21 Crowd-Pleasing Salads Straight From Church Cookbooks

Church cookbooks are a treasure trove of salad recipes that have been passed down through generations. These salads are made to share, easy to prepare in large batches, and always welcome at potlucks, family gatherings, and community suppers. From creamy classics and pasta salads to fresh fruit combinations and retro favorites, each one delivers flavor and a touch of nostalgia.

Easy Homemade Three Bean Salad

Easy Homemade Three Bean Salad
Easy Homemade Three Bean Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This vibrant three bean salad combines crisp vegetables with a sweet-tangy dressing that gets better overnight. Make it ahead for your next gathering and watch everyone come back for seconds. A timeless summer side that never disappoints!
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Three Bean Salad

Watergate Salad

Watergate Salad
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Vintage Recipes.

Indulge in the creamy nostalgia of Watergate Salad, a beloved classic that combines pistachio pudding with sweet cherries for a refreshing twist. This simple, crowd-pleasing side dish comes together in minutes but creates lasting impressions at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Suddenly Salad Ranch & Bacon Salad

Suddenly Salad Ranch & Bacon Salad
Suddenly Salad Ranch & Bacon Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This vibrant Mediterranean salad brings fresh crunch to any light meal. With colorful veggies, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs tossed in a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or elevating your everyday lunch. An effortless side that travels beautifully to picnics.
Get the Recipe: Suddenly Salad Ranch & Bacon Salad

Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Discover this irresistible retro delight that combines sweet mandarin oranges with creamy cottage cheese in a jiggly Jello base. Perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings, this refreshing side dish brings vibrant flavor and nostalgic charm to any table.
Get the Recipe: Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

German Potato Salad

German Potato Salad
German Potato Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Indulge in the comforting warmth of this traditional German potato salad, where tender potatoes mingle with a tangy, savory dressing. Every bite delivers authentic Old-World flavor that transforms an ordinary meal into something truly special.
Get the Recipe: German Potato Salad

Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing

Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This irresistible Frito Taco Salad brings together all your favorite taco flavors topped with crunchy corn chips for the perfect texture in every bite. A crowd-pleasing dish that’s quick to make and guaranteed to satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings!
Get the Recipe: Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing

Classic Homemade Pea Salad with Bacon

Classic Homemade Pea Salad with Bacon
Classic Homemade Pea Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This creamy pea salad combines crispy bacon and sharp cheese with a smoky, tangy dressing. It comes together in just minutes and can be made ahead, making it the perfect stress-free side dish for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Classic Homemade Pea Salad with Bacon

Frog Eye Salad

Frog Eye Salad
Frog Eye Salad. Photo credit: Vintage Recipes.

Discover this delightful, creamy dessert salad that combines sweet fruit flavors with a unique texture. A nostalgic potluck favorite that brings smiles to family gatherings and holiday tables. Perfect for your next celebration!
Get the Recipe: Frog Eye Salad

Betty Crocker Macaroni Salad

Betty Crocker Macaroni Salad
Betty Crocker Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This nostalgic pasta salad combines tender macaroni, sharp Cheddar cubes, crunchy pickles, sweet peas and onion in a creamy mayo dressing. Betty Crocker’s classic recipe brings comfort food perfection to your table – just like grandma used to make!
Get the Recipe: Betty Crocker Macaroni Salad

Shrimp Louie Salad

Shrimp Louie Salad
Shrimp Louie Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in a refreshing Classic Shrimp Louie Salad featuring succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a velvety homemade dressing. This elegant yet simple recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Louie Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This vibrant pasta salad combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil with al dente pasta. Tossed in a zesty dressing, it brings the beloved Caprese flavors to your summer gatherings in a refreshing, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any outdoor feast.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Black Bean and Corn Salad
Black Bean and Corn Salad. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

This vibrant summer salad combines sweet corn, hearty black beans, and juicy cherry tomatoes tossed in a zesty cilantro-lime dressing. Fresh, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect complement to any meal or delicious enough to enjoy on its own.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salad

Orzo Pasta Salad with Black Beans and Corn

Orzo Pasta Salad with Black Beans and Corn
Orzo Pasta Salad with Black Beans and Corn. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

This vibrant orzo pasta salad combines hearty black beans, sweet corn, and crisp red peppers, all dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish that travels beautifully to potlucks or keeps you satisfied through a week of delicious lunches.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pasta Salad with Black Beans and Corn

Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Crisp broccoli florets tossed with savory bacon, sweet cranberries and crunchy sunflower seeds in a creamy homemade dressing. This refreshing salad makes a perfect healthy side dish that even veggie skeptics will love.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad

Fruit & Pecan Chicken Salad

Fruit & Pecan Chicken Salad
Fruit & Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This vibrant chicken salad combines juicy fruit and crunchy pecans for a perfect balance of flavors. Light yet satisfying, it’s the ideal healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. A refreshing option that’ll brighten your lunch or dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Fruit & Pecan Chicken Salad

Creamy Turkey Cobb Pasta Salad

Creamy Turkey Cobb Pasta Salad
Creamy Turkey Cobb Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This fresh take on Cobb salad transforms the classic into a pasta masterpiece. Tender turkey mingles with pasta spirals, all tossed in a creamy dressing that brings the flavors together beautifully. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or a light dinner that satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turkey Cobb Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad
Tuna Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Dive into a refreshing pasta salad that pairs succulent tuna with aromatic dill for a delightful summer dish. This light, easy-to-prepare meal is perfect for warm afternoons when you crave something satisfying yet not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad

Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Indulge in this vibrant tortellini antipasto salad, bursting with Italian flavors. Cheese-filled pasta mingles with savory meats, tangy olives, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day!
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad
Greek Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Dive into this vibrant Greek pasta salad featuring Barilla Better For You pasta. Packed with fresh veggies and Mediterranean flavors, it’s a healthier twist on the classic side dish that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep!
Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad

Crispy Rice Salad

Crispy Rice Salad
Crispy Rice Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This sensational salad combines addictively crunchy rice with vibrant herbs, fresh vegetables, and toasted peanuts, all tossed in a mouthwatering tangy Asian dressing. The perfect balance of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Rice Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Indulge in a vibrant Chinese chicken salad that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and crunchy elements. Every bite delivers an explosion of flavor and satisfying texture. This crowd-pleasing dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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