, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 47 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
19/38
Glazed Fruit Medley
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The homemade orange dressing on this salad complements the fresh fruit flavors beautifully. It’s perfect for a spring or summer brunch. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 188 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
20/38
Corn Tomato Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
I always make this for family events and parties. It reminds me of all the fun barbecues and picnics over the years. Fresh corn and basil make a huge difference in this recipe. —Jessica Kleinbaum, Plant City, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 192 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
21/38
Mexican Layered Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s another popular dish I like to prepare in advance, adding the cheese and chips just before serving. It’s a slightly different version of the traditional layered salad. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 371 calories, 35g fat (6g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
22/38
Summer Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe to show appreciation to all the teachers at my son’s school. The dish had to be as special as the teachers, who always go the extra mile for their students. I think this salad did the trick! It's hearty, earthy, sweet and loaded with nothing but good stuff. —Ramya Ramamurthy, Fremont, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 269 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
23/38
Avocado & Artichoke Pasta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro and a little avocado make this a creamy and zingy pasta salad. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 188 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
24/38
Bacon Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone in my family loves this bacon and avocado salad—even the younger kids! I serve it at pretty much every get-together I've hosted, and at this point, the recipe's been shared too many times to count. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 339 calories, 31g fat (7g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
25/38
Mexican Roasted Potato Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband is the No. 1 fan of this south-of-the-border potato salad. The leftovers make an awesome late-night snack, straight from the fridge. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 334 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein.
26/38
Spam Macaroni Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 351 calories, 27g fat (6g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
27/38
Southern Vinegar Slaw
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This has been a very popular salad from my recipe box for a long, long time! Before I retired, when my office had a covered-dish-get-together, I was always asked to bring my tangy Southern vinegar coleslaw. My family loves it, too. —Fern Hammock, Garland, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 167 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
28/38
Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 110 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
29/38
Carrot and Raisin Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This traditional salad is one of my mother-in-law’s favorites. It’s fun to eat because of the crunchy texture, and the raisins give it a slightly sweet flavor. Plus, I love how easy it is to make. —Denise Baumert, Dalhart, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 122 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
30/38
Summer Orzo Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 291 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
31/38
Caprese Pasta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
17 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy Caprese pasta salad is always a favorite, especially when summer tomatoes are at their peak. It comes together quickly, but if you can make it ahead of time, the flavors seem to get better after it's chilled for a few hours. —Debby Harden, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 203 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
32/38
Yummy Corn Chip Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Corn chips give a special crunch and an unexpected flavor to this potluck favorite. Bacon adds a hint of smokiness, while the cranberries bring a touch of sweetness. It's the perfect picnic companion! —Nora Friesen, Aberdeen, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 436 calories, 30g fat (4g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
33/38
Summer Squash Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Packing a satisfying crunch, this salad is a tasty alternative to coleslaw. Like most gardeners, we usually have an abundance of squash and zucchini in summer, so this dish is a colorful way to use our fresh produce. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 188 calories, 19g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
34/38
Tex-Mex Potato Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe for one of my Tex-Mex cooking classes, and it was a hit. It's perfect for a cookout or potluck. The secret ingredient is pickled jalapenos—they add so much interest and flavor! Add a can of black beans for more protein. —Dianna Ackerley, Cibolo, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 120 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
35/38
Marinated Cucumbers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dressed with a light, tangy oil-and-vinegar mixture and seasoned with herbs, these cucumber slices make a cool summer side dish. The refreshing salad is perfect alongside sandwiches and a variety of meats.—Mary Helen Hinson, Lamberton, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 48 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
36/38
Southwestern Pasta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend who has a catering business asked me to create a dish with pasta for a southwestern-themed event. This is the recipe I dreamed up for her. I was told it was a hit and is now one of her most-requested dishes. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 203 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
37/38
Sliced Tomato Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from my grandmother. It's a perfect platter to serve with burgers or hot sandwiches. —Kendal Tangedal, Plentywood, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 94 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
38/38
Strawberry Arugula Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of peppery arugula, sweet strawberries and robust feta cheese may sound unusual, but one bite will win you over.—Carala Horne, Meridian, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 106 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
