When the temps get warmer, reach for one of these cold salad recipes to cool things down and fill up bellies. These salads are perfect for a steaming hot summer day.
45 Cold Salad Recipes to Make When the Weather Gets Hot
Updated on May 09, 2025
1/45
Nicoise Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This garden-fresh salad is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Add some crusty bread and you have a mouthwatering meal. —Marla Fogderud, Mason, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 salad: 613 calories, 49g fat (8g saturated fat), 242mg cholesterol, 886mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
The famous Nicoise salad is one of the most classic cold salad recipes. Precooked and now-cooled ingredients lie on a bed of crisp lettuce topped with a tangy vinaigrette. With a little prep work, this salad comes together in minutes.
2/45
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The delicious taste and smooth texture of avocados with the crisp shrimp salad create a heavenly combination. Serve it as a cool and satisfying lunch or a light, quick and easy dinner. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup avocado mixture: 252 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
Similar to ceviche, shrimp avocado salad is filled with plump shrimp, tomatoes, onions, peppers and avocados, with a zesty lime and adobo seasoned dressing. Eat it with a fork or tortilla chips!
3/45
Dill Potato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What's a picnic without potato salad? This recipe will add delightful new flavor to yours. The spices make the difference. —Cam Cox, Hemet, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 182 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
Fresh dill and bias-chopped scallions make an ordinary potato salad pop. While we suggest dried dill, I like to reach for fresh whenever possible. I love how those feathery fronds elevate presentation.
4/45
Juicy Watermelon Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fruit salad has such a surprising yet fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, red and pink for a colorful twist. —Heidi Haight, Macomb, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 232 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
This salad is full of surprising ingredients. Watermelon, blue cheese and macadamia nuts seem like random adds, but their sweet, salty, nutty flavors meld on a bed of arugula and red onions.
5/45
Caprese Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love Caprese salad, but not the high prices we pay for it in restaurants. Here, we created our own version that tastes incredibly close to, if not better than, any restaurant version we've tried. —Melissa Pearson, Sandy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 256 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
Caprese salad recipes are master classes in the art of simplicity. Just three super simple ingredients—mozzarella, tomatoes and basil—create a cold salad that genuinely everyone loves. Always use the best olive oil for Caprese.
6/45
Fresh Cucumber Salad
Skill Level
Advanced
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.
It’s always so much easier to enjoy raw vegetables when they’re seasoned, even simply. Our core recipe dresses the cucumbers in sugar, white vinegar and dill, but we include plenty of variations, like a Mediterranean- or Asian-inspired twist.
7/45
Southern Potato Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This potato salad with a southern twist is perfect for a church supper or potluck. The pickles add extra sweetness. —Gene Pitts, Wilsonville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 377 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
Classic potato salad gets a dose of southern charm with the addition of mustard and chopped dill pickles. They add extra zing and zip to an otherwise creamy and rich salad.
8/45
Macaroni Salad Recipe
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This macaroni salad recipe is a refreshingly light take on an all-time favorite. It's perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a festive weekend barbecue. —Dorothy Bayes, Sardis, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 115 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
This cold macaroni salad is a must-have summer side for picnics and cookouts. It’s one of our very best macaroni salad recipes since it has a tangy and slightly sweet dressing that fits everyone’s expectations.
9/45
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I revamped my mother's potato salad to taste more like baked potatoes with all the fixin's, which I love. This loaded baked potato salad is now the most requested dish at family gatherings. Even my mother asked for the recipe! —Jackie Deckard, Solsberry, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 315 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 587mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
This stunning side dish combines a loaded baked potato with a cold potato salad. Expect bites with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, tangy pickles and just enough sour cream. Yum.
10/45
Tri-Color Pasta Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tackle gatherings with a bright side dish. This tri-color pasta salad with broccoli, tomatoes, olives and a hardworking dressing is one of the easiest cold pasta salad recipes you could take. —Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 149 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Make-ahead pasta salads are lunchtime heroes and picnic crowd-pleasers. This one is lighter than most, opting for Italian dressing and whole veggies for flavor and color. Tri-color pasta isn’t necessary, but it sure is appealing.
11/45
Southwestern Pasta Salad
Skill Level
Easy
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.
This pasta salad takes an unexpected turn down South with black beans, corn, peppers and avocado tossed in a zesty lime and salsa dressing. Serve it with some of our absolute best taco recipes.
12/45
Bacon Salad
Skill Level
Medium
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.
This bacon salad is kind of like a deconstructed BLT, and we’re here for it. But avocado is the unexpected surprise that creates a refreshing richness alongside the crispy, succulent bacon.
