21 Classic Salads from Church Cookbooks

These classic church cookbook salads represent the heart of American community dining, where simple ingredients transform into crowd-pleasing dishes that have graced potluck tables for decades. From creamy gelatin molds to hearty pasta salads, these recipes reflect the practical wisdom of church ladies who knew how to feed a crowd on a budget while creating memorable flavors. Each salad tells a story of fellowship, tradition, and the art of making ordinary ingredients extraordinary through love and community spirit. These time-honored recipes unite families and congregations, proving that the best dishes are often the simplest ones, passed down through generations of church suppers and community gatherings.

Sunshine Pasta Salad

Sunshine Pasta Salad
Image Credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes

This bright pasta salad brings summer to your table with crisp vegetables and zesty dressing. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or as a refreshing side dish when temperatures rise. Make ahead and enjoy this no-fuss favorite all season long!

Get the recipe -> Sunshine Pasta Salad

Make-Ahead 24-Hour Marshmallow Fruit Salad

Make-Ahead 24-Hour Marshmallow Fruit Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This dreamy overnight fruit salad delivers nostalgic charm with every spoonful. Plump marshmallows meld with tangy sour cream, creating a lusciously creamy base for sweet, juicy fruits. It’s a delightful throwback treat that’s sure to be the talk of your next gathering.

Get the recipe -> Make-Ahead 24-Hour Marshmallow Fruit Salad

Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Discover the retro charm of Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad. This refreshing side dish combines tangy mandarin oranges with creamy cottage cheese in a sweet jello base. It’s a quick, simple recipe that’s perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Get the recipe -> Orange Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

Peach and Strawberry Fruit Salad

Peach and Strawberry Fruit Salad
Image Credit: Life Currents

Indulge in summer’s bounty with this refreshing fruit salad. Sweet peaches, nectarines, and strawberries are elevated by a bright lime, honey, and basil syrup that perfectly balances the juicy fruits for a light, delicious treat.

Get the recipe -> Peach and Strawberry Fruit Salad

Chef Salad

Chef Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Savor the timeless appeal of a traditional chef salad paired with tangy homemade French dressing. This simple yet satisfying classic makes for a perfect lunch or dinner option when you’re craving something fresh and flavorful.

Get the recipe -> Chef Salad

Furr’s Lime Jello Salad

Furr’s Lime Jello Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in this nostalgic lime jello salad, where creamy cottage cheese meets sweet pineapple and crunchy pecans, all folded into a refreshing lime base and topped with fluffy Cool Whip. Perfect as a light dessert or alongside your favorite meal.

Get the recipe -> Furr’s Lime Jello Salad

Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing

Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in this irresistible taco salad, which combines all your favorite Mexican flavors and is topped with crunchy Fritos corn chips. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that combines fresh ingredients with that perfect savory crunch everyone loves.

Get the recipe -> Frito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing

Southern Dill Potato Salad

Southern Dill Potato Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in this creamy red potato salad with fresh dill, perfect for your next outdoor gathering. The tender potatoes and herbaceous flavor make it an irresistible side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds at any barbecue or potluck.

Get the recipe -> Southern Dill Potato Salad

Homemade Potato Salad

Homemade Potato Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Dive into creamy, homemade potato salad combining tender potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh, crunchy vegetables. This quick and easy recipe delivers classic comfort with every bite, surpassing anything pre-made at the store.

Get the recipe -> Homemade Potato Salad

Classic Homemade Pea Salad with Bacon

Classic Homemade Pea Salad with Bacon
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This vibrant pea salad combines crispy bacon and savory cheese with a smoky dressing that tantalizes the taste buds. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners any time of year.

Get the recipe -> Classic Homemade Pea Salad with Bacon

Broccoli Pasta Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

Broccoli Pasta Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This vibrant broccoli pasta salad combines fresh tomatoes and savory cheese for a refreshing dish that travels beautifully. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that stays delicious from backyard to park.

Get the recipe -> Broccoli Pasta Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

Green Jacket Salad

Green Jacket Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Recreate the legendary Green Jacket Salad from Augusta’s finest restaurant in your kitchen. This iconic recipe features crisp romaine tossed with a zesty vinaigrette that perfectly balances tangy and sweet notes. It’s country club dining made simple!

Get the recipe -> Green Jacket Salad

Classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Dive into pure bliss with our refreshing ambrosia fruit salad. This heavenly classic combines juicy oranges, sweet pineapple, and flaky coconut. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser for your holiday table or summer picnic.

Get the recipe -> Classic Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Grandma’s Three Bean Salad Recipe

Grandma’s Three Bean Salad Recipe
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This vibrant three-bean salad features a sweet and tangy dressing that gets better overnight. Make it ahead for your next picnic, potluck, or summer gathering for a refreshing side dish that everyone will love.

Get the recipe -> Grandma’s Three Bean Salad Recipe

Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This vibrant broccoli salad combines crispy bacon, sharp cheese, and crunchy almonds with a sweet dressing that brings everything together. Make it for your next potluck or picnic – it’s a crowd-pleasing side dish everyone will love!

Get the recipe -> Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Grape Salad with Cream Cheese Dressing

Grape Salad with Cream Cheese Dressing
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This grape salad brings Southern charm to your table with its creamy cream cheese dressing, crunchy toasted walnuts, and juicy fresh grapes. It’s a delightful treat that bridges the gap between side dish and dessert, perfect for any gathering.

Get the recipe -> Grape Salad with Cream Cheese Dressing

Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad

Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Prepare to wow your guests with this vibrant layered salad that’s as beautiful as delicious. Crisp, colorful vegetables meet a luscious, creamy dressing in this make-ahead masterpiece perfect for potlucks, holiday tables, and family gatherings.

Get the recipe -> Classic Overnight Seven-Layer Salad

Hoagie Pasta Salad

Hoagie Pasta Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This vibrant Italian sub-inspired pasta salad combines all the flavors of your favorite hoagie in one bowl. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that brings zesty, savory goodness to any table.

Get the recipe -> Hoagie Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Indulge in the perfect blend of indulgence and virtue with our creamy BLT pasta salad. All the flavors of your favorite sandwich transformed into a satisfying, comforting and fresh dish—ideal for any meal or gathering.

Get the recipe -> BLT Pasta Salad

Tortellini Pasta Salad

Tortellini Pasta Salad
Image Credit: Stetted

Indulge in our vibrant tortellini pasta salad, a summer classic bursting with fresh vegetables. This crowd-pleaser features cheese-filled pasta and a tangy homemade dressing that will leave everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Get the recipe -> Tortellini Pasta Salad

Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

Fruit Salad with Cool Whip
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in this nostalgic Old Fashioned Fruit Salad that combines juicy fruits with fluffy marshmallows and creamy Cool Whip. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light dessert, this easy recipe brings sweet comfort to any meal.

Get the recipe -> Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

Crunchy Asian Slaw with Ramen

Crunchy Asian Slaw with Ramen
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This crunchy Asian Slaw combines crisp vegetables with ramen noodles for irresistible texture. Packed with vibrant flavors, it’s a crowd-pleasing side that steals the show at potlucks and family gatherings.

Get the recipe -> Crunchy Asian Slaw with Ramen

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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