Seriously, these are the only salad recipes you’ll need this summer. In the South, salad means more than just greens and a dressing. It could mean a crunchy, zippy coleslaw, a tangy tomato dish, or even something sweet and full of fruit. With that in mind, I’ve collected a list of my favorite Southern salads that are as diverse as the South itself. Bring them to your next potluck, serve them at BBQs, or enjoy them at home with family. No matter what, you’ll love them all!
Best Ever Southern Cobb Salad and More!
1. Tomato Cracker Salad
This Southern classic is a staple during the summer, and for good reason. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a tasty side ready to go in no time! Creamy mayonnaise coats juicy ripe tomatoes, for a burst of creamy, juicy goodness. That pairs so well with crunchy crackers. This dish is best served right away, to keep the crackers from getting soggy.
2. Classic Memphis-Style Coleslaw
A sweet and tangy coleslaw is a must have for grilling season. The bright and fresh flavors work well with everything from smoked brisket to barbecued ribs. And it’s simple to boot! This Memphis-style slaw features mayo, vinegar, and sugar. So it’s zippy, creamy, and just a little sweet. Remember: coleslaw tastes better if it’s chilled together before serving. So make this one ahead!
3. Southern Cobb Salad
Between the fried chicken and candied pecans, I think this just might become your new favorite Cobb salad recipe. I mean, just look at it! It’s bright, vibrant, fresh, and looks so incredibly appetizing. The mixture of crisp apples, juicy grapes and strawberries, crunchy chicken, and creamy goat cheese is to die for. And it’s all wrapped up in a heavenly poppy seed dressing that’s so good, you’ll want it on everything.
4. Southern Summer Salad
This recipe is probably the closest to a traditional green salad you’ll find on this list. Between the crunchy kale, bacon dressing, and fresh peaches, though, it’s still% full of southern charm. It’s a little sweet, a lot of savory, and a whole lot of goodness. Top your salad with homemade croutons and you’re good to go!
5. Cajun Potato Salad
If you don’t typically enjoy potato salad, I highly recommend giving this one a whirl. This spicy Cajun potato salad is seriously one of the best around! Crunchy peppers, onions, and celery add texture to the usual soft potatoes. But it’s the dressing that’s the real delight. A blend of mayo, mustard, relish, and Cajun seasoning, you’ll want to eat it with a spoon. You’ll also include hard-boiled eggs for a kick of protein. And feel free to throw in some bacon bits too!
6. Creole Potato Salad
What’s the difference between Cajun and Creole potato salad? Well, with similar cultures, they certainly have a lot in common! The key difference is that this version uses crab boil liquid and sour cream in the sauce. Each adds a whole new level of soulful flavor that’s irresistible. Top with an extra sprinkle of seasoning on top for something that’s zesty, colorful, and delicious!
7. Lowcountry Okra Salad
Fried okra is probably my favorite way to eat this surprisingly savory fruit. Toss that fried okra in a delicious salad and I’m totally hooked! You’ll combine thinly sliced okra with onion, tomatoes, sweet pepper, and chilis. Then, dress the dish with a simple sauce and a sprinkle of feta cheese. This side dish is a great healthy substitute for fries, and is tastier than you could imagine!
8. Biscuit Salad
We all know biscuits are a staple of Southern soul food. So why not add them to a salad? This bright and colorful dish is an all-season staple in my kitchen. It’s filling, colorful, and such a unique addition to the dinner table. Tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, black-eyed peas, and basil make up the bulk of this salad. Of course, don’t forget the tangy dressing and buttery biscuit bites! For best results, add the cubed biscuit croutons just before serving.
9. Southern Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Sometimes, the most straightforward recipes are the best. And it doesn’t get any simpler than this cucumber and tomato salad! This recipe has three key ingredients: cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions. So it’s cool, juicy, and full of peppery crunch. The dressing is slightly sweet from sugar, and tangy from apple cider vinegar. And the whole thing is effortless to make. What’s not to love?
