Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Food and Recipes
  3. Dish
  4. Salad
  5. 35 Vintage Church Cookbook Salads That Deserve to be Praised

35 Vintage Church Cookbook Salads That Deserve to be Praised

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Assistant Editor and Writer for Southern Living
By Kaitlyn Yarborough Updated April 12, 2022
Skip gallery slides
FB
Molded Cranberry Salad
Credit: Hector M Sanchez

A church cookbook combines two steadfast pillars of every Southern congregation: fellowship and food. When a group of church members puts together a collection of recipes, it's not about putting on a show. It's not about macarons, croissants, or coq au vin. It's about binding comfort and community into a spiral notebook of dependable, no-fuss recipes every Southerner should have at her disposal. Think classic dishes like hashbrown casserole, chicken bog, and tamale pie.

In every church cookbook, you'll find more than a few cold salad recipes tucked into the pages, and the selection makes it instantly apparent that Southerners use the term "salad" quite fast and loose. Whether crisp or creamy, garden-fresh or gelatinous, church cookbook salads are as faithful as it gets. Many use pre-packaged ingredients, like Duke's mayo and Miracle Whip, with wild abandon; while some are more sweet than savory. One thing's for certain: Church salads are definitely worth praising. Check out these classic salad recipes that deserve to be served forever.

Start Slideshow

1 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Heirloom Tomato-Cracker Salad

Heirloom Tomato-Cracker Salad
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Heirloom Tomato-Cracker Salad

In this recipe we bring together two Southern favorites, heirloom tomatoes and saltine crackers, to create a colorful salad that will wow any crowd.

1 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Orange Sherbet Salad

Orange Sherbet Salad
Credit: Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Orange Sherbet Salad

Appearing in the pages of Southern Living in 1966, this was the first congealed salad recipe to ever be featured in the magazine.

2 of 35

3 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cajun-Style Potato Salad

Cajun-Style Potato Salad
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Cajun-Style Potato Salad

Creole mustard and Cajun seasoning make potato salad worthy of being served alongside classic Louisiana dishes like Gumbo.

3 of 35

Advertisement

4 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cranberry Fluff Salad

Cranberry Fluff Salad
Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Recipe: Cranberry Fluff Salad

This retro salad is easy to make, can be made ahead of time, and requires no cooking. 

4 of 35

5 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Citrus-Avocado Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette

Citrus-Avocado Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Citrus-Avocado Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette

Our version of this recipe from 1928 is tossed in a light vinaigrette that's made with grapefruit juice and a hint of Dijon mustard.

5 of 35

6 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Whipped-Cream Corn Salad

Whipped-Cream Corn Salad
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Whipped-Cream Corn Salad

Dressed up and dreamy, this corn salad transforms fresh corn with a light and fluffy cloud of whipped cream. Another magic touch: It calls for only four ingredients.

6 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham

Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham
Credit: Jen Causey

Recipe: Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham

With only two steps, this recipe couldn't be easier. Plus, you can easily double it if you'll be serving a larger crowd.

7 of 35

8 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Picnic Egg Salad

Picnic Egg Salad
Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Picnic Egg Salad

Egg salad is the most nostalgic of spreads. This 15-minute, 5-ingredient recipe is an easy go-to rendition.

8 of 35

9 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Fresh Fruit Salad

Fresh Fruit Salad
Credit: Jen Causey

Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad

Elevate fresh fruit so it's potluck-worthy by soaking it in a marinade made with orange juice and honey, 

9 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Tarragon Chicken Salad

Tarragon Chicken Salad
Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Tarragon Chicken Salad

Give classic chicken salad a little makeover. Lemon and tarragon flavor the creamy mixture, while chopped pecans, Granny Smith apples, celery, and red onion give amazing crunch.

10 of 35

11 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad

Candied Jalapeños
Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad

The whole congregation will be singing its praises if you show up with this classic potato salad. Like many favorite traditional recipes, it includes mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and hard-boiled eggs.

