How much better does it get than a picnic? Getting to sample a little of everything? A foodie’s DREAM! Dips and desserts are always welcome picnic foods, but a picnic isn’t complete without the sides and salads!
To prepare for picnic season, we’ve gathered EASY, crowd-pleasing salads and sides, including ones that are portable, keep well, or are at least partially make-ahead friendly! Scroll through to start planning your next picnic.
(Note: Dietary symbols listed throughout for easy navigation!)
Mediterranean-Inspired Orzo Pasta Salad
Fresh, colorful Mediterranean-inspired Orzo Pasta Salad! Plant-based, gluten-free optional, and perfect for BBQs, picnics, and beyond. Just 30 minutes required!
Easy Three Bean Salad
Three bean salad: a GO-TO side for summer gatherings, or any time you’re craving an easy, fiber-packed dish made with pantry staples! Just 1 bowl and 10 minutes required.
Simple Vegan Potato Salad
Creamy, vegan potato salad made with tender potatoes, crispy vegetables, and a zesty, garlic-herb cashew sauce! Undetectably dairy-free and so delicious! A hearty, versatile, plant-based side dish.
Chickpea Shawarma Dip
Amazing, 30-minute shawarma-inspired dip with baked chickpeas, parsley-tomato salad, and an easy 4-ingredient garlic dill sauce!
Vegan Macaroni Salad
30-minute vegan pasta salad loaded with colorful veg and tossed in a dairy-free, undetectably tofu-based dressing. Perfect for summer shindigs, cookouts, and picnics.
Crunchy Jicama Slaw (1 Bowl!)
Crunchy jicama slaw with carrots, cabbage, and red onion tossed in a zesty lime-balsamic vinaigrette! Fresh, flavor-packed, and incredibly versatile (great for tacos, bowls, salads, and more!). Just 9 ingredients, 1 bowl, and 30 minutes required!
Easy Roasted Potato Salad with Garlic Dill Dressing
A delicious spin on classic potato salad with roasted gold and sweet potatoes tossed in a zingy, garlicky, herby dressing. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and year-round! Just 7 ingredients required.
Penne Pasta Salad (30 Minutes!)
Wholesome and delicious classic pasta salad made with creamy pesto dressing and roasted tomatoes. Made with just 9 ingredients in 30 minutes! The perfect quick + easy side dish.
Easy Vegan Coleslaw
A vegan take on classic coleslaw salad made with 10 simple ingredients! Easy, crunchy, fresh, tangy, and the perfect side for BBQs, sandwiches, and more!
Harissa Marinated Chickpeas
Delicious harissa marinated chickpeas, ready in minutes! Just 8 simple ingredients required for these saucy, smoky chickpeas perfect for salads, sandwiches, bowls, and more!
Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad (Mayo-Free!)
An EASY, plant-based take on classic broccoli salad with coconut bacon, sunflower seeds, and a simple cashew dressing! Just 10 simple ingredients and 20 minutes required!
Grilled Corn with Sriracha Aioli
Perfect grilled corn with a savory, spicy sriracha aioli. The perfect summer side dish or snack. 10 ingredients, vegan, and gluten-free.
Crunchy Cabbage Slaw with Sesame Ginger Dressing
Easy, flavorful, crunchy slaw with cabbage, shredded chicken, carrots, and a ginger-sesame dressing! Almonds and sesame seeds add crunch to this delicious, 30-minute salad!
1-Pot BBQ Baked Beans
Saucy, smoky BBQ pinto beans simmered in 1 pot in a rich sauce of spices, tomato paste, mustard, and coconut sugar. A healthier take on this classic dish!
Simple French-Style Potato Salad
A simple take on potato salad with fresh herbs, onion, and a light mustard vinaigrette. The perfect plant-based side for cookouts, sandwiches, and more!
Spicy Fruit Salad
A simple, 15-minute fruit salad with mango, blueberry, strawberry, and kiwi, dressed with lime juice and chili powder! Spicy-sweet, healthy, and so delicious. Perfect for summer BBQs and heat-free meals!
Lemony White Bean Quinoa Salad
Easy, nourishing white bean quinoa salad with fresh parsley, garlic, lemon, and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes. Just 10 ingredients, 1 bowl, and 30 minutes required for this fiber-packed, plant-based side!
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta (V + GF)
Simple, 6-ingredient Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta that comes together in 20 minutes! An easy, healthy vegan, gluten-free lunch or dinner.
Crunchy Kale Salad with Spicy Cashew Sesame Dressing
Super crunchy kale salad with a quick, creamy cashew-sesame dressing! Crunchy Miso Chickpeas are optional for added crunch and protein! A delicious, hearty plant-based entrée or side.
Creamy Sesame Noodle Salad (30 Minutes!)
Creamy and satisfying sesame noodle salad that’s perfect for picnics or BBQs! A great side dish to serve with tempeh, tofu, or chicken skewers. Just 30 minutes required!
Simple Quinoa Black Bean Salad
Fresh, crunchy, versatile quinoa salad with corn, black beans, and a zippy lime vinaigrette. Simple, wholesome ingredients, ready in just 30 minutes, and perfect for everything from BBQs to meal prep!
Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pinwheels
Amazing, flavorful Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pinwheels that come together in 15 minutes with 8 ingredients. The perfect crowd-pleasing summer appetizer.
Grilled Corn & Zucchini Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
An amazing, light summer dish: 30-minute Grilled Zucchini & Corn Salad with sun-dried tomato vinaigrette! Top with roasted chickpeas for even more protein.
Summer Tomato & Cantaloupe Salad
A summery, 10-ingredient melon salad with cantaloupe and mint tossed in lime juice, paired with cucumber, tomatoes, and onion tossed in a light vinaigrette. Refreshing, fiber-rich, and so delicious.
Rainbow Quinoa Salad with Chili Garlic Sesame Dressing (30 Minutes!)
A healthy, filling, 30-minute Asian-inspired Rainbow Quinoa Salad with edamame, crisp veggies, and a spicy-sour-sweet dressing! A simple plant-based entrée or side.
If you try any of these picnic recipes, let us know! Leave a comment or take a picture and tag it @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
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