When you think of picnic salads, you probably think of fattening classics like coleslaw, potato salad and macaroni salad. Not only are these traditional salads laden with saturated fat and empty calories, they’re usually bound with mayonnaise, which makes them susceptible to spoilage.
Instead of looking to the usual suspects next time you’re asked to bring a dish to a potluck picnic, opt for something mayo-free that will keep well at room temperature and help you stick to a healthy diet.
Instead of coleslaw…
Apple Slaw: Full of fresh, crunchy apples and mixed with low-fat yogurt, this slaw has less than a hundred calories per serving and is a great alternative to a fuller-fat version.
Asian Cabbage Salad: Not only will this tasty salad be a favorite on its own, but it pairs well with sandwiches, barbecued dishes, stir frys and veggie burgers. Packed with vegetables, it only delivers 85 calories per serving.
Blueberry Jicama Salad: Jicama is a root vegetable popular in salads, fresh fruit combos, fruit bars, soups, and other cooked dishes and adds a satisfying crunch to this refreshing fruit salad.
Instead of macaroni salad…
Macaroni Bean Salad: Replace some of the pasta in your traditional 
macaroni salad recipe with beans. Beans are high in protein and fiber and add bulk to your favorite salad.
Macaroni Corn Salad: Lacing your favorite macaroni salad with vegetables is a great way to add color, fiber and nutrients to your picnic table. If corn is in season, use a farm-fresh variety to add local flavor.
Lemon Couscous Salad: On hot days, couscous is a lighter alternative to heavy pasta dishes that will weigh you down and leave you feeling sluggish and tired. Fresh lemon will add a zesty flavor that tastes even better the next day.
Instead of potato salad….
Sweet Potato Kale Salad: Both sweet potato and kale are power foods, full of vitamins and nutrients. This salad is oil-free and vegetarian with undeniable health benefits.
Fat Free German Potato Salad: If you can’t pass up on potato salad at your next picnic, opt for a fat free version. German potato salad is traditionally made without mayonnaise and lighter than the kind you’d pick up at your local supermarket.
Roasted Wild Mushroom with Fennel Salad: Instead of potatoes, opt for different vegetables all together. Mushrooms and fennel are a great combination.