Add flavor and nutrition to your next picnic or summer party with one of these four fresh, crisp and colorful summer salads.
Family, friends, fireworks– there are so many reasons to have a summer picnic or party. And, like most celebrations, a spread of delicious food gets a lot of attention.
Summer holiday celebrations are usually filled with traditional favorites, but adding something new to the picnic spread is fun, too. Fresh summer salads are a great way to offer flavor and nutrition, while brightening up the table spread.
Whether you are headed to a family reunion, banquet, or celebrating one of the summer holidays, consider taking one of these colorful, crisp summer salads!
Tri-colored Tomato Asparagus
Nothing screams summer like fresh produce, and this tri-colored tomato and asparagus salad delivers. The combination of vegetables and herbs fills it with flavor, as well as vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients.
Rainbow Vegetable Slaw Salad
This rainbow vegetable slaw salad will brighten up any picnic spread. The unique blend of beets, carrots, zucchini and strawberries creates a colorful and flavorful combination. I add pistachios for crunch. The red pepper flakes add just enough heat to balance the flavor of the tangy vinaigrette dressing.
Basic Lentil Salad
If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option,check out my basic lentil salad. It’s packed with plant-based protein, making it a meal in itself. Plant- based proteins are perfect forparties where the food will be sitting out for awhile. That’s because, it poses a lower risk of developing food-borne illness than animal protein.
Healthy Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is one of my favorite cold vegetable salads. My version is healthier than traditional recipes It has more protein, calcium and even some vitamin D. It’s also lower in sodium and fat. This salad is a great choice if you want a traditional summer salad with a nutritional twist.
If you’re looking for other delicious, festive ideas, check out my Pinterest page. Happy summer!
Hi, I’m Heather – a registered dietitian, busy mom, consultant, adventure junkie and travel addict who has mastered living healthy on the go. My blog is where I share simple recipes and healthy living tips to help and inspire others to live their best life.