23 Retro Salads You’ll Crave Again (Just Like Mom Made)
There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about the salads we grew up with—the ones that showed up at every summer picnic, church potluck, and backyard BBQ. This crave-worthy collection brings those classics back to life, from creamy potato and cheesy macaroni salads to crunchy cucumber with sour cream, sweet-tangy coleslaws, and old-school favorites like Waldorf and 7-layer salad. You’ll also find fresh spins like watermelon Greek salad, roasted carrot chickpea bowls, and even retro “salads” like strawberry pretzel delight. These feel-good favorites are simple, satisfying, and just like Mom used to make—only now, they’re all in one place.
Macaroni Salad With Cheese

This crowd-pleasing macaroni salad is a fast favorite—whip it up in minutes and serve chilled alongside all your grilled favorites.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad With Cheese
Cucumber Salad With Sour Cream

Learn how to make a crisp, creamy cucumber onion salad! With thinly sliced cucumbers, onions, and sour cream, makes a quick side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad With Sour Cream
Potato Salad

Amish potato salad combines tender potatoes with a creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and mustard. Rooted in tradition, it’s a flavorful side dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. Simple and satisfying, it’s a recipe that always brings people together around the table!
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
Chicken Salad With Grapes

This chicken salad with grapes is a perfect blend of sweet and savory! Tender chicken pairs with juicy grapes, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing for a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad With Grapes
Cabbage Slaw

Sweet flavors of pineapple, fresh cilantro, and onion make a tangy-flavored coleslaw that everyone will love. Tossed with a fresh dressing made with classic Mexican seasonings, jalapeno, and garlic, and this will easily become one of your favorite slaw recipes.
Get The Full Recipe: Cabbage Slaw
Greek Wedge Salad

This Greek Wedge Salad Recipe creates a fresh easy to make wedge salad that is drizzled with flavorful homemade Greek dressing.
Get the Recipe: Greek Wedge Salad
Zesty Macaroni Salad

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor, Mexican Macaroni Salad is just the recipe to add a little fiesta to your table. This isn’t your average macaroni salad, my friend. It’s a vibrant twist on the classic, combining a creamy, tangy dressing with crisp, fresh vegetables and just the right kick of spice.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Macaroni Salad
Mexican Coleslaw Salad

A little bit of spice, cilantro, fresh slaw, and a touch of sweetness makes this Mexican Coleslaw Salad a perfect side salad.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Coleslaw Salad
Kale Salad

This easy-to-make Kale Salad is bursting with fresh, colorful veggies, fruit, and crunchy seeds, then drizzled with homemade sweet honey and almond butter dressing.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad
Summer Farro Salad

Summer Farro Salad is an easy salad made with hearty farro, olive oil, lemon juice, zucchini, peas, pesto, and freshly chopped parsley.
Get the Recipe: Summer Farro Salad
Apple Cranberry Salad

Fuji Apple Panera Salad is a crisp, sweet-savory dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Made with fresh apples, crunchy walnuts, and a cinnamon-spiced vinaigrette, it’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or offering a wholesome, crowd-pleasing lunch.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Salad
Greek Salad With Watermelon

Greek salad with watermelon is a refreshing, sweet-savory dish that’s quick and beginner-friendly. Made with juicy watermelon, feta, cucumber, and fresh herbs, this easy salad is perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or a light summer dinner. Enjoy it chilled and tossed with a zesty homemade dressing for a stress-free way to gather with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad With Watermelon
Old Fashioned Apple Waldorf Salad with Raisins

Waldorf Salad is a classic dish that blends crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, celery, and sweet raisins, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. With just a few easy steps, you can whisk together a creamy mayonnaise based dressing and toss it with your ingredients. In no time at all, you’ll have a refreshing fall salad that’s great for weeknight dinners or as part of your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Apple Waldorf Salad with Raisins
Fresh Fruit Salad

Make a beautiful fruit salad with a zesty honey-lemon dressing that can be ready in under 15 minutes. It’s a light, flavorful salad.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad
Panzanella Bread Salad

Easy Panzanella Bread Salad is loaded with crusty bread, cherry tomatoes, green olives, capers, fresh basil, then lightly tossed with a dressing of fresh garlic, olive oil, anchovies, and red wine vinegar.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Bread Salad
Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is no salad at all, but a delicious nostalgic dessert made with easy store-bought ingredients like Jell-O, Cool Whip, pretzels, and strawberries. It’s always a hit at potlucks and picnics because it’s the perfect mix of salty, sweet, and creamy.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Cucumber Salad

This Crisp Cucumber Salad Recipe With Zesty Honey Dressing is a delicious and easy recipe you can make year-round in under 10 min.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad
Roasted Carrot Chickpea Salad

Roasted Carrot Chickpea Salad is a warm mix of grains, kale, and tart pomegranate seeds that is drizzled with a sweet spiced maple dressing.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Chickpea Salad
Chicken Salad With Mayo

This delicious chicken salad recipe is quick and easy to make, with creamy mayonnaise dressing, crunchy celery, and tender chicken perfectly seasoned for a quick lunch or picnic spread! Ready in 15 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad With Mayo
Fresh Tomato Salad

If you need a quick and easy salad that reminds you of summer then try this Fresh Tomato Salad With Italian Herbs.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Tomato Salad
7 Layer Salad

With its gorgeous rows of colors and bright flavors, this classic Southern seven-layer salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for Memorial Day. Served in a clear glass bowl that showcases all the beautiful colors.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Pea Salad

This simple English Pea Salad, made with fresh English peas, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing (plus bacon and blue cheese), is the perfect springtime side dish. Serve alongside my Baked Ham for Easter, or any time you feel like a delicious fresh vegetable dish.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Fresh Apple Slaw

Fresh and zesty, this apple slaw pairs crisp apples, crunchy cabbage, and tangy dressing. It’s the perfect side salad in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Fresh Apple Slaw
30 Quick Weeknight Dinners You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less

Busy days don’t have to mean boring dinners—these 30 quick weeknight meals are packed with bold flavors and ready in 30 minutes or less! From juicy pan-fried pork chops and spicy garlic honey chicken to creamy sweet potato pasta, Asian noodles, and even hearty Instant Pot stews, there’s something here for every craving. You’ll find satisfying comfort foods like shepherd’s pie and clam chowder, along with lighter options like pan-seared tilapia and coconut jasmine rice. It’s the ultimate collection of fast, no-fuss dinners to keep you inspired all week long. Get All The Recipes: 30 Quick Weeknight Dinners You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less