6 Perfect Picnic Salads That Can Withstand the Summer Heat

June 11, 2015

Looking for a lighter, fresher summer recipe for lunch or dinner? Why not dig into a crisp, cool summer salad and take advantage of fresh, seasonal ingredients? Healthy picnic salads are my favorite way to incorporate greens and veggies into my family’s diet and are a healthy option for a picnic-friendly family meal.

Today I’m sharing six of my favourite summer salads. From simple veggie-based salads to hearty grains, these salads are packed with flavour and wholesome ingredients. Better yet, all of these salads are easy to prep ahead of time—you can mix them directly in their serving containers, then grab ‘n’ go when you’re headed out.

This summer salad collection will have you inspired by seasonal ingredients and change your perception of the simple, traditional (and sometimes, boring!) salad.

More Summer Salad Recipes:

6 Perfect Picnic Salads That Can Withstand the Heat

Greek Farro Salad

This fresh salad is light and deceivingly hearty, and packed with flavourful, seasonal ingredients.

Get the recipe for Greek Farro Salad
Italian Rice Salad

I know the combination of all the ingredients seems a bit unconventional but trust me…it’s delicious! (Besides, the Italians invented it…need I say more?)

Get the recipe for Italian Rice Salad
Garden Salad with Dijon Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

An easy-to-personalize salad: add some of your favourite ingredients like red peppers, green or black olives, or fresh Bufala mozzarella.

Get the recipe for Garden Salad with Dijon Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
Mediterranean Farro Salad

With its nutty flavour and rich texture, farro is an ideal grain to use as a base for fresh summer salads, since it maintains his texture and holds up well to variety of ingredients and dressings.

Get the recipe for Mediterranean Farro Salad
Fresh Lentil Salad

If you’re not a fan of lentils, you can use any legume such as navy beans, chickpeas or a mix of different beans.

Get the recipe for Fresh Lentil Salad
Quinoa Tabbouleh

I LOVE the quinoa in this recipe…it adds a nutty flavour and lends so well to the dish because it soaks up all the juice from the tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemons.

Get the recipe for Quinoa Tabbouleh

Lisa Codina is a working mom, fitness fanatic, recipe developer, and self-professed foodie. She is the author of Baby Bites: 50 Healthy Recipes for Baby and the Family and the founder of the Blog Bites for Foodies, where she shares clean eating recipes for the family and blogs about daily life with her Italian husband, two mini foodies, and summer vacations in Sardinia, Italy. She prides herself on providing her family with nutritious meals that focus on clean eating (i.e., gluten/dairy/refined sugar-free) that nurture adventurous palates and encourage a healthy lifestyle. You can also find Lisa as Bitesforfoodies on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.
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