These 4th of July salads are perfect for cookouts, backyard barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. I've rounded up more than 60 easy recipes, including creamy potato salads, pasta salads, coleslaw, fresh fruit salads, cucumber salads, corn salads, and plenty of lighter options loaded with fresh summer produce.
Whether you need a make-ahead salad for a crowd, a cold side dish to serve with burgers and hot dogs, or something fresh to go with smoked brisket or ribs, you'll find plenty of ideas here.
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What Are the Best Salads for the 4th of July?
The best Fourth of July salads are easy to prepare, travel well, and pair with classic cookout foods. Some of the most popular choices include:
- Potato salad for a classic barbecue side
- Pasta salad for an easy make-ahead option
- Coleslaw with burgers, pulled pork, and ribs
- Fruit salad for a fresh, colorful side
- Cucumber and tomato salads for something light and refreshing
- Corn salad when fresh summer corn is in season
Many of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time, making them especially handy when you're feeding a crowd. Complement your salads with these delicious Barbecue and Smoker Recipes, Side Dish Recipes, and Beverage Recipes.
4th of July Fruit Salads
These summery salads are packed with fresh fruit and are fantastic for summer - and pair perfectly with anything from grilled hot dogs and burgers to brisket and steaks.
Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad with Feta
This fresh and flavorful Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing is packed with juicy strawberries, salty feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and tender spinach. All of this is topped off with a delicious homemade lemon poppy seed dressing.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Fruit Salad with Cool Whip and Pudding
Get ready for a real treat with this easy Fruit Salad with Cool Whip and Pudding! Juicy, sweet fruit is combined with a creamy dressing made with vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, and pineapple juice.
Fruit Salad With Cool Whip
Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Basil
This Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta and Honey Glaze is the perfect summer side dish for your next BBQ. The juicy watermelon, tangy feta, and sweet blueberries combine to create an explosion of flavor with each bite.
Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta
Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Grilled peach burrata salad, is the perfect way to use an abundance of ripe peaches! This summery salad is ready in just 15 minutes making it the perfect side dish!
Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Photo credit: bluesbestlife.com
Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing
Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing is made with fresh spinach, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, feta cheese, red onions, sliced almonds, and topped with a homemade sweet poppy seed dressing.
Spinach Berry Salad
Photo credit: modernhoney.com
Easy Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
Try this strawberry goat cheese salad for a light and summery side! It's a refreshing dish to take to potlucks, barbecues, and more.
Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
Photo credit: greenheartlove.com
Mandarin Orange Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
This mandarin orange salad only takes 10 minutes to put together and has just 118 calories per serving.
Mandarin Orange Salad
Photo credit: plattertalk.com
Anti-Inflammatory Salad
This Anti-Inflammatory Salad is a great way to fill your body with tasty, nutritious ingredients to help fight inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Salad
Photo credit: thespicyapron.com
Fried Goat Cheese Salad
Fried Goat Cheese Salad with strawberries, avocado, basil and honey balsamic vinaigrette is decadent but fresh and light.
Fried Goat Cheese Salad
Photo credit: foxeslovelemons.com
Watermelon Mint Fruit Salad
My watermelon mint fruit salad is light, refreshing, and full of fresh fruit. It's the perfect summer side dish or light meal and is always a favorite at potlucks or picnics.
Watermelon Mint Salad
4th of July Pasta Salads
These hearty pasta salads are perfect for cookouts and potlucks, and most can be made ahead and chilled until you're ready to serve.
Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This creamy bacon ranch pasta salad is loaded with al dente pasta, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion tossed in a creamy ranch dressing. It's an easy make-ahead side dish for BBQs, potlucks, cookouts, and summer gatherings.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Tender macaroni is combined with a sweet and creamy homemade dressing in this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Delicious Greek Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe
This Greek shrimp pasta salad recipe is hearty enough for colder weather, but the citrus and mild spices make it a perfect dish for summer, too.
Greek Shrimp Pasta Salad
Photo credit: housefullofmonkeys.com
Loaded Vegetable Greek Pasta Salad
Tender whole-wheat pasta tossed with a homemade authentic greek dressing, Kalamata olives, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp English cucumbers, red bell peppers, Pepperoncini peppers, and chunks of yummy feta cheese. This greek pasta salad is always a hit!
