I used to think picnics were the place good foods went to die. Without fail leaking all over the bag they came in,before attempting a run for freedom down the hill/beach/grassy knoll only to be taken out by a colony of virulent ants.
BUT I would like to advise an amendment. They can be glorious. The food just needs to be robust,the picnic blanket large and the attitude positive. Here I have done exactly that with the kind of salads that are made for travel and are comfortable with more ambient (often bloody hot) temperatures.
Potato salad with bacon miso mayonnaise
I love this salty and deeply flavoured dressing. You can leave the bacon in a chunkier texture if you like,but I prefer the dressing smooth,and add texture via the bacon-y addition of crisp pancetta instead. For a chunky dressing,pulse in the blender for about a quarter of the time.
INGREDIENTS
Bacon miso mayo
- 3 rashers bacon (about 140g)
- 1½ heaped tbsp white miso
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 egg yolk
- 350ml rice bran oil
Salad
Charred zucchini,risoni and herb salad with parmesan and pea dressing
The charred gnarly bits are what make this salad sing. Don't be afraid to get (a lot of) colour on your zucchinis,it contrasts delightfully with the light and bright pea and parmesan dressing. You could also try this with Israeli cous cous,which would work just as well as the short pasta.
INGREDIENTS
- 1½ cups risoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 zucchini (about 650g),trimmed,cut in half lengthways
- 2 cloves garlic,roughly chopped
- juice of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup basil leaves,coarsely torn
- ¼ cup firmly packed flat-leaf parsley,chopped
- ¼ cup firmly packed mint leaves,chopped
- ¾ cup hazelnuts,toasted and roughly chopped
Parmesan and pea dressing
Quick green slaw with harissa dressing and pepitas
This simple slaw,all green and bright,is taken up a notch with the addition of a tart harissa dressing and the crunch of pepitas (pumpkin seeds). Harissa is incredibly variable in heat between brands so add slowly,taste often and adjust to your preference.
INGREDIENTS
Dressing
- ¾ cup natural yoghurt
- 1 clove garlic,crushed
- juice and zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp rose harissa paste (or harissa paste),or to taste