Church cookbooks stand out among all others because the recipes contained within them are tried and true. These old-fashioned salad recipes have been fellowship meal favorites for a long time!
28 Vintage Church Cookbook Salad Recipes
Updated on Sep. 13, 2024
Pennsylvania Dutch Cucumbers
My mom’s side of the family was German and Irish. Settling in Pennsylvania, they adopted some of the cooking and customs of the Pennsylvania Dutch. This is a dish Mom loved, and today it’s my favorite garden salad. It tastes delicious alongside a plate of homegrown tomatoes. —Shirley Joan Helfenbein, Lapeer, Michigan
1/28
2/28
Veggie Chopped Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's aunt gave me this recipe back in the '80s, and it's been a staple at our house ever since. I like to make it a day ahead because some time in the fridge makes it even better. Be sure to save yourself some leftovers, too. —Madeline Etzkorn, Burien, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 308 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
3/28
Grape Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone raves when I bring this refreshing, creamy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans. —Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 131 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
4/28
Creamy Pineapple Fluff Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests of all ages will gravitate to this traditional fluff salad, chock-full of pineapple, marshmallows and cherry bits. —Janice Hensley, Owingsville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 161 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
5/28
Authentic German Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This authentic German potato salad recipe came from Speck’s Restaurant, which was a famous eating establishment in St. Louis from the 1920s through the ‘50s. I ate lunch there almost every day and always ordered the potato salad. When the owner learned I was getting married, he gave me the recipe as a wedding gift! —Violette Klevorn, Washington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 344 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
6/28
Company Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We first tried a cream cheese fruit salad like this at a local deli. Since I couldn't get that recipe, I started mixing up different dressings until I hit on this one. Now I make this refreshing delightful salad for every picnic and get-to-gether. It can be a snack, side dish or dessert. —Connie Osterhout, Napoleon, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 161 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
7/28
Fresh Cucumber Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crisp garden-fresh cukes are always in season when we hold our family reunion, and they really shine in this simple salad. The recipe can easily be expanded to make large quantities too. —Betsy Carlson, Rockford, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 87 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 22g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
8/28
Layered Cranberry Gelatin Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Light and tangy, this gelatin is guaranteed to please. Kids go crazy for the marshmallow-cream cheese layer on top. —Irma Senner, Dixmont, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 239 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/28
Pea ‘n’ Peanut Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who don't like peas love this crunchy recipe, including my own children. I love the fact that it's so easy and makes a refreshing alternative to more traditional salads. A friend gave me the recipe years ago and I've been making it ever since. —Laurinda Nelson, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 579 calories, 48g fat (7g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 957mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 17g protein.
10/28
Vermicelli Pasta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I started making this salad because it's loaded with peppers, my husband's favorite. Don't be surprised when there are no leftovers to take home after the family reunion, picnic or church potluck. —Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 309 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
11/28
Garden Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For as long as I can remember, Mom made a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Now I make it whenever beautiful tomatoes are in reach. —Shannon Arthur, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 92 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
12/28
Green Bean Salad with Creamy Dressing
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother passed on this refreshing side dish recipe. It’s always devoured at my house. —Jodi Galanis, Murray, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 107 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 349mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
13/28
Ramen Coleslaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter gave me the recipe for this delightful salad. The sweet dressing nicely coats a crisp blend of broccoli slaw mix, onions, almonds and sunflower kernels. Crushed ramen noodles provide even more crunch. It's a smash hit wherever I take it. —Dora Mae Clapsaddle, Kensington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 205 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
14/28
Apricot Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Colorful gelatin salad adds a spot of brightness to any table. It blends well with this holiday feast. We children didn't know if it should be a salad or dessert, with its smooth texture and delicate flavor.—Fae Fisher, Callao, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 235 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
15/28
16/28
Pizza Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fun summer dish, this is a different salad that tastes as good as it looks. I love to take it to parties—the wonderful zesty flavor really complements a barbecue! —Debbie Terenzini-Wilkerson, Lusby, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 362 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
17/28
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.
18/28
Southern Coleslaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to make this salad on holidays. With all the cabbage that is grown here, this coleslaw recipe is a real natural for us! —Deb Darr, Falls City, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 137 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
19/28
Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom's ambrosia salad, with its tasty combination of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt, is a family favorite, and a great addition to a backyard barbecue. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
20/28
Black-Eyed Pea Tomato Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spending time in the kitchen with my late aunt was so much fun because she was an amazing cook and teacher. This black-eyed pea salad was one of her specialties. It is easy to make and is a nice alternative to pasta or potato salad. Add cooked cubed chicken breast to make it a meal on its own. —Patricia Ness, La Mesa, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 242 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
21/28
Broccoli Grape Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People can't get enough of the sweet grapes and crunchy broccoli in this colorful salad. I appreciate its make-ahead convenience. —Terri Twyman, Bonanza, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 344 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
22/28
Potato Salad with Bacon
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It isn't a summer cookout without potato salad, but the stuff from the deli just isn't our thing. I toyed with many recipes until I developed this one. Now if I even mention grilling or barbecuing, it's my family's top request for a side. —Paul Cogswell, League City, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 424 calories, 36g fat (7g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 1147mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
23/28
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.
24/28
Pineapple Fluff
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often bring this salad to potlucks, and everyone goes crazy for the sweet and crunchy combination. Be sure to add the pretzel mixture right before serving to keep it crispy. —Beth Olby, Ashland, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 334 calories, 19g fat (13g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
25/28
Marinated Three Bean Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh herbs and cayenne pepper provide the fantastic flavor in this marinated salad featuring fresh veggies and canned beans. —Carol Tucker, Wooster, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 184 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 8g protein.
26/28
Macaroni Coleslaw
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 150 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
27/28
Cranberry Waldorf Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberries grow in the coastal area about 50 miles from our home. When they become available, I always make this creamy salad. —Faye Huff, Longview, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 226 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
28/28
Cornbread Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To feed a crowd, especially when I want to make a good impression, I make this eye-popping cornbread salad. It’s beautiful in a trifle bowl. I love it in summer, when we can make it with our own garden produce. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 367 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
