18 Picnic Salads Made For Summer

By Jenn Segal

A good picnic salad should be easy to make, easy to transport, and just as delicious after it’s had a little time to sit. From colorful pasta and grain salads to crisp slaws and hearty vegetable salads, these picnic salads are made for sharing. Pack one up for your next picnic, cookout, or summer get-together.

Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Cheddar & Almonds

This make-ahead broccoli salad with smoky bacon, sharp Cheddar and crunchy almonds is ideal for a potluck or BBQ.
Classic Coleslaw

A quick, delicious, and no-fuss coleslaw for all your summer cookouts
Creamy Cucumber Salad

A summer staple, this creamy cucumber salad boasts a crunchy texture and tangy, rich flavor.
Shrimp Salad

Old Bay kicks up the flavor of this classic shrimp salad. Pile it onto a croissant, scoop it over lettuce, or serve it with crackers.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This super-simple chickpea salad makes a delicious lunch or side dish to grilled shrimp or chicken.
Black Bean Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

This make-ahead and festive black bean salad is a huge crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a summer cookout!
Black Bean Shrimp Salad with Corn & Pickled Onions

This flavor-packed black bean shrimp salad is the perfect light weeknight supper, and it also screams summer potluck.
Best Egg Salad Recipe

Most egg salads are bland, mayo-laden affairs, but this one is vibrant and fresh.
Cucumber Salad

This sweet and tangy cucumber salad is the perfect light side when grilling or picnicking.
Israeli Salad with Feta

Simple but packed with flavor, Israeli salad is a standard accompaniment to most Israeli meals, even breakfast!
Black Bean and Corn Salad with Chipotle-Honey Vinaigrette

This make-ahead black bean and corn salad is a real crowd-pleaser. Bonus: it doubles as a dip!
French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

This grated carrot salad with lemon dijon vinaigrette is standard fare in French bistros and markets.
Chicken Soba Noodle Salad with Ginger Peanut Dressing

Perfect for lunch, picnics, and warm-weather dinners.
Macaroni Salad

A creamy, old-fashioned macaroni salad with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing—perfect for picnics, BBQs, and potlucks.
Chicken Salad

Meet your new go-to classic chicken salad—creamy, herby, and full of crunch. It’s perfect for sandwiches, picnics, or straight from the bowl.
All-American Potato Salad

This classic potato salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of crunch.
A Really Good Tuna Salad

Whether you pile it on a sandwich or scoop it onto a bed of greens, this tuna salad recipe is a classic that always satisfies.
Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds

This savory-sweet chicken salad is delicious in a sandwich, scooped over greens, or eaten straight from the bowl.