Best Salads for Parties – And We’re Not Just Talking Lettuce!

Jenny deRemer

Oct 16, 2024

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When you’re heading to a party and want to bring something that’s delicious, both ‘leafy’ and ‘compound’ salads are always a fabulous choice. They’re fresh, easy to make and let’s face it – expected. They add a colorful, vibrant option to any spread, and compliment practically everything. Plus, they’re crowd-pleasers—everyone feels good about reaching for something satisfying! If you’re looking for a dish that’ll be a hit, the following salads are a win!

Table of Contents

A Tasty and Kid-friendly Pickle Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Macaroni Salad is an anticipated staple that makes its way onto buffets and pot-luck tables at just about every gathering. This method appeals to the masses with a reduced ingredient list and instead focuses on the best ingredient – pickle relish! Go sweet, go dill, or go home!

Get the Recipe: A Tasty and Kid-friendly Pickle Macaroni Salad

Sweet Potato & Steak Salad with Carolina Mustard Vinaigrette

A plate of steak salad topped with fresh figs, blue cheese crumbles, and red onion slices, lightly dressed with a mustard vinaigrette. A colorful striped napkin and a fig are placed beside the plate on a wooden table.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The combination of tender steak and roasted sweet potatoes in Sweet Potato & Steak Salad with Carolina Mustard Vinaigrette brings a bold, hearty flavor to any gathering. The tangy mustard vinaigrette adds a unique touch, making this one of the best salad options for a party. Its mix of savory and sweet is sure to impress guests and leave them wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato & Steak Salad with Carolina Mustard Vinaigrette

How to Make Crispy Delicata Squash

Close-up of roasted squash slices on a bed of greens, topped with crumbled cheese and herbs. A piece of bread is visible on the side. The vibrant colors emphasize the fresh ingredients.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

For a crunchy and unique addition to your party table, Crispy Delicata Squash recipe is a fantastic choice. The delicate sweetness of delicata squash paired with a crispy texture makes it a standout among side dishes. It’s one of the best options to serve alongside other salads, offering a tasty alternative to traditional vegetables.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Crispy Delicata Squash

Beet Napoleons with Garlicky Balsamic Vinaigrette

A gourmet salad on a white plate, featuring layers of diced beets, creamy cheese, and mango chunks, topped with fresh lettuce leaves. Drizzled with a light brown dressing, the dish is elegantly presented against a black background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Beet Napoleons with Garlicky Balsamic Vinaigrette layers roasted beets with creamy goat cheese, creating a beautiful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for parties. The garlicky vinaigrette complements the earthy beet flavors, making this one of the best salads for an elegant touch at any gathering. Its vibrant presentation will catch everyone’s eye.
Get the Recipe: Beet Napoleons with Garlicky Balsamic Vinaigrette

An Original Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

A colorful salad with sliced boiled eggs, crumbled cheese, avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, and fresh parsley on a white plate.
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An Original Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe is a classic party favorite, loaded with grilled chicken, crisp bacon, and creamy avocado. It’s one of the best salads for a filling and flavorful meal that can double as a main course. Guests will love the combination of fresh ingredients and savory flavors, making it a staple at any party.
Get the Recipe: An Original Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

Curly Endive Salad with Celery, Apple, and Candied Pecans

A rectangular white dish filled with a fresh salad of mixed greens, celery, sliced apples, and toasted pecans. A pair of stainless steel serving utensils rests on the left side of the dish.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

If you’re looking for something crunchy and refreshing, Curly Endive Salad with Celery, Apple, and Candied Pecans is a must-try for your party. The balance of tart apples, sweet candied pecans, and crisp endive makes it one of the best salads to offer variety in both texture and flavor. It’s a light yet satisfying choice for any event.
Get the Recipe: Curly Endive Salad with Celery, Apple, and Candied Pecans

Southern Chicken Salad with Pineapple

A croissant sandwich filled with chicken salad, garnished with nuts and lettuce, is served alongside fresh tomato slices. Potato chips are scattered on the plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Southern Chicken Salad with Pineapple brings a tropical twist to a savory classic, making it one of the best options for your next party. The sweet pineapple pairs perfectly with tender chicken, creating a light and refreshing dish. This combination makes it an excellent choice for warm-weather gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken Salad with Pineapple

Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe with Marinated Feta

Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, black olives, and cubes of feta cheese on a bed of green lettuce.
Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Cool and refreshing, Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe with Marinated Feta is a great option for Mediterranean-themed parties. The crisp cucumbers combined with the tangy marinated feta offer one of the best salads to serve on a hot day. It’s a simple dish, but the bold flavors will make it a hit with guests at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe with Marinated Feta

