These homemade salads can be made ahead of time and still taste just as fresh as the day you made them. Enjoy these make ahead salads on your next camping trip (or make them for your next backyard BBQ or potluck).
I’ll admit, the only salads I’m making while camping are straight out of a bag. Personally, I’ve never made a fresh salad on a camping trip due to the hassle of bringing all the ingredients and chopping them all up.
The secret is to make camping salads before your trip. However, they have to be the type of salad that will hold well in the cooler or RV fridge without getting mushy or losing flavor.
Make Ahead Salad recipes
I’ve rounded up my favorite salads to bring camping or to an outdoor picnic. They all can be made days before your trip or event, AND they all taste just as good, if not better, than the day you made them!
This makes these make ahead salad recipes perfect for summer picnics, backyard BBQs or potlucks as well.
Kale Quinoa Salad with Chicken
A delicious salad packed with protein that stores well in the fridge or cooler for a couple of days before serving – perfect to make before your next camping trip!Get the Kale Quinoa with Chicken Salad recipe.
Cauliflower “Potato” Salad
Cauliflower potato salad is a healthier twist on a classic picnic salad. Best of all, it stores well for a few days in the cooler or fridge, making it the perfect camping salad recipe!Get the Cauliflower Potato Salad recipe.
Greek Bean Salad
This Mediterranean bean salad is made with garbanzo beans, cucumber, tomato, kalamata olives, green onion, bell peppers and feta cheese with a creamy garlic lemon dressing.Get the Greek Bean Salad recipe.
Mediterranean Eggplant Salad
This roasted Mediterranean eggplant salad is full of caramelized veggie flavor, tossed with tangy fresh lemon juice, herbs and feta. It’s the perfect salad to enjoy on a hot summer day with just a little bit of prep time!Get the Mediterranean Eggplant Salad recipe.
Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberries
This make-ahead recipe for a grilled chicken salad is topped with blueberries, feta cheese, red onions, avocados and more! (Just be sure to add the avocados right before serving – otherwise they’ll brown when stored.)Get the Grilled Chicken Salad recipe.
Dill & Dijon Potato Salad
This classic side dish is the perfect salad to bring on your next camping trip. Packed with tangy flavors and easy to make, it’s a must-try! Get the Dill and Dijon Potato Salad recipe.
Orzo Greek Pasta Salad
This Greek orzo pasta salad is the most delicious recipe and a great way to enjoy a Greek salad! Served as a side or easy main course, this yummy salad will quickly become a family favorite.Get the Orzo Greek Pasta Salad recipe.
Classic Macaroni Salad
Classic macaroni salad is a staple and a perfect side dish for any potluck, tailgate, or barbecue. It’s easy to make, and everyone will love this classic salad.Get the Macaroni Salad recipe.
Cucumber Tomato Salad in Balsamic Parsley Dressing
This salad couldn’t be easier to make! Add ingredients to a bowl and toss with balsamic, olive oil, parsley, garlic salt, dill.Get the Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe.
Quinoa Spinach Avocado Power Salad Recipe
This quinoa spinach avocado power salad is a grown-up recipe packed with whole grains, crisp spinach, creamy avocado, and a zesty lemon dressing. It’s a good way to fuel your day with healthy nutrients and a medley of flavors.Get the Quinoa Spinach Avocado Power Salad recipe.
Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad
This easy Asian ramen noodle salad is loaded with hearty greens and full of flavor. Add this to your list of must-try make-ahead salads.Get the Crunchy Ramen Noodle Salad recipe.
Keto Greek Salad
The make-ahead convenience and simple ingredients such as crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a homemade Greek dressing make this a favorite salad recipe to make before your camping trip.Get the Keto Greek Salad recipe.
Tuscan Tortellini Salad
This tasty tortellini pasta salad is not only easy to make, but it is mouthwatering with fresh herbs, garden tomatoes and a flavorful dressing.Ge the Tuscan Tortellini Salad recipe.
Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad can be made ahead of time. With little flavor bombs throughout the salad like salami, mozzarella, veggies and parmesan cheese it is a classic favorite for summertime.Get the Italian Pasta Salad recipe.
Spring Couscous Salad with Feta
A chilled Israeli couscous salad with avocado, snap peas, and herbs. This refreshing salad is a perfect side dish or warm-weather lunch!Get the Spring Couscous Salad recipe.
Black Bean Salad
This black bean salad is packed with fresh veggies and protein full of flavor and texture. The dressing for the salad is made with just 3 ingredients – olive oil, seasoned rice vinegar and lime juice which is a great topping for the black beans and sweet corn. Get the Black Bean Salad recipe.
Three Bean Salad
Three bean salad makes a great addition to any summer barbecue or camping trip. It has a fantastic sweet and sour dressing that can be enjoyed on other green salads. Use fresh green beans when available for added flavor. Get the Three Bean Salad recipe.
Buffalo Chicken Cobb Salad
Try this buffalo chicken cobb salad for the best way to enjoy the bold flavor of buffalo wings without all the mess and calories! It’s a great make-ahead salad with leafy greens, hard-boiled eggs and more. Fore best results, top with blue cheese or a creamy avocado dressing. Get the Buffalo Chicken Cobb Salad recipe.
Seven Layer Salad
Overnight salad, also known as seven-layer salad, is a classic with a delicious flavor combination of bacon, mayo, bell peppers, iceberg lettuce and more! Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!Get the Overnight Seven Layer Salad recipe.
Santa Fe Bean Salad
Need a delicious, hearty salad to add to your next barbecue spread? Try our healthy Santa Fe bean salad recipe and enjoy the southwest flavors.Get the Santa Fe Bean Salad recipe.
Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe with Creamy Dressing
If you’re looking for the perfect summer side dish look no further than this Amish broccoli salad recipe. This recipe is simple to follow and calls for ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.Get the Broccoli Salad recipe.
Southern Broccoli Salad
Make this old-fashioned Southern broccoli salad to enjoy at potlucks, and cookouts. It’s delicious with crisp, chopped fresh broccoli, juicy cherry tomatoes, and Craisins.Get the Southern Broccoli Salad Recipe.
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
This famous La Scala Salad recipe has been served at the iconic Beverly Hills restaurant since the 1950s. Get fancy and bring it with you to your next BBQ or camping trip!Get the La Scala Chopped Salad recipe.
Greek Lentil Salad
This Greek Lentil Salad is easy to make and filled with healthy lentils, tomatoes, cucumbers and a delicious dressing.Get the Greek Lentil Salad recipe.
Rainbow Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Rainbow Salad combines the vibrant colors of the rainbow in a big salad bowl. Not only is it beautiful, it’s bursting with healthy vegetables you’ll love!Get the Rainbow Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette recipe.
Mediterranean Rice Salad
Rice, cucumbers, chickpeas and red bell peppers tossed in a lemony vinaigrette make and easy Mediterranean rice salad!Get the Mediterranean Rice Salad recipe.
Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Make this 5 minute recipe for Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Fresh summer ingredients, bursting with flavor and texture, that everyone will enjoy. This is one of the easiest make-ahead salad recipes.Get the Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes recipe.
Mediterranean Millet Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
This easy Mediterranean millet salad recipe is a perfect make ahead salad for lunch. With feta cheese, Kalamata olives, olive oil, and roasted chickpeas, this vegetarian grain bowl is packed with green veggies. Get the Mediterranean Millet Salad recipe.
Mango Cucumber Salad
This Asian Mango Cucumber Salad is a quick and easy, light and refreshing side dish. Sweet, savory and crunchy, perfect for camping or a BBQ!Get the Mango Cucumber Salad recipe.
Rainbow Salad in a Jar
Easy to pack in a cooler, this salad in a jar is filled with spinach, cheese, red onions and red peppers for healthy side dish or lunch.Get the Rainbow Salad in a Jar recipe.
I hope these make ahead salads gave you some inspiration and ideas for your next camping trip. Happy camping (and eating)!