11 of 35

12 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Creamy Grape Salad

Creamy Grape Salad
Credit: therecipecritic.com

Recipe: Creamy Grape Salad

Deliciously creamy, slightly crunchy, and subtly sweet, this cold salad is a church cookbook staple.

12 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad

Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad
Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad

This salad is about the only way you're getting a Southerner to eat raw broccoli. Grapes add even more crunch and little sweetness to the cherished pasta salad.

13 of 35

14 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ham Salad

Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad
Credit: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Ham Salad

Nostalgic for many, ham salad is an old-school favorite. It has frequented many a Southern church hall, as well as their beloved cookbooks.

14 of 35

15 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Thai Noodle Salad

Thai Noodle Salad
Credit: Jennifer Davick / Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine / Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: Thai Noodle Salad

Whether it be this nutty noodle salad or a crunchy noodle slaw, every church cookbook holds a dish with some Asian flair. It covers every sweet, sour, salty and spicy note.

15 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Watermelon Salad

Watermelon Salad
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Katelyn Hardwick

Recipe: Watermelon Salad

Enter: the perfect, easiest summer salad ever. Tomatoes and watermelon work in perfect harmony with peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans.

16 of 35

17 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad

Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad
Credit: Abigail Wilt

Recipe: Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad

We've all seen a crystal bowl full of creamy fruit salad. With a base of canned fruit for convenience and a creamy, whipped "dressing" reminiscent of the flavors of lemon curd, this recipe is a hidden weapon in any church hostess' arsenal.

17 of 35

18 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Summer Hoppin' John Salad

Summer Hoppin' John Salad
Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Summer Hoppin' John Salad

Church cookbooks find a way to serve Hoppin' John all year long. This summer salad variationis perfect for a picnic.

18 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Tomato Aspic

Tomato Aspic
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Tomato Aspic

Polarizing? Yes. Vintage? Definitely. Tomato aspic hails from a time when savory-sweet gelatin salads were quite en vogue.

19 of 35

20 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Tangy Tzatziki Pasta Salad

Tangy Tzatziki Pasta Salad
Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Tangy Tzatziki Pasta Salad

This Greek-inspired take on old-school macaroni salad is church cookbook-approved. A fresh, tangy yogurt dressing gives it something special.

20 of 35

21 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pear Salad

Pear Salad Still
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Pear Salad

Though it feels so wrong, it somehow tastes so right. This retro salad deserves to be kept in the loop, if only for posterity's sake. It's made with lettuce, canned pears, mayonnaise, Cheddar cheese, and maraschino cherries.

21 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hot Potato Salad

Hot Potato Salad
Credit: Helen Norman

Recipe: Hot Potato Salad

Someone decided to combine creamy potato salad and cheesy potato gratin, and we're forever indebted. This 7-ingredient recipe is a no-brainer.

22 of 35

23 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Classic Cranberry Salad

Classic Cranberry Salad
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Classic Cranberry Salad

Church cookbooks don't forget the holidays. Think of all those Christmas potlucks. This festive salad is filled with pears, pineapple, celery, and pecans for a fresh, crunchy finish.

23 of 35

24 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Herbed Cucumber-and-Tomato Salad

Herbed Cucumber-and-Tomato Salad
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Herbed Cucumber-and-Tomato Salad

Simple and easy, this familiar salad goes with just about anything. The vinegar-infused marinade gives a tangy touch.

24 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

How To Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad Still
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Strawberry-Pretzel Salad

A salad? In a casserole dish? With strawberry gelatin? Yes, yes, and yes. Nostalgic churchgoers clean this dish easy.

25 of 35

26 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Lucky Black-Eyed Pea Salad

Lucky Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Lucky Black-Eyed Pea Salad

Black-eyed peas are a Southern staple, and this lucky salad is sure to wow the crowd. Peppery watercress, fresh peaches, and cilantro give it major flavor.

26 of 35

27 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Dianne's Southwestern Cornbread Salad

Dianne's Southwestern Cornbread Salad
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Dianne's Southwestern Cornbread Salad

Bring layered salads back, we say! This recipe features delicious cornbread, convenient store-bought Parmesan-peppercorn dressing, and smoked turkey.

