The ultimate picnic salad, in my opinion, is this recipe from Nigella Lawson.
Don’t be inclined to skip any of the ingredients because they all go so well together. And don’t be tempted to substitute the fennel for cucumber, which would make the lettuce soggy.
However, I have made it very successfully using less oil - even half the amount Nigella states - ie. 100 ml - so I'll leave that decision up to you.
Start preparing this at least TWO HOURS BEFORE you want to transport it, because you must not miss out leaving the onions to marinade – this is a vital part of the recipe. Or you could transport the onion part separately and mix at the picnic site.
I think you’ll find that you’ll be making this over and over again, picnic or no picnic! It’s yummy. That's why I call it the ultimate picnic salad.
These ingredients make enough for 6 people, , served with some nice bread. Or mix with other salads and picnic meal ideas for more variety.
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 red onion, finely sliced
black pepper
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
200 ml extra virgin olive oil (or less - see above)
5 or 6 tomatoes
1 tsp caster sugar
pinch of salt
1 large Romaine (or Kos) lettuce (don't use a lettuce which will wilt easily)
1 bulb fennel
125 g pitted black olives
400 g Feta cheese
juice of half a lemon
Sprinkle the oregano over the red onion slices and grind some black pepper over. Toss this mixture well in the oil and vinegar. Cover and leave to marinade for at least 2 hours.
Two or more hours later - cut the tomatoes into quarters and then into quarters again, lengthwise, so that you have a collection of fine segments. Sprinkle the sugar and salt over them and set aside.
Tear the lettuce into big pieces and put into a large bowl or picnic salad container. Slice the fennel and add that, and then the olives and Feta cheese, crumbled into chunks. Toss gently.
Add the tomatoes, the onion with marinade and the lemon juice. Toss gently but thoroughly so that everything is well combined.
Nigella says this salad is addictive. I agree with her! I hope you find it turns out to be your ultimate picnic salad too.
