Picnic time - What are your favs?

Habs2Hart

So, we were originally going to do the cool tour boat thing for our RD, but the cost was stupid high (like a whole wedding high).  So we decided we're going to go super casual.  We are renting a park out (the covered picnic table area just in case) and doing a catered bbq.  Softball and horseshoes and that sort of fun stuff.

So I think we're going to do steak and chicken and shrimp and stuff, but what do you guys like for sides at a picnic in the summer?  I need some ideas!

opalsky007

Deviled eggs. OMNOMNOMNOM

Vinegar-based slaw and potato salad (so the dressing doesn't turn all gross in the heat)

Fruit salad

baystateapple

Ditto fruit salad!

sarah0725

Guacamole!

And in general, fresh-tasting dips that can be shmeared on carbs.

midgetthemighty

Watermelons are a picnic side staple!!

nurse.misty

deviled eggs and potato salad for sure
also baked beans with bbq

slwager

chickpea salad with cilantro, red onion, and balsamic.  so healthy and yummy.  (and no mayo in the heat).

but yes, deviled eggs are the devil because i can eat about 17 of them.

annakb8

Any kind of salads that don't have mayonnaise dressings, partially for food safety reasons, and partially because some people just really hate mayonnaise. This might not be a problem up in Canada, but when I go to bbq/picnic type events back home all the sides are always full of mayonnaise and so I don't eat any of them.

I think fruit salad and pasta salad are good ideas. And be sure to have some really yummy rolls.

shopgrl3177

Fruit salsa with cinnamon chips is my all time favorite bbq food.  I've taken it to several parties and it's always gone.  Here's a recipe but you can use any fruits you want to make it. 
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Annies-Fruit-Salsa-and-Cinnamon-Chips/Detail.aspx
I also like crock pot mac and cheese if you have electric at your picnic site.

mica178

Cold Asian noodle salad (I just love sesame oil).

Potato salad (I love deviled eggs too).

Salumi, cheeses and crackers/bread.

Pickles!

MissOwl

corn on the cob

tayylor65

oil/vinegar based ceasar salad is so good

veggie kabobs maybe?

seedless watermelon definitely

quirky75

I may have to make deviled eggs after reading this post. I agree with everyone who suggested them!

Pasta salad
Hummus
Grilled veggies
Baked beans
Mac and cheese

mandysmear

as long as the mayo is pasteurized the salads will be fine.  it's such a major common misconception.  mayo gets such a bad rep.  it's things like meats at picnics that make people sick.  trufax. 

charcuterie board.  i love having picnics with some italian meats, cheese and olives.

bruschetta

yoko2011

I would offer at least 1 non may option in case people don't care for it or like in my case deathly allergic to it.

Otherwise, tomato mozzarella salad, grilled vegs, watermelon, corn on the cob