Loaded Vegetable Greek Pasta Salad
Photo credit: healthywithachanceofsprinkles.com
Spinach Pasta Salad
Spinach Pasta Salad is a delicious blend of baby spinach, penne pasta, feta cheese, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing!
Spinach Pasta Salad
Photo credit: thisdelicioushouse.com
Super Easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
This quick and super easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad. It is loaded with vegetables, herbs, feta cheese, and a lemony dressing. Great for potlucks, meal prep, or as a side.
Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
Photo credit: entirelyelizabeth.com
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Italian Pasta Salad - The best BBQ side dish! This pasta salad recipe is made with a simple homemade Italian vinaigrette and filled with peppers, tomatoes, olives, and salami.
Italian Pasta Salad
Photo credit: simplystacie.net
Tortellini Pasta Salad
This Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad is filled with pillowy cheese tortellini, juicy grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, kalamata olives, and feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy homemade Italian dressing. A delicious cold summer salad perfect for picnics, potlucks, and BBQs.
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Photo credit: theforkedspoon.com
Italian Pasta Salad
This delicious Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is made with fresh veggies, sliced salami, mozzarella cheese, tender cooked pasta, and homemade Italian dressing. Flavorful and super easy to prepare, this salad is perfect for potlucks and picnics.
Italian Pasta Salad
Photo credit: theforkedspoon.com
Instant Pot Macaroni Salad
Easy Instant Pot Macaroni Salad recipe. Step by step guide with pictures, cooking tips, serving ideas and a recipe video. Perfect for beginners.
Instant Pot Macaroni Salad
Photo credit: corriecooks.com
Best Orzo Pesto Salad
Orzo pesto salad is a vibrant recipe filled with colorful veggies and a dairy-free pesto sauce. Enjoy it for a light lunch or a side dish!
Orzo Pesto Salad
Photo credit: greenheartlove.com
Pasta Salad Crudaiola Barese
This pasta salad is called Crudaiola Barese and comes from Bari in Puglia. It is a super simple patriotic red, white and green dish!
Pasta Salad Crudaiola Barese
Photo credit: the-pasta-project.com
Casarecce Pasta alla Peperonata
The star of this seriously tasty vegetarian casarecce pasta alla peperonata is a stewed sweet pepper sauce that's very traditional in Southern Italy.
Casarecce Pasta alla Peperonata
Photo credit: the-pasta-project.com
Pesto Orzo Salad
This pesto orzo salad is full of flavor and healthy ingredients and takes around 20 minutes to come together. Perfect for BBQs and potlucks!
Pesto Orzo Salad
Photo credit: throughthefibrofog.com
Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipe
The best chicken macaroni salad recipe is a simple rotisserie chicken salad full of flavor! The best cold chicken macaroni salad!
Chicken Macaroni Salad
Photo credit: cheneetoday.com
Creamy Parmesan Vegetable Pasta Salad
This creamy Parmesan Vegetable Pasta Salad is a summertime favorite!
Parmesan Vegetable Pasta Salad
Photo credit: serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Loaded with grilled vegetables, cherry tomatoes and Cannellini beans, this antipasto pasta salad is the dish you need to round out your summer picnics.
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Photo credit: simplebites.net
Potato Salads
Potato salad is a classic at summer cookouts, and these recipes include everything from creamy traditional versions to Greek and Hawaiian-inspired variations.
Creamy Red Skin Potato Salad
This creamy red skin potato salad combines tender potatoes, crunchy celery, and fresh herbs in a tangy dressing. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks!
Red Skin Potato Salad
Hawaiian Potato Salad
No backyard party is complete without this Hawaiian potato salad! Featuring tender chunks of potato and loads of macaroni, this ultra creamy potato salad is a classic island side dish that's perfect with just about any summer meal.
Hawaiian Potato Salad
Photo credit: burrataandbubbles.com
Greek Potato Salad
Greek Potato Salad is a delicious twist on the classic. Packed with Mediterranean flavors, it's the perfect potato salad recipe for summer.
