15 Of Grandma's Most Famous Summer Salads

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Published on August 25, 2024

Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham — Photo: Jen Causey

Grandma knows that just because something is called a salad doesn't necessarily mean it contains lettuce. In fact, some of these summer salads can even be considered a dessert. The most important qualities of summer salads is that they're refreshing, easy to pull together, and highlight the best produce the season has to offer. Here are Grandma's all-time favorites.

01 of 15

7-Layer Salad

7-Layer Salad — JEN CAUSEY; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROP STYLIST: CALEB CLARKE

This common potluck salad looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to pull together.

02 of 15

Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad

Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad — HANNAH ZIMMERMAN/SOUTHERN LIVING

For many Southerners, including Grandma, it's not summertime without a marinated salad. Especially when cucumbers and tomatoes are involved.

03 of 15

Homemade Chicken Salad

Homemade Chicken Salad on a white plate with lettuce leaves, tomatoes, and crackers — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Though Grandma probably doesn't need to consult a recipe when she whips up a classic batch of chicken salad, if you need some measurements you can use this one as a guide.

04 of 15

Picnic Egg Salad

Picnic Egg Salad — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Whether you serve it atop toasted baguette, between two slices of white sandwich bread, or with crackers for scooping, classic egg salad will never disappoint.

05 of 15

Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham

Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham — Jen Causey

When making this pasta salad, make sure to allow at least 2 hours for it to chill before serving. You can even take a cue from Grandma and make it a day in advance.

06 of 15

Heirloom- Tomato Salad

Heirloom-Tomato Salad — VICTOR PROTASIO; FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN; PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINE KEELY

Grandma agrees that fresh summer tomatoes are delicious enough to stand on their own in this colorful salad.

07 of 15

Cucumber- and- Vidalia Onion Salad

Cucumber-and-Vidalia Onion Salad — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Grandma knows that no-cook salad recipes can save the day during the sweltering hot days of summer, and this refreshing cucumber salad will do just that.

08 of 15

Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad

Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad in a white bowl with golden spoon — Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Pasta salad is a summertime staple that's colorful, refreshing, and totally customizable.

09 of 15

Whipped- Cream Corn Salad

Whipped-Cream Corn Salad — Southern Living

Whether Grandma uses fresh corn she grew in her garden or picks some up at the grocery store, she knows adding a little heavy cream is the secret to creamy corn salad.

10 of 15

Pear Salad

Pear Salad — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This 5-ingredient salad has been loved and served by Southern grandmothers for decades. It can be an appetizer before the meal or a side to accompany the main dish.

11 of 15

Classic Potato Salad

Classic Potato Salad Southern Living — Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

Grandma knows it's not a summertime cookout with at least one type of potato salad on the menu, and this no-fuss recipe probably resembles the one she has been making for years.

12 of 15

Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad

Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad — CAITLIN BENSEL; FOOD STYLING: TORIE COX

Whether Grandma considers it a side dish or a dessert, this Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad never disappoints.

13 of 15

Shrimp Salad

Southern Living Shrimp Salad on a platter to serve with a glass of beer and lemon wedges — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

When shrimp is in season, a simple salad is one of the most refreshing ways to enjoy it.

14 of 15

Watergate Salad

Watergate Salad — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Like many Southern recipes, this salad has many different names. Whether Grandma calls it Watergate Salad, Green Fluff, or another name of her choosing, it's always welcome at any potluck.

15 of 15

Bacon-Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon-Ranch Pasta Salad

For the best results, our Test Kitchen recommends using Wright Brand bacon for this pasta salad recipe. When it comes to the noodles, you can use whatever shape you have on hand.

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