Grab this Best Summer Salad Recipe for a Picnic

Summer is the season of outdoor dining and nothing captures the spirit of warm weather like a picnic. Need a great salad idea for your next picnic? Check out the best salad recipe for a picnic or 4th of July party.

Whether you’re heading to the park, the beach, or a scenic hiking trail, a picnic is the perfect opportunity to savor delicious food while enjoying the company of friends and the outdoors.

What better way to complement your picnic spread than with a refreshing and flavorful salad? 

Picnics are all about creating lasting memories with loved ones. A well-crafted salad can be the star of the show. 

Imagine a vibrant array of fresh summer vegetables and fruits, tantalizing flavors, and a dressing that ties everything together in perfect balance. Not only does a salad provide a burst of nutrients and flavors, but it also offers a refreshing contrast to heavier picnic fare.

This guide covers picnic-friendly salad ingredients, tips for transporting salads, food safety, and a creative salad in a jar idea to make your summer picnic unforgettable.

Inspiration for this Summer Salad for a Picnic

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Last week, I was scrolling through Pinterest looking for picnic ideas for my 15 Ways to Plan the Perfect Picnic when I came across this image from Nina at Sharing a Journey

What interested me the most was the book lying on the picnic blanket. She didn’t mention it or link to it, but the pretty cover and title piqued my interest. I searched online, found the book and ordered it. I’m so glad I did.

The Picnic is full of advice, suggestions and tips for hosting a picnic. Plus, there are dozens of great recipes. This is where I found the recipe that I’m sharing with you: Tomato, Peach, and Corn with Feta. It has all my favorite summer foods, and one of my favorite cheeses – feta.

And, the illustrations are so darn cute!

So, with my salad recipe chosen, I was ready to plan a picnic.

Salads in a Jar: The Perfect Picnic Companion

For this salad, I opted to serve it in a fun container that can easily be transported to a picnic. I love these jars with a white ceramic flip top. These are originally filled with lemon curd. I found a great alternative with these 8-ounce hinged lids.

When I finished the lemon curd, I squeezed some GooGone on the label, removed it, and then washed the jars in the dishwasher.

This idea is one of the most convenient and visually appealing ways to transport a salad to a picnic. Salads in a jar have become a popular trend, and for good reason. 

I also have two Le Parfait jars I bought in an antique mall in Atlanta. They are available in several sizes.

These are too big for salad in a jar, but fortunately, they come in the perfect little salad-in-a-jar size.

I also like the Weck jars.

They not only look so appealing, but they also keep the ingredients fresh and crisp until you’re ready to enjoy them. And, they make it easy for each guest to have their own salad “bowl”. 

When you’re ready to eat, simply hand out the jar and a fork to each guest. You have a perfectly mixed and dressed salad, ready to be enjoyed.

Food Safety at a Picnic

While picnics are all about fun and relaxation, it’s essential to prioritize food safety, especially when dealing with perishable items like salads. 

To ensure your salad stays fresh and safe to consume, rather than bringing the salad in one large bowl, pack the salad in cute jars in an soft-sided insulated cooler with ice packs. 

This will help maintain the optimal temperature and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Packing individual portions of salad in separate containers minimizes the risk of contamination.

NOTE: As a general rule, perishable foods should not be left out for more than two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F). 

Transporting Your Salad to the Picnic

Transporting your salad to the picnic can be a breeze with a little preparation. 

If you’re opting for a salad in a jar, make sure to pack the jars securely in a cooler or insulated bag to prevent spills and maintain the desired temperature. The ingredients for this delicious summer salad recipe are perfect for placing in an airtight container with a secure lid.

Remember, the key to a successful picnic salad is to keep it fresh, flavorful, and easy to transport. With a little planning and creativity, you can elevate your picnic experience with a delicious and nutritious salad that will have everyone asking for the recipe. You can share this post with your friends!

Ingredients for a Summer Picnic Salad

There are so many different ingredients that can be used in a summer salad. Some work better than others for a salad in a jar.

The key to a successful picnic salad is to choose ingredients that are sturdy, flavorful, and can hold up well when transported and served at room temperature. Layering ingredients in jars or containers can also help keep them fresh until ready to serve.

Picnic-Friendly Ingredients

Here is a list of picnic-friendly salad ingredients; the ingredients with an asterisk are in this delicious salad recipe in a jar.

• Leafy greens – romaine, spinach, arugula, mixed greens
• *Fresh veggies – grape or cherry tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, radishes, corn, peas
• *Fruits – berries, grapes, peaches, apples, oranges, pineapple, mango
• Proteins – grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, tuna, chickpeas, edamame
• *Cheeses – feta, cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan
• Nuts and seeds – almonds, walnuts, pepitas, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
• Grains – quinoa, couscous, farro, pasta)
• Beans – kidney beans, black beans, garbanzo beans – TIP: drain your can of beans and rinse thoroughly before using in a salad.
• *Fresh herbs – basil, cilantro, parsley, dill – I love basil in the summer. We have plenty in our herb garden. In our Zone 8, it’s too warm to grow cilantro and dill.
• *Dressings and vinaigrettes – lemon, lime, sherry, red wine vinegar, champagne vinegars, or creamy dressings like ranch, creamy avocado, or blue cheese

Salad in a Jar Ingredients

The fresh produce ingredients for this particular salad are some of summer’s best seasonal offerings. They all should be in season. 

• 2 ears of best sweet yellow corn on the cob, shucked
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion (about 1/4 of an onion)
• 1 pound ripe peaches, halved, pitted and cut into 1-inch chunks. My favorite summer fruit is peaches, and this salad packs the delicious taste and aroma of fresh peaches.

