There’s nothing quite like spending a sunny day outside, surrounded by nature, and enjoying good food.
One of the best ways to do that is by having a picnic. And what’s a picnic without some delicious salads?
There are countless options when it comes to picnic salads, but we have compiled a list of 32 of the best ones that are easy, healthy, and perfect for any outdoor excursion.
32 Best Picnic Salads
1. Classic Potato Salad
This timeless salad is made with boiled potatoes, boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard. It’s filling and satisfying for a day of activities in the park.
2. Pasta Salad
Pasta is always a great option for a picnic and you can jazz it up with a variety of dressings, vegetables, and proteins. Try a caprese version with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, or a Caesar salad with grilled chicken.
3. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is a great base for a healthy salad loaded with veggies and some protein such as chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas. Add some feta cheese for extra flavor.
4. Greek Salad
This refreshing salad is perfect for a hot summer day. It’s made with feta cheese, olives, cucumber, tomato, and red onion, all tossed in a homemade vinaigrette.
5. Watermelon Salad with Feta
Watermelon is a summer favorite, and it’s perfect for a picnic because it’s hydrating. Combine watermelon with feta cheese, mint, and lime juice for a refreshing salad.
6. Broccoli Salad
This is a great way to get your vegetables in. Broccoli salad is made with raw broccoli, bacon, dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing.
7. Cobb Salad
This hearty salad is made with chicken, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, corn, and hard-boiled eggs. It’s filling and perfect for a picnic lunch.
8. Classic Waldorf Salad
This classic salad is made with apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts, all coated in a creamy dressing. It’s a great sweet and savory salad.
9. Chicken Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is always a favorite, but it’s even better with some grilled chicken and croutons. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover chicken from dinner.
10. Tuna Pasta Salad
For all the seafood lovers, this salad is perfect for a picnic. It’s made with tuna, pasta, tomato, cucumber, and olives.
11. Mexican Chopped Salad
This salad is loaded with flavor and is perfect for a picnic with friends. Combine black beans, corn, avocado, tomato, and jalapeno with a lime vinaigrette.
12. Caprese Salad
This is a classic Italian salad made with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato, basil leaves, and olive oil. It’s perfect for a light and refreshing picnic lunch.
13. Egg Salad
For a simple and easy option, try egg salad. Boil some eggs, add mayonnaise and mustard, and enjoy! You can add some green onions or celery for extra crunch.
14. Creamy Cucumber Salad
This salad is made with cucumber, onion, dill, and sour cream. It’s light, refreshing, and ideal for a hot summer day.
15. Orzo Salad
Orzo is a type of pasta that is perfect for a picnic salad. Combine it with sundried tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese for a delicious lunch.
16. Chickpea Salad
Chickpeas are a great source of protein and are perfect for a vegetarian salad. Combine them with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and some lemon juice.
17. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Combine your favorite fruits with a honey lime dressing for a refreshing dessert or midday snack.
18. Grilled Vegetable Salad
Grilled veggies are a great way to add flavor to any salad. Combine them with some quinoa or farro, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a filling lunch.
19. Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad
This salad is packed with flavor and is perfect for a spicy kick. Combine red and green cabbage, carrots, peppers, and a peanut dressing.
20. Spinach Salad
Spinach is a great leafy green to use for a salad. Combine it with some strawberries, almonds, and feta cheese with a balsamic dressing.
21. Easy Bean Salad
This is a great vegetarian and vegan option that is loaded with fiber and protein. Combine chickpeas, black beans, red onion, and some cilantro with a lime vinaigrette.
22. Avocado and Tomato Salad
A simple and healthy salad made with ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and a zesty lime dressing.
23. Berry Spinach Salad
A combination of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, mixed with spinach, feta cheese, and a raspberry vinaigrette.
24. Couscous Salad
Couscous makes for a quick and easy salad base. Combine it with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a lemony dressing for a refreshing side dish.
25. Caesar Pasta Salad
A fusion of Caesar salad and pasta salad, featuring rotini or penne pasta, Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan cheese.
26. Roasted Beet Salad
Roasted beets are combined with mixed greens, goat cheese, and candied pecans, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
27. Kale and Quinoa Salad
A nutrient-rich salad featuring kale, cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries, and a lemon tahini dressing.
28. Moroccan Chickpea Salad
A vibrant and flavorful salad with chickpeas, roasted bell peppers, carrots, raisins, and Moroccan spices, dressed in a cumin-infused vinaigrette.
29. Spring Asparagus Salad
Fresh asparagus is blanched and combined with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a lemon herb dressing for a light and crisp salad.
30. Southwest Black Bean Salad
A protein-packed salad with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and avocado, seasoned with a spicy lime-cilantro dressing.
31. Asian Noodle Salad
Thin rice noodles are tossed with fresh vegetables like cucumbers and carrots, and then coated with a sesame ginger dressing.
32. Waldorf Chicken Salad
A twist on the classic Waldorf salad, featuring diced chicken, apples, grapes, walnuts, and a creamy yogurt-based dressing.
Final Thoughts,
Going on a picnic is a great way to spend quality time with friends and family, and having a delicious variety of salads always helps.
These 36 picnic salads are sure to please everyone while providing nutrition, flavor, and convenience. From classic potato salad to Thai peanut salad, there’s something for everyone. Try one (or more) on your next outdoor excursion and enjoy!
