Creamy Grape Salad
Everyone raves when I bring this refreshing, creamy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans. —Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan
Italian Potato Salad
You’ll want to take this simple-to-assemble potato salad to all your potlucks, picnics and outings. It’s always on the menu when my tomato plants yield a bumper crop. Feel free to improvise by adding other fresh vegetables.7-Layer Gelatin Salad
Here’s an eye-catching potluck salad that my mother makes for Christmas dinner each year. You can choose different flavors to make other color combinations for specific holidays or other gatherings. —Jan Hemness, Stockton, MissouriSouthern Potato Salad
This Southern potato salad is perfect for a church supper or potluck. The pickles add extra sweetness. —Gene Pitts, Wilsonville, AlabamaZucchini Panzanella Salad
I learned how to make panzanella from my friend's grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It's also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden's bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, MissouriConfetti Macaroni Salad
The bits of bright red and green in this easy macaroni salad remind me of fun confetti. The inspiration for the dish came from a recipe I found in a church cookbook when I was a young writer responsible for a newspaper’s food section. —Renee Page, Rochelle, IllinoisLoaded Baked Potato Salad
I revamped my mother’s potato salad to taste more like baked potatoes with all the fixin’s, which I love. This loaded baked potato salad is now the most requested dish at family gatherings. Even my mother asked for the recipe! —Jackie Deckard, Solsberry, IndianaStrawberry Arugula Salad with Feta
The combination of peppery arugula, sweet strawberries and robust feta cheese may sound unusual, but one bite wins over taste buds. It’s the perfect potluck salad any time of year. —Carala Horne, Meridian, MississippiPineapple & Coconut Carrot Salad
I enjoyed a salad like this at a tropical-inspired restaurant. I tried to get the staff to give me the recipe but had no luck. So I went home and created my own! I will sometimes drain a can of mandarin orange slices and toss those in as well. —Shirley Turpin, Williams, MinnesotaAmish Macaroni Salad
This Amish macaroni salad is a potluck favorite. It’s supposed to be sweet, but you can lessen the sugar to suit your taste. Garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs and paprika, if desired. —Mishelle Johnson, Wyoming, MichiganRussian Potato Salad
This Russian potato salad recipe comes from my grandmother, who had written it down in Russian before she translated it for me when I was a teen. We made this every Easter, or for any event where family and friends gathered together. —Gala McGaughey, Berryville, VirginiaLime-Honey Fruit Salad
Nothing is more refreshing to me than a seasonal fruit salad enhanced with this simple honey-lime dressing. —Victoria Shevlin, Cape Coral, FloridaCauliflower Broccoli Salad
This broccoli cauliflower potluck salad has been to as many family gatherings as I have! It holds well and leftovers are still tasty a day later. —Linda Kangas, Outlook, SaskatchewanSouthwestern Pasta Salad
I created this southwestern pasta salad for a friend who owns a catering business. I was told it was a hit at her events and it’s now among the most-requested dishes. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, CaliforniaWarm Potato Salad
My mother-in-law was from the Bahamas and famous for her cooking, including this warm potato salad. Everyone knew her affectionately as ‘Momma’. Every Sunday after church she set out a feast not just for her family, but for anyone who was hungry in her neighborhood. —Pamela Vitti Knowles, Hendersonville, North CarolinaTaco Salad for a Large Crowd
I made this potluck salad to bring to a party and people were scrambling to figure out who made it. Needless to say I only brought home an empty bowl and the guests went home with a full stomach! Everyone loves this taco salad recipe. —Lisa Homer, Avon, New YorkDilled Potato Salad
What’s a picnic without potato salad? This recipe will add delightful new flavor to yours. The spices make the difference. —Cam Cox, Hemet, CaliforniaFavorite Fruit Salad
I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, especially when our four children and nine grandchildren come to visit. They always ask for this salad when they're here for dinner. —Doris Dion, Lake Ozark, MissouriHealthy Potato Salad
This healthy potato salad is crunchy-delicious with a brilliant zesty dressing. It’s great when you need a potluck salad on the lighter side. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, ArizonaPotluck Antipasto Pasta Salad
I love trying new recipes, and this one for Italian pasta salad tops all other varieties I've tried. With beans, cheese, sausage and vegetables, it's a hearty complement to any meal. —Bernadette Nelson, Arcadia, CaliforniaThai Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
