25 4th of July Salads to Brighten Up Your Cookout Spread
These go together with burgers and barbecue.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
When planning your 4th of July menu, it's easy to focus on the heavy hitters: burger recipes, hot dogs, grilled steaks, and all the smoky goodness coming off the grill. But don't forget to add a few fresh, flavorful 4th of July salads to the lineup! They might not be the first thing that comes to mind for your Independence Day menu, but no summer cookout is complete without at least one good potato salad recipe, a heaping bowl of pasta salad, or something bright and juicy with tomatoes. Trust us—your guests will be glad you did.
No matter if you're slow-smoking ribs, grilling chicken, or sticking to Italian sandwiches on July 4th, a bright, light, and flavorful salad is sure to round out the meal. Here you'll find potluck favorites like ramen noodle salad and potato salad every which way, along with more unexpected summer salads that'll make any party crowd say "wow." The mango salad is sweet, tangy, and all around refreshing while the hearty, layered cornbread salad makes a statement on any party spread. Pasta salad fans will find tons of different spins to try, from creamy versions filled with Old Bay-spiced shrimp to Ree Drummond's zippy Mediterranean pasta salad, and everything in between. And don't worry veggie lovers, there's even some fresh green salads on this list. So, what are you waiting for? Try one of these Independence Day salads ahead!
Taco Pasta Salad
This one's a total flavor bomb, filled with spicy chorizo, Cotija cheese, charred corn, and a creamy chili-lime dressing. It's like your favorite taco order met a pasta bowl.
Get Ree's Taco Pasta Salad recipe.
Fish and Chips Salad
Yes, really. Crispy fried fish, golden fries, butter lettuce, and a drizzle of tartar-style dressing come together for a playful (and surprisingly delicious) twist on a pub classic.
Get the Fish and Chips Salad recipe.
Mango Salad
This one's sweet, tangy, and oh-so refreshing on a hot day. Juicy mango is the star, but the jicama, bell pepper, and onion keep things interesting!
Get the Mango Salad recipe.
Southern Potato Salad
Classic is classic for a reason. With hard-boiled eggs, pickle relish, celery, and green onion, this creamy potato salad belongs at every summer BBQ.
Get the Southern Potato Salad recipe.
Shrimp Pasta Salad
This pasta salad has Old Bay–seasoned shrimp, a creamy lemon dressing, and just the right amount of crunch. Bring it to the cookout and don’t expect leftovers.
Get the Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is cool, herby, and full of flavor. The roasted chickpeas and giardiniera give it a great crunch, and the smoked mozzarella ties it all together.
Get Ree's Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe.
Southwestern Salad
Think of this one as a salad that actually fills you up. It's got black beans, crunchy veggies, and a bright avocado-cilantro dressing that's worth making again and again.
Get the Southwestern Salad recipe.
Ramen Noodle Salad
Sure, ramen in salad sounds unexpected (especially on the 4th of July)—but wait 'til you taste it. Toasted noodles, tangy dressing, and sweet mandarin oranges make this one a real sleeper hit.
Get the Ramen Noodle Salad recipe.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
A little sweet, a little citrusy, and just plain pretty, this salad is the definition of summer on a plate. Bonus: It holds up great for potlucks and picnics.
Get the Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Turn your favorite comfort food into a summer cookout side! This salad version of loaded baked potatoes is topped with plenty of bacon, cheese, and green onion!
Get the Loaded Baked Potato Salad recipe.
Caesar Salad
Simple never means boring. With crunchy croutons and a punchy homemade dressing, this Caesar is just the thing to round out your cookout spread.
Get the Caesar Salad recipe.
Avocado Salad
Avocados make a creamy, refreshing addition to many summer dishes, and this salad is no exception! It features lots of fresh veggies, like cucumber, tomatoes, and avocado, drizzled with a delicious salsa verde dressing.
Get the Avocado Salad recipe.
Caprese Pasta Salad
As if this classic Italian appetizer couldn't get better, the addition of al dente pasta makes for a hearty companion to the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Plus, it's a great way to make use of those garden-ripe tomatoes!
Get the Caprese Pasta Salad recipe.
BBQ Salad
Skip straight to the main course by adding BBQ pork and cornbread croutons to a crunchy pile of greens! It's a great way to get your veggies plus your favorite summer cookout flavors in one bite.
Get the BBQ Salad recipe.
Couscous Salad
From the pomegranate seeds to the colorful cherry tomatoes to the fresh dill, there are so many bright, pops of flavor in this gorgeous Mediterranean salad.
Get the Couscous Salad recipe.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Bacon and ranch aren't just for burgers! They also make a great addition to this summery pasta salad, chock full of tomatoes, bacon, peas, cavatappi pasta, and lots of fresh herbs.
Get the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe.
Corn Salad
Seasonal corn recipes are perfect for serving on the 4th of July. And this corn salad is no exception! It's creamy, crunchy, bright, and smoky.
Get the Corn Salad recipe.
Cheeseburger Salad
This hearty salad is more of a main course compared to others on this list. But the mini cheeseburger topping, pickles, and croutons made from burger buns make it so much fun to eat.
Get the Cheeseburger Salad recipe.
Southwestern Pasta Salad
Celebrate the flavors of the American Southwest with this pasta salad that's packed with tasty mix-ins. There's corn, avocado, pinto beans, and smoky chipotle peppers.
Get the Southwestern Pasta Salad recipe.
Cornbread Salad
This show-stopper is a combination of jalapeño-cheddar cornbread, crunchy vegetables, buttery beans, salty bacon, and creamy dressing. Serve it up in a glass bowl so you can see all those glorious layers.
Get the Cornbread Salad recipe.
15 Best Chicken Salad Recipes
Make These Easy Wraps For Back-To-School Lunches
25 Best Salad Recipes
These School Lunch Ideas Are All Kid-Approved