13/45
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simple yet elegant dish that always pleases my guests. Not only is it tasty, but it is healthy too. The more varied the colors of the tomatoes you choose, the prettier the salad will be. —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 75 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
When it’s just too hot to bake a pretty heirloom tomato tart, I turn to this heirloom tomato salad that sings of summer. Buy a few different heirloom varieties so your cold salad is colorful and vibrant.
14/45
Broccoli Almond Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful broccoli almond salad is easy to make in advance. Add the nuts and bacon just before serving so they stay nice and crunchy. —Margaret Garbade, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 236 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
Crunchy is the name of the game in this cold salad recipe. Between raw broccoli florets, crispy bacon and toasted almonds, there’s no shortage of texture and flavor in this salad.
15/45
Blood Orange Avocado Salad
Skill Level
Medium
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.
If I were showing up to someone’s picnic, I would absolutely bring this salad. It’s endlessly pretty, and with so many different flavors, it has a lot of pop, zing and zest.
16/45
Chicken Pasta Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves pasta salads, but usually they have too much mayonnaise or oily dressing. Using hummus gives this dish a great taste and texture, while also increasing its nutritional profile. Adding chicken (store-bought rotisserie chicken works well) makes this pasta salad a complete meal. —Jenny Lynch, Rock Island, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 263 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
Here’s a pasta salad that will really keep you full until dinner. It contains both chicken and hummus for a protein boost, and whole wheat rotini noodles and lots of veggies supply the fiber.
17/45
Sweet & Sour Squash Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad goes over really well with all ages, and it's a good way to get kids to eat summer squash. —Opal Shipman, Levelland, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 241 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
This salad is so vibrant that it contains almost every color of the rainbow. Here, summer produce is at the helm, covered in a homemade dressing that includes a packet of zesty ranch mix.
18/45
Summertime Tomato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My crazy good salad has cherry tomatoes, squash and blueberries together in one bowl. Then I layer on the flavor with fresh corn, red onion and mint. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 95 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
Blueberries and fresh mint enliven this tomato, corn, squash and red onion summer salad. The next time your tomato plant turns into a bumper crop, break out this recipe.
19/45
Garden Pesto Pasta Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and I live on a homestead in the Missouri Ozarks and produce much of our own food. In the summer, when the garden is bursting with fresh vegetables and it’s too hot to cook, I like to use the season's veggies for pesto pasta salad and other cool meals. —Sarah Mathews, Ava, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 267 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
There’s only one rule for this garden pesto pasta salad: Spring for the absolute best store-bought pesto or use homemade pesto. The better the pesto, the better the salad.
20/45
Cauliflower Broccoli Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This broccoli cauliflower salad has been to as many family gatherings as I have! It holds well and leftovers are still tasty a day later. —Linda Kangas, Outlook, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 248 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
There are a lot of fun ingredients happening in this salad. Hiding in between cauliflower and broccoli florets are seedless grapes, sliced green onions, crispy bacon, mozzarella and Parmesan. A vinegary, slightly sweet mayo dressing ties them all together.
21/45
Avocado & Artichoke Pasta Salad
Skill Level
Easy
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.
Fans of artichokes know just how well they hold up in the fridge throughout the week. Avocados are prone to browning, though, so I’d wait to add them until serving. What I love about this recipe is that it’s great as is, but it can be customized if desired.
22/45
Spicy Cajun Potato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here in the South we have a lot of get-togethers, and if you want your dish to be chosen over all the rest, it has to have a kick! This is a winner. —Amanda West, Sibley, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
Ever eat a potato salad and think it’s a bit … bland? I promise you that won’t be the case with this Cajun-spiced potato salad, upgraded even further with lemons, mustard and briny pickles.
23/45
Tangy Cilantro Lime Confetti Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love standout salads that burst with flavor—the kind that make you feel as if you're splurging without having to eat that piece of chocolate cake. This is one of my very favorites, and everyone I serve it to loves it as well. —Jasey McBurnett, Rock Springs, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 187 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
Need some color on the plate next to the grilled steak or chicken? This aptly named confetti salad contains five of the brightest colors of the rainbow. Even more, the vegetables are covered in a zesty dressing made from limes, garlic, rice vinegar and fresh cilantro.
