Memorial Day Salad Recipes for Cookouts and Picnics
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.
Check out this recipe
2
Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
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.
Check out this recipe
3
Ladybug Caprese Salad
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.
Check out this recipe
4
German Cucumber Salad
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.
Check out this recipe
5
Thai Cucumber Salad
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.
Check out this recipe
6
Broccoli Salad
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!
Check out this recipe
7
Homemade Caesar Salad
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.
Check out this recipe
8
Mexican Chopped Salad
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.
Check out this recipe
9
Berry Cheesecake Salad
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.
Check out this recipe
10
www.belleofthekitchen.com
Cucumber Greek Salad
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.
Check out this recipe
11
www.sparklestosprinkles.com
Layered Salad with Berries
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.
Check out this recipe
12
www.artfrommytable.com
Red White & Blue Salad
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.
Check out this recipe
13
www.girlwiththeironcast.com
Orzo Pasta Salad
This orzo pasta salad is light, zesty, and full of Mediterranean vibes. It’s easy to prep and perfect for potlucks or picnic lunches.
Check out this recipe
14
www.wholesomeyum.com
7 Layers Salad
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.
Check out this recipe
15
www.knowyourproduce.com
Watermelon Salad
This watermelon salad is juicy, refreshing, and a little bit unexpected. Tossed with feta and mint, it’s the ultimate summer side dish.
Check out this recipe
16
www.courtneyssweets.com
Tri-Colored Pasta Salad
This tri-colored pasta salad is a vibrant, easy side dish packed with veggies and Italian flavor. It’s great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
Check out this recipe
17
www.spendwithpennies.com
Green Bean Salad
This green bean salad is crisp, tangy, and super easy to throw together. It’s a lighter side option that pairs well with just about anything.
Check out this recipe
18
www.midlifehealthyliving.com
Homemade Coleslaw
This homemade coleslaw is creamy, crunchy, and perfectly tangy. Whether you're topping a sandwich or serving it on the side, it's always a hit.
Check out this recipe
19
www.joyousapron.com
Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
This fruit salad with honey lime dressing is bright, sweet, and super refreshing. It’s a healthy dessert or snack everyone will love.
Check out this recipe
20
www.thetravelpalate.com
Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
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.
Check out this recipe
21
www.quichemygrits.com
Strawberry Pecan Salad
This strawberry pecan salad is a perfect mix of sweet and savory. With crunchy nuts and a light vinaigrette, it's a fresh option for any meal.
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22
Classic Potato Salad
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
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