Pasta, orzo and wheat-based grains like bulgur are staples of summer picnics. But with more people learning they’re sensitive to gluten, which is present in each of those ingredients, it’s time to branch out.
Try substituting gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice in your favorite pasta salad recipes. Or skip grains altogether and pick another starchy base like beans, corn or potatoes for a hearty side dish.
Here are five naturally gluten-free salads that will steal the show at your next picnic. Bonus: each one is a reader favorite!
 Grilled Vegetable Platter with Picnic Vinaigrette
Hearty vegetables like eggplant make this dish satisfying, so you won’t miss the grains. Grill the vegetables ahead of time if your picnic site doesn’t have a grill; you can always drizzle the vinaigrette on top after you arrive.
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 Blackberry Farm’s Sweet and Spicy Foothills Coleslaw
Slaw is a must for outdoor dining, and this lightly creamy one features cabbage, carrots and red onion. Serve alongside grilled meats for a gluten-free meal.
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 Fava Bean & Corn Salad with Fresh Mint
Seasonal vegetables from the farmers’ market always win for taste. This combination of fava beans, corn and radishes gains refreshing flavor from mint leaves and a simple vinaigrette.
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 Black Bean, Corn & Quinoa Salad
You don’t have to be gluten sensitive to appreciate quinoa. The fluffy grains are a terrific source of protein, so they pack nutrients into colorful salads like this one.
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 Spicy Potlatch Chicken Salad
This zesty chicken salad travels well in a cooler, and you don’t need sandwich bread to serve it. Buy a head of butter lettuce and tear off the rounded leaves to make “cups” for the salad.
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