Greek Potato Salad
Photo credit: recipesfromapantry.com
Easy Creamy Potato Salad Recipe
How to make the Best Potato Salad Recipe - Made with eggs, dill pickles, onions, and celery in a creamy mayo dressing, it's the perfect side dish for all your summer BBQs, potlucks, and cookouts. This easy recipe is extra flavorful and so delicious!
Creamy Potato Salad
Photo credit: theforkedspoon.com
Coleslaw & Creamy Salads
Creamy coleslaw and classic potluck salads are always a hit at Fourth of July cookouts. These easy sides pair perfectly with burgers, pulled pork, ribs, and just about anything off the grill.
Easy Miracle Whip Coleslaw Recipe
This quick and easy Miracle Whip Coleslaw Recipe is a simple side dish perfect for any meal or backyard barbecue! Made with just 4 ingredients, it's ready in 5 minutes and goes great with grilled burgers, chicken, smokies, or pretty much anything!
Creamy Coleslaw With Mayo
Broccoli Crunch Salad
This Broccoli Crunch Salad is loaded with fresh broccoli, crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, dried cranberries, and toasted seeds - all tossed in a creamy, tangy homemade dressing. It's quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for BBQs, holidays, or easy lunches.
Broccoli Crunch Salad
English Pea Salad Recipe
Old fashioned English Pea Salad recipe is quick, full of fresh veggies, and a colorful side dish. No cooking, no eggs, and no bacon required!
English Pea Salad
Photo credit: entirelyelizabeth.com
Cucumber & Tomato Salads
Cool, crisp cucumber and tomato salads are perfect for hot summer cookouts. From creamy cucumber salad to fresh Greek-inspired sides, these easy recipes pair well with just about anything off the grill.
Creamy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad with Mayo
This creamy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad with Mayo is the perfect side dish for any meal. With crisp, fresh cucumbers and delicious flavor from the homemade dressing, it will quickly become a family favorite!
Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad
Cucumber Tomato Basil Salad
This fresh Cucumber Tomato Basil Salad is one of my absolute favorite salads. It's made with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a delicious homemade Greek dressing!
Tomato Basil Cucumber Salad
Easy Greek Cucumber Salad
This easy Greek cucumber salad combines crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and Kalamata olives in a zesty homemade dressing. Ready in just 10 minutes!
Greek Cucumber Salad
Creamy German Cucumber Salad
Creamy German Cucumber Salad (aka Gurkensalat) - thinly sliced cucumbers in the most delicious sour cream dressing. A family fave - SO GOOD!
German Cucumber Salad
Photo credit: mapleandmango.com
Cucumber Carrot Salad
Cucumber Carrot Salad is perfect for warm summer days or whenever you need a light side dish. It's filled with cucumbers, carrots, and a sesame dressing.
Cucumber Carrot Salad
Photo credit: freshapron.com
Easy Cucumber and Tomato Salad
This simple and flavorful cucumber and tomato salad is light, refreshing and takes just minutes to make! Perfect as an appetizer or side.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Photo credit: watchlearneat.com
Corn Salads
Fresh corn is one of the best parts of summer, and these easy corn salads are perfect for Fourth of July cookouts. From creamy Mexican street corn salad to grilled corn salads, they pair perfectly with burgers, ribs, chicken, and other barbecue favorites.
Elote Corn Salad (Mexican Roasted Corn)
Inspired by Mexican roasted corn, this Elote corn salad has a bright and creamy flavor that is always a crowd pleaser.
Elote Corn Salad
Photo credit: foxeslovelemons.com
The Best Grilled Corn Salad Recipe
This is the best grilled corn salad - absolutely perfect for summer time! This delicious salad pairs well with all of your barbecue staples.
Grilled Corn Salad
Photo credit: homemadeheather.com
Grilled Corn Salad with Feta Dressing
This Grilled Corn Salad recipe is fresh and easy! It's made with roasted corn, avocado, tomatoes and tossed in a lemon feta cheese dressing.
Grilled Corn Salad
Photo credit: therusticfoodie.com
Creamy Shoepeg Corn Salad
Shoepeg corn salad is a creamy, refreshing side dish that combines corn, cucumber, tomato, and red onion with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing to make a mouthwatering marinated corn salad.
