12 Picnic-Perfect Salads

Next time you pack a picnic, toss up one of these tasty salads. From French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese to Asian Slaw with Ginger-Peanut Dressing, they all travel well and taste better with time.



1. French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese







I make this earthy lentil and veggie salad when I'm craving something wholesome. It's made with French green lentils, which stay firm and hold their shape when cooked. GET THE RECIPE



2. French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette







Inspired by the French classic bistro dish, this carrot salad is light, crunchy and -- best of all -- easy to make. GET THE RECIPE



3. Asian Chicken Noodle Salad with Ginger-Peanut Dressing







An Asian noodle salad is always a crowd-pleaser. This one is bulked up with shredded roasted chicken, fresh veggies, and chopped peanuts for a little crunch. GET THE RECIPE



4. Black Bean Salad with Corn, Red Peppers and Avocado in a Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette







AKA "Veggie Crack" because it's so addictive, this salad is perfect for entertaining because you can make it ahead of time -- in fact, you should because it gets better and better the longer it sits. GET THE RECIPE



5. Asian Slaw with Ginger-Peanut Dressing







This Asian slaw is great way to eat your colors, and it's every bit as delicious as it is healthful. GET THE RECIPE



6. Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Cheddar & Almonds







The raw broccoli is this salad soaks up the creamy dressing -- softening a bit but remaining crisp -- and marries beautifully with bits of salty bacon, Cheddar cheese and crunchy almonds. GET THE RECIPE



7. Curried Chicken Salad with Grapes & Cashews







Chicken salad makes a perfect picnic lunch. And this one with shredded roasted chicken, grapes and cashews in a creamy curry dressing is a delicious twist on the traditional version. GET THE RECIPE



8. Southwestern Quinoa Salad with Corn, Tomatoes, Avocado & Lime







Quinoa is a high protein seed with a fluffy, slightly crunchy texture. Pair it with fresh corn, tomatoes and avocado and you've got a Southwestern-style salad that's as delicious as it is good for you. GET THE RECIPE



9. Bulgur Salad with Cucumbers, Red Peppers, Chickpeas, Lemon and Dill







Made with bulgur, fresh herbs, chopped vegetables and chickpeas, this popular Middle Eastern-style salad is like a bulked-up tabbouleh. GET THE RECIPE



10. Fresh Corn Salad with Scallions and Basil







This fresh corn salad is a delicious alternative to boiled corn on the cob. Plus, you can make it ahead of time. GET THE RECIPE



11. Minted Cucumber Salad







Refreshing and light, this crunchy cucumber salad satisfies on a hot day. It's especially good with barbecue. GET THE RECIPE



12. Strawberry and Orange Salad with Citrus Syrup & Fresh Mint







This salad is such a nice change of pace from the standard mix of pre-cut fruit from the supermarket. Serve it plain or with with poundcake. GET THE RECIPE

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