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These Easy Picnic Recipes and smart picnic food ideas will ensure your summer pienics are full of food, fun and laughter. Get the party started with my sure-fire tips for grilling the perfect burgers. And make up a big batch of homemade lemonade with the kids, using my easy recipe. Fried chicken is the perfect easy picnic food because you can make it in advance and serve it cold. Could there be an easier picnic recipe?And don't forget the picnic sides and salads. My easy picnic salad recipes include classics, like potato salad and cole slaw, plus new favorites. And no picnic would be complete without dessert. These easy picnic dessert recipes will have your guests going home happy -- guaranteed!

1. Take This Quiz to Learn How to Practice Picnic Food Safety

What temperature should chicken breasts be cooked to? How long is it safe to leave potato salad out? Discover the answers to these questions and more by taking my Picnic Food Safety Quiz.

2. Tips for Grilling Burgers

If you want to go with a classic entree for your picnic, there's nothing better than burgers. These tips will tell you everything from how to choose the best meat for the juiciest burgers to how to season burgers properly to how to know when a burger is cooked through.

3. How to Make Fried Chicken

I'm a big fan of make-ahead dishes. The only problem with some barbecues and summer picnic foods is that you have to make the main course at the last minute. With fried chicken, though, you can make it ahead of time and serve it cold. Or heat it up. The choice is yours. But you don't have to fuss at the last minute, so you have more time to be with your friends.

This step-by-step instructions show you how to make perfectly crispy, juicy buttermilk fried chicken.

4. Salad Recipes

Round out your picnic with these easy salad recipes. You'll discover vegetable salad recipes, fruit salad recipes, pasta salad recipes, potato salad recipes and more salads to fill out your perfect picnic.

5. How to Make Lemonade

There is nothing quite like the sweet-tart taste of lemonade on a hot summer day. With these step-by-step directions, you can make your own homemade lemonade in minutes.

6. Easy Summer Desserts

Complete your picnic with something sweet. Choose from 10 easy summer dessert recipes, including homemade strawberry ice cream, blueberry pie, ice cream sandwich cake and the best chocolate chip cookies.

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This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe can easily be changed to suit your family's tastes and the vegetables that are in season. Use green peppers in place of red, if that's what you have in your garden. Or skip the artichokes if your family doesn't like them.

This cold pasta salad recipe makes a great side dish to go with Burgers to Fried Chicken.

Take this to a potluck, and everyone will be asking you for this recipe for pasta salad.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients

* 16 oz. short pasta, such as macaroni
* 1 medium zucchini, diced
* 1 red pepper, diced
* 1 small onion, diced
* 1 6 oz. jar marinated artichokes, drained
* 1/2 cup sliced black olives
* 1 16 oz. bottle garlic ranch dressing
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of water for the pasta to boil. Cook 6-8 minutes, according to package directions. Drain.

2. Toss pasta with zucchini, red pepper, onion, artichokes and black olives.

3. Add about 3/4 of the bottle of salad dressing. Toss. If the salad is not well-coated, add the rest of the bottle.

4. Refrigerate, if planning to serve later. When ready to serve, tp with grated cheese.

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This Ramen Noodle Cole Slaw Recipe makes a great side dish for picnics, cookouts and barbecues. It goes great with everything from burgers to Fried Chicken.

But you don't have to wait for a cookout. This Ramen Noodle Cole Slaw makes an excellent, easy side dish for Chili, chicken recipes too.

Ingredients

* 1/2 cup canola oil
* 1/4 cup rice vinegar
* 2 Tbsp. honey
* 1 3 oz. package oriental-flavored Ramen noodles
* 16 oz. package cole slaw mix (cabbage, carrots) or 1 large head cabbage, shredded
* 1/2 cup peanuts

Preparation

1. In a large salad bowl, whisk together canola oil, vinegar and honey. Whisk in the seasoning packet from the Ramen noodles.

2. Place Ramen noodles in a sealed plastic bag, and crush with your fingers or a rolling pin. Pour into the dressing in the salad. bowl.

3. Pour cole slaw mix over top. Toss to coat well with the dressing.

4. Top with peanuts.

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Waldorf Salad is a wonderful combination of apples, celery, raisins and walnuts. But unlike traditional Waldorf Salad Recipe, this one doesn't have a mayonnaise-based dressing. Instead, vanilla yogurt and sour cream are combined for a sweet and tangy recipe for Waldorf salad the kids will love!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

* 2 medium red apples, diced
* 2 medium Granny smith apples, diced
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
* 1/2 cup raisins
* 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
* 1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
* 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh mint
* 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Preparation

Toss all ingredients in a bowl together until well-blended. Serve immediately or chill, covered, for up to 4 hours before serving.

