• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Butter & Baggage logo
  • Recipe Search
    • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Biscuits
    • Breakfast
      • Muffins
    • Casseroles
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Brownies
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Fruit Desserts
      • Pies, Cobblers & Crisps
    • Main Dishes
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
    • Pasta
      • Mac and Cheese
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Dips
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups & Chilis
  • Shop
  • My Favorites
  • Kitchen Hacks
  • About
    • Editorial Policies
    • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Search
  • Recipe Index
  • Kitchen Hacks
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Editorial Policies
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » MSN Slideshows

    Prep These 21 Make-Ahead Salads for Your Cookout Now, Relax All Weekend

    Published: May 29, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Nothing ruins a chill weekend faster than scrambling to throw food together last minute. These make-ahead salads are the move—they’re easy, flavorful, and ready to go when the party starts. From zesty pasta mixes to hearty grain bowls, they only get better with time. Knock them out early, then kick back and enjoy the cookout.

    Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

    A platter of green bean and potato salad.
    Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Full of fresh summer flavors, this cold green bean salad recipe adds in tender new potatoes for a refreshing take on a classic summer meal.
    Get the Recipe: Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

    Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers

    A serving bowl of antipasto salad.
    Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    This irresistible antipasto pasta salad is EASY to make with a simple homemade dressing, an Italian inspired pasta that’s great to make ahead for your cookout.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers

    Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

    A creamy cucumber salad with corn in a glass bowl with a serving spoon
    Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Jazz up your salad menu with a Corn and Cucumber Salad. The mixture of veggies in a creamy yogurt, mayo and dill dressing make it a favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

    Tomato Salad With Peaches

    A black bowl of tomato salad with peaches and feta.
    Tomato Salad With Peaches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Fresh Peach and Tomato Salad can’t be beat when summer produce is at its best. Try combining fresh peaches with juicy tomatoes, then sprinkle with salty feta for a light and refreshing summer salad
    Get the Recipe: Tomato Salad With Peaches

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Classic Southern Macaroni Salad is a summertime comfort food, which is great if you’re craving Southern flavors this summer.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Macaroni Salad

    Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

    A side dish of pesto pasta next to fresh parsley.
    Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This easy parsley pesto pasta salad with walnuts is a great summertime salad and incredibly simple to make for any occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

    Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

    A bowl of cucumber salad with onions and two serving spoons
    Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This tangy Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and since it has no mayo, it’s perfect for warm summer days.
    Get the Recipe: Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

    Zucchini Pasta Salad With Balsamic Vinegar

    Zucchini noodles with cherry tomatoes on a white platter with a wooden spoon
    Zucchini Pasta Salad With Balsamic Vinegar. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Pull out the spiralizer and make a refreshing Zucchini Salad with Balsamic Vinegar with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and zoodles.
    Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pasta Salad With Balsamic Vinegar

    Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches

    A pasta salad with peaches, corn and tomatoes in a serving bowl.
    Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This refreshing summer salad is made with fresh peach slices, sweet corn, juicy grape tomatoes, pine nuts, and your favorite pasta. It’s one of my go-to cold pasta dishes to beat the heat.
    Get the Recipe: Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches

    Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

    Ranch pasta salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
    Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    With all the classic flavors of creamy ranch dressing, salty bacon, and cheddar cheese, this ranch pasta salad is a refreshing crowd pleaser, the perfect summer potluck food.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

    Classic Pea Salad with Cheddar Cheese

    A pea salad with cheddar cheese in a serving bowl.
    Classic Pea Salad with Cheddar Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This creamy Southern pea salad bursts with flavors of the South, blending tender fresh or frozen peas with sharp cheddar cheese, smooth mayonnaise, and tangy sour cream.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Pea Salad

    Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

    Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    Fill your fork with Mediterranean Pasta Salad, an incredibly fresh pasta salad with crisp vegetables and a vinaigrette straight from the Mediterranean!
    Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

    Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

    A bowl of carrot and raisin salad next to a bunch of carrots.
    Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Fresh carrot raisin salad is EASY and so flavorful! All you need is a bowl and a grater to make this slightly sweet classic summer salad.
    Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

    Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

    Delicious pesto pasta salad with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes in a glass bowl.
    Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Easy to make basil pesto pasta salad with bow tie pasta is a flavorful, colorful side that’s great for summer picnics or cookouts. It’s one of my favorite easy pasta salad recipes.
    Get the Recipe: Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

    Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries

    A clear glass bowl of corn salad with blueberries.
    Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    You’ll love this Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries with a little cumin, onions and cilantro to give this a savory twist.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries

    Italian Pasta Salad

    Italian Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    This Italian Pasta salad has it all! Tender pasta, salty pepperoni, cubed mozzarella, lots of diced veggies and a homemade garlic dressing.
    Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

    Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad

    A bowl of creamy macaroni salad with kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green peas, and fresh cilantro garnish—just like one of grandma’s favorite spring dishes.
    Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Zesty Mexican macaroni salad with a creamy, tangy dressing, fresh vegetables, and a perfect kick of spice is a twist on a classic favorite of easy pasta salad recipes.
    Get the Recipe: Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad

    Burrata With Oranges

    Close-up of a vibrant spring salad with slices of fresh mozzarella, orange segments, arugula leaves, and cracked black pepper sprinkled on top.
    Burrata With Oranges. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy Burrata with Oranges instead of tomatoes is a great, light salad when the tomatoes are no longer fresh. A perfect salad for any cookout.
    Get the Recipe: Burrata With Oranges

    Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing

    A bowl of broccoli salad on a serving tray.
    Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    You’re going to love this healthy broccoli salad served with a yogurt dressing that’s sweetened with honey. An old fashioned salad you’ll love.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing

    Grandma’s Cucumber Salad

    A bowl of sliced cucumbers with a wooden spoon.
    Grandma’s Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    My Grandma’s Cucumber Salad Recipe is cool, crunchy, refreshing, and easy to throw together on a hot summer day! Great for BBQ’s or potlucks.
    Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cucumber Salad

    Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

    Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    Pesto caprese pasta salad is a huge hit at parties! Serve this delicious dish as a side, salad or appetizer. Fresh and done in 20 min!
    Get the Recipe: Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

    Explore Recipes

    MSN Slideshows
    « Because You Deserve a Break: 28 Cozy Lazy Sunday Recipes
    If You Remember These Desserts, Your Childhood Was Peak Americana »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

    More about me →

    Subscribe

    Spring Sides

    • A wooden spoon with a serving of macaroni salad.
      Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad with Cheese
    • A plate of green bean salad with potatoes next to salmon.
      Green Beans and New Potato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
    • A basket of yeast dinner rolls.
      Old-Fashioned Yeast Rolls with a Modern, Foolproof Method
    • Cornbread corn pudding with a serving spoon in a casserole dish.
      Custardy Cornbread Pudding Casserole

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Our All-Star Recipes

    • A round baking dish of mac and cheese with a serving spoon.
      Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
    • A skillet of charred corn with a wooden spoon.
      Skillet Charred Corn with Bacon and Cream
    • A serving spoon of ground beef potato casserole.
      Hamburger Potato Casserole Without Canned Soup
    • A serving spoon of baked beans with hamburger.
      Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef
    • A baked chicken tamale pie.
      Baked Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole with A Cornbread Crust
    • Square biscuits in a bowl with coffee cups.
      Square Buttermilk Biscuits (Tall & Flaky)

    COPYRIGHT © 2026 BUTTER & BAGGAGE | PRIVACY POLICY | WEB STORIES
    BRANDING & CUSTOMIZATION BY GRACE + VINE STUDIOS

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required