Summers in Detroit feel just right with the sun hanging high over the Detroit River, Belle Isle humming with activity, and outdoors bursting with life. It’s the season of picnic blankets and packed coolers. The classic potato salad and deli sandwiches do still have undeniable charm, but we can help you reimagine your picnic spread like never before.
No matter whether you’re packing a picnic salad for a Belle Isle afternoon or just want a bowl full of fresh salads that travel well, don’t worry, we’ve got you. Infusing your summer picnics with crisp microgreens, colorful edible flowers, and bold flavors that celebrate Detroit’s energy is no less than a party.
Let’s dive into a reimagination of a Detroit picnic with fresh salads, Pinteresty moodboards, and happy weather.
What Makes a Great Picnic Salad?
Let’s be real, not all salads can handle the hot afternoon sun. The best picnic salad should not just be delicious, it should have structure. A great picnic salad should be a harmony of texture, color, and layers of flavor that hold up under the sun. We’re talking:
- Greens and grains that don’t go soggy
- Ingredients that travel well and are easy to prep ahead
- No reheating required
- Chilled, refreshing, and cooler-friendly
Additional points for the savouriest of salads that look as good as they taste. Fresh salads loaded with microgreens and garnished with edible flowers create a vibrant visual and a punch of flavour and they hold their own until the very last bite.
Our Favorite Microgreen Picnic Salads for a Detroit Summer
A good mixed salad is enough to bring a smile to our faces. These picnic salad ideas are a flexible option when it comes to prepping in advance, assembling them on the spot, or serving them at a big family brunch.
You’ll notice that we prefer fresh salads that feature crisp greens, colorful garnishes, and zippy dressings; all made to shine under the Michigan sun.
1. Sweet Corn & Micro Cilantro Salad
There’s nothing more Midwest-summer than sweet corn. Roast it ahead of time and toss with juicy cherry tomatoes, Planted’s micro cilantro, and a tangy lime vinaigrette. Serve cold, with a side of taco chips or spooned over avocado toast. Picnic perfection.
2. Watermelon Mint Salad with Edible Flowers
Keep it simple and stunning. Combine cubed watermelon with radish microgreens and fresh mint. Toss gently with lemon juice, then sprinkle edible flower petals; nasturtiums or snapdragons are perfect here for a salad that tastes like summer in a bowl.
3. Herby Lentil Salad with Pea Shoots
Need something hearty? Mixing cooked green lentils with red onion, dill, mustard vinaigrette, and fresh pea shoots will be the recipe that satisfies your soul and your stomach. This one is known to chill like a dream, pack serious flavor, and bring plant-based protein to your family’s picnic table.
4. Microgreen Caesar Salad in a Jar
Layer your salad in a mason jar: dressing first, then croutons, micro romaine, parmesan, and a handful of arugula microgreens. Shake just before serving. Crisp, creamy, and no soggy bites in sight.
5. Michigan Summer Salad Bowl
Think indulgent salads, but fancy. With frill, kale, Pak Choi, pea shoots and romaine, the Michigan Summer Salad Bowl is the perfect picnic salad bowl that matches your mood. The flavors of dried cherries and honeycrisp apples will give your picnic all the oomph.
Pack It Right: How to Picnic Like a Pro in Detroit
When your picnic salad lineup is ready to go, make sure that it stays cool and crisp from the kitchen to Belle Isle. Or Palmer Park. Or maybe Eastern Market.
Here are a few pro-picnic tips we swear by:
- Use glass jars or reusable silicone bags to minimize waste
- Keep dressing separate until the last moment
- Layer greens on top to avoid wilting
- Freeze your water bottles or pack ice packs to maintain chill
Want some visual inspiration? Check out this YouTube video on healthy picnic ideas in Detroit.
Where to Get Your Picnic Greens
We are obsessed with growing fresh salads that taste hand-picked right from the first bite—because actually they were. Grown indoors at Michigan’s largest vertical farm, our greens are pesticide-free, harvested to order, and designed to last.
Whether you’re curating your own picnic bundle or shopping for the week, we’ve got everything you need to rethink your next outdoor meal.
Delivery? We’re at your service for that too, every Wednesday. And you’ll also find us on Market Wagon Detroit. We’re here to help you redesign the picnic salad of your dreams; fresher, greener, and grown right here in Detroit.