Super Spring Salad & A Spring Picnic Giveaway

Spring picnic season is finally upon us (well most of the country anyway) and we couldn't be more excited. Most weekends we pack a picnic basket and head to our local park to meet family or friends and let the kids play until dusk. Ella comes home dirty and exhausted and always sleeps like a champ post picnic. 

We also do some quick weeknight picnics in our front yard. Even if we just eat leftovers a picnic always rids of us any crankiness (this is especially good for Monday nights). A spring picnic is also a lovely casual way to entertain with grown up friends too. I find myself having girlfriends over for wine and cheese on the lawn more often, because its way cheaper than going out and I don't feel like a weirdo for frequently laughing too loud.  This Super Spring Salad is a perfect dish for a grown-up picnic - it can be served warm, cold, or even room temperature and it one takes one pot and a jar to prep! 

Lauren over at Love Lola blog asked if I'd like to contribute to her Spring Picnic menu (which includes some really lovely other bloggers and an awesome Picnic Basket giveaway!) and, of course I said yes, because I clearly love a picnic. Read all about the rest of the Spring Picnic menu, visit the other contributors, and enter the rafflecopter giveaway below! 

Super Spring Salad 
Makes 4 to 6 side servings

8 ounces green beans, trimmed and halved
1 pound asparagus, white woody ends trimmed and halved
8 ounces shelled sweet peas
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup olive oil
4 ounces radishes, sliced
1/4 cup chopped pistachio

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium high heat. Fill a large bowl with ice and water and have standing by. Liberally salt the boiling water and blanch the vegetables. Add the green beans first and cook for 1 minutes, add the asparagus and cook for 1 minute, add the peas and cook for 1 minute. Quick drain the veggies and immediately move to the ice-water bath to chill.

Make the dressing by combining the dijon, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper in a lidded jar. Shake vigorously and then add the olive oil, shake, taste and adjust the seasoning. You may want to add a teaspoon of sugar or honey - if you prefer a sweeter dressing.

Remove the veggies from the ice bath and move to a serving bowl. Add the radishes, pistachios, and dressing - and serve. Or chill the salad for 1 hour before serving. This salad can also be assembled the day before.


SPRING PICNIC MENU & Giveaway 
Appetizer: Avocado and Feta Salsa with Homemade Tortilla Chips  - Emily at Sweet to the Soul
Beverage: Sparkling Cherry Limeade - Mary Beth at Annapolis & Co     
Side Salad: Super Spring Salad - Meghan at Stir and Scribble
Sandwich: Grilled Vegetable Sandwich - Lauren at Love Lola  
Dessert: Lemon Bar - Amanda at Amanda K by the Bay

a Rafflecopter giveaway