Picnic Perfection: A Simple Mayonnaise-Free Summer Salad Recipe

Bring a fresh summer salad recipe to picnics that is free of mayonnaise and other creamy dressings that defy the purpose of a light side dish. This salad incorporates fresh vegetables and herbs in a light and tasty vinaigrette that doesn’t need a heavy or creamy dressing to give it substance. This summer salad recipe is the perfect way to feel light and eat right this season!

Zucchini is often eaten cooked, but it is also great as a raw component to dishes. The acid from the vinaigrette softens the zucchini and makes it more palatable in the salad. The peas in this recipe add a soft texture to each bite while the parsley spruces the salad with freshness. The vinaigrette dressing is simple, but it is just the right touch of tart to keep things interesting for the taste buds. No need for heavy ingredients, meat, or other add-ins. Vegetables are enough to keep you going during a fun-filled, outdoor summer picnic. Enjoy!

Summer Picnic Pea and Veggie Salad

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

Directions

Finely chop the onion, red peppers, zucchini, and cucumbers into pieces large enough to poke with a fork but not that much bigger than the pea itself. Stem and roughly chop the parsley. Rinse and drain the peas to make about 2 cups and place in a medium bowl. 

Credit: Image by Sheri Giblin.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon, oil, and mustard.

Credit: Image by Sheri Giblin.

Toss all ingredients together until evenly combined.

Credit: Image by Sheri Giblin.

 Serve and enjoy!

Photo Credit: GlowKitchen

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