20+ Make Ahead Salads for a Crowd: Whether you’re whipping up an easy pasta salad, potato salad, or even just a standard lettuce side salad for your next get-together, salad recipes can be so easy to make ahead of time.
There are so many delicious ways to make a salad that can feed a crowd.
I’ve gathered some of the best make ahead salads for a crowd, so you have plenty to choose from when you need them!
Post originally published February 2019 – Updated April 2023
Make Ahead Salads for a Crowd
You’ll find that these make-ahead salads for a crowd are perfect for barbecue parties, cookouts, spring dinner recipe ideas, or any other fun parties where you need a dish. You can easily whip one of these up and you’re ready to go!
Or, if you like to make side dishes ahead of time or that easy to whip up in a pinch to go with dinner for your family, then you’ll find a fabulous amount of salad recipes to choose from here. (Salads are PERFECT as a side dish to accompany a ton of main dishes!)
20+ Salad Recipes for a Crowd
This delicious and easy potato salad recipe is a side dish staple at any barbecue. Easy to make and it can be made in advance, and transports well!
This side salad recipe has gone CRAZY on Pinterest with so many fans! We make this often ahead of time, to eat on all week or to take to a function. TIP: Make sure to store the toppings separately that could make your lettuce soggy. (i.e. bacon, cheese, etc.)
Loaded with both texture and flavor, this salad is a great way to change things up from a lettuce salad, and a great way to get in the greens.
The crowd is going to LOVE this one as a dessert or to even have as a sweet side dish during the holidays. It’s one of our top favorite no bake dessert recipes, that we also consider a fun salad side dish.
Get in your extra veggies with this veggie salad that has carrots, and a lot of crunch!
A fantastic twist on a salad recipe that has texture and is full of flavor!
This crispy and sweet salad is a great dessert salad that you can make ahead of time!
This may be more of a dessert salad but it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure, and a great addition to any holiday table.
This pasta salad is so simple to make, and a great go-to for any party. The addition of chicken adds protein to make it a light, yet hearty dish.
A bean salad is a nice change from lettuce and pasta salads. It’s also perfect for cookouts or anywhere that you want to bring a healthier dish.
This is a light salad recipe that’s perfect to serve in the spring and summer and is so easy to make.
A fresh and light salad recipe for a hot summer day! Make it in advance, and pull it out of the refrigerator when it’s time to eat!
If you’re counting carbs or watching carbohydrates, this faux potato salad recipe is perfect for low-carb eaters!
When it comes to make-ahead salad recipes, this crab salad is one that can be made in advance, and it only gets better with time!
It may sound different to put some of these ingredients together but talk about a flavor combination that you’ll love! This chicken Caesar pasta salad is a favorite at functions. When making it ahead of time though, it’s best to prep everything and store the dressing and pasta in different containers. Then, combine all of it just before serving.
As seen on so many holiday tables, this dessert salad is one that can be made ahead of time, and is so easy to whip up!
This savory Cornbread Salad is the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and savory to make the perfect salad for your next get-together with friends.
An easy, cold salad that can be made in a pinch and that sits wonderfully and absorbs flavors. TIP: Take along extra dressing if it will be sitting a while, and drizzle with more dressing right before serving, in case the pasta soaks up the majority of the dressing.
Have you seen this delicious pile of fluff at family reunions and holidays? It’s a popular recipe that so many love, and is one of the best make-ahead salad recipes, due to how long it can sit.
A lovely combination of the creamy dressing, the tender pasta and the flavor of the tuna, all combe together to make a delicious pasta salad.
This fruit salad is a wonderful way to make prep a make-ahead salad for any event or for snacking on during the week.
Much like our tuna salad, this salad uses salad shrimp, and the combination of the seafood with the tender pasta is incredible.
The cubed cheese, cooked bacon and tender pasta, all drenched in a creamy dressing is a pasta salad that will be a hit at the next reunion.
This easy coleslaw is such a great copycat recipe! So similar and it can be made at home in minutes!
You won’t find only salad recipes around here…
You’ll find TONS of easy recipes that can be made using everyday ingredients, that your family will love! Browse the easy recipes and pin your favorites!
What are some of your favorite make-ahead salads for a crowd? Share them right here in the comments below!
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