25 Classic and Creative Salads for Memorial Day Cookouts
Serve vibrant sides that meld flavors ahead of time and stay crisp under the sun.
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and is synonymous with cookouts, grilling, and, most importantly, sharing vibrant, refreshing dishes with friends and family. While main courses often take center stage, memorable sides—especially salads—are what turn any gathering into a true feast. This curated collection covers everything from the best potato and pasta salads to bold slaws, bean-based dishes, refreshing veggie combos, and grain salads designed to withstand hot days and travel well to any backyard bash. Whether you’re seeking tradition or hoping to introduce new flavors to your menu, you’ll discover inspiration for every taste and dietary need below.
Why Every Memorial Day Table Needs Great Salads
Salads do more than add color to your cookout—they balance rich, grilled mains, introduce contrasting textures, and pack in seasonal produce. The right side salad can refresh the palate, add a punch of acidity, or provide a creamy, cooling counterpoint to smoky meats and charred veggies. Plus, many salads can be made in advance, allowing their flavors to meld and giving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
Essential Tips for Perfect Memorial Day Salads
- Choose the freshest seasonal produce—look for crisp greens, sweet tomatoes, young squash, and firm cabbages.
- Dress salads just before serving (unless a recipe specifies otherwise) to preserve crunch and prevent sogginess.
- Salt and drain moisture-heavy vegetables like cabbage or cucumber to keep dressings vibrant and avoid watery results.
- Use sturdy grains (farro, barley, quinoa) for salads that need to hold up for hours on the buffet table.
- Have fun with mix-ins: fresh herbs, nuts, seeds, cheeses, and pickled things add flavor and texture.
Classic Potato Salads
Nothing says ‘cookout’ like a generous bowl of potato salad. From creamy mayo-based classics to lighter, vinegar-dressed versions and international twists, these salads are at the heart of every American barbecue tradition.
1. Classic Potato Salad
This beloved side involves gently cooked potatoes (start them in cold water for even texture), mixed with a balanced dressing of mayonnaise, rice wine vinegar, a touch of sugar and mustard, and plenty of chopped pickles or cornichons. The result: perfectly creamy, slightly tangy, and never mushy.
2. Sour Cream and Dill Potato Salad
For a fresh, tangy take, combine fingerling or Yukon Gold potatoes with a mixture of sour cream, olive oil, a splash of vinegar, and lots of chopped dill. A few thinly sliced red onions and garlic add bite and depth, while omitting the mayo keeps things lively and light.
3. Japanese Potato Salad
Japanese potato salad is unique: potatoes are mashed for creaminess, then mixed with crunchy cucumber, shredded carrot, red onion, and scallions. Kewpie mayonnaise (richer than American versions) and a touch of hot mustard give the dressing an unmistakable umami depth.
4. Grilled Potato Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Grilling adds a smoky dimension and crisp texture to par-cooked new potatoes. Toss with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, plenty of fresh herbs, and maybe some capers or grilled onions for a modern, dairy-free take.
Vibrant Pasta and Grain Salads
Pasta salads and grain-based salads are crowd-pleasers that can be prepped ahead and easily scaled. Customizable and endlessly versatile, these dishes are ideal for pairing with grilled proteins or enjoying on their own.
5. Creamy Macaroni Salad
Classic American macaroni salad features elbow pasta, crisp celery, diced red bell pepper, and sometimes peas or hard-boiled eggs, all tossed in a creamy mayo dressing balanced by apple cider vinegar and a little mustard.
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6. Greek Pasta Salad
This summery salad uses cooked pasta (rotini or penne) combined with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, red onion, and a lemon-oregano vinaigrette for fresh Mediterranean flair.
7. Whole-Wheat Orzo Salad with Roasted Vegetables
Whole-wheat orzo brings nutty undertones, perfectly complementing a colorful array of oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Toss with a simple vinaigrette and fresh basil or parsley before serving.
8. Farro and Herb Salad
Hearty grains like farro (or barley/quinoa) make for satisfying side salads. Toss cooked grains with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, mint, dill), and a tangy lemon dressing. Add crumbled feta or toasted nuts for extra punch.
Refreshing Vegetable Salads
Vegetable-forward salads nourish the body and add a welcome lightness to a menu packed with grilled meats and carbs. The secret lies in a mix of textures, vibrant dressings, and letting the produce shine.
9. Classic Coleslaw
Shredded cabbage is purged with salt and sugar (to release water and soften texture), then tossed in a three-to-one mayo-to-apple-cider-vinegar dressing with a touch of Dijon mustard. Expect a coleslaw that’s creamy yet crunchy, never watery.
10. Creamy Cucumber Salad
Salt and drain sliced cucumbers to preserve crunch, then toss them in a luscious dressing made of tahini, lemon juice, a bit of water, and plenty of fresh dill. This salad is cooling and perfect for hot-weather gatherings.
