How to Make a Delicious French Salad for Your Next Picnic

If you're planning a picnic and want to impress your friends with a delightful dish, a French salad is the perfect choice. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it's also a refreshing addition to any picnic spread. Follow this guide to create a delicious French salad that will be the star of your outdoor meal.

Ingredients You'll Need

For a classic French picnic salad, gather the following ingredients:

  • 4 cups mixed greens (like arugula, spinach, and frisée)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cooked and cooled green beans
  • 1 cup French beans (or haricots verts)
  • 1/2 cup olives (preferably Nicoise or Kalamata)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh herbs (like parsley, basil, or chives), chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing

To enhance your salad, whip up a quick dressing with these ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Steps

Now that you have everything ready, follow these steps to prepare your French salad:

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Rinse your mixed greens thoroughly and dry them with a salad spinner or paper towels. Wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they're bright green and tender-crisp. Plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, cooked green beans, and olives. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
  5. Add Cheese and Herbs: Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese and chopped fresh herbs on top. Give the salad another gentle toss and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Your French salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Pack it in a suitable container for your picnic. For the best flavor, consider letting it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to meld with the veggies.

Pair your salad with some crusty French bread or a selection of cured meats for a complete picnic experience. Don’t forget to bring along some refreshing beverages like sparkling water or French wine to complement your delicious meal.

Final Tips

Baking in advance? You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad right before you eat. This keeps the greens crisp and fresh. A French salad is versatile and can be altered to suit your taste. Feel free to add grains like quinoa or couscous for a more filling option, or include seasonal ingredients for extra flavor. Enjoy your outdoor lunch under the sun with this delectable French salad!