15 Make-ahead salads for Mother’s Day

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Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show your mom just how much you love her. But with all the planning, prepping and cooking, it can be a stressful day for even an experienced cook. So here are 15 easy and delicious make-ahead salads that are sure to impress mom without adding extra stress to your day.

A close shot of a fork full of broccoli salad.
Broccoli Crunch Salad. Photo Credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Potato Salad

creamy potato salad with eggs and mayonnaise.
Amish Potato Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Potato Salad is a creamy and tangy salad that is the perfect blend of flavors. It has a sweet dressing that you will love. Plus, potato salad is a classic that belongs on the table at for your Mother’s Day feast!
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad

Caprese Salad

caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese topped with basil.
Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this simple yet delicious Caprese Salad! The juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic glaze come together to create a refreshing and satisfying dish that will leave you craving more. It’s a great make-ahead option for Mother’s Day that will save you time without sacrificing taste!
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad

Orange Fluff Salad

Orange fluff salad in a bowl.
Orange Fluff Salad. Photo Credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Orange Fluff Salad is a vintage no-bake recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, with its creamy texture and tangy citrus flavor. Made with just five simple ingredients, including Jello, Cool Whip, oranges, and cottage cheese, it’s the perfect dessert salad for Mother’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Orange Fluff Salad

7 Layer Salad

Seven layer salad in a bowl.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

For an impressive Mother’s Day side dish make this delicious and colorful 7 layer salad! Full of crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing, this is an easy make-ahead salad.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Pistachio Fluff Salad

Pistachio salad topped with nuts and cherries.
Pistachio Fluff Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Pistachio Fluff Salad will be the star of your Mother’s Day brunch! The creamy texture combined with the nutty flavor of pecans will leave your taste buds craving for more. Plus, it’s a no-bake salad that can be made ahead of time, saving you valuable time.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Fluff Salad

Broccoli Crunch Salad

A close shot of a fork full of broccoli salad.
Broccoli Crunch Salad. Photo Credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Broccoli Crunch Salad is a must-try for Mother’s Day! The combination of crisp raw broccoli, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and savory bacon will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s an easy make-ahead salad.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

Ramen Noodle Salad

Three white bowls filled with ramen noodles and vegetables.
Ramen Noodle Salad. Photo Credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Ramen Noodle Asian Salad has a perfect blend of fresh cabbage, veggies and a mouth-watering Asian-inspired dressing. Top it off with crunchy ramen noodles and you’ve got the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s so easy to make ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with Mom and less time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad

Lime Jello Salad

Piece of lime jello salad topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Lime Jello Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This delicious Lime Jello Salad is bursting with sweet and tangy lime flavor. This fluffy dessert salad is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s super simple to make ahead of time, and the perfect cool and refreshing end Mother’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Cajun Pasta Salad

Cajun pasta salad of noodles with celery and bell pepper.
Cajun Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cajun Pasta Salad has a spicy kick, creamy dressing, and colorful mix of bell peppers, celery, and onions, this salad is sure to be a hit and goes perfectly with ribs, chicken and burgers at a Mother’s Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta Salad

Old Fashioned Pea Salad

pea salad in a blue bowl.
Old Fashioned Pea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Old Fashioned Pea Salad is a delightful combination of tender peas, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing. The tangy and slightly sweet flavors will leave you refreshed, making it the perfect side dish for Mother’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Pea Salad

Chickpea Salad

healthy chickpea salad in a blue bowl.
Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This easy and refreshing Chickpea Salad recipe is packed with a rainbow of fresh veggies. This make-ahead salad is a time-saving addition for Mother’s Day and a great option for vegetarians wanting a filling side dish.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad

Amish Broccoli Salad

Amish broccoli salad with broccoli, cauliflower, cheese and bacon.
Amish Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get ready to impress your Mom with this easy-to-make Amish Broccoli Salad! The combination of crisp broccoli, crunchy bacon, and sweet raisins, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing tastes fabulous. Plus, it’s the perfect make-ahead salad so you save time and energy in the kitchen!
Get the Recipe: Amish Broccoli Salad

Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad

Orzo pasta salad in a blue flowered bowl.
Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Try this mouthwatering Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad. Bursting with zesty lemon and fragrant basil, this salad is a refreshing and flavorful addition to your meal. And with just a handful of ingredients, it’s a breeze to make ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad

Texas Caviar

Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.
Texas Caviar. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Try this vibrant and zesty Texas Caviar salad! Bursting with flavors of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and bell peppers, this easy make-ahead salad is ideal for a Mother’s Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar

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