11. Summer Squash Salad with Goat Cheese
Thinly sliced young summer squash is delicately paired with fennel, fresh dill, olive oil, and lemon juice. Crumble goat cheese in at the end, being gentle to retain pockets of creamy tang.
12. Tomato and Watermelon Salad
Make the most of early summer produce by combining sweet watermelon, juicy tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, fresh basil, and feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and a little salt just before serving for maximum freshness.
13. Grilled Corn Salad with Peppers and Scallions
Grill fresh corn until slightly charred, then cut from the cob and toss with chopped bell peppers, scallions, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a touch of chili powder for kick.
14. Shaved Asparagus and Snap Pea Salad
Raw asparagus shaved into ribbons brings crunchy sweetness, while sugar snap peas, lemon zest, and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano lend brightness and umami. An olive oil and lemon dressing keeps it light.
Hearty Bean and Legume Salads
Beans and legumes anchor salads that are filling but not heavy—ideal for vegetarians and guests seeking protein-rich sides.
15. Bean Salad with Radicchio and Marcona Almonds
Creamy white beans, bitter-sweet radicchio, crunchy radishes, pickled red onions, and luxurious Marcona almonds create a harmonious medley. Dress simply with olive oil and lemon juice.
16. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Chickpeas join chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and olives, all tossed in a garlicky lemon vinaigrette. Great served chilled or at room temperature.
17. Black Bean and Avocado Salad
Canned black beans are tossed with diced avocado, corn, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and a cumin-lime dressing for a bold, satisfying salad that doubles as a scoopable dip.
Slaws and Shredded Salads with a Twist
Not all slaws are cabbage-based. Vary your buffet with inventive combinations of raw or lightly cooked vegetables, inventive dressings, and unexpected add-ins.
18. Asian-Inspired Napa Slaw
Shredded Napa cabbage, carrots, and red bell pepper are brightened with a sesame-ginger dressing and topped with crunchy toasted almonds or crispy noodles for a flavor-packed twist.
19. Broccoli Slaw
Raw or lightly blanched julienned broccoli stems tossed with dried cranberries, toasted sunflower seeds, and a creamy yogurt-Dijon dressing deliver crunch and pops of sweetness.
Fruit-Forward and Sweet-Savory Salads
Salads starring fruit offer an ideal balance of sweet and tart, making them excellent companions for spicy or smoky barbecue mains.
20. Strawberry Spinach Salad
Fresh baby spinach is tossed with juicy strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a poppy seed-balsamic vinaigrette for a classic that even salad skeptics love.
21. Peach and Tomato Salad
This summer stunner pairs ripe peaches with heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, a touch of sea salt, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze—a study in simple, seasonal flavors.
Super-Simple Make-Ahead Salads
Sometimes cookouts call for recipes that can be made entirely in advance, giving flavors time to develop.
- Marinated Green Bean Salad: Blanch green beans, toss with olive oil, vinegar, and shallots; chill for hours.
- Three-Bean Salad: Combine canned green beans, kidney beans, and garbanzos with a sweet-sour vinaigrette.
- Marinated Mushroom Salad: Button mushrooms with red onions, parsley, oil, and red wine vinegar.
Salads for Every Diet
With options ranging from gluten-free to vegan, these salads cater to all guests without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction:
- Vegan: Opt for vinegar-based dressings and swap out cheese for roasted nuts or seeds.
- Gluten-Free: Choose naturally gluten-free grains (quinoa, rice) or rely on all-veggie and bean salads.
- Keto-Friendly: Prioritize leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, and creamy avocado-based mixes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the best salads to prepare ahead of time for a cookout?
A: Potato, pasta, bean, and most slaw salads benefit from being made a few hours in advance. This allows the flavors to meld, and many actually improve in texture and taste after chilling. Be sure to reserve extra dressing to freshen up salads just before serving.
Q: How can I keep salads from getting soggy at an outdoor event?
A: Salt vegetables like cabbage or cucumber to draw out excess moisture before adding dressings. Transport dressings on the side and toss with greens or delicate ingredients just before serving. Keep salads cool (in a cooler or shaded area) to extend freshness.
Q: What are some ways to add protein to salads for heartier sides?
A: Mix in beans, chickpeas, lentils, hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, shrimp, or cubes of cheese to increase protein and make your salad a more substantial side or even a main course.
Q: Which salads travel well for picnics and potlucks?
A: Sturdy grain salads (like farro or barley), bean-based salads, pasta salads with oil-based vinaigrettes, and slaws made from cabbage or broccoli stand up best to travel and time spent outdoors.
Conclusion: Build a Festive Memorial Day Spread with These Salads
From creamy classics and innovative global twists to crisp veggie blends and fruit-forward creations, these 25 Memorial Day salad recipes bring color, flavor, and variety to every outdoor celebration. Pair them with your favorite grilled mains and savor the best of summer, all season long.
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