Creamy Shoepeg Corn Salad
Photo credit: mykitchenserenity.com
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Salad is made with grilled corn that is tossed with a creamy, tangy dressing, fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeño, and crumbly Cotija cheese for a flavor-packed side dish that goes with anything.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Green & Vegetable Salads
These fresh vegetable salads are a great way to add something lighter to your Fourth of July menu. Packed with beans, grains, fresh vegetables, and herbs, they're colorful, flavorful, and perfect alongside grilled meats and other cookout favorites.
Old Fashioned Three Bean Salad
This crisp and refreshing Old-Fashioned Three Bean Salad is a 50-year family tradition! Made with a tangy-sweet dressing and a blend of three beans, it's the ultimate make-ahead side dish for any gathering.
Three Bean Salad
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This Mediterranean chickpea salad is a super easy 10-minute recipe that's hearty, tasty and colourful!
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Photo credit: thestingyvegan.com
Edamame Salad
This refreshing Edamame Salad takes less than 15 minutes to make. Full of vibrant colours, it is keto, vegetarian and vegan friendly.
Edamame Salad
Photo credit: greedygourmet.com
Instant Pot Lentil Salad
Easy Instant Pot Lentil Salad recipe. Step by step guide with pictures, cooking tips, serving ideas and a recipe video. Perfect for beginners.
Instant Pot Lentil Salad
Photo credit: corriecooks.com
Raw Shredded Carrot Salad With Lemon
Raw shredded carrot salad with lemon comes together in just minutes! Perfect as a side dish for BBQs and potlucks, or as meal prep for school and work lunches.
Raw Carrot Salad
Broccoli Apple Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing
This broccoli apple salad with carrots, raisins, and cheese is amazing. The creamy Greek yogurt dressing is low-fat and made without mayo.
Broccoli Apple Salad
Photo credit: theshortordercook.com
Summer Chopped Veggie Salad Recipe
This Chopped Veggie Salad recipe is the perfect summer side dish. Delicious, super easy to make and pairs perfectly with grilled foods.
Summer Chopped Veggie Salad
Photo credit: mapleandmango.com
Fast & Delicious Taboule Salad
Looking for a fresh vegan salad? Try this delicious taboule (aka tabouli), packed with herbs, veggies, and Middle Eastern flair.
Taboule Salad
Photo credit: cinnamonsnail.com
Butternut and Beetroot Salad
This butternut and beetroot salad is a hearty and flavourful lunch idea or light dinner.
Butternut and Beetroot Salad
Photo credit: throughthefibrofog.com
Instant Pot Quinoa Salad
This Instant Pot Quinoa Salad is fast and easy to make. All you need is 20 minutes of time! Simple summer salad recipe!
Instant Pot Quinoa Salad
Photo credit: corriecooks.com
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
This easy quinoa tabbouleh salad recipe takes just 30 minutes to make. It's vegan, healthy, super delish, and it can be served as a main or as a side.
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
Photo credit: blondelish.com
Caprese Salads
This classic salad is a summer staple. These salads pair perfectly with any main dish with just a few simple ingredients like fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, and juicy cherry tomatoes.
Spinach Caprese Salad with Strawberries
Spinach Caprese Salad with Strawberries is a simple but spectacular dish packed with bright summer flavors.
Spinach Caprese Salad
Photo credit: whollytasteful.com
Caprese Salad with Peaches
Caprese Salad with Peaches and Balsamic Glaze is a delicious twist on the classic. Summer peach recipes like this are beautiful appetizers!
Caprese Salad with Peaches
Photo credit: cookingontheweekends.com
Simple 5 Ingredient Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
Make this cherry tomato caprese salad with colorful cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and flavorful olive oil!
Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
Photo credit: sweetteaandthyme.com
Grilled Peach Caprese Salad
Sweet and juicy peach slices are with fresh mozzarella cheese, gorgeous in-season herbs, and salty prosciutto, then drizzled with a warm thyme-infused honey as an easy grilled peach caprese salad.
Grilled Peach Caprese Salad
Photo credit: sweetteaandthyme.com
Chicken & Seafood Salads
For something a little heartier, these chicken and seafood salads can work as a side dish or light main course. They're especially good for summer lunches, picnics, and backyard cookouts.
