Recipe Roundup: Picnic Side Dishes

Slimmed-downed versions of the usual suspects.

Article By: Leslie Fink, MS, RD

Image of a man and woman with a picnic basket

A picnic’s not a picnic without some sort of mayo-based side dish. Or is it? Here are lightened-up versions of three standbys — potato salad, macaroni salad and cole slaw — plus, a modern twist on each.

Tomato, Basil and Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad

Italian pasta salad featuring a terrific trio: summer tomatoes, fresh basil and smoked cheese.

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Health Salad

This mayonnaise-free slaw is packed with fresh crisp vegetables, tossed with a cider vinaigrette.

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Creamy Curried Cole Slaw

Yogurt lends creaminess to this cilantro-and-curry-spiked slaw. It’s mildly spiced, just a touch of Indian influence.

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American Potato Salad

An upscale version of the classic made with buttery Yukon gold potatoes, eggs and vinegar.

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Potato and Green Bean Salad

A fresh three-herb sauce deliciously coats fingerling potatoes and crisp-tender green beans.

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