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This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe makes a delicious lunch or light dinner. With crunchy chow mein noodles, sweet mandarin oranges and rotisserie chicken breast, this Chinese Chicken Salad is sure to be a hit with the kids.

The secret to making salads kids love? Chopping the lettuce very finely, so they can grab everything on one fork.

That makes it easier for everyone to eat, and somehow magically makes this oriental chicken salad more appealing to kids.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

* 1 8-12 oz. bag romaine lettuce or field greens
* 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast (or any cooked chicken breast)
* 1 15 oz. can mandarin oranges, well drained
* 1/4 cup sliced almonds
* 1/2 cup chow mein noodles
* 1/2 cup bottled Asian salad dressing or the recipe below
* Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup rice vinegar
* 2 Tbsp. sugar
* 1 Tbsp. orange marmalade
* 1 tsp. soy sauce
* 1 tsp. freshly-ground black pepper

Preparation:

1. Wash bagged lettuce and pat dry with paper towels. Chop finely into bite-size pieces. Transfer to a large salad bowl.

2. Add chicken, mandarin oranges, almonds and chow mein noodles. Toss well.

3. Pour bottled dressing over and toss. Or, whisk together all ingredients for the dressing, and toss well.

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This Seven Layer Salad is the perfect addition to any party, potluck or holiday celebration. It looks attractive, tastes great, and best of all, you can make this layer salad in advance. Feel free to vary the ingredients, but be sure to use a tall glass bowl for this Seven Layer Salad Recipe.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

* 6 slices bacon
* 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded or chopped
* 1 yellow onion, diced
* 3/4 cup diced celery
* 1 medium red pepper, seeded and diced
* 1 10 oz. package frozen peas, thawed
* 1-1/4 cups mayonnaise
* 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preparation

1. Fry bacon. Drain on paper towels, and set aside.

2. Place lettuce in a tall glass bowl.

3. Scatter onions over lettuce in an even layer.

4. Top with layers of celery, red pepper and frozen peas.

5. Whisk together mayonnaise and sugar. Spread evenly over peas, like icing.

6. Top with shredded cheese. Crumble bacon over cheese.

7. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.

8. When ready to serve, toss salad.

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This Mexican Pasta Salad Recipe is perfect for picnics, barbecues and potlucks. Jicama adds crunch to this Mexican pasta salad, but if you can't find it at the supermarket, just leave it out. You can make this cold pasta salad in advance and just add the dressing right before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Yield: 6 Servings, Mexican Pasta Salad

Ingredients

* 8 oz. short pasta (macaroni, rotini, shells)
* 1 14.5 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 cup frozen corn
* 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and diced
* 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar cheese)
* 1 cup chopped jicama
* 1 cup packed chopped lettuce (optional)

Mexican Pasta Salad Dressing
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 2 Tbsp. Tomato Salsa
* 1 Tbsp. mild chili powder

Preparation

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.

2. Toss pasta with black beans, corn, chopped red pepper, cheese, jicama and lettuce. If making this pasta salad in advance, stop here, and refrigerate until just before serving.

3. Make dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, salsa and chili powder. Toss dressing with pasta salad.

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This Mustard Potato Salad is a favorite among kids and adults alike. I like Yukon gold potatoes for this mustard potato salad recipe, but russet potatoes work fine, too.

Serve this mustard potato salad at your next picnic, potluck or cookout with Bacon Cheeseburgers or Fried Chicken.

Ingredients:

* 2-3 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
* 2 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish
* 1 tsp. kosher salt
* 1/2 tsp. freshly-ground black pepper
* 5-6 dashes hot sauce, to taste
* 1/2 cup chopped celery

Preparation:

1. Place potatoes in a heavy saucepan. Cover with water by one inch.

2. Bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain. You'll want the potatoes to cool quite a bit before making the mustard potato salad.

3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, relish, salt, pepper and hot sauce. This is your dressing for the mustard potato salad.

