Simple Summer Salad Recipe to Keep You Cool

Perfect for Picnics, BBQs, and Potlucks

With summertime fast approaching, finding recipes that are simple and help keep you cool is an absolute must. This simple summer salad recipe checks all of the boxes—it’s creamy, refreshing, and perfect for your family’s next BBQ or picnic.

When I was a child, my mom used to make this summer salad for nearly all of our gatherings. It was her go-to dish—and there was never any left! Cool, creamy, and full of flavor, it brought people together around the table without a lot of fuss in the kitchen.

Now, all these years later, I still make this simple summer salad for many family gatherings, backyard parties with friends, and church potlucks. It’s a recipe that’s stood the test of time—easy to throw together, always a hit, and a little taste of home with every bite.

Ingredients

• 8 oz of elbow macaroni noodles
• 8 oz block of Colby jack cheese, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 container of fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 onion, diced (optional)
• 1 cup sweet relish
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

Preparing Simple Summer Salad

1. Boil the macaroni noodles until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).

2. While noodles cook, dice the cheese, bell pepper, tomato and mushrooms.

3. Drain the noodles and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking.

4. In a large bowl, combine the noodles, veggies, and cheese.

5. In a separate smaller bowl, mix the sour cream, Italian dressing, and seasoned salt to make the sauce.

6. Pour the sauce and sweet relish over the noodle mixture and stir until well combined.

7. Refrigerate for at least a couple hours before serving. Overnight is best.

8. Serve chilled and enjoy!

What Do You Think?

Will you be making this delicious, simple summer salad recipe to keep you cool this summer? Do you have any family-favorites that remind you of summertime? I’d love to hear in the comments! Thanks so much for reading.