21 Hearty Church Cookbook Salads That Never Fail a Crowd

You’ll find these salads at church potlucks, family reunions, and community dinners—recipes passed down, perfected, and proudly shared. From creamy classics and sweet fruit fluff to veggie-packed sides with crunch and flavor, these 18 hearty salads are church-cook tested and crowd-approved. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish, these are the ones that always disappear first.

Macaroni Salad

two bowls of homemade macaroni salad and three forks
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

With this easy recipe, you can make the best homemade macaroni salad. It’s simple, creamy, and flavorful, and it’s a great side dish for potlucks and summer.

Get the recipe -> Classic Macaroni Salad

Three Bean Salad

two bowls of homemade macaroni salad and three forks
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This quick and easy three-bean salad is a great side dish for a potluck or picnic. Best of all, this is a great dish to make the day ahead to make entertaining effortless.

Get the recipe -> Three Bean Salad

Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad

Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Here is where you will use 2-3 sentences to describe the image/post you want to link them to. This is your excerpt or quick overview for the post. Make sure to include a link at the end (this is how you get traffic) similar to this.

Get the recipe -> Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad

20-Minute Orzo Pesto Salad

20-Minute Orzo Pesto Salad
Image Credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine

This vibrant orzo pesto salad combines al dente pasta with fresh basil pesto, bursting cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy mozzarella. It’s a refreshing 20-minute meal perfect for warm-weather gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.

Get the recipe -> 20-Minute Orzo Pesto Salad

Marinated Beet Salad

Marinated Beet Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

A vibrant tangy marinade transforms these sweet roasted beets, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in less than 2 hours. Make them ahead for easy meal prep—they’re naturally gluten-free and pair beautifully with any main course.

Get the recipe -> Marinated Beet Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad
Image Credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes

Indulge in this irresistibly creamy pasta salad that adapts to your taste preferences. A versatile crowd-pleaser, it shines at summer gatherings while complementing meals throughout the year.

Get the recipe -> Creamy Pasta Salad

Suddenly Salad Ranch & Bacon Salad

Suddenly Salad Ranch & Bacon Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Elevate your light meal or picnic spread with this refreshing creation. Bursting with fresh flavors and simple to prepare, it’s the perfect companion for outdoor gatherings or casual dining experiences that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Get the recipe -> Suddenly Salad Ranch & Bacon Salad

Pesto Tortellini Salad with Chicken

Pesto Tortellini Salad with Chicken
Image Credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine

Indulge in our creamy pesto tortellini salad, where cheese-filled pasta mingles with succulent chunks of chicken and sweet sun-dried tomatoes. This vibrant dish combines fresh flavors for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Get the recipe -> Pesto Tortellini Salad with Chicken

Chef Salad

Chef Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in this timeless chef salad topped with tangy homemade French dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, this easy recipe combines fresh ingredients for a classic meal that never goes out of style.

Get the recipe -> Chef Salad

German Potato Salad

German Potato Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This German potato salad features a warm, tangy dressing that perfectly complements the tender potatoes. A traditional side dish that brings authentic German flavors to your table, it pairs wonderfully with any main course for a satisfying meal.

Get the recipe -> German Potato Salad

Shrimp Louie Salad

Shrimp Louie Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Experience the timeless elegance of Shrimp Louie Salad, where succulent seafood meets crisp vegetables and a lusciously creamy dressing. This simple yet sophisticated recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort—perfect for both casual lunches and special occasions.

Get the recipe -> Shrimp Louie Salad

Creamy Turkey Cobb Pasta Salad

Creamy Turkey Cobb Pasta Salad
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

This refreshing pasta salad reimagines the beloved Cobb with tender turkey and a rich, creamy dressing. Every bite delivers classic flavors in a satisfying new way that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Get the recipe -> Creamy Turkey Cobb Pasta Salad

Crunchy Asian Slaw with Ramen

Crunchy Asian Slaw with Ramen
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This Asian Slaw brings together crispy ramen noodles and fresh vegetables in a delightful crunch. The tangy dressing adds incredible flavor to this potluck favorite that’s sure to impress your guests.

Get the recipe -> Crunchy Asian Slaw with Ramen

Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

Indulge in this vibrant tortellini pasta salad, packed with antipasto favorites. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that travels well from picnics to potlucks, yet satisfying enough for a standalone meal. Every colorful bite delivers Mediterranean-inspired flavors that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Get the recipe -> Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this speedy tuna orzo salad. Fresh ingredients come together in minutes for a nutritious weeknight meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste for convenience. Perfect for busy evenings when you crave something wholesome and satisfying.

Get the recipe -> Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Indulge in the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich transformed into a delicious pasta salad. Crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce are tossed with creamy dressing and tender pasta for a lighter yet satisfying twist on two beloved comfort foods.

Get the recipe -> BLT Pasta Salad

Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso

Italian Rice Salad - Insalata di Riso
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Transport your taste buds to Italy with this vibrant rice salad, bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or as a refreshing side to complement any meal, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that brings a touch of sunshine to your table.

Get the recipe -> Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad
Image Credit: xoxoBella

This delightful seafood pasta salad combines tender seafood, al dente pasta, and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy dressing. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a satisfying lunch option.

Get the recipe -> Seafood Pasta Salad

Antipasto Salad

Antipasto Salad
Image Credit: xoxoBella

This zesty antipasto salad combines the best of Italian cuisine in every bite. Savor the perfect balance of premium meats, cheeses, and crisp vegetables, all tossed with a flavorful dressing for an authentic taste of Italy right at home.

Get the recipe -> Antipasto Salad

Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing

Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Elevate your picnic game with this smoked Italian pasta salad that transforms a classic favorite. The smokiness adds unexpected depth to traditional ingredients, creating a crowd-pleasing side dish that will have everyone asking for your secret.

Get the recipe -> Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing

Italian Chopped Salad

Italian Chopped Salad
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Experience the vibrant taste of Italy in every forkful of this robust chopped salad. Bursting with authentic flavors and colorful ingredients, it’s a refreshing dish that brings the Mediterranean to your table.

Get the recipe -> Italian Chopped 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.

REVEALED: Copycat Secrets for 2025

free email bonus

Yes, you CAN make it at home! I'll show you how.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

homemade Olive Garden Asiago Torgelloni Alfredo with chicken on a plate

Copycat Recipe Secrets for 2025

REVEALED:

Yes, you CAN make it at home! 
I'll show you how.

FREE EMAIL BONUS