Let ’s confront it : lettuce is tiptop square and only really be to be a vehicle for delicious , delicious dressings . But just because leaves are boring does n’t mean salads have to be . Summer ’s fresh , high - quality fruits and vegetables signify you could easily put something together that ’s still super satisfying . And we ’re not speak about salad of the alimentary paste , tunny , or chicken variety .

Whether packing for hebdomadal work lunches , potluck parties , or picnics , these salads leverage the time of year ’s best ingredients for hearty , sound meals that are far from lapin food for thought . There ’s no lettuce want here – or mayo , for that topic .

Red cabbage carrot mint salad

Mayonnaise - loaded coleslaws can be tricky for picnicking because they botch easy . But this red cabbage and cultivated carrot slaw leverages maize and deal for a freshman variation that move easy and tastes light . Recipe here !

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Grilled corn zucchini salad with sun-dried tomato vinaigrette

This salad is thoroughgoing for a crowd . It ’s load down with summery corn , zucchini , and chickpeas , and then topped with a zesty sunlight - dried Lycopersicon esculentum French dressing and herbaceous plant . It ’s practically a meal on its own . Get therecipe here .

Beet, avocado, and fried goat cheese salad

Breaded - and - fry Capricorn cheese is the whiz of this smasher , so it ’s not exactly the level-headed salad , but colorful beets , avocado , and fiber - fertile Pistacia vera ensure that this summertime meal is still pretty damn nutritious . Get therecipe here .

Three-bean cilantro lime salad

This is a bully recipe to keep on hand , and can be made in a mite with ingredient you credibly already have in your buttery . Canned bean are livened up with a vibrant dressing and cilantro . couple this with much any protein , from meat to fish .

Summer tomato cantaloupe salad

The seraphic - and - zesty combination of tomatoes , cucumber , and Cucumis melo cantalupensis pee-pee for a seriously refreshing – and hydrating – summertime field day salad . Read on here .

Fennel radish fattoush

Crispy pita chips are tossed in a lemony vinaigrette with Florence fennel , radish , cucumber , Malus pumila , and radicchio then doused in sumach for a crispy , crunchy summertime salad . Serve alongside kebabs from the grill . Recipe here .

Sun-dried tomato pesto chickpea salad

Here is another looping of summer picnic fare that primarily looks to larder staple for a active , protein - take side . layer with fresh St. Basil the Great , sun - dry tomato pesto , and Parmesan , Cicer arietinum have never been more impressive . Recipe here .

Cucumber, basil, and watermelon salad

The main ingredient – cucumber , basil , and watermelon – are thrash about together , then elevated with mango , peanuts , fresh herbs , and a gingery citrus - soy dressing to deepen the flavour . sample therecipe here .

Tabbouleh salad

Lycopersicon esculentum , onion , lemon yellow , parsley , and pile are flip with reliable bulgur wheat , and the mix is complete for picnic or serve alongside knock poulet .

Panzanella

Panzanella grows better and bolder in taste over clip , as toasted cabbage – or even mean solar day - honest-to-god bread – pose and soaks up all the moisture from the fresh veggies and Dijon sauce vinaigrette . Make this salad in the morning time and let the flavors merge together all twenty-four hour period . Get therecipe here .

Snap pea asparagus avocado salad with radish vinaigrette

Green and snappy veggies and herbs are served here with avocado and a unique radish French dressing for a savoury standalone salad . instruct therecipe here .

Dill cucumber salad

This cucumber vine salad has so much dill weed and vinegar , it ’s almost like eating a jam salad . dish up it alongside rich sum that can stand up to its bluff flavor like draw pork or fried chicken . Recipe here .

Thai shrimp salad

Because this " salad " let in a layer of vermicelli rice dome , it ’s perfectly fairish to eat it as a primary meal and expect to feel full . It also makes for splendid lunch leftover . Find therecipe here !

Kale and cabbage coleslaw with Marcona almonds

A vinegar - found dressing holds this crunchy and healthy coleslaw together nicely , and again , is much more picnic - friendly since there ’s no mayonnaise . Recipe here .

Crab salad with celery

This puffiness - crab salad can stand up on its own as a main course at lunchtime , as it also include protein - packed hard - boiled eggs for texture . polish off the whole affair off with stinker , herbs , salt , and peppercorn ( crab really need nothing more than that ) . Serve with wise avocado slice and your favorite crackers . Recipe here .

Thai zucchini noodle and quinoa salad

If you ’re not eating zoodles yet , we ’re not trusted what you ’re doing . Spiralized veggies are the arrant way to only somewhat convince yourself that you ’re eat real noodles . But they ’re by all odds healthy ! partner off with quinoa and peanut vine salad dressing , this salad is a hearty vegetarian lunch , but you’re able to also add grilled crybaby on top if you ’re feelin ' it . Recipe here .

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