10+ Perfect Salads and Slaws for Picnics, Potlucks, and Barbecues

This classic Creamy American Potato Salad is best when dressed while the potato are warm and them served shortly thereafter. It does, however, keep, covered and chilled, overnight.

For something a little less expected, try this tempting Grilled Potato Salad instead.

Think cole slaw needs mayonnaise? Nope. Classic Creamy Cole Slaw uses a bit of cream and malt vinegar (the acidic nature of the vinegar naturally thickens the cream to dressing-like consistency) to dress shredded cabbage. This recipe is quick, easy, and results in the perfect creamy slaw.

Ready for something a bit different? Try this Red Cabbage Slaw or a kicky Lime Cumin Cole Slaw.

Use only the freshest, sweetest corn for this Corn Tomato Basil Salad. The kind that’s so tender and sweet you can eat it raw! This salad is wonderful with pretty much any grilled meal, or as part of a no-cook summer dinner.

You might also like this Corn Cucumber Tomato Salad, it's fresh, cool, and super easy, too, or see these Cooling Cucumber Salads.

Serve this beautiful, tempting Shaved Zucchini Salad of very thinly sliced zucchini and/or summer squash with grilled meats or chicken or simple summer fish. Or try this Zucchini Mint Salad for a bit of a twist.

This quick Spicy Pepper Slaw of thinly sliced bell peppers and a minced chile pepper tastes great alongside grilled meats. It's pictured here made with green bell peppers, but it's equally delicious—and a bit sweeter—when made with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers.

Another slaw-like creation is this Broccoli Lemon Salad, which can also stand up to some pretty extensive time on the buffet table if necessary. Or go for something sweet and crunchy like this Snap Pea and Mint Slaw.