Copycat Panera BBQ Chicken Salad
If you love Panera's BBQ Chicken Salad, then you'll love this copycat recipe! This hearty restaurant-style salad is packed full of juicy chicken and crisp vegetables tossed with black bean corn salsa and homemade BBQ Ranch dressing.
Panera Bread BBQ Chicken Salad
Tuna Caesar Salad
Tuna Caesar salad is a perfect combination of crispy lettuce, Parmesan, garlicky croutons, tangy dressing, and savory tuna fish.
Tuna Caesar Salad
Photo credit: saladonaroll.com
Lighter Salmon Pasta Salad with Greek Yoghurt Dressing
This lighter salmon pasta salad is so simple and quick to make. The salmon adds a little luxury and the dish is a perfect side for your grilled meat.
Lighter Salmon Pasta Salad
Photo credit: thespeltkitchen.com
Cajun Shrimp Salad (LC, GF)
This colourful Cajun Shrimp Salad Recipe is packed with nutrients and full of bold zesty flavour. A quick, easy and healthy shrimp salad!
Cajun Shrimp Salad
Photo credit: recipesfromapantry.com
Chicken Fruit Salad
Grilled chicken fruit salad -Juicy chicken breast, fruits, nuts, salty blue cheese, and fresh greens topped with homemade vinaigrette dressing bring this crunchy summer salad with fruit to a whole new level.
Chicken Fruit salad
Photo credit: worldlytreat.com
Salmon Nicoise Salad
Salmon Nicoise Salad is full of fresh ingredients like tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives, and more. Low carb, Whole30, keto-friendly, and paleo.
Salmon Nicoise Salad
Photo credit: whatagirleats.com
Whole30 Grilled Chicken Strawberry Salad (Keto)
This Whole30 salad with grilled chicken and strawberry is easy, healthy and delicious. This salad is great for lunch, dinner and meal prep.
Grilled Chicken Strawberry Salad
Photo credit: organicallyaddison.com
BBQ Chicken Salad
From summer cookouts to easy lunches, this BBQ chicken salad will be your new go-to! Top with crunchy fried onions for an instant classic.
BBQ Chicken Salad
Photo credit: everydayfamilycooking.com
Chicken Macaroni Salad
Chicken Macaroni Salad - a delicious cross between a creamy pasta salad and a chicken salad. Easy and a great way to use up leftover chicken!
Chicken Macaroni Salad
Photo credit: mapleandmango.com
Spicy Southwest Salad
This spicy southwest salad is what dreams are made of! With an easy spicy ranch dressing and avocado, it'll be your new go-to salad at home!
Spicy Southwest Salad
Photo credit: theoregondietitian.com
Chicken Avocado Caesar Salad Recipe
Chicken Avocado Caesar Salad is one of our favorites for a quick and easy meal. Grilled chicken, fresh avocado, crispy bacon, tomatoes and egg slices. Tossed in a homemade creamy Caesar dressing and topped with croutons and parmesan.
Chicken Avocado Caesar Salad
Photo credit: butteryourbiscuit.com
Make-Ahead Tips for Fourth of July Salads
If you're hosting a cookout, many of these salads can be prepared ahead of time. Pasta salad, potato salad, coleslaw, and other creamy salads are often even better after chilling for a few hours.
For salads made with leafy greens, wait to add the dressing until just before serving so they don't get soggy. Fresh fruit salads are also best assembled close to serving time, especially if they contain softer berries.
If you're taking a salad to a picnic or outdoor gathering, keep anything made with mayonnaise, dairy, meat, or seafood properly chilled until you're ready to serve it.
Recipe FAQs
What salads are good for a Fourth of July cookout?
Potato salad, pasta salad, coleslaw, fruit salad, cucumber salad, and corn salad are all great choices because they're easy to serve with burgers, hot dogs, ribs, brisket, and other barbecue favorites.
What Fourth of July salads can I make ahead?
Pasta salad, potato salad, coleslaw, bean salad, and many creamy salads can usually be made several hours or a day ahead. Keep them covered and refrigerated until serving.
What salad goes well with burgers and hot dogs?
Classic potato salad, pasta salad, coleslaw, cucumber salad, and corn salad all pair well with burgers and hot dogs.
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