I created this salad to replicate one I tried on a cruise several years ago. It goes over very well at family gatherings and potlucks year-round. We love the spice of the Thai chile, but if your family isn't into spice, feel free to leave it out. It will still be delicious! —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, KentuckyGreen Goddess Vegan Potato Salad
Don’t be fooled by the green color—this vegan potato salad is absolutely delicious! It’s the perfect potluck salad, especially for those with dietary restrictions. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, CaliforniaCreamy Macaroni Salad
When we grill, my mother asks me to make this creamy macaroni salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, MarylandWatermelon Tomato Salad
Watermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. —Matthew Denton, Seattle, WashingtonAvocado & Artichoke Pasta Salad
A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro and a little avocado make this a creamy and zingy pasta salad. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New JerseyMama's Warm German Potato Salad
My grandmother, Mama, made this potato salad for every family gathering at her home. The relatives would arrive with their specialties in hand. She never wrote the recipe down, so I had to re-create it from memory. Years later, it's just about right. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, FloridaYummy Corn Chip Salad
Corn chips give a special crunch and an unexpected flavor to this potluck salad favorite. Bacon adds a hint of smokiness, while the cranberries bring a touch of sweetness. It’s the perfect picnic companion! —Nora Friesen, Aberdeen, MississippiWatermelon Feta Flag Salad
Our family celebrates the Fourth of July with a watermelon salad that resembles the flag. Here’s an all-American centerpiece that’s truly red, white and blue. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South CarolinaInstant Pot Potato Salad
I rarely make potato salad because it can be somewhat time-consuming. However, now that I know I can quickly cook the potatoes in a pressure cooker, I’ll be making this much more often! We prefer this Instant Pot potato salad with unpeeled red potatoes, but you can use another potato—with or without the skin. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, KansasRamen Noodle Salad
With added crunch from ramen noodles and sunflower seeds, plus a sweet, glossy dressing, this lively combo is definitely crowd-pleasing potluck salad! —Beverly Sprague, Baltimore, MarylandAntipasto Marinated Vegetables
The colorful vegetables and the tart dressing make this a lively addition to a holiday table. Serve it as a side dish or condiment—it's great either way. Refrigerate for three hours before serving to give the flavors time to blend. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, PennsylvaniaCajun Potato Salad
Here in Louisiana we have a lot of get-togethers, and if you want your dish to be chosen over all of the rest, it has to have a kick! This Cajun potato salad does the trick. —Amanda West, Sibley, LouisianaMy Favorite Avocado Salad
Tangy lime dressing is the perfect topper for this avocado salad. Toasted walnuts make for crunchy goodness, but try it with any kind of nut you like. —Ilia Kaku, North Richland Hills, TexasKale Slaw Spring Salad
My parents and in-laws are retired and like to spend winters in Florida. This tangy spring potluck salad welcomes the snowbirds back for our Easter celebration! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, MichiganGarden Pesto Pasta Salad
My family and I live on a homestead in the Missouri Ozarks and produce much of our own food. In the summer, when the garden is bursting with fresh vegetables and it’s too hot to cook, I like to use the season's veggies for pesto pasta salad and other cool meals. —Sarah Mathews, Ava, MissouriRed, White & Blue Potato Salad
Tossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after you drain them infuses them with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. —George Levinthal, Goleta, CaliforniaYou're-Bacon-Me-Crazy Potato Salad
It isn't a summer cookout without potato salad, but the stuff from the deli just isn't our thing. I toyed with many recipes until I developed this one. Now if I even mention grilling or barbecuing, it's my family's top request for a side. —Paul Cogswell, League City, TexasIsland Mango Slaw
The cooling effect of tropical fruit and Greek yogurt meets jalapeno spice in this snappy mango slaw. To ensure ripeness, you may want to buy your mango a day or two ahead. —Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New JerseyPotluck German Potato Salad
This is a big hit at church potlucks. One man says he comes only so that he can eat my potato salad! —Kathleen Rabe, Kiel, WisconsinKhmer Pickled Vegetable Salad
When you need a potluck salad with some zing, this is the one. I grew up as a missionary kid in Cambodia, and most of my favorite foods have a Southeast Asian background. Locals love eating this pickled salad for breakfast, but I like it as a side for lunch or dinner, especially with chicken satay. —Hannah Heavener, Belton, TexasSlow-Cooker German Potato Salad
