These five-star summer salads are bound for glory! They're classic picnic salads — potato, pasta, chicken, and more — all held together with a thick, creamy sauce. Sometimes called "bound salads," they hold their shape when scooped out onto plates at summer picnics and cookouts. So they're easy to serve, easy to eat, easy to love! Here are some of our favorite creamy summer salads.
All-American Loaded Baked Potato Salad
"This is a great twist on two all-American favorites — the potato salad and the loaded baked potato. A crowd-pleaser," says spicejenmom. "Even people who don't normally love potato salad seem to love this!"
Fruity Curry Chicken Salad
"A healthy and tasty chicken salad with a fruity twist," says Karen. "Great on a croissant or in a honey pita."
Barbie's Tuna Salad
"This is a really great tuna salad," says ANAQUIL. "The secret ingredients are the curry and Parmesan cheese! It has been my favorite recipe for tuna salad for many, many years."
Chicken Potato Salad
This salad has it all. It combines chopped cooked chicken breast meat, eggs, and potatoes in a creamy mayo-based sauce with plenty of pickled cucumbers for a delightful crunch.
Awesome Ham Pasta Salad
"This recipe is delicious," says court381. "I made this for a potluck and everyone loved it. It stayed moist and tasty for several days. You will get a ton of salad but it's perfect for lunch or just a snack."
Alyson's Broccoli Salad
"Confirmed broccoli haters have changed their minds after tasting this salad," says JJOHN32. "It is great for potlucks or buffet meals. Make a day or so before you wish to serve to meld the ingredients."
Bacon Pea Salad
"This salad was my aunt's go-to at summer picnics. I was so excited to find this recipe," says Nealy's Kitchen. "Bacon adds a wonderful smokiness."
Bean and Bacon Salad
"Great taste combinations," says lucibello. "It was a great fresh, cold cabbage recipe."
Delicious Egg Salad for Sandwiches
"This is a wonderful-tasting egg salad sandwich that you will devour," says wifeyluvs2cook. "It's really good on rye."
Creamy Cauliflower Egg Salad
"Delicious and much easier and healthier than potato salad," says SusieL.
Shrimp and Pasta Shell Salad
A beautiful and simple seafood salad, this easy shrimp and pasta salad stars a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, with cayenne pepper, Dijon, ketchup, and dill.
Ham Spread
"I followed the recipe exactly as written and it was just perfect. I used my food processor to grind the ham. It was delicious with crackers. My husband used what was left to make a sandwich with." — Sugarplum
Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad
"Whether it's sitting next to some smoky ribs or just a humble hot dog, this deli-style macaroni salad will always be a crowd favorite, as long as you pay attention to a few key details," Chef John says.
Pasta Salad with Crab
"Summer is the season for salads, and this delicious pasta salad can be served at room temperature, or well chilled," says Bibi. "Serve for brunch on a bed of lettuce with some crusty bread and fruit on the side. The recipe also works well for a summer potluck. Store leftovers in the fridge and portion out for an easy lunch on the go."
Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad
"This is such a creamy and delicious salad," says FrogLionTurtle. "I didn't have dillweed, and it is still perfectly flavored. I will be picking up dill for the next time, but it is fantastic without it too."
Buttermilk Coleslaw
"This is the best coleslaw recipe I have ever had, includes any I have been served at restaurants. I would not change a thing in this recipe," Char says.