20 bring-a-plate salad recipes that are perfect for any gathering

They say you can’t make friends with salad, but we beg to differ. Here’s 20 of the crunchiest salad recipes from the Taste.com.au archives. And they are anything but boring.

When you’re asked to bring a plate to a gathering, these salads are perfect.

They’re colourful and showstopping, easy to transport and great to share.

Chow mein sharing salad.

Chow mein sharing salad

Inspired by chow mein and perfect for entertaining, this easy no-cook chicken salad is on the table in just 20 minutes.

Green and gold curried rice salad.

Green and gold curried rice salad

This easy summer dinner will be ready in a flash, with only 15 minutes cooking time.

BLAT loaded pasta salad

We’ve turned family-favourite bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato burger into a fully-loaded pasta salad, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Air fryer BBQ Shapes potato salad.

Air fryer BBQ Shapes potato salad

Here’s what you get when you take everyone’s favourite potato salad and combine it with undoubtedly the nation’s most popular Arnott’s Shapes flavour: barbecue. Add in crispy bacon and a creamy dressing, and, to top it off, cook it in the hottest appliance of the century, the air fryer. It’s almost too iconic to eat…but we will!

Ancient grain salad with haloumi

There are many versions of ancient grain salad, which isn’t surprising after you’ve tried it: it’s hearty, healthy and incredibly delicious. It’s fabulous as a side to any meat dish, but also substantial enough to serve as a main for vegetarians. Freekeh and wild rice combine to make the ancient grain mix, while we added haloumi as an extra salty treat, plus mint for freshness and pomegranate for sweetness. We also love to make double the amount of salad dressing to keep in your fridge for leafy green salads, too.

Chargrilled potato salad.

Chargrilled potato salad

Give the traditional potato salad a Spanish twist this Christmas by grilling the potatoes on the BBQ and adding chorizo, capsicum and a zingy pesto

Quick Asian crunchy noodle chopped salad

Dust off your biggest platter to show off this simple and stunning chopped salad! Loaded with fried noodles and crispy veg for that satisfying crunch in every mouthful. Toss everything together at the table and voila, it’s ready in 20.

Prawn and mango hand salads.

Prawn and mango hand salads

Introducing the ingenious hand salad! Fill baby gem leaves with summer fruit and juicy prawns, so your guests can grab their own fresh and crunchy morsel. With little star bursts of sweet fresh watermelon, a creamy coconut, tangy lime and sweet chilli dressing, this summer salad can be served as a starter or main. Best of all, you can make the dressing and prep salad the ingredients a day ahead. Just store in airtight containers in the fridge.

Prawn and devilled mango salad

Nothing says ‘summer’ like mangoes and prawns. This easy salad is ready in just 10 minutes and will set you back just $6.25 a serve.

Macaroni salad.

Macaroni salad

Did macaroni salad ever really go out of style? Take this easy, creamy and tangy pasta dish to your next BBQ and watch it disappear before your eyes.

Mexican taco chopped salad

The cheesy corn chips, charred corn and zesty lime sour cream dressing take this easy Mexican salad to a whole other level. Whip this up in 25 for your next summer BBQ.

Reuben potato salad

Creamy potato salad meets Reuben sandwich in this easy salad everyone will love.

Warm tomato pasta salad.

Warm tomato pasta salad

Combine fresh tomatoes and pesto with pasta to create this warm salad.

Prawn mixed grain salad

Spruce up your healthy salads with protein-packed prawns. This low-cal salad is loaded with super veg, nutritious wholegrains, pickled onion and a balsamic dressing.

Easy Italian pasta salad.

Easy Italian pasta salad

Have this colourful salad on the table in 25. With pesto, bocconcini and a garlic dressing, this is no average pasta salad!

Layered crispy bacon and creamy potato salad

We’ve taken creamy potato salad to new heights with this amazing layered version, featuring cabbage, corn, radish and rocket.

Moroccan pumpkin, haloumi and chickpea salad.

Moroccan pumpkin, haloumi and chickpea salad

This vibrant salad packs a punch! Loaded with caramelised roasted veggies, charred haloumi, crispy chickpeas, zingy pickled onions and a creamy tahini dressing, it is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Pasta and melon ball salad

Say hello to a healthier lunch option with this easy and delicious pasta and melon ball salad.

Greek lemon rice salad.

Greek lemon rice salad

You’ll get a taste of the med with this easy rice salad. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s loaded with feta, olives and tomatoes, plus rice to soak up that deliciously zesty lemon dressing.

Quick and easy creamy pasta salad

Take a few shortcuts with this quick and easy chicken pasta salad.

For more recipe ideas, go to taste.com.au or check out the Taste Test Kitchen now.

Originally published as 20 bring-a-plate salad recipes that are perfect for any gathering