Here's the dish everyone looks for at our parties, so we always double the recipe. It was handed down from my mother-in-law and has been a family favorite for years. —Stacy Novak, Stafford, VirginiaFruit with Poppy Seed Dressing
Cool, colorful and easy to prepare, this refreshing, good-for-you fruit salad is a springtime favorite. —Peggy Mills, Texarkana, ArkansasStrawberry Kale Salad
This fresh, zingy salad is super easy and tastes just like the one I get at Culver's! The sliced strawberries and fresh mint give it an extra-summery feel, and crumbled bacon and toasted almonds add the perfect amount of crunch. —Luanne Asta, Hampton Bays, New YorkHerb-Vinaigrette Potato Salad
This is a great way to celebrate early produce from the garden. To add some more crunch, sprinkle with croutons. —Debra Keil, Owasso, OklahomaFrench Potato Salad
This French potato salad is vinegar-based instead of creamy, made with Dijon mustard, olive oil, scallions or shallots, and fresh herbs. Serve this potluck salad chilled or at room-temperature! —Taste of Home Test KitchenBacon Avocado Salad
Everyone in my family loves this bacon and avocado salad—even the younger kids! I serve it at pretty much every get-together I've hosted, and at this point, the recipe's been shared too many times to count. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, ConnecticutYum-Yum Salad
I received the recipe for Amish yum-yum salad from a friend of my mother’s years ago. I always have the ingredients on hand in case I need a quick dessert or potluck salad. Any flavor of gelatin works well, and sometimes I spoon it into individual parfait glasses instead of serving it in one big bowl. Everyone enjoys it. —Yvonne Bellomo, Ebensburg, PennsylvaniaLoaded Potato Salad
Get a load of this loaded potato salad with sour cream, bacon, shredded cheddar, green onions and more. The ingredients come together to give you all the richness of restaurant potato skins at your next picnic. —Monique Boulanger, Greenwood, Nova ScotiaMacaroni Coleslaw
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North DakotaChickpea Cucumber Salad
This potluck salad recipe is a crowd pleaser! My new husband and I bring it to parties, barbecues and other gatherings. It’s a light but flavorful side dish that brings a little bit of Greek flavor to any meal. —Kristi Smith, Greenwood, IndianaSour Cream Potato Salad
Italian dressing and horseradish make this sour cream potato salad different from most, plus those ingredients really add some zip! It’s perfect for picnics or potlucks. —Veda Luttrell, Sutter, CaliforniaGreen Flop Jell-O
Get ready for fluffy lemon-lime goodness. My family calls it "flop Jell-O" because most of the time a clear gelatin layer that tastes like lemon-lime soda falls to the bottom of the dish. Try it with any flavor gelatin! —Michelle Gauer, Spicer, MinnesotaRanch Potato Salad
I make this creamy ranch potato salad with cheese, bacon and ranch salad dressing. My sister asked for the recipe as soon as she tried it. —Lynn Breunig, Wind Lake, WisconsinSpinach-Orzo Salad with Chickpeas
The first version of this salad was an experiment in mixing together some random ingredients I had on hand. It was a success, and several people at the party asked for the recipe—which meant I had to re-create it! This is a potluck salad that’s healthy, delicious and perfect for warm-weather days. —Glen White, Kissimmee, FloridaDad's Greek Salad
The heart of a Greek salad recipe is in the olives, feta, cucumbers and tomatoes. Dress it with olive oil and vinegar, then add more olives and cheese. —Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New JerseyGrilled Potato Salad
To avoid turning my oven on in the summer, I grill just about everything—including this creamy grilled potato salad. My friends have dubbed this ‘The Best Potato Salad You’ll Ever Put in Your Mouth!—and I love that! —Gayle Robinson, Carrolton, GeorgiaBalsamic Green Bean Salad
Serve up those green beans in a whole new way–with a green bean salad recipe! The tangy flavors and crunch of these balsamic green beans complement any special meal or holiday potluck. —Megan Spencer, Farmington Hills, MichiganThat Good Salad
When a friend shared this salad recipe, it had a fancy French name. Our children can never remember it, so they say, "Mom, please make 'that good salad.'" Now our friends and neighbors request it for potluck dinners. It really is one of the best salad recipes. —Betty Lamb, Orem, UtahGrandma's Potato Salad
This salad is a must for the Fourth of July feast. The red potatoes hold their shape and texture even after they are boiled. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, WisconsinBlack-Eyed Pea Tomato Salad
Spending time in the kitchen with my late aunt was so much fun because she was an amazing cook and teacher. This black-eyed pea salad was one of her specialties. It is easy to make and is a nice alternative to typical potluck salads, like pasta or potato salad. Add cooked cubed chicken breast to make it a meal on its own. —Patricia Ness, La Mesa, CaliforniaSummer Chicken Macaroni Salad
