I always enjoy eating as many meals as possible in the great outdoors, but now that the socially distanced picnic appears to be one of the safest ways to gather with loved ones outside of our own households, al fresco dining is more meaningful and pleasurable than ever.
So if you're planning to have as many dispersed picnics this summer as I am, you're going to need some new recipes in your back pocket to keep your routine from getting stale.
The salad recipe I'm sharing with you below is the perfect dish for summer picnics, if I do say so myself. It's flexible - almost any combination of spring and summer vegetables will work beautifully - and it's sturdy enough to last outside of the refrigerator for several hours with no ill effects. And I am obsessed with this dressing. Whenever I make this recipe, I always make a double batch of the dressing and put it on absolutely everything until it runs out.
If you're serving this at home, the salad is lovely presented on a platter, family-style. If you're bringing the salad to share with others on a socially-distanced picnic, simply pack up the ingredients in single-serving plastic containers for each guest. This recipe will serve 3-5 people depending on their appetites and whether you're serving the salad as an appetizer or a main course.
Please, of course, follow all recommended safety guidelines in your area, but with those in mind: go forth and enjoy the beautiful weather with a socially distanced picnic!
Summer Veggie + Quinoa Salad with Cilantro Dressing
1/2 cup quinoa
2 oz finely grated Monterey Jack cheese
2 oz finely grated sharp cheddar
Approximately 4 cups of seasonal vegetables, chopped and cooked as needed
1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed
Cilantro leaves to garnish
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, packed
2 garlic cloves
1 jalapeno pepper, halved and seeded
1/2 cup olive or grapeseed oil
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground cumin
freshly ground black pepper
Related: The Dialogue Team's Stay-at-Home Recipes