Make-and-Take Summer Salads Everyone Loves

Make-and-take summer salads are perfect for warm-weather gatherings, potlucks, or quick lunches on the go. They’re easy to pack, hold up well, and can be made ahead of time. With fresh ingredients and simple prep, they’re a convenient option for busy days.

These salads go beyond just lettuce. Think grains, pasta, beans, fruits, and crisp veggies—all tossed with flavorful dressings. They’re made to be shared and enjoyed without much fuss.

Whether you need something light or more filling, there’s a mix of choices to suit different tastes. Great for outdoor meals or casual get-togethers, these recipes are crowd-pleasers that are easy to bring along and enjoy anywhere.

Kale Quinoa Salad

This one’s a great choice when you want something hearty but still feel-good. Packed with fiber and plant-based protein, it keeps well for meal prep and works as a side or main. A lemony vinaigrette brightens everything up, while the nutty quinoa pairs nicely with the slight bitterness of kale.
Get the Recipe: Kale Quinoa Salad

Avocado Tomato Salad

Simple, fresh, and fast to toss together. This salad highlights ripe avocados and juicy tomatoes, with a touch of red onion for sharpness. It’s perfect for warm days or whenever you need something that feels clean and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad

Taco Pasta Salad

All the fun of taco night in a cold, pasta-based twist. It usually features seasoned ground beef or beans, cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips tossed in a creamy dressing. Great for gatherings or as a make-ahead lunch.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Carrot Raisin Salad

A nostalgic mix of shredded carrots, sweet raisins, and often a creamy dressing with a little tang. It’s got that sweet-savory balance that works well as a side dish. Kids and adults both tend to go for this one.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

A potluck favorite with plenty of crunch. Raw ramen noodles, cabbage, and almonds come together with a sweet-sour dressing that hits all the right notes. It’s surprisingly easy and always gets people asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad

Shirazi Salad

This Persian-inspired dish keeps things light and crisp. Diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions mix with herbs and a tangy citrus dressing. It’s refreshing and pairs well with grilled dishes or rice.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Mixed Berry Pretzel Salad

Not your average “salad,” this dessert-like dish blends sweet, salty, and creamy layers. The crushed pretzel base is crunchy, topped with a whipped layer and finished with berries in gelatin. It’s fun, nostalgic, and great for summer tables.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Berry Pretzel Salad

Vegan Couscous salad

Quick-cooking couscous makes this one a fast, go-to option. It’s usually loaded with veggies, chickpeas, and a herby lemon dressing. Great for a light lunch or meal-prep rotation.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous salad

Wendy’s Jalapeño Popper Salad

Inspired by the fast-food version, this one packs a punch. Crispy chicken, shredded cheese, and bacon meet jalapeños and a creamy ranch dressing. It’s bold, flavorful, and leans into comfort food territory.
Get the Recipe: Wendy’s Jalapeño Popper Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad

A spicier spin on the classic, usually featuring corn, beans, bell peppers, and a chili-lime dressing. It’s colorful and hearty enough to bring to BBQs or keep in the fridge for a filling snack.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad

Tortellini Salad

Cheese-filled pasta makes this salad extra satisfying. It’s often paired with cherry tomatoes, olives, and a light vinaigrette or pesto. Served cold, it’s perfect for a summer lunch or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Think of it as a portable take on elote. Sweet corn is mixed with mayo, lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese. It’s bold and creamy, and it works great on its own or next to grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

This salad reimagines the classic sandwich in pasta form. Bacon, lettuce, and tomato get tossed with a creamy dressing and elbow noodles. It’s familiar, flavorful, and easy to customize.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

A twist on the traditional, this version adds fresh herbs and a mellow green garlic flavor. It’s lighter and more fragrant than your usual mayo-heavy bowl. Great for spring and early summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Antipasto Salad

A no-cook option that brings together cured meats, cheese, olives, and marinated veggies. It’s colorful, bold, and pairs well with crusty bread. Ideal for a picnic or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Classic comfort in a bowl. Bacon and ranch dressing coat rotini or shells, usually with some veggies mixed in for crunch. It’s quick, filling, and always goes fast at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Cucumber Onion Salad

Clean and crisp with just a touch of tang. Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions soak up a vinegar-based dressing, making this salad super refreshing. A great option to cool down rich main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Onion Salad

Grape Salad

This sweet side dish leans creamy, often made with sour cream or yogurt and topped with brown sugar and pecans. It’s a mix of juicy, nutty, and crunchy that surprises people in a good way.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Layered Salad

Stacked for visual appeal and flavor. You’ll often find lettuce, peas, bacon, cheese, and a mayo-based dressing in neat layers. It holds up well and is fun to scoop out by the spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Layered Salad

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Crunchy veggies tossed with bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing. This salad holds up well in the fridge and works great as a make-ahead side. A solid pick for potlucks or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad