A Dietitian's Guide to Foods for a Picnic

 
group picnic

When it comes organizing a birthday party, a high school reunion or just a simple get together among close friends, there’s nothing better than a nice delicious meal to help bring people closer together ─ three cheers to having foodie friends!

Doing our best to stay motivated within our personal & professional lives all the while trying to upkeep an active social life in the midst of a global pandemic has been nothing short of a strange adventure. It’s no news to us that wearing masks, social distancing, and adhering to pre-established curfews has limited our social relationships! Introducing the pandemic version of social clubs…

Picnics! A new way to rethink your group hangouts and team meetings.

What is a Picnic?

A picnic is an outing or an occasion that involves preparing delicious meals to be eaten outside. It is a popular spring/summertime activity that is meant to encourage us to get some fresh air, to enjoy the outdoors and to get everyone involved in the event planning! After all, cooking and enjoying meals with others is what makes these kinds of activities all the more fun.

What Should You Bring to a Picnic?

Similar to camping (or nowadays…glamping) or getting ready for a weekend trip to the chalet, there is no epic picnic without having its own list of essentials. To help set up for your next big picnic adventure in the great outdoors, be sure to pack the following:

  • A blanket ─ preferably a checkered one; for a beautiful, Instagram-worthy picnic spread.

  • Reusable plates & cutlery ─ to avoid creating too much waste and to always be ready for your next picnic out in the sun!

  • Colourful napkins ─ to make the picnic spread all the more vibrant, while keeping everything nice & clean.

  • Reusable drinkware ─ to stay hydrated and to be able to share a refreshing beverage completely (COVID) worry-free.

picnic blanket
reusable cutlery
outdoor picnic
drinking glasses

What Are Some Foods to Bring to a Picnic?

Step 1: Choose a picnic beverage

Through lengthy exposure, sitting outside in the sun can increase our risk of dehydration. Combine it with a perfectly legal late afternoon drank, some laughter & cheer, and hydration is key! Opt for…

  • Water;

  • Sparkling water;

  • Homemade punch or lemonade;

  • Wine, beer or cider.

  • …or all of the above!

➝ Tip: Try integrating a fruit into your picnic beverage!

Step 2: Pack a picnic salad!

The fun things about salads is how easy it is to share with others!

  • Pasta salad;

  • Garden salad;

  • Fruit salad;

  • Bean salad.

  • …the possibilities are endless!

➝ Tip: Make use of herbs to add some fragrance to your picnic salad.

Step 3: Choose an easy-to-grab picnic food.

When looking for the right picnic food ideas, it is best to always look for something that is easy to grab! There’s a smaller risk for cross contamination or even worse!…the forbidden double dipping. This includes:

  • Sandwiches;

  • Pizza;

  • Wraps.

  • Cheese boards

  • …a theme for every other week!

➝ Tip: Opt for a whole grain version of grain (i.e. bread, tortilla wrap, etc.)


Step 4: Pack a picnic friendly dessert.

Just like picnic foods, choose a recipe that is easy to pick up and to share, and that won’t melt in your picnic basket. This includes:

  • Cookies;

  • Cake;

  • Muffins;

  • Chocolate Mousse.

➝ Tip: Make use of a muffin tin to whip up a deliciously homemade dessert.

My Favourite Picnic Food Ideas

  1. Cheesy Fig Naan Bread Pizza (recipe by @colourmypalate)

A simple recipe to get you in the spring mood!

PREP TIME: 10 minutes TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes YIELDS: 1 pizza SERVING SIZE: 1/2 pizza

picnic food pizza

INGREDIENTS

- Naan bread
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh figs
- Goat cheese
- Caramelized onions
- Parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

1. PREHEAT the oven to 350 F.
2. SPREAD the ingredients on the naan bread in the following order: naan - caramelized onions - figs
3. BAKE for 20 minutes.
4. GARNISH with parsley & goat cheese

2.Fresh Cucumber Salad (recipe by @lemon.peasy)

It’s picnic season! And this cucumber salad is the perfect no-fuss dish fit for the occasion.

PREP TIME: 10 minutes TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes YIELDS: 2 SERVING SIZE: 1 cup

INGREDIENTS

- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup feta, crumbled
- 2-3 tbsp fresh dill, washed
- pepper, to taste
- (optional) cayenne pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small bowl, PICKLE the shallots with the red wine vinegar for at least 30 min.
2. In a large bowl, SPRINKLE the salt over the cucumber slices. Let sit for 10 min.
3. DRAIN any excess water and PAT DRY the cucumbers.
4. DRAIN the shallots marinade and RESERVE half the vinegar.
5. COMBINE the cucumbers, dill, feta, pepper, cayenne, shallots and reserved vinegar. MIX gently.
6. SERVE immediately or STORE sealed in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

For you visual learners out there, feel free to download the PDF version of these heavenly recipes.

It’s all about the simple, but practical dining experience!

And if you liked these recipes, make sure to leave a comment below.

If you’re feeling adventurous, get your creativity on and tag me on Instagram @colourmypalate or look out for #colourmypalate so I can see what you’re cooking up!

I’m always happy to chat so don’t be shy to say hi at colourmypalate@gmail.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

 
Laura NguyenComment