Whether you are hosting a backyard BBQ or enjoying a grilled weeknight dinner, side salads are a must. Dishes like easy potato salads, tangy cucumber salad, and creamy macaroni salad are always popular. They’re easy to make and serve a crowd. Round out your menu with one of these 12 summer side salads.
"This dish was handed down by my great grandmother. I still make it for family and friends. At potlucks, I always get asked for the recipe." - Melanie
"Crunchy bits of celery throughout are yummy and add texture. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken means this can be prepped in no time." - The Kitchen Crew
"This is my fresh-tasting, flavorful, tortellini salad that is always a big hit at family gatherings!" - Lillian
"I started making these for cookouts. By request, I now make them year-around. Some people prefer them crispy (short marinade period). After a couple of days, they're more akin to pickles (great on burgers)." - Rhea
"Putting it together makes a wonderful family project that allows children to help, too." - Marilyn
"This salad is very simple to make but it is also beautiful and impressive to serve. This salad can be assembled ahead of time and then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze right before serving." - Debbie
"I grew up marinating cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes every summer as a side dish. Always a great side to a summertime meal." - Angie
"he corn salad alone is tasty and on the sweet side from the dressing. After mixing in the chili-spiced corn chips, it not only adds texture to the salad but a punch of flavor." - The Kitchen Crew
"Light and flavorful, you think you will eat just one scoop on your plate, but then you find yourself going back for seconds and thirds." - Darci
"A light and fresh tabbouleh salad with quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers and loads of fresh parsley and mint in a bright lemon dressing." - Kevin
"Whenever I make this pasta salad everyone always asks me to make it again. It is always a big hit that's for sure. And you can alter it however you like with your favorite items." - Belinda
"Wonderful tasting and the best Southern-style potato salad you can eat." - JoAnn