10. Avocado Tomato Salad
Cubed avocado with halved cherry or jellybean tomatoes and a simple dressing of lemon juice and olive oil may sound simple, but it’s super delish. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and bursting with fresh flavors. Serve as a bright side to your next steak dinner, or with your favorite proteins for a single-bowl-supper. Yum!
11. Southern Corn Salad
I have a slight obsession with corn in general. So this corn salad is so exciting for me! There’s no mayo in this recipe, making it a little lighter than some of the other recipes. Instead, it’s a beautiful mixture of fresh corn, basil, and red onions. Toss in a simple vinaigrette and bam! Southern corn salad is ready to serve.
12. Grandma’s Macaroni Salad
Fresh and creamy macaroni salad is always better than store-bought. Sure, it takes a little bit of work, but man is it good! This recipe uses apple cider vinegar to add some tartness to the creamy dressing. Toss in tender pasta and crunchy veggies and this salad is ready for the races!
13. Southern Tomato Salad
There’s no need to watch your tomatoes wilt in summer warmth because this salad is sure to make them disappear. Combine fresh mint, peaches, and tomatoes, then add a simple vinaigrette. Give it all a stir and it’s time to dig in. For the best flavors, add the goat cheese just before serving. This keeps the cheese from soaking up the vinaigrette, which will affect its tangy taste.
14. Southern Ambrosia Salad
Southern ambrosia salad has graced tabletops for nearly 200 years. And this version of classic dessert salad is so perfect, I just had to share! Oranges, pineapples, and shredded coconut mixed with Cool Whip might not sound like a salad – but who cares when it’s this tasty? Oh, and don’t forget the mini marshmallows! To keep this from being too sweet, you’ll mix in a little sour cream. That bit of tang is just what this dish needs.
15. Easy Southern Egg Salad
Egg salad is one of my favorite meatless meals to make for lunch. It’s rich, light, and wonderfully creamy. This southern-style egg salad features hard boiled eggs (of course), a dollop of mayo, and a bit of onion and pepper. Add in some simple seasonings and you’ve got one tasty sandwich filling.
16. Tarragon Chicken Salad
As the name suggests, tarragon is a key ingredient in this chicken salad recipe. And the hit of fennel flavors really takes the dish to new heights. Full of chicken salad staples, Craisins, and celery for crunch, all that’s missing is some chopped tarragon. It’s fragrant, full of anise notes, and wonderfully earthy. Serve this on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or even on a baked potato.
17. Hot Potato Salad
Try this hot potato salad recipe if you want something hearty, hot, and mouthwatering, You’ll boil the potatoes until tender, then sauté them in a heavenly mixture of onions, celery, and bacon fat gravy. The dressing is as easy as adding chicken broth and flour to the pan after cooking the bacon! Yum doesn’t do this dish justice!
18. Trisha Yearwood Creamy Grape Salad Recipe
Here’s another terrific dessert salad the whole family will go nut for. Little bursts of juicy grapes go so well with a sweet, creamy dressing of cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla. And to be honest, that mix is already super tasty. But to make this extra special, you’ll top it with brown sugar and pecans after it’s had some time to chill. The brown sugar will dissolve on the top and the nuts brings a beautiful crunch. Enjoy!
19. Paula Deen’s Broccoli Salad
As much as I love broccoli, I’ll be the first to admit that it can be a bit dull. So, why not add a few extra ingredients to jazz it up? And when I say “jazz it up” I really mean it! Between the bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, onion, and raisins, this dish is crunchy, salty, sweet, and chewy. I love this with grapes, but feel free to use tomatoes if you want it less sweet.
20. Southern-Style Ham Salad
If you’re craving a fully-loaded, cream-filled sandwich but don’t want eggs or chicken, give this tasty ham salad a whirl. From the salty ham and tender hard-boiled eggs to the wickedly fresh pickle relish and creamy mayo, this stuff is beyond impressive. Serve it on a fresh, flaky croissant or even as a dip.