27 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Permanent Slaw

Permanent Slaw
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Recipe: Permanent Slaw

Meet the tangy side every Southerner loves. Like a cross between vinegar-based coleslaw and chowchow, this slaw is dubbed "permanent" because it's designed to be made ahead and gets more flavorful the longer it sits.

28 of 35

29 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad

Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad

Chicken salad, made the old-school way. This recipe harkens back to chicken salad of generations past, with chopped chicken, mayo, celery, and a splash of lemon juice.

29 of 35

30 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chubba Bubba's Broccoli Salad

Chubba Bubba's Broccoli Salad
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Chubba Bubba's Broccoli Salad

You need just nine simple ingredients to pull this cold salad together.

30 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Field Pea and Pasta Salad

Field Pea and Pasta Salad
Credit: Photo: Kelsey Hansen; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Julia Levy

Recipe: Field Pea and Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is incredibly versatile, easy to make, and universally crowd-pleasing. A Dijon-honey vinaigrette makes this 15-minute recipe cookbook-worthy.

31 of 35

32 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Molded Cranberry Salad

Molded Cranberry Salad
Credit: Hector M Sanchez

Recipe: Molded Cranberry Salad

Congealed salads were once quite the phenomenon, and we're happy to have rediscovered this jewel of a recipe. It's like finding a timeless dress at a vintage store.

32 of 35

33 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Southern-Style Potato Salad

_Southern-Style Potato Salad
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Southern-Style Potato Salad

Church cookbooks know it would be a sin to exclude this classic. Packed with onions, celery, sour cream, and bacon, this recipe is an essential.

33 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Brussels Sprout Slaw with Apples and Pecans

Brussels Sprout Slaw with Apples and Pecans
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Brussels Sprout Slaw with Apples and Pecans

When you need a fall-inspired slaw, this'll cover all the bases. Crunchy apples, chopped pecans, shaved Brussels sprouts, and nutty Parmesan cheese work in perfect harmony.

34 of 35

35 of 35

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Citrus Salad with Spiced Honey

Citrus Salad with Spiced Honey
Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Citrus Salad with Spiced Honey

Can't have a church cookbook without it: the citrus salad. Spiced honey is the secret in this elevated version.

35 of 35

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Kaitlyn Yarborough

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 35 Heirloom Tomato-Cracker Salad
    2 of 35 Orange Sherbet Salad
    3 of 35 Cajun-Style Potato Salad
    4 of 35 Cranberry Fluff Salad
    5 of 35 Citrus-Avocado Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette
    6 of 35 Whipped-Cream Corn Salad
    7 of 35 Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham
    8 of 35 Picnic Egg Salad
    9 of 35 Fresh Fruit Salad
    10 of 35 Tarragon Chicken Salad
    11 of 35 Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad
    12 of 35 Creamy Grape Salad
    13 of 35 Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad
    14 of 35 Ham Salad
    15 of 35 Thai Noodle Salad
    16 of 35 Watermelon Salad
    17 of 35 Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad
    18 of 35 Summer Hoppin' John Salad
    19 of 35 Tomato Aspic
    20 of 35 Tangy Tzatziki Pasta Salad
    21 of 35 Pear Salad
    22 of 35 Hot Potato Salad
    23 of 35 Classic Cranberry Salad
    24 of 35 Herbed Cucumber-and-Tomato Salad
    25 of 35 Strawberry Pretzel Salad
    26 of 35 Lucky Black-Eyed Pea Salad
    27 of 35 Dianne's Southwestern Cornbread Salad
    28 of 35 Permanent Slaw
    29 of 35 Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad
    30 of 35 Chubba Bubba's Broccoli Salad
    31 of 35 Field Pea and Pasta Salad
    32 of 35 Molded Cranberry Salad
    33 of 35 Southern-Style Potato Salad
    34 of 35 Brussels Sprout Slaw with Apples and Pecans
    35 of 35 Citrus Salad with Spiced Honey

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    35 Vintage Church Cookbook Salads That Deserve to be Praised
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.