15 Cold Summer Salads Perfect for Cookouts

15 Cold Summer Salads Perfect for Cookouts! Easy pasta, potato, and chicken salads that are make-ahead, crowd-pleasing, and full of flavor.

Summer is here, and that means it’s cookout time and I don’t know about you but I love hamburgers and hot dogs from the grill but I am totally there for the sides! I’m talking pasta salads and potato salads. Those cold, creamy sides full of flavor.

I love that they are make-ahead kind of salads that just get better as they sit. I make big batches, enough for the BBQ and enough for dinners all week.

There is nothing better on a hot day when you do not want to turn the oven on and you open the fridge and you already have everything you need for a cool dinner, just whip up some sandwiches or throw some hot dogs on the grill and one of these delicious sides and call it dinner. Those are my favorite dinners.

I’ve even included my favorite chicken salads because they are a lifesaver in the summer! I whip up a batch in the morning before the day heats up and then I have a cool dinner ready to go that night.

Whether it’s pasta salads loaded with delicious mix ins, easy chicken salads for lunch, or good old-fashioned potato salads that everyone loves, I’ve rounded up all my favorites right here.

These are tried-and-true 15 Cold Summer Salads Perfect for Cookouts! Family-approved, and perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, or just those nights when it’s too hot to cook.

Pasta Salads:

Pickle Pasta Salad: A tangy twist on the classic, loaded with pickles, cheese, red onion, and a creamy pickle dressing.

2. Big Mac Pasta Salad: All the flavors of a Big Mac in a pasta salad—ground beef, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and a special sauce.

3. Red White Blue Pasta Salad: A festive dish with tri-colored pasta, pepperoni, mozzarella, and Italian dressing—perfect for patriotic celebrations.

4. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: A creamy, tangy salad with elbow pasta, mayonnaise, carrots, and green onions.

5. Cowboy Pasta Salad: Hearty and flavorful, featuring bowtie pasta, ground beef, bacon, corn, black beans, and a BBQ dressing.

6. Hoagie Sub Pasta Salad: All the elements of a classic hoagie—salami, ham, pepperoni, cheese, and veggies—tossed with pasta and a zesty dressing.

7. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: A hearty salad combining seasoned chicken, pasta, romaine, spinach, parmesan, and Caesar dressing.

Chicken Salads:

8. Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Classic Carol: A simple yet flavorful mix of seasoned chicken, mayonnaise, and celery, perfect for sandwiches or crackers.

9. Hawaiian Chicken Salad: A tropical delight with tender chicken, pineapple, macadamia nuts, and a creamy garlic dressing.

10. Pickle Chicken Salad: For pickle lovers—shredded chicken, chopped eggs, celery, and pickles in a tangy dressing.

11. Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad: All the flavor of your favorite appetizer in a cold, creamy salad! This one’s loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a spicy kick from jalapeños — perfect on a croissant or in a lettuce wrap.