For sunny, lazy days, I make a loaded macaroni salad that’s like three salads in one. The mix of fresh veggies, sweet peaches and crunchy pistachios is a surprisingly delicious combo. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada. Don’t forget to try our favorite summer potluck salads.Blood Orange Avocado Salad
My refreshing side salad is such a nice addition to our calorie-loaded holiday dinners or any potluck. Use regular oranges if you can’t find blood oranges. Finely chopped walnuts work well in place of the pomegranate seeds, too. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, NevadaSouthern Cornbread Salad
To feed a crowd, especially when I want to make a good impression, I make this eye-popping cornbread salad. It’s beautiful in a trifle bowl. I love it in summer, when we can make it with our own garden produce. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, MissouriGarden Bounty Panzanella Salad
My sister gave me fresh tomatoes and basil, so I made a bread salad known as Panzanella. The longer it sits, the more the bread soaks up the seasonings. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, MassachusettsGluten-Free Potato Salad
In college, my best friend and I debated whose mom made the best potato salad. Turns out they were almost identical! Even though I've since tweaked our recipe, this gluten-free potato salad still takes me home again. —Ellie Martin Cliffe, Milwaukee, WisconsinDad's Greek Salad
The heart of a Greek salad recipe is in the olives, feta, cucumbers and tomatoes. Dress it with olive oil and vinegar, then add more olives and cheese. —Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New JerseyCreamy Blueberry Gelatin Salad
Plump blueberries and a fluffy topping star in this pretty, refreshing salad that was my mother's recipe. It was served at every holiday and celebration, and now my grandchildren look forward to sampling it at holidays. —Sharon Hoefert, Greendale, WisconsinOld-Fashioned Potato Salad
We live at the edge of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where there are lots of small farms. Country markets are plentiful here, so potatoes are a staple. I use them up in this delicious old-fashioned potato salad recipe. —Nancy Grove-Nichols, Dillsburg, PennsylvaniaBroccoli Salad Supreme
People can't get enough of the sweet grapes and crunchy broccoli in this colorful salad. I appreciate its make-ahead convenience. —Terri Twyman, Bonanza, OregonSummertime Tomato Salad
My crazy good salad has cherry tomatoes, squash and blueberries together in one bowl. Then I layer on the flavor with fresh corn, red onion and mint. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New JerseyCreamy Potato Salad Recipe
My grandma makes the best potato salad, but she doesn’t use a recipe! So I watched while she put together “a little of this and a little of that” and jotted a creamy potato salad recipe that comes close. The dressing also works well for making deviled eggs. —Jill Steiner, Hancock, MinnesotaFresh Broccoli Salad with Lemon
The slightly sweet flavor of this salad's dressing is a great contrast to the rich bacon. You can substitute cauliflower for the broccoli if you prefer. —Janet Roth, Tempe, ArizonaHeirloom Tomato & Zucchini Salad
Tomato wedges give this salad a juicy bite. It's a great use of fresh herbs and veggies from your own garden or the farmers market. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, WisconsinHoneydew & Prosciutto Salad
For parties, I turn melon and prosciutto into an easy salad with a honey mustard dressing. To add zip, stir in fresh basil and mint. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, WashingtonPotato Salad with Apples
This potato salad with apples is a wonderful variation on an American summertime standby. Since Idaho is the potato state and a lot of apples are also grown here, I thought this would be an excellent recipe to represent my area. —Mary Pipkin, Melba, IdahoYellow Squash & Watermelon Salad
I always like to bring this healthy option to parties and potlucks, and people seem to really appreciate that. No oil is necessary for this salad; the lemon juice combines with the feta to lightly coat the bright, fresh ingredients. —Camille Parker, Chicago, IllinoisHot German Potato Salad
This authentic German potato salad recipe came from Speck’s Restaurant, which was a famous eating establishment in St. Louis from the 1920s through the ‘50s. I ate lunch there almost every day and always ordered the potato salad. When the owner learned I was getting married, he gave me the recipe as a wedding gift! —Violette Klevorn, Washington, MissouriMinty Watermelon-Cucumber Salad
Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario. Looking for more summer salads? Don’t forget to check out Kate Middleton’s watermelon salad.Sweet Potato Salad Recipe
My mother used to make this sweet potato salad recipe. We all liked it back then—and now my family likes it, too! —Willard Wilson, Woodsfield, Ohio
Originally Published: March 03, 2020