21. Southern Soul Food Tomato Watermelon Salad
I grew up eating sliced watermelon with a sprinkle of sea salt. So, anytime I can have a tangy, savory watermelon salad I’m all in! Feta, pickled peppers, and onion add a whole new level of flavor to juicy watermelon and tomatoes. Add a healthy serving of cilantro to finish it off and you’ve got one helluva summer salad.
22. Pear Salad
I know what you’re thinking: that’s not a salad! But we’re talking about Southern salads, remember? So if it’s in the name, it’s on the list! And this one is so fun and unusual, I couldn’t leave it behind. Canned pears, creamy mayo, and shredded cheese is all you need for this Southern treat. Top with a maraschino cherry, and dig right in! The sweetness of the fruits combined with mayo and cheese is delectable, to say the least. I’m sure it’ll be a hit at your next party.
23. Southern-Style Bean Salad
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for baked beans – especially when feeding a crowd. But this southern-style bean salad is ideal for hot days when you want flavor over heat. This recipe is a twist on Southern three-bean salad. It has green beans, white and kidney beans, chickpeas, and black-eyed peas in the mix. It’s hearty, full of texture, and colorful to boot.
24. Arby’s Chicken Salad Sandwich
Southern chicken salad is usually loaded with tender meat, chewy cranberries, crisp apples, buttery nuts, and fresh green onions. This Arby’s version omits the cranberries in favor of grapes, which add moisture and wonderful sweetness to every bite. All that goodness means you don’t need anything but mayo for the dressing. But, of course, it’ll be that much better with a hit of salt and cracked pepper. Either way, this chicken salad is delicious on low-carb lettuce wraps!
25. Carrot Raisin Salad
This salad is really more of a slaw, and it’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet. Just what the doctor ordered! Shredded carrots, craisins, and pineapple are the stars of this show. All that goodness in a sweet, creamy, and tangy sauce? Yes, please! Whatever you do, don’t let the ingredients scare you away! You have to try this recipe before you knock it.
26. Strawberry Jello Salad
No list of Southern salads would be complete without jello salad! And this fruit salad is a simple, tasty side and staple in Southern cooking. You only need six ingredients, including fruit, strawberry gelatin, and sour cream. Jello salad can be served any time of day and is best enjoyed cold.
27. Southern Pea Salad
If you have a picky eater on your hands, this recipe may just be enough to get them to eat their peas. Sweet green peas, cheese, bacon, and egg are all combined in a creamy and flavorful dressing. Sour cream adds some tang, and it’s elevated with ample seasonings. This tasty recipe is perfect for meals year-round!
28. BBQ Chicken Salad with Smoked Gouda
Why make a salad to go with your BBQ chicken when you can make a salad using BBQ chicken? That’s right, it’s all piled into one bowl for an easy, delicious dinner! Salads can be a bit boring. But when there’s BBQ chicken, beans, and loads of colorful veggies, I just can’t say no! Assemble your salad and drizzle with BBQ sauce and Ranch dressing. Yummy!
29. Pimento Cheese Pasta Salad
Everyone in the South has their own spin on a creamy macaroni salad. But this particular recipe features pimentos and bits of shredded cheeses for extra-extra flavor. You can’t go wrong with bacon in your pasta salad. Especially if it’s dressed with Duke’s mayo, and jazzed up with peppery pimentos and cheese! Like most pasta salads, this recipe is best served after chilling. So be sure to plan ahead.
30. Tuna Salad
This tuna salad is a go-to for busy nights, or quick lunches. It’s flavorful, protein-packed, and easy to throw together in a hurry. With a little bit of extra flare, you can turn flaky canned tuna into a delicious dinner. Add in some crunchy veggies, hard boiled eggs, and a creamy sauce and you’ve got the perfect meal. Serve as a classic tuna salad sandwich, or with some crackers or veggies as a dipping dinner. You just can’t go wrong with tuna salad.
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