Layered Picnic Salad Recipes

LAYERED PICNIC-IN-A-JAR

Steps:

• Place the rice in a medium bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the olives, cilantro, oil, vinegar, and salt, and pepper to make a light vinaigrette. Drizzle the dressing over the rice and toss to coat completely.
• In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil, then add the onions and cook over medium heat until very tender and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, and lemon zest and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chickpeas and stir to coat. Turn the heat up to high and deglaze the pan with the wine. Remove the pan from the heat, season with salt, and pepper, to taste and set aside.
• Place the eggplant cubes in a colander and salt liberally. Let rest for 20 to 30 minutes and then blot with paper towels. In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the onions until tender. Add the blotted eggplant. The eggplant will absorb the oil, but only add more if the eggplant is very dry. Cook for 5 minutes on medium heat, turning occasionally. Add the garlic, and lower the heat, adding a little more oil, if necessary. Season the mixture with salt, and pepper, to taste and cook until the eggplant is tender, about 3 or 4 more minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for a minute to soften just a little and force the juices to release. Turn off the heat. Season with salt, and pepper, and set aside.
• Layer the ingredients decoratively in 4 jam jars starting first with the rice, followed by chick peas, eggplant, chicken, and topped with another layer of rice. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight to prepare for picnic.

LAYERED PICNIC LOAVES

Steps:

• Cut loaves in half horizontally; hollow out tops and bottoms, leaving 1/2-in. shells (discard removed bread or save for another use). , Combine oil and garlic; brush inside bread shells. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Layer bottom of each loaf with a fourth of each: roast beef, mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, salami, artichokes, salad greens, chicken and onion. Repeat layers. Season with salt, pepper and remaining Italian seasoning. , Drizzle with remaining oil mixture if desired. Replace bread tops; wrap tightly and refrigerate at least 1 hour before slicing.

LAYERED PICNIC SALAD

Steps:

• In a 5 to 6 quart clear glass bowl, layer lettuce, broccoli slaw mix, carrots, bell pepper, beans, cheese and tomatoes.
• In small bowl, mix mayo, dressing and Italian seasoning. Spread over top of salad.
• Sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours.
• If desired toss before serving.

OVERNIGHT LAYERED LETTUCE SALAD

Steps:

• In a 4-qt. or 13x9-in. glass dish, layer the first 5 ingredients. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sugar; spoon over salad, spreading to cover., Sprinkle top with cheese, bacon and cranberries. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.

LAYERED RAINBOW SALAD POTS

Steps:

• Cook the pasta until it is still a little al dente (2 mins less than the pack instructions) and drain well. Cook the green beans in simmering water for 2 mins, then rinse in cold water and drain well. Mix the tuna with the mayonnaise and yogurt. Add the chives, if using.
• Tip the pasta into a large glass bowl or four small ones, or four wide-necked jars (useful for taking on picnics). Spoon the tuna dressing over the top of the pasta. Add a layer of green beans, followed by a layer of cherry tomatoes, then the pepper and sweetcorn. Cover and chill until you're ready to eat.