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The long, lazy, sun-soaked days of summer are the perfect opportunity to start having picnics, and there are so many great places to do so. From the park to the beach to your own backyard, a well-packed picnic basket is the only secret ingredient you need to create the perfect summer outing. And we want to help you achieve your perfect summer picnic with as little work and as much deliciousness as possible.
We’ve whipped up five easy picnic recipes that’ll make your next afternoon outing easy peasy lemon squeezy. Ready to dust off that checkered blanket, grab your basket, and get cooking? Awesome. Let’s talk about what makes for a picnic you can be proud of.
What Makes a Great Picnic?
A good picnic is eating some food on a blanket in the great outdoors. But a great picnic is all about the right easy recipes and a touch of creativity. First, you gotta think about the best picnic foods. They’re a) easy to transport, b) taste amazing at room temperature, and c) require minimal fuss (cuz let’s face it, you want the experience, not the prep and cooking to be what you remember about it). It’s best to avoid anything that needs constant refrigeration or reheating. That’s why things like potato salad and pasta salads often work really well.
There should be a balance of flavors and textures. You don’t want to load up on a ton of heavy dishes. Some cheese here, some leafy greens there. You catch our drift. Think of a cool salad paired with a protein-packed main course, plus easy snacks on the side. Fresh fruit is a hydrating picnic favorite! To drink, maybe a pitcher of lemonade or iced tea to combat the summer heat. And obviously, it’s not a picnic until you cap it off with a perfect treat to end the meal on a sweet note.
While food is the main star, don’t forget that logistics matter too! Bringing along an insulated container and ice pack will keep your food fresh (and your cool things cool). Also opt for a good picnic snack tray so everyone has access to those little nibbles!
Now that we’ve established how to make it a great picnic, here are five easy picnic recipes that will seal the deal.
Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Orange-Almond Sauce
Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Orange-Almond Sauce are a fresh choice for summer days because they’re so light and yummy. These rolls are packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, and they’re super easy to add a protein to, if you want them to be a little more hearty. You’ll find that they’re even more addicting when paired with our orange-almond sauce. They’re easy to eat and full of flavor, which makes them the perfect picnic food!
Click here for the full recipe.
Healthy Hummus
Looking to wow your picnic guests? Look no further than this healthy homemade hummus. It’s creamy and a little zesty, and it pairs well with fresh veggies, pita bread (or pita chips!), and even those spring rolls we mentioned earlier. You can whip up this easy recipe in a jiff, and it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Say goodbye to store-bought hummus and try making your own with Healthy Hummus.
Peanut Pesto and Peas Pasta Salad
Is there such a thing as an easy and extra-delicious pasta salad? Yes! And we have just the thing: our Peanut Pesto and Peas Pasta Salad! (That’s a lot of P’s, we know, but perhaps that’s why it’s also picnic perfect.) Say goodbye to boring pine nut hummus. Try something new with this combo of peanuts, fresh basil and fresh veggies. The peanut pesto is insanely easy to whip up in a food processor, and you can even customize with your favorite pasta shapes, vegetables, or other nuts.
Check out the full recipe here.
Grilled Kimcheese Sandwich
Get ready for a fun main course for your picnic! Our Grilled Kimcheese Sandwich is a beautiful fusion of spicy kimchi, smooth cheddar cheese, and crisp green apple slices. It’s a mix of savory and sweet that will delight your taste buds, and an easy way to add some excitement to your picnic blanket. It might even become your favorite picnic recipe!
Shortbread Cookies with Nutella, Banana, and Almonds
What’s a picnic without a dessert? These Shortbread Cookies with Nutella, banana, and almonds are so ridiculously easy to make, you’ll probably end up whipping them up for way more than just picnics. There’s no baking involved and they’re ready in just 10 minutes! Simple yet decadent, and perhaps the best way to end your picnic.
Other Great Picnic Ideas
Here are some other great picnic ideas to make your outdoor lunch dates fun and amazing.
Food and Snacks
- Flavorful Dips: Some tasty dips like guacamole, tzatziki, or a even classic spinach and artichoke dips make great additions to finger foods, especially healthy ones like sliced veggies.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: They’re vibrant. They’re hydrating. They’re perfect for summer! Bring along a colorful fruit salad for a healthy option that’s sweet and refreshing. Toss in some lemon zest or a splash of lime juice to enhance the fruit’s natural flavors. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a hot summer day.
- Egg Salad: Egg salad is one of those classic picnic foods because it’s easy to make and delicious. Try sprinkling on a little red onion and fresh dill for a flavor boost! You can even serve it on sandwiches or crackers.
- Kale Salads: Looking for something ultra light, but super satisfying? Bring along a kale salad with red bell peppers, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and red wine vinegar. Easy to prepare ahead of time, and extremely nutritious.
- Classic PB&J: Why not picnic like a kid? If you’re feeling a bit nostalgic, just pack up some classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Simple, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.
Drinks and Refreshments
- Iced Tea and Lemonade: Need to quench your thirst under the summer heat? Bring along a cold pitcher of homemade iced tea or lemonade to keep your picnic guests hydrated. Add some fresh mint or a splash of lime juice to make it extra refreshing!
- Bottle of Wine: If you’re picnicking in a spot that allows it, a bottle of wine is a nice way to relax, and can be the perfect addition to a couple’s picnic. We recommend opting for a light, chilled white or rosé.
Essentials and Extras
- Picnic Blanket: Sure, a checkered blanket is the ultimate picnic season staple, but go with any good blanket that isn’t too fuzzy (otherwise, you’ll pick up a lot of grass). Opt for anything but white (grass stains) and be sure to choose one that’s large enough for the whole family. Bonus points if it’s waterproof on one side to keep everyone dry and comfy.
- Insulated Container: Keep your perishable items fresh in an insulated container with ice packs. This is a must to ensure your food stays cool and safe to eat.
- Reusable Utensils and Plates: It might be tempting to go with disposable items, but if you want to stay a little more eco-friendly, include reusable utensils, plates, and cups. Silicone is a great choice. They’re better for the environment and much sturdier than disposables.
- Games and Activities: Have some fun stuff to do other than eat. Bring a frisbee, a deck of cards, or a good book if it’s a solo picnic. It’s all about the experience, so make it memorable.
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Come prepared with some sunscreen so you don’t leave looking like a crab, and bug spray so you don’t get eaten alive. These 2 things can truly save your picnic from unforeseen issues.
Have an Amazing Picnic!
We hope these tips, tricks, and perfect picnic recipes inspire you to get outside and enjoy some nature with friends and family!
Do you have any favorite picnic recipes? What about activities? If so, we’d love to hear about them. Be sure to leave a comment below!
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