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Pack The Cooler With 13 Make-Ahead Labor Day Salads You Need To Try

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By Gina Matsoukas

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Pack The Cooler With 13 Make-Ahead Labor Day Salads You Need To Try

Labor Day weekend is here, and it’s the perfect excuse to pack your cooler with salads that are anything but boring. Whether you’re chilling at the beach or hosting a backyard bash, these salads are easy to whip up and even easier to devour. We’ve rounded up a mix of crowd-pleasers and a few unexpected hits that’ll keep things interesting. No need to spend hours in the kitchen—these recipes are all about keeping it simple, fresh, and packed with flavor.

A white bowl filled with a salad consisting of cherry tomatoes, corn, shaved cheese, and garnished with a basil leaf. Another bowl with similar salad and a few cherry tomatoes are in the background.
Tomato corn salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Feta Beet Salad

Beet salad with crumbled feta, pistachios and fresh herbs on a plate with serving spoon.
Feta Beet Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cooked beets, crumbled feta, and pistachios combine with fresh herbs and a lemon olive oil dressing. This salad is a great addition to any Labor Day cooler, offering both flavor and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad

Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Tofu balsamic pasta salad in a glass bowl with white rubber spatula.
Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A light and easy pasta salad filled with fresh summer vegetables and tofu, all tossed in a balsamic dressing. Perfect for a protein-packed dish to enjoy outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Blueberry White Bean Salad

Blueberry white bean salad with tahini dressing in a white bowl with pickled onions in a jar to the side.
Blueberry White Bean Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

White beans, blueberries, basil, and pickled red onions are dressed in a creamy tahini turmeric sauce. This salad brings a refreshing and crunchy texture, making it great for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry White Bean Salad

Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad

Mediterranean carrot salad with white beans and raisins in a glass bowl.
Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chickpeas, royal raisins, and feta come together in this creamy yogurt tahini-dressed carrot salad. A flavorful side that’s perfect for cookouts and easy to pack for your Labor Day plans.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad

Greek Pasta Salad

Greek pasta salad in a white bowl.
Greek Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A healthy take on the classic, this pasta salad features fresh veggies and Barilla Better for You pasta. It’s an easy dish to prepare and a reliable choice for a summer celebration.
Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad

Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

Grilled summer vegetables with orzo on a white plate with a fork.
Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled summer vegetables and orzo, coated with a tart cherry balsamic glaze, create a seasonal pasta salad. This dish can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

Jicama Salad

Julienned jicama, mango and pepper salad with a honey lime dressing in a metal bowl.
Jicama Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Julienned jicama, mango, red pepper, and cucumber are tossed in a light honey lime dressing. This crisp and refreshing salad is a great complement to any Labor Day cooler.
Get the Recipe: Jicama Salad

Mango Black Bean Salad

Mango black bean salad in a glass bowl.
Mango Black Bean Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick to prepare, this mango and black bean salad is a refreshing and protein-packed choice for lunch or as a side dish, perfect for enjoying outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Mango Black Bean Salad

Simple Summer Tomato Corn Salad

Tomato corn salad with shaved parmesan and basil garnish in white bowl.
Simple Summer Tomato Corn Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fresh corn, tomato, and basil come together in this simple summer salad. It’s a straightforward dish that highlights seasonal produce, perfect for Labor Day gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Simple Summer Tomato Corn Salad

Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Sweet corn peach chicken salad with honey mustard dressing in a small white bowl with orange spoon and basil garnish.
Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A light, mayo-free chicken salad featuring sweet corn and peaches, tossed in a honey mustard dressing. This summery dish is easy to prepare and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Bulgur Salad

A bowl of bulgur and peas on a wooden table.
Bulgur Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bulgur wheat dressed in a sweet orange and tangy Dijon mustard dressing, offering a high-protein meal that’s easy to pack and enjoy throughout the day.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad

Broccoli Raisin Salad

Broccoli Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tender broccoli, raisins, bacon, and pumpkin seeds are dressed in a lightened-up creamy Dijon dressing. This salad is a crowd-pleaser and a great choice for summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Raisin Salad

Lentil Tabbouleh

Lentil tabbouleh on a white plate with mint garnish and gold spoon.
Lentil Tabbouleh. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A refreshing variation on the classic tabbouleh, this lentil-based version is filling and satisfying, featuring fresh tomatoes, herbs, lemon, and spices. A great side dish for Labor Day festivities.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Tabbouleh

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