We all love a good picnic, and the best part is often the delicious salads that come along. I've put together a list of amazing salad recipes perfect for outdoor feasts. These salads are easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to be hits at any gathering. From crisp greens to zesty pasta, there's something here for every taste bud. So grab your picnic basket - it's time to create some tasty dishes that everyone will enjoy outdoors!
Tastier Healthier Easy To Make Picnic Salads Recipes
These picnic salads are not just tasty but also super easy to pack. Each recipe is crafted to be portable, staying fresh and flavorful even after a few hours in the sun. Whether you're heading to a park or just enjoying the backyard, these salads will be the highlight of your meal. Bring them along to share with friends and family, and get ready for everyone to ask for the recipes!
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Salad brings the zing of roadside stands right to your plate. Bursting with the charred sweetness of corn and a medley of vibrant veggies tied together with a light, creamy dressing, it’s a fuss-free dish bound to become a favorite. Perfect for gatherings or a casual weekday treat, it's a vibrant mix that sits just right any day.
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned and drained)
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 roma tomatoes, cored and diced
- ½ medium-sized red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced (remove seeds for less spice)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 limes (for both zest and juice)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise (use vegan if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon each: cumin, salt, paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup feta or cotija cheese (150g block) (if vegan: use a cheese alternative or omit)
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Let's have a twist on a classic, the Deviled Egg Pasta Salad, merges two picnic favorites into one crowd-pleaser. It captures the creamy, tangy essence of deviled eggs, intertwined with the comforting bite of pasta, creating a refreshing side dish. Perfect for outdoor feasts or cozy indoor gatherings, this novel salad promises to be the centerpiece of your dining table.
Ingredients
- 10 Eggs (hard boiled)
- 1 lb Elbow Macaroni
- 3 tablespoon Mustard
- 1 ½ cups Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon Sweet Relish
- 1 cup Red Onion, diced
- 3 stalks Celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
Easy Cowboy Caviar
This twist on a classic, the Deviled Egg Pasta Salad, merges two picnic favorites into one crowd-pleaser. It captures the creamy, tangy essence of deviled eggs, intertwined with the comforting bite of pasta, creating a refreshing side dish. Perfect for outdoor feasts or cozy indoor gatherings, this novel salad promises to be the centerpiece of your dining table.
Ingredients
- 15 ounces Black beans
- 15 ounces Black-eyed peas
- 15 ounces Corn
- 1 cup Bell Peppers, a mix of colors, diced
- 2 Roma Tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup Red Onion, diced
- ¼ cup Cilantro, finely chopped
- ½ cup Olive Oil
- ¼ cup Red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup Lime juice
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad
Imagining a Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad, one can expect a dish brimming with the zest of Mexican flavors, coupled gracefully with the delicate texture of orzo pasta. It’s a fresh take on salad, promising a colorful ensemble of ingredients that bring a lively burst of taste in every bite. This creation offers a unique spin on traditional salads, ensuring a memorable side dish or a light, satisfying main course.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen is best)
- 1 avocado
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in halves (or any tomato of choice, chopped small)
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (optional)
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 limes (about ¼ cup juice)
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste as needed)
- Olive oil
Our Favourite Picnic Salad
This Favourite Picnic Salad truly captures the essence of joyful outdoor dining. With its harmonious blend of creamy potatoes, crunchy vegetables, aromatic herbs, and the unique touch of capers and shallot dressing, it’s a taste of bliss in every forkful. Crafted with love and a hint of whimsy, this salad transforms a simple meal into a delightful feast, making every picnic unforgettable.
Ingredients
- 1 medium shallot, peeled
- 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
- Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ lbs mini potatoes
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 teaspoon grainy mustard
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup cooked white beans
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- ½ lb asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- ⅓ lb green beans, ends trimmed
- 4 radishes, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup finely sliced chives
- ¼ cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Summer Picnic Couscous Salad With Feta
Our easy Summer Picnic Couscous Salad featuring feta is a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for sun-filled days. The fluffy couscous paired with creamy feta and a burst of fresh vegetables creates a harmony that dances on the palate. Ideal for sharing, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering, making every picnic a festive occasion.
Ingredients
- 300g (2 cups) couscous, uncooked
- 625ml (2.5 cups) boiling vegetable stock or water
- 300g (2 cups) cherry tomatoes
- 3-4 small or 1 big English cucumber
- 5-6 radishes
- ½ shallot
- 10g (⅓ cup) mint, fresh, chopped
- 10g (⅓ cup) parsley, fresh, chopped
- 10g (⅓ cup) dill, fresh, chopped
- 100g (⅔ cup) feta cheese
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ clove garlic, grated
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
Summer Picnic Pasta Salad Recipe
This Summer Picnic Pasta Salad is a bright and happy dish everyone loves at outside meals. It mixes pasta, ham, cheese, and fresh veggies all together in a tasty sauce. Fun to eat and easy to change up to what you like, this salad makes summer eating special. Everyone enjoys it when they're out in the sun.
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked elbow pasta
- 2 cups sliced button mushrooms
- 1 ¾ cup thawed, frozen peas
- ¼ cup finely chopped sweet onion
- 1 cup diced ham
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ½ cup diced cheddar cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup buttermilk (alternatively, mix 2 tablespoon of milk with enough plain yogurt to equal ½ cup)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 garlic clove
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 to 4 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Confetti Picnic Salad
The Confetti Picnic Salad is a burst of color and goodness, perfect for any outdoor event. Packed with grains, beans, and crisp veggies all tossed in a zesty lemon Dijon dressing, it’s not only healthy but deliciously satisfying. Easy to make and even easier to love, this salad is a true crowd-pleaser that brings freshness and joy to your table!
For the Salad Dressing:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled between your fingers
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed and strained of pulp and seeds
- ½ cup olive oil, extra virgin
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa (⅔ cup dried)
- 2 cups cooked lentils (¾ cup dried)
- 15-ounce canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 15-ounce canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups kale, finely chopped
- ¾ cup English cucumbers, seeded and finely diced
- ¾ cup yellow and red bell pepper, finely diced and combined
- ½ cup carrot, diced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad
This Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad is a hit for any picnic or BBQ! Full of colorful veggies and tasty cheese tortellini, it's as fun to look at as it is to eat. Quick to whip up and perfect alongside grilled favorites, it's a must-try for a refreshing, delicious meal. Whether paired with a cool glass of sweet tea or enjoyed on its own, this pasta salad is sure to delight!
Ingredients
- 16 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini or gluten-free tortellini
- 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced zucchini squash
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup diced ham
- ½ cup fresh mozzarella balls or pearls
Easy Potato Salad
Let's talk about the Easy Potato Salad Recipe with fresh eyes. This simple potato salad is a classic favorite that brings a homey touch to any table. With tender potatoes mixed with crisp veggies and a hint of egg, it wraps up familiar flavors in a new, inviting way. Prepare it in no time for a picnic or family dinner, and watch it become the star of the show!
Ingredients
- 6-8 medium sized potatoes (about 2 pounds)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 3 eggs, hard-boiled & chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup sweet relish
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoon yellow mustard
