We are a month into spring after a long, cold winter. Luckily, National Picnic Day, celebrated on April 23, gives us the perfect opportunity to get outside. Picnics are great for a change of pace – from a family dinner or reunion to a break from the office or romantic dinner. Eating out offers a certain charm and can fit into any budget. Stop and pick up sandwiches or prepared foods from McCaffrey’s or create your own picnic. The important this is to find the perfect combination and have fun.
While picnics sound lovely, a picnic just does happen without a bit of planning. The secret to a winning picnic is to keep it simple. Be strategic. Sometimes less is more. Even before you plan a menu, consider the following:
- Pack all necessary items in a picnic basket, cooler (with ice) or container. Have plenty of water, trash bags, and a blanket to sit on. Bring items to wash hands; soap, paper towels, or wet wipes.
- Bring along some entertainment such as balls, music, or games.
- Watch the weather! Don’t forget the sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
- Be sure to keep hot food hot and cold food cold to prevent food borne illness. Don’t let food set out for more than two hours or one hour under really hot temperatures.
- Small individual bottles of water or your favorite beverage makes packing easier – no cups needed.
- Remember to keep your picnic location as clean as you found it so use the trash bags that were packed.
For Picnic menu planning:
- Be sure to include fiber rich, healthy foods that will keep you full and satisfied.
- Avoid packing excessive foods that are full of empty calories that can make you drag and feel hungry all day long.
- When planning to bring food that will remain outdoors for several hours, pack accordingly. Choose foods that won’t wilt, melt, or spoil easily in the heat.
Need some inspiration? Check out these tasty ideas to inspire your picnic spread and your summer menus.
- Enjoy all the seasonal produce: Take advantage of all the local summer produce and incorporate into everything from appetizers through desserts.
- Starters: Pack your cooler with a variety of crisp, raw veggies like cucumbers, carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, and radishes. Take along dips like Honey Dijon Hummus, Corn Salsa, or Tzatziki Dip. Pick them up at McCaffrey’s or make your own.
- The Main Course does not need to be the star: Get creative and use the main course to complement the whole meal.
- If grilling is on the agenda, try these Garlic Chili Turkey Burgers spiced up with garlic, ginger and hot sauce or this plant-based Veggie Burger that will be a hit at any picnic.
- With just a few ingredients, picnic goers will be obsessed with this healthy Buffalo Chicken Wrap. This sandwich will give you all the great flavors of Buffalo wings without the fat. There’s even blue cheese, celery, and carrots.
- Crispy Southern Chicken is the classic picnic food. This recipe offers all the flavor without the high fat of traditional fried chicken.
- A fresh rotisserie chicken at McCaffrey’s is always a great option.
- Sides: Create healthy and delicious picnic foods with fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans.
- Try this delicious Mediterranean Potato Salad loaded with potatoes, tomatoes and crisp green beans. It is an easy summer recipe, perfect for a picnic destination or a potluck dish.
- This Veggie Pasta salad is made with whole grain pasta and can be enjoyed as a healthy side dish or light entree.
- If beans are your thing, this protein packed Kale, White Bean and Tomato Salad is a delicious combination that travels well.
- This Mediterranean Bean Salad is packed with flavor and great nutrition. High-protein beans, fresh tomatoes and herbs, and healthy olive oil make this a tasty lunch.
- For a quick and easy pantry Mexican Bean Salad, combine a can of black beans(drained/rinsed), corn, chopped Mexican-style tomatoes and a chopped red pepper. Mix in a pinch of cumin, a shake of cayenne and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Sweet Endings: Dessert is a must at any picnic. A colorful fruit platter or fruit salad is sure to satisfy. Check out some fun and healthy dessert ideas using seasonal blueberries and watermelon.
- Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a delicious way to slip some vegetables into a chocolatey baked treat.
- Sweet Potato Brownies are soft, fudgy, and full of chocolate flavor. They use mashed sweet potatoes and applesauce instead of lots of sugar. Made with cocoa powder and warm spices, these brownies are great for a healthy and tasty dessert that travel well.
- Don’t forget to hydrate: Beat the heat with plenty of ice water, sparkling water, unsweetened iced tea, and an assortment of low-calorie beverages. Freeze water bottles the night before and use as cold packs to keep food and drinks cold.
Happy Picnicking! Nothing beats a beautiful spring day enjