15+ Delicious and Easy Salads for Picnics to Make

The best part of a picnic is the food…right? These delicious picnic salads are perfect for a picnic in the park with friends, a weeknight dinner at home or add them to the kids’ lunchbox. We’ve included the classic picnic pasta salad to amazing potato salads and everything in between. We’ve shared lots of great family-friendly meatless Monday recipes over the years and these delicious salads are another great option for families who are looking to cut back on their meat consumption.

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When I think of a summer party I think of all the side salads. Whether you’re hosting a potluck barbecue or are simply meal planning for your family – these salad recipes are going to become your favourite go-to dishes.

15+ Delicious and Easy Salads for Picnics

Greek Pasta Salad – This Greek pasta salad makes a great family-friendly addition to any picnic. The classic combination of Greek flavours come together with the use of delicate orzo pasta.

Kale Brussel Sprout Potato Salad – A new twist on a traditional potato salad. You might not think to add kale and brussel sprouts to a potato salad, but the flavour combination is amazing. A real crowd-pleaser.

Mango Couscous Salad – Sweet and savoury come together in this delightfully summery mango couscous salad. You cannot go wrong with in-season mangoes.

Best Broccoli Salad Recipe – Kids won’t eat broccoli? What about broccoli salad…topped with bacon? Trust me you’re gonna want to give this recipe a try.

Classic Creamy Coleslaw – Everyone loves a big bowl of creamy coleslaw. A simple, tangy and sweet coleslaw dressing brings this salad to life.

Easy Chickpea Salad – A chickpea salad is ideal for a picnic because it doesn’t get soggy and can be made in advance. This chickpea salad packs a flavourful punch.

The Best Potato Salad with Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette

Summer Potato Salad with Grainy Mustard Dressing – Surprise your guests with this light potato salad. Instead of the traditional creamy potato salad, this grainy mustard vinaigrette will become a family fave.

Springtime Tabouleh Salad – If you have never had tabouleh before then you are in for a real treat. Parsley and lemon dominate this super simple summery salad that makes a great side dish for chicken and beef.

kale salad with pesto and crispy chick peas

Kale Salad with Pesto Dressing and Crispy Chickpeas – We based this kale salad off a favourite salad from a local restaurant. It’s an amazing mixture of flavours and textures. Kale is great to dress ahead and it won’t get soggy…perfect salad for picnics.

Summer Salad with Grilled Peaches – Oh my goodness…adding fruit to the grill is always a good idea. These peaches come to life when they are warmed on the grill. This grilled peach salad is a sweet flavour bomb.

Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette for a crisp season greens salad with apple slices and blue cheese. A family favourite.

Simple Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette – I’m Canadian, which means that I must have maple syrup in everything. Maple Syrup is the magical ingredient in this delightfully simple salad.

Potluck Potato Salad – Another potato salad option. This potato salad recipe brings together all the flavours of summer in one big bowl. Throw everything on the grill and bring it together with a light vinaigrette… a total potluck pleaser.

Peach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Goat Cheese – Bring on more peaches! When peaches are in season we add them to every dinner. This peach salad brings in tart goat cheese and a smooth balsamic vinaigrette.

Spinach and strawberry chicken salad bowl

Spinach and Strawberry Chicken and Quinoa Salad Bowl – Here’s a salad that is an entire meal in one bowl. Great for the kid’s lunch box. Strawberries and spinach are a classic combination. There’s a lot going on in this salad and when you give it a toss all the flavours come together beautifully.

Colourful Fruit Salad for Kids – This fruit salad is totally kid-approved. Packed with goodness, this fruit salad is a refreshing picnic salad idea. Bring all your favourite fruits together with a light and sweet dressing.

Easy Green Goddess Salad Dressing – Whether you use this green goddess dressing on a salad or use it to dip your veggies into, no picnic is complete without green goddess dressing. As easy as throwing everything into a blender and ta-da you are done!

Old School Pasta Salad – We pulled this one out of an old cookbook and gave it a modern update. You can’t beat a creamy pasta salad for a picnic.

Kale and Garlic Scape Pesto – Here’s another deliciously simple dressing to make for a pasta salad, potato salad or green salad…combine kale and garlic to make fresh pesto. You really cannot beat fresh pesto.

Did your favourite picnic salad make the list? If not, share it with us in the comments below. I’d love to add it to our list.

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