Strawberry Blueberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

A colorful salad on a decorative plate, featuring mixed greens, sliced strawberries, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves, topped with grated cheese.
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Strawberry Blueberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a fruity, refreshing option perfect for summer parties. The sweet berries combined with the tangy vinaigrette create a balanced dish, making it one of the best salads for outdoor gatherings. Its bright colors and fresh flavors will stand out on any buffet table.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Blueberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad

A plate of chicken salad featuring chopped chicken, raisins, and nuts, surrounded by blueberries, cherry tomato slices, pear slices, leafy greens, and round crackers.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad offers a delicious balance of tender chicken and crunchy vegetables, perfect for adding variety to your party spread. This salad is one of the best choices for a light yet filling dish that everyone can enjoy. Its mix of sweet and savory flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser at any event.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad

Marinated Fresh Fig and Mozzarella Salad

A platter of salad featuring fresh figs, slices of prosciutto, arugula, and rounds of grilled halloumi cheese, garnished with a light drizzle of dressing.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Marinated Fresh Fig and Mozzarella Salad combines sweet figs with creamy mozzarella, making it one of the best salads for a party with sophisticated flavors. The marinated figs bring a unique depth to the dish, while the fresh mozzarella adds a soft and creamy element. It’s an elegant salad that’s sure to impress guests with its fresh, balanced flavors.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Fresh Fig and Mozzarella Salad

Classic Southern Potato Salad

A rustic bowl filled with creamy potato salad, garnished with vibrant green parsley leaves and generously sprinkled with red paprika powder. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface, and two whole eggs are visible in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Classic Southern Potato Salad is a must-have for any party, with its creamy potatoes and tangy dressing. It’s one of the best side salads to bring to a casual gathering, adding a touch of Southern comfort to the menu. This crowd-pleasing dish is always a hit, perfect for BBQs or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Potato Salad

Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad

A platter filled with fresh tomato salad.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Featuring juicy, ripe tomatoes, Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad is one of the best salads for highlighting fresh, seasonal produce at your party. The simplicity of this dish lets the natural flavors shine, making it a refreshing and light addition to any menu. Guests will love the vibrant colors and straightforward ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad

Fresh Peach and Tomato Caprese Salad

A plate of sliced tomatoes, peaches, mozzarella, and basil leaves arranged in rows. Whole tomatoes and peaches sit beside a spoon and fork.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Fresh Peach and Tomato Caprese Salad offers a sweet and savory spin on the classic Caprese, making it one of the best summer salads for your party. The juicy peaches and tomatoes pair beautifully with mozzarella and basil, offering a refreshing bite that’s sure to impress guests. This salad is perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Peach and Tomato Caprese Salad

Fresh Corn & Tomato Salad

Closeup of tomato and corn salad on a white platter.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Bursting with fresh flavors, Fresh Corn & Tomato Salad is one of the best salads to add to your party lineup. The combination of sweet corn and juicy tomatoes makes this dish a summer favorite, offering a light and refreshing option for guests. It’s simple preparation and bright flavors make it perfect for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn & Tomato Salad

Eggs on Toast with Avocado and Rocket Salad

Close-up of a breakfast dish featuring two poached eggs with runny yolks on top of smashed avocado and a croissant. The dish is garnished with a fresh arugula salad on a white plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Eggs on Toast with Avocado and Rocket Salad is a fun and healthy dish that works well for brunch parties. The creamy avocado and savory eggs, paired with the peppery rocket, make this one of the best light meals to offer guests. Its fresh ingredients and simple preparation make it a standout dish for casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Eggs on Toast with Avocado and Rocket Salad

Robust Summer Squash Antipasto

A close-up of a salad featuring thin slices of zucchini and salami, topped with crumbled feta cheese. The dish is garnished with fresh oregano leaves. The colors are vibrant, with a mix of green, red, and white.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Robust Summer Squash Antipasto is a colorful and flavorful choice for any party spread. With marinated squash, olives, and herbs, it’s one of the best salads for adding a Mediterranean vibe to your event. This light yet satisfying dish complements heavier mains and provides a refreshing change of pace.
Get the Recipe: Robust Summer Squash Antipasto

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

A close-up of a large white bowl filled with creamy potato salad, garnished with a sprinkle of black pepper. On the side, there are sliced cherry tomatoes and lettuce leaves, placed on a white, ornate plate. A spoon rests nearby.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad is a comforting and flavorful side dish, perfect for adding to your party menu. The creamy potatoes and tangy dressing make it one of the best salads to serve at casual gatherings. This dish pairs well with BBQ or other hearty mains, making it a favorite among guests.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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