From classic pasta salad to crisp, vibrant greens, these easy Memorial Day salad recipes are perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
A great Memorial Day menu isn’t complete without a fresh and flavorful salad on the table.
Fresh summer salads are a delicious addition to any Memorial Day cookout, bringing recipes packed with crisp, crunchy vegetables, vibrant flavors, and light, refreshing bites that pair perfectly with grilled favorites.
Looking for more festive flavors? Be sure to check out our red, white, and blue recipes to add a patriotic touch to your spread!
Whether you need something light and refreshing or hearty enough to be a meal on its own, these salads bring plenty of flavor and texture to your holiday celebration.
How to Serve Memorial Day Salads
Serving salads at your Memorial Day gathering is all about keeping things fresh, flavorful, and easy for guests to enjoy. Here are some simple tips to make sure your salads are a hit!
Use patriotic touches! Make your salads festive by adding red, white, and blue ingredients like strawberries, blueberries, feta, and cherry tomatoes. A colorful salad not only tastes great but looks great on the table too!
Keeping salads fresh is key. Use chilled serving bowls, set dishes over ice, or store them in a cooler until it’s time to eat.
For easy grab-and-go options, consider serving salads in mason jars, small cups, or even on skewers. This makes it simple for guests to enjoy without needing a plate.
Have a mix of salads so there’s something for everyone. A classic pasta salad, a fresh fruit salad, and a crisp green salad with a light dressing give guests plenty of choices.
To keep salads from getting soggy, wait until the last minute to toss them with dressing. For pasta and grain salads, letting them sit in dressing for a while helps absorb flavor, but leafy greens should be dressed right before serving.
Set up a salad bar with different toppings like cheese, nuts, croutons, and dressings so guests can customize their plate just how they like it.
The Best Memorial Day Salads
1
Macaroni Salad
This classic macaroni salad is creamy, comforting, and perfect for any potluck or BBQ. With simple ingredients and familiar flavors, it's always a crowd-pleaser.
Deviled egg macaroni salad combines the tangy zip of deviled eggs with the creaminess of traditional pasta salad. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for your next cookout.
This ladybug Caprese salad is a fun and adorable twist on a classic appetizer. With juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a touch of whimsy, it's perfect for parties or themed events.
This creamy German cucumber dill salad is a must-try if you love classic cucumber salad recipes. Light, tangy, and packed with flavor, it's one of those perfect side dishes that fits any table.
This Thai cucumber salad is light, refreshing, and bursting with sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It’s a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for summer meals.
This copycat Costco broccoli salad is loaded with crunchy broccoli, savory bacon, and a creamy dressing. It’s just like the store version—maybe even better!
This Caesar salad dressing skips the anchovies but not the flavor—creamy, garlicky, and totally delicious. It’s perfect for anyone who loves Caesar salad without the fishy taste.
This Mexican chopped salad is loaded with fresh veggies and tossed in a creamy avocado dressing. It’s colorful, crunchy, and perfect as a side or light lunch.
This very berry cheesecake salad is sweet, creamy, and bursting with fresh berry flavor. It's like dessert and fruit salad rolled into one refreshing treat.
This cucumber Greek salad is fresh, crunchy, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. It’s a great side dish for grilled meats or a light lunch on its own.
This layered salad with berries brings together greens, juicy fruit, and a creamy dressing. It’s as pretty as it is delicious—perfect for special occasions.
This red, white & blue salad is a festive mix of fruit, greens, and patriotic flair. It’s great for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or any summer celebration.
This 7 layer salad stacks fresh veggies, cheese, and creamy dressing into one irresistible side dish. It’s a retro favorite that never goes out of style.
This cherry tomato Caprese salad is a fresh and simple side that comes together in minutes. With basil, mozzarella, and balsamic—it’s always a favorite.
Made with tender potatoes, boiled eggs, and a simple dressing, this recipe is everything a good potato salad should be. Save this recipe for your next BBQ or picnic
Reesa Lewandowski is the creator of Momma Lew, a New Jersey-based food blog where she shares easy, family-friendly recipes inspired by everyday life. A mom of two teenagers and a self-taught cook and baker, Reesa has spent over a decade developing simple, approachable meals—from quick weeknight dinners to festive desserts—all tested in her own kitchen. Her recipes focus on comfort food with a modern twist, seasonal favorites, and stress-free baking. Drawing inspiration from her Jersey roots, Reesa’s goal is to help busy families enjoy delicious meals without the fuss.
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