24/45
Rice Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and friends all love this salad, which they refer to as the Greek salad. The recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, so it’s a perfect take-along dish for a big party. No matter what you’re looking for—something with the Greek flavors you love or just a healthy, simple salad—this will not disappoint! If you’d like, substitute orzo for the rice. —Sarah Hawkins, Wanatah, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 55 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
This dish is satisfying. Nutrient-dense brown rice, served cold, stretches the salad. Feel free to add a little protein through chickpeas, chicken or steak.
25/45
Ravishing Radish Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Showcase radishes in all their glory with a fresh, crunchy salad. Herbs and fennel take it up another notch. —Maggie Ruddy, Altoona, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 177 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
Anytime I see hot pink radishes at the farmers market, I can’t help but buy a bunch. I’m always left kicking myself, though, because I can never use them up before they’re past their prime. With this radish salad, I will gladly use them all, and then some, with green onions, walnuts, scallions, dill, fennel and basil.
26/45
Sweet Potato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender sweet potatoes are tossed with crunchy nuts and chewy dried cherries for a burst of flavors and textures. —Fran Fehling, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
Ever thought about swapping in orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for yellow or white potatoes? Their slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with dried cherries and crunchy walnuts, and this is a nice change from the traditional potato salad we’ve come to expect.
27/45
French Potato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
French potato salad is vinegar-based instead of creamy and is made with Dijon mustard, olive oil, scallions or shallots, and fresh herbs. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 201 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 239mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
Say goodbye to heavy, cream-based potato salads and hello to this vinegar and mustard French one! It is so much lighter and has a more sophisticated palette and appeal. Serve it with herby grilled chicken breasts or poached salmon.
28/45
Green Bean Potato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For family reunions, my mom would make everybody's favorite green bean and potato salad. Now I'm the one who brings it. —Connie Dicavoli, Shawnee, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 183 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
This version of potato salad uses a vinaigrette-style dressing instead of mayonnaise. Snappy green beans and pungent red onions add a much-needed bite and color.
29/45
Almond-Apricot Chicken Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a one-of-a-kind pasta salad that combines tender chicken, sweet apricots and crunchy vegetables. Plus, the lemony dressing can't be beat. —Susan Voigt, Plymouth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 411 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
This chicken salad gets a slightly sweet upgrade thanks to thinly sliced dried apricots. It may seem like a random addition, but it plays so nicely with the crunchy broccoli, toasted almonds, succulent chicken and zippy lemon dressing.
30/45
Summer Orzo Salad
Skill Level
Medium
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.
Everyone loves pasta salad, but rotini noodles can be so typical. Here, orzo gets the spotlight, and it clings so nicely to the corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, capers and mint.
31/45
Cranberry and Roasted Beet Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this as a healthy, tasty side dish to complement Christmas dinner. The enticing substitute for cranberry relish is excellent with turkey. Even the children loved it! Serve the beet blend alone or on a bed of salad greens. —Brianna St. Clair, Worland, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 212 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 278mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
Need a cold salad to fight the winter blues? In-season cranberries, pears and beets make it easy to bring a bit of vibrancy to a lunchtime winter salad.
32/45
Grilled Asian Chicken Pasta Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cool noodle salad makes a great casual one-bowl dinner or a perfect dish for a potluck or buffet. —Sharon Tipton, Casselberry, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 478 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
This Asian-inspired salad starts with grilled chicken marinated in soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil and gingerroot. Cut it up and toss it with cucumbers, peppers and angel hair pasta. Feel free to use soba or vermicelli noodles instead.
33/45
Tortellini Caesar Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad was served at a dear friend's baby shower by a health-conscious friend who suggested the dressing be prepared with low-fat or fat-free ingredients. Either way, the creamy dressing has plenty of garlic flavor and coats the pasta, romaine and croutons nicely. —Tammy Steenbock, Sembach Air Base, Germany
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without tomatoes): 237 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
This is quite possibly the best upgrade Caesar salad could ever get. Turning this classic salad into a pasta salad with not rotini noodles but four-cheese tortellini is true genius. Yes, I will take seconds.
34/45
Potato Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 231 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
Here it is, our best potato salad recipe! This potato salad hits all the right notes: creamy, zippy, zingy and just a little bit sweet. Oh, and that beautiful golden color comes from a mixture of egg yolks and mustard.
35/45
Greek Orzo Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tart, refreshing salad is a big hit in my home. All the tasty toppings—including red onions, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese and a zesty dressing—give it extra interest. —Judy Roberts, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
I love that this vegetarian cold salad holds fiber, protein and carbs all in one for a complete meal. Best of all, it gets better as it sits so you can keep it in the fridge for a quick lunch all week long.