NOTE: I recommend getting cling-free peaches to easily remove the pit before cutting the peaches. Also, the peaches should be ripe, but firm.

• The original recipe called for heirloom tomatoes cut into 1-inch chunks. I thought it would be easier to slice multi-colored grape tomatoes in red, yellow, and orange in half.
• Good extra virgin olive oil
• Good variety of vinegar, such as red wine, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sherry or champagne. You could even use lemon juice or lime juice. I used sherry vinegar for a lighter taste.
• Chopped fresh summer herbs, such as basil, mint, or tarragon
• Freshly ground black black pepper
• Kosher salt, for seasoning
• Good quality sheep’s milk feta cheese. 

NOTE: Always try to purchase feta in a block in brine for the best taste and freshness.

Other Ingredient Options

There are other delicious ingredients that you could add or substitute in this summer salad.

• red peppers
• kalamata olives
• blueberries
• mozzarella balls

If you have one near you, the Farmer’s Market is the best place to gather these summer favorite fruits and vegetables.

There’s nothing better than fresh, in-season summer fruits and vegetables.

This salad in a jar doesn’t contain leafy greens, which can become wilted in a jar.

Preparing This Delicious Salad in a Jar.

I’ve made this salad twice, and it’s become one of my favorite ways to enjoy summer salad.

• 1. Gather all your ingredients on a sheet pan. Remember, this is called mise en place.

Then prep each ingredient:

• 2. Begin by shucking the corn. Once you have most of the husks removed, cut off the tops and bottoms of the corn cob. This makes it easier to remove the remaining husks.

• 3. Cook the corn in boiling salted water for 5 minutes.

• 4. Remove the corn from the water and place in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.
• 5. Remove after 3 – 5 minutes and pat dry.

NOTE: Place the corn on a cutting board. I like to place a piece of parchment paper on a sheet pan to hold the corn kernels. Then add a cutting board and place the corn cobs on the cutting board.

• 6. If you did not previously cut the tops and bottoms off the corn, do that now. You need a flat bottom so the corn can sit flush on the cutting board.

• 7. Using a sharp knife, cut the kernels off the cob, turning the cob around as you go.
• 8. Thinly slice the red onion.

TIP: To remove the bite of the onion, place the onion in a colander or fine mesh sieve and place it in the same ice bath as the corn. Remove after a few minutes and pat dry.

• 9. Continue by chopping the tomatoes and the peaches. You now have all your veggies and fruits prepped.

The final major ingredient is basil. It’s the perfect summer herb for this salad. This basil is from the herb garden in our backyard.

• 10. You can tear up the basil or slice it in a method called chiffonade. You stack the basil leaves, then roll them up like a cigar.

• 11. Then slice across the “cigar”. The pieces are called rags. Chiffonade is French for “made of rags”.

Assemble the Summer Salad

• 1. Place the corn in a large bowl. Then add the tomatoes, sliced red onion, and peaches.
• 2. Drizzle the vinegar and the extra virgin olive oil over the salad ingredients. I used 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 6 tablespoons of the oil.

NOTE: The standard ratio of vinegar to oil is 1:3. I increased the oil and vinegar amounts considerably from the original recipe. The revised amounts were just right.

• 3. Finally, sprinkle the basil and add a good-sized pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on the salad ingredients.

NOTE: I rarely measure salt and pepper for dishes like this summer salad. I let my taste buds be my judge. Start with a little amount and add more salt until it tastes right to you

• 4. Use a large spoon to gently toss the salad ingredients. Then taste and adjust the seasonings.

The last step is to add the feta. I love feta for its slightly salty, lemony flavor and creamy texture.

NOTE: I always encourage you to purchase blocks of feta in brine. They taste better and last longer than dry crumbled feta.

NOTE: I recommend never buying fat-free feta. I accidentally bought it once, and it tastes horrible.

• 5. Cut the feta into slices, then into pieces. Use your chef’s knife or pastry scraper to break the feta into crumbles.

• 6. Add the feta to the salad.

• 7. At this point, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator.

Serving the Summer Salad

If you are serving the salad at home for a party, you can make the salad the night before or in the morning.

NOTE: If you are making the salad to take to a picnic, you can make the salad as described. In the morning, add the salad to your jars. Return to the fridge until you are ready to pack for your picnic.

Pack the jars in a cooler with ice packs. This tomato, peach, and corn salad is perfect for taking to a picnic. There is nothing that will wilt or get soggy.

NOTE: Don’t forget to pack spoons or forks to eat the salad.

I pretended we were having a picnic in our backyard!

I laid my favorite blue and white quilt (It was my younger daughter’s when she was in junior high and high school.) on the grass. Our picnic basket, which we have used often, served as a little table.

Our liquid refreshment would be a bottle of Prosecco. A bottle of Rosé would also be a lovely accompaniment to the salad.

The pretty blue linen towel is from All Cotton and Linen. They have gorgeous linens of all kinds and graciously sent me these linen dish towels. I fell in love with the French blue color and the classic stripes.

These linen towels can be used for decorative display – I have two hanging on my oven. I think they are too pretty to use as a dish towel. I have four so that I can use them as napkins.

Check out the Super Summer Salad Recipe.

Fun Finds for Your Next Picnic

Ready to make this super summer salad? Here are a few more summer salad recipes and picnic ideas you’ll love:

• 3 Amazing Salads for Your Next Party
• Light and Refreshing Sweet Pea Salad
• 19 Tips for a Successful Picnic

I hope you will make this Tomato, Peach, and Corn Summer Salad recipe this season – and take it on a picnic. Please PIN to your favorite recipe boards. Here are more recipes for summer enjoyment: Salad Recipes and Summer Recipes.

Enjoy your summer and have a picnic.