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:
- Summer Spinach Salad with Grilled Steak Recipe
- Super Summer Side: Black Bean Avocado Salad Recipe
- Lazy Summer Dinner: Easy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
6 Perfect Picnic Salads That Can Withstand the Heat
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Greek Farro Salad
This fresh salad is light and deceivingly hearty, and packed with flavourful, seasonal ingredients.
Get the recipe for Greek Farro Salad
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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