Labor Day is here, and that means it’s time for one last summer bash. But before you get stuck on the usual potato salad, why not mix things up with some salads that are not only delicious but also travel like a breeze? These cookout-ready salads are perfect for your Labor Day spread—they’re easy to pack, won’t wilt in the heat, and will be the first dish to disappear.

Two different healthy meals: a pasta salad with vegetables on the left and an asian-style noodle dish with tofu and veggies on the right.
Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
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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.

A mix of cooked beets, crumbled feta, and pistachios, thrown together with fresh herbs and a lemon olive oil dressing. Great for packing in a picnic because it’s simple to make and tastes just as good on the go.
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.

This is a refreshing pasta salad with tofu, fresh veggies, and an easy balsamic dressing. It’s light, easy to make, and perfect for a picnic since it stays fresh.
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, herbs, and seeds all dressed up with a creamy tahini turmeric dressing. It’s a nutritious and crunchy choice that’s great for bringing along to any outdoor meal.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry White Bean Salad

Cucumber Melon Salad

Cucumber melon salad on a plate with a serving spoon.
Cucumber Melon Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A cool salad with cucumber, melon, and pickled onions. It’s simple, refreshing, and goes great with any grilled dish, making it a perfect picnic companion.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Melon 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.

Packed with chickpeas, raisins, feta, and parsley, all tossed in a creamy yogurt tahini dressing. It’s a fantastic side that travels well for any outdoor meal.
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.

With fresh veggies and a homemade vinaigrette, this pasta salad is a hit for any picnic. It’s easy to whip up and holds up well when traveling.
Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta 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.

Crunchy jicama, mango, and cucumber in a light honey lime dressing. This salad is fresh, healthy, and perfect for a picnic since it’s refreshing and easy to take along.
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 salad mixes mango and black beans for a refreshing, protein-packed side or lunch. Great for a no-hassle picnic option.
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.

Just corn, tomato, and basil in this straightforward salad. It’s fresh summer flavors make it a great pick for picnics.
Get the Recipe: Simple Summer Tomato Corn 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 and filling salad with lentils, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s a fresh take that’s perfect for packing into your picnic basket.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Tabbouleh

Bulgur Salad

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

A hearty bulgur wheat salad with a sweet and tangy dressing. It’s a satisfying meal that’s great for taking on the go.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad

Citrus Salad

A plate with citrus and lettuce topped with feta and onions.
Citrus Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brighten up your picnic with a citrus salad tossed in honey dijon dressing, complete with lettuce, feta, and onions. It’s a refreshing pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Salad

Chopped Ham Salad

Ham salad in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chopped Ham Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

An easy salad with leftover ham, veggies, and a tangy Dijon dressing. Perfect for a hearty, no-mess picnic dish.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Ham Salad

Asian Chicken Salad

A close-up image of a mixed vegetable stir-fry garnished with sesame seeds.
Asian Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Made with smoked chicken and crunchy toppings like wonton strips. It’s easy, quick, and perfect to stuff in a wrap for a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Asian Chicken Salad

Instant Pot Pasta Salad

Two bowls of colorful pasta salad with tomatoes, olives, and green bell peppers.
Instant Pot Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Fork To Spoon.

A quicker, easier way to make pasta salad with the Instant Pot. Great for when you need a picnic side in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Tortellini Pasta Salad

A colorful plate of pasta salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, meats, olives, and fresh herbs.
Mediterranean Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: My Everyday Table.

Tortellini with veggies, olives, cheese, and salami, all in a homemade dressing. It’s a flavorful mix that’s perfect for a main dish or side at your next picnic.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tortellini Pasta Salad

Mexican Avocado Salad

A glass bowl containing avocado salad with a wooden spoon on the left, and a ceramic plate with guacamole on the right.
Mexican Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

Avocado, light, and ready in 10 minutes. This simple salad is perfect for a quick, refreshing picnic option.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Avocado Salad

BBQ Pasta Salad

Two bowls of pasta salad, one with a light dressing and fresh vegetables, and the other with a creamy sauce and corn.
BBQ Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

Pasta with BBQ tofu, corn, tomatoes, and a creamy dressing. A fun and easy salad that’s great for BBQ lovers at a picnic.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pasta Salad

Picnic Perfect Kale Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad with apples, walnuts, kale, and cranberries in a bowl.
Picnic Perfect Kale Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Pass Me Some Tasty.

Quinoa, kale, walnuts, apples, and cranberries in a cider vinaigrette. It’s nutritious, tasty, and holds up well for picnics.
Get the Recipe: Picnic Perfect Kale Quinoa Salad

Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad

A colorful bowl of chickpea salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.
Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Six Hungry Feet.

Packed with flavors, chickpeas, preserved lemons, and za’atar make this salad a refreshing meal for a summer day outside.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad

Soba Noodle Salad

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables and edamame, ready to be served.
Soba Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Six Hungry Feet.

A vegan salad with crunchy veggies and a homemade dressing. It’s refreshing and healthy, making it a great picnic meal.
Get the Recipe: Soba Noodle Salad

A woman in a denim jacket sitting in a kitchen, with a sidebar nearby.
Founder and Writer at  | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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