Summer Salads For Your Next Picnic

With summer weather and longer days comes outdoor gatherings! I love enjoying the summer outside with good food and good company. Here are some summer salads that are a great addition to any outdoor gathering.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

This is one of my favorite salads! Unlike other greens, spinach can hold it’s own in the summer heat and won’t wilt as quickly. This is also one of the healthier salads on the list. With spinach, strawberries, feta cheese and nuts, you can feel good about putting this on your plate.

Before you jump into this delicious recipe, know that there are many ways to make this salad your own. You can use almonds, pecans, or other nut. Some people use a creamy dressing (I use the poppy seed dressing from Aldi’s – “Simply Nature Organic Poppy Seed Dressing” and LOVE it!) others an oil based dressing. You can even add grilled chicken to make this salad a meal. Find what you like and use it! Make this salad your own.

The photo above and linked recipe is from Well Plated by Erin and I chose it because she did such a beautiful and thorough job.

Texas (or Cowboy) Caviar

This is another must have at my outdoor gatherings. It’s less a salad and more a dip but I chose to include it because it absolutely can be eaten with or without tortilla chips present. This dish is also a very healthy, hearty salad. Beans, corn, avocado, green peppers and onions… I am drooling thinking about it! This recipe comes from my go to site for all things sweet – Sugar Spun Run. I was so happy to find this recipe there! Sam does a great job in everything she makes. I never worry when I am making on of her recipes!

Broccoli Salad

Want to get the kids to eat broccoli? Try this at your next picnic! Broccoli with bacon, cheese, dried cranberries, and a sweet, tangy sauce gives this green veggie a lot of flavor. This is a staple at our family picnics and I have been known to eat this alone as a meal. Go to Valerie’s Kitchen to make it for yourself.

German Potato Salad

Instead of taking the traditional potato salad (which you can find here), surprise your party with German Potato Salad. This simple dish has a tangy sauce and bacon, which goes great with any picnic faire. Check out this and all the other great recipes at Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.

Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is my kids’ favorite picnic salad and it’s what I usually take to gatherings to make sure my kids will eat something. Pasta, salami, cheese, tomatoes, black olives make this salad so yummy. This version is from Spend With Pennies but feel free to add or omit ingredients to make it your own!

I hope you enjoy your outdoor gatherings this summer! What is your favorite picnic salad to take to a get together? Join me on Facebook or Instagram to be a part of the community!