"Oh, just bring a salad" or "bring something to share" are not always what guests to picnics, potlucks, and backyard barbecues want to hear. Whether you've been asked to bring something or you're trying to cook enough so your guests don't have to bring anything but their smiling faces, these easy salads and slaws are perfect for any summertime picnic, potluck, or barbecue.
1. Classic Creamy Cole Slaw
Photo © Molly Watson
Think cole slaw needs mayonnaise? Nope. Classic Creamy Cole Slaw uses a bit of cream and malt vinegar (whose acidic nature naturally thickens the cream to dressing-like consistency) to dress shredded cabbage. This recipe is quick, easy, and results in the perfect creamy slaw.
2. Corn, Cucumber & Tomato Salad
Photo © Molly Watson
Corn, Cucumber, Tomato Salad is fresh, cool, and super easy. It's a great summer salad and goes great alongside any grilled meal and the perfect addition to any potluck.
3. Corn, Tomato & Basil Salad
Photo © Molly Watson
Use only the freshest, sweetest corn for this Corn, Tomato & Basil Salad. The kind that’s so tender and sweet you can eat it raw! This salad is wonderful with pretty much any grilled meal, or as part of a no-cook summer dinner.
4. Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
Photo © Molly Watson
Make this light and easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad filled with fresh herbs and lemon. Perfect at picnics and barbecues.
5. Mint Jalapeno Green Bean Salad
Photo © Molly Watson
Give fresh steamed green beans a bright, hot kick in the pants with this minted jalapeno marinade. This Mint Jalapeno Green Bean Salad only gets more delicious as it sits, making it perfect for bringing to parties.
6. Red Cabbage Slaw
Photo © Molly Watson
Pretty and bright, this Red Cabbage Slaw couldn't be easier - it's just thinly sliced red cabbage with vinegar and salt. Note to picnickers and pot luck party goers: it transports perfectly and easily doubles or triples for a crowd.
7. Shaved Zucchini Salad
Photo © Molly Watson
Serve this beautiful, tempting Shaved Zucchini Salad of very thinly sliced zucchini and/or summer squash with grilled meats or chicken or simple summer fish.
8. Spicy Pepper Slaw
Photo © Molly Watson
This quick Spicy Pepper Slaw of thinly sliced bell peppers and a minced chile pepper tastes great alongside grilled meats. It's pictured here made with green bell peppers, but it's equally delicious – and a bit sweeter – when made with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers.
9. Strawberry Poblano Salad
Photo © Molly Watson
Mild and crunchy poblano chiles (also sold as pasillas) paired with sweet strawberries and zesty spring onions make this Strawberry Poblano Salad a real crowd-pleaser.
10. Watermelon & Feta Salad
Photo © Molly Watson
Just a bit of minced red onion really highlights the sweetness of the watermelon and the saltiness of the feta cheese in this make a pretty, refreshing Watermelon & Feta Salad.
