15 Side Salads Families Swear By for Labor Day Cookouts

Labor Day cookouts are all about bringing people together for good food and great company. Alongside the grilled favorites, side salads often steal the spotlight because they’re fresh, versatile, and easy to share. Families tend to have their go-to recipes that everyone expects to see on the table year after year.

These 15 side salads are tried-and-true favorites that strike the right balance between flavor and convenience. From crisp and crunchy to creamy and hearty, they’re the kind of dishes that pair well with almost anything on the grill. They also work well for feeding a crowd without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re planning a small backyard gathering or a big cookout, these salads can bring variety to the spread and keep everyone happy. They’re the dependable dishes families bring out every Labor Day because they work simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.

Pea and Bacon Salad

This simple salad combines the sweetness of peas with the smoky flavor of crisp bacon. It’s creamy yet refreshing, often finished with a touch of cheese or dressing. Perfect as a side for barbecues or weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Pea and Bacon Salad

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Crisp apples add a fresh crunch to earthy kale, while a creamy poppy seed dressing ties everything together. The sweet and tangy notes make it both light and filling. It’s a great way to bring balance to hearty main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Amish Potato Salad

This classic version of potato salad leans on a slightly sweet, tangy dressing. Hard-boiled eggs and tender potatoes make it extra hearty. It’s a nostalgic dish that pairs well with grilled favorites.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Beets bring vibrant color while cucumbers keep it light and crisp. A pickling brine adds a bright punch of flavor. It’s refreshing and works well alongside heavier mains.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Loaded Potato Salad

Think of everything you’d want on a baked potato with cheese, bacon, green onions mixed into a creamy salad. It’s rich and indulgent, making it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Best enjoyed chilled with grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Salad

Summer Orzo Salad

This pasta salad uses tiny orzo tossed with fresh vegetables and herbs. A light dressing gives it a refreshing finish. It’s versatile enough for picnics, potlucks, or as a lunch on its own.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Tortellini Salad

Cheese-filled tortellini brings a hearty twist to a classic pasta salad. Tossed with vegetables and dressing, it’s both filling and refreshing. Ideal when you want something quick but still gratifying.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Salad

Fried Halloumi Salad

Crispy, golden halloumi brings a salty bite to fresh greens and veggies. It adds richness without overpowering. Great when you want a salad that feels a bit more substantial.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad

Cucumber Onion Salad

Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions are tossed in a light vinegar-based dressing. It’s crisp, tangy, and incredibly refreshing. A staple side that never feels too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Onion Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Raw Brussels sprouts, shaved thin, create a crunchy base. Add nuts, cheese, or fruit for layers of flavor. It’s a crisp alternative to cooked Brussels sprouts.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

All the flavors of a BLT sandwich mixed with pasta and creamy dressing. It’s smoky, crunchy, and comforting all at once. A fun twist for picnics or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad

Fennel and Mango Slaw

The crunch of fennel pairs beautifully with sweet mango. A light dressing balances the flavors without weighing it down. It’s a fresh side that brightens up the table.
Get the Recipe: Fennel and Mango Slaw

Mustard Potato Salad

This version swaps out creamy mayo for a tangy mustard base. The flavor is bold yet simple, making it a great match for grilled meats. A nice change from the classic potato salad.
Get the Recipe: Mustard Potato Salad

Cranberry Chicken Salad

Shredded chicken gets sweetness from dried cranberries and often a bit of crunch from nuts or celery. It’s creamy, refreshing, and perfect for sandwiches or lettuce wraps. Great for meal prep lunches too.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad

Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

Macaroni pasta coated in creamy ranch with smoky bacon pieces throughout. It’s rich, flavorful, and always a hit at gatherings. A salad that feels both familiar and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad