Old Fashioned Salads for Potluck: 23 Recipes Grandma Would Still Approve

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Old fashioned salads for potluck have a way of stealing the show without trying too hard—they’re simple, nostalgic, and people keep going back for seconds. These are the kinds of dishes that feel like they’ve been part of every family gathering forever. If you’re looking for that no-fail potluck idea that still hits the mark, you’re in the right place. Let’s bring back the classics that actually get cleaned out first.

Macaroni Salad

 

This simple Macaroni Salad Recipe is delicious and can be made in 15 minutes! It’s the perfect creamy, crunchy, fresh and cold summer salad.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Ham Salad

Chopped ham, pickles, and creamy mayo turn into a spread perfect for crackers or soft rolls. Familiar, make-ahead friendly, and easy to refill if your dish gets emptied.
Get the Recipe: Ham Salad

Grandma’s Cucumber Salad

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

Best Broccoli Salad With Sunflower Seeds and Bacon

This is the best Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds recipe! It’s creamy and crunchy with fresh broccoli, homemade dressing and lots of bacon!
Get the Recipe: Best Broccoli Salad With Sunflower Seeds and Bacon

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad is always such a hit at any summer cookout. It’s a perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, onion-y & sweet from the imitation crab.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is fresh vegetables and pasta tossed in a Mexican chili lime sauce and served chilled. Delish!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad

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

English Pea Salad with Bacon + Blue Cheese

This yummy Pea Salad, made with bacon and blue cheese, is the perfect Springtime side dish. Be sure to try this soon!
Get the Recipe: English Pea Salad

Creamy Potato Salad (No Eggs!)

Get this quintessential potato salad recipe, filled with boiled potatoes, onions, celery and tossed in a vinegary mayonnaise dressing.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Potato Salad (No Eggs!)

Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Deviled Eggs and Potato Salad are combined into this ultimate Deviled Egg Potato Salad recipe! Perfect as a spring or summer side dish.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Greek Salad with Homemade Dressing

This Greek Salad recipe is a delicious stand alone meal or simple side dish. Topped with a homemade tangy greek dressing.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad

Ambrosia Salad

You’ll love this mouthwatering Ambrosia Salad Recipe made with fruit, coconut, pecans, marshmallows and tossed with whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A classic and delicious, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is light, refreshing and so so easy to make! It’s the perfect light side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Carrot Salad without Mayonnaise

Crunchy, sweet and zippy, this non-mayo Colorful Carrot Salad Recipe will be your new favorite Easter side dish and all year round!
Get the Recipe: Carrot Salad Recipe Without Mayonnaise

Tuna Salad with Pasta

Tender pasta tossed with tuna, sharp onions, and a creamy base makes this filling yet cool. A reliable choice when you need something that stretches and still feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad Recipe with Pasta

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Sweet strawberries set over a salty pretzel crust, finished with cream cheese topping. Technically a “salad,” but everyone knows it’s the dessert they’ll remember.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Creamy potato salad upgraded with sharp cheese, bacon bits, and ranch. Bold, familiar flavors in a chilled side that travels easily.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Old-Fashioned Three Bean Salad

This old-fashioned three bean salad is the perfect side dish for any cookout or potluck dinner. Canned beans make it the easiest!
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Three Bean Salad

Old Bay Shrimp Salad

This easy tossed shrimp salad recipe is made with cooked shrimp, mayonnaise,lemon juice, fresh dill, and Old Bay seasoning. Serve cold.
Get the Recipe: Old Bay Shrimp Salad

Broccoli Apple Salad

This Broccoli Apple Salad is a healthy and delicious version of classic broccoli salad. The crispy textures and vibrant colors are tantalizing!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Apple Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is easy to make, tender, and hugely flavorful. Reminiscent of L&L Hawaiian BBQ’s famous mac salad recipe.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Shrimp Salad

You can make, creamy delicious Shrimp Salad in minutes with this simple recipe! Serve it over crisp lettuce, on brioche buns or tossed with pasta!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Salad

Old Fashioned Carrot Raisin Salad

Sweet and crunchy old fashioned carrot raisin salad with a creamy honey-lemon dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or make-ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Carrot Raisin Salad