Created 6/14/2011
By keeping your refrigerator stocked with a variety of fresh, savory, sweet, crunchy, salty and tangy ingredients, you’ll be ready for impromptu summer picnics any day of the week.
When packing salads for on-the-go munching, store ingredients in an airtight container with a damp paper towel placed over the fresh vegetables to keep them hydrated; discard the paper towel before enjoying your salad. Pack oil-based dressings in a separate container and pour over your salad just before eating. Avoid mayonnaise or dairy-based dressings, as they tend to spoil quickly in the summer heat.
Ingredients for the perfect summer picnic salad:
- Something fresh: Color is key; choose a variety of colorful vegetables, along with nutritionally super-charged greens such as spinach or arugula.
- Something savory: Healthy, lean proteins such as tuna, poached chicken breast, beans or tofu, seasoned with spices will satisfy your umami craving.
- Something sweet: Fresh or dried fruit will add a bit of sweetness and balance to your salad.
- Something crunchy: Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds or even crushed whole-grain cereals will add crunch and nutrition to your salad.
- Something salty: A sprinkle of Parmesan or shredded Cheddar will add that salty bite, without a lot of sodium.
- Something tangy: A bright lemony dressing or tangy apple cider vinaigrette will add the zing every salad needs.