4. Fold in celery and potatoes.

5. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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This Strawberry Spinach Salad is one of my favorite ways to enjoy fresh strawberries. Look for glazed pecans in the produce section of your supermarket. If you don't care for spinach, you can always substitute romaine lettuce in this spinach strawberry salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

* 10 oz. fresh spinach, washed and patted dry with paper towels
* 1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
* 1/2 cup glazed pecans (such as Emerald brand)
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise (low-fat is okay)
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
* kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation

1. Place spinach, strawberries and pecans in a large salad bowl.

2. Whisk together remaining ingredients. Pour over salad. Toss well.

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Related : Great Salad Recipes

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Salad Recipe don't have to be just leafy greens tossed with tomatoes. These salad recipes range from classic picnic salads to green salads to hearty salad recipes. All of these easy salad recipes are sweet, crunchy and fresh.

1. Broccoli Salad Recipe

This broccoli salad recipe has it all: sweet raisins, crunchy almonds, creamy cheese and crisp bacon. And it's all tossed in a sweet and creamy dressing the kids will adore.

2. Mustard Potato Salad Recipe

This is one of those easy salad recipes you'll find yourself making all summer long. Creamy, sweet (thanks to the pickle relish) and tangy, this potato salad goes great with burgers, chicken, sandwiches, ribs, really anything!

3. Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Sweet, juicy strawberries and glazed walnuts brighten up spinach in this sweet salad recipe that tastes great when strawberries are in season.

4. Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

This Italian pasta salad recipe has all the flavors you've come to love about Italian food: zucchini, red pepper, marinated artichokes, black olives and Parmesan cheese. Tossed with elbow pasta and a garlic ranch dressing it's a snap to prepare, too.

5. Ramen Noodle Cole Slaw Recipe

This is one of those easy salad recipes that's guaranteed to be a hit with the kids. Crispy and crunchy, this coleslaw is perfect for picnics and barbecues.

6. Waldorf Salad Recipe

This easy salad recipe has a secret ingredient: fresh chopped mint. It makes it just a little different from the typical Waldorf salad recipe.

7. Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

Rotisserie chicken breast, bagged lettuce greens and bottled Asian salad dressing make this easy salad recipe a snap to prepare. Sweet mandarin oranges, almonds and chow mein noodles add great flavor to this hearty salad.

8. Seven Layer Salad Recipe

With lots of kid-pleasing flavors, this easy salad recipe makes an appearance at lots of parties and potlucks in our house.

9. Mexican Pasta Salad Recipe

This easy salad recipe has lots of hearty Mexican flavors, including black beans, red bell pepper, Mexican cheese and jicama for added crunch.

10. Broccoli Slaw Recipe

This crunchy broccoli slaw recipe makes a great side salad for parties, picnics and barbecues. It has a sweet and creamy dressing that appeals to kids and adults alike.

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Related : Salad Recipe

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This Broccoli Salad Recipe artfully combines the flavors of sweet, salty and crunchy. Unlike some broccoli raisin salads, which use raw broccoli, this one blanches the broccoli briefly before tossing into the salad. The result is a more tender broccoli salad recipe.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

* 5 strips bacon
* 5 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
* 1/2 cup slivered almonds (toasted, if desired)
* 1/2 cup raisins
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup diced red onion
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
* 2 Tbsp. sugar

Preparation

1. Fry bacon until crisp. Drain.

2. Fill a 3-quart saucepan three-quarters of the way full. Bring to a boil. While water is heating, fill a large bowl with ice and cold water.

3. Add broccoli to boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Immediately drain and plunge into ice water.

4. Drain and transfer to a salad bowl. Add almonds, raisins, cheese, and onion.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar. Pour over broccoli mixture and toss well.

6. Mix in half of the bacon. Crumble the remaining bacon over the top of the salad just before serving.

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This Green Salad Recipe starts with bagged lettuce and has all the flavors of a fruit and nut salad that kids really like -- chopped apples, hazelnuts, cheese. Sweet and Sour Meatballs or Vegetable Lasagna make perfect partners for this Apples Salad Recipe.

Ingredients

* 1 16 oz. bag pre-washed salad greens (such as romaine, radicchio, butter lettuce)
* 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced
* 3/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
* 2 oz. gruyere or swiss cheese, diced
* 1/2 bottle raspberry vinaigrette dressing

Preparation

1. Wash and dry salad greens. Place in a large salad bowl.

2. Add chopped apple, hazelnuts and cheese. Toss well.

3. Just before serving, toss with raspberry vinaigrette dressing.

Serves 4-6.

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