36/45
Make-Ahead Hearty Six-Layer Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is an all-time favorite. I reach for the recipe whenever I need a dish to pass. It is easy to make, can be assembled ahead of time and looks marvelous. —Noreen Meyer, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 310 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
Make-ahead recipes, like this salad, are the key to easy hosting. Pro tip: Build your cold salad in a trifle dish so everyone can see all those pretty layers.
37/45
Grilled Firecracker Potato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can eat potato salad like crazy. A little spice is nice, so I use cayenne and paprika in this grilled salad that comes with its own fireworks. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 265 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Grilling potatoes instead of boiling them infuses the potato salad with a delicious smoky flavor. Even more, cayenne, paprika and spicy Dijon mustard give it a kick of firecracker heat.
38/45
White Ale Potato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Take this one outside! My grown-up recipe uses beer instead of mayo, so you don't need to worry about keeping it cool. It's a really popular recipe on my blog, girllikestoeat.com. —Jenny MacBeth, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 536mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
When the kids are away, the grown-ups will play. In this potato salad, a white ale is the base of the light dressing, so the potatoes, tomatoes, bacon, cheese and chives stand out a bit more.
39/45
Creamy Macaroni Salad
Skill Level
Easy
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.
When there are quickly cooked meats, raw veggie salads and citrusy beverages at the cookout, it’s nice to offer something comforting and creamy among the lighter flavors. That’s where this creamy macaroni salad comes into play. It’s still cold, so it’s refreshing for summer, but it’s creamy and well-seasoned, offering more flavor.
40/45
Sour Cream Potato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Italian dressing and horseradish make this creamy potato salad different from most, plus those ingredients really add some zip! It’s perfect for picnics or potlucks. —Veda Luttrell, Sutter, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 366 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
Where so many potato salads are mayo-based, sour cream takes the spotlight here, along with pungent horseradish sauce and zippy mustard, for a tangy upgrade. No one will expect how much flavor is packed into this potato salad!
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Italian Potato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll want to take this simple-to-assemble potato salad to all your picnics and outings. It's always on the menu when my tomato plants yield a bumper crop. Feel free to improvise by adding other fresh vegetables. —Jeannette Macera, Utica, New York
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.
Looking for a potato salad recipe that isn’t bogged down by sour cream or mayonnaise? Italian potato salad takes a lighter approach with a myriad of veggies tossed in an herby vinaigrette.
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Red Potato Salad
Skill Level
Advanced
Total Time
40 min
Servings
17 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful red potato salad recipe with egg is the perfect side for summer cookouts. The red potatoes really dress it up. —Margaret Blomquist, Newfield, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 276 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
After making this recipe, you’ll see why red potatoes are the king for potato salads. They’re waxy, so they’re less starchy and floury than something like a russet. Plus, they don’t fall apart as easily, so they’ll keep their nice shape when it comes time to present.
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Vermicelli Pasta Salad
Skill Level
Easy
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.
You may be used to rotini noodles in pasta salads, but vermicelli or angel hair pasta is just as fun and really layers well with chopped vegetables.
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Potato Salad with Bacon
Skill Level
Easy
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.
Potato salad is great, but everyone knows that any dish can be improved with a bit of bacon. Here, succulent, crispy bacon is the star ingredient, mixed into a creamy potato salad that has a light zing from Dijon mustard and a refreshing dill twist.
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Ranch Potato Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this creamy ranch potato salad with cheese, bacon and ranch salad dressing. My sister asked for the recipe as soon as she tried it. —Lynn Breunig, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 316 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
In this potato salad, mayonnaise gets the boot for a bottle of ranch dressing, providing a zesty upgrade. For a true tangy ranch flavor, make sure the ranch has a buttermilk or cream base, not a mayonnaise or oil base.
Cold Salad Recipes FAQs
What are some good cold salads?
Some good cold salad recipes to serve are Caprese salad, potato salad, pasta salad, watermelon salad, Nicoise salad and broccoli salad. These cold salads are extremely popular and hard to mess up, so you can feel confident serving them to guests.
Can you make cold salad recipes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make cold salad recipes ahead of time. The only exception is cold salads that have leafy greens or avocados. Leafy greens will wilt if they sit too long in a dressing, and avocados will oxidize and brown after an hour or so.
What do you serve with cold salads?
Since cold salads are usually served in the spring or summertime, I like to pair them with grilled meats like chicken, salmon, steak or ribs. A light pasta is also nice during the warmer months. Other summery dinners that pair with cold salads are loaded tacos, veggie flatbreads and steamed fish.
