5 Easy-to-Make Picnic Salads for a Refreshing Summer Lunch

5 Easy-to-Make Picnic Salads for a Refreshing Summer Lunch

Summer is the perfect time for picnics, and what could be better than a refreshing salad on a hot day? Here are 5 easy-to-make picnic salads that are not only delicious but also perfect for a healthy summer lunch.

1. Watermelon Feta Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of watermelon, cubed
• 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Mix watermelon, feta cheese, and red onion in a large bowl.
2. Add fresh mint leaves and drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the top.
3. Toss together until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2. Southwest Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cooked quinoa
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup of lime juice
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, red bell pepper, avocado, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to make a dressing.
3. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss everything together until it's evenly coated.
4. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

3. Greek Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup of red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup of cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup of black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, mix together cooked pasta, chickpeas, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, olives, and parsley.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper to make a dressing.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together.
5. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

4. Grilled Chicken and Mango Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 grilled chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 2 cups of mixed greens
• 1 mango, diced
• 1/4 red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup of sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together grilled chicken strips, mixed greens, diced mango, and red onion.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to make a dressing.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together.
4. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the salad.
5. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

5. Caprese Salad Skewers

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Assemble skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves.
2. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the skewers.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

These easy-to-make picnic salads are perfect for a refreshing summer lunch. They are not only delicious but also healthy, making them perfect for any picnic or outdoor gathering. Try one or all of these salads at your next summer event, and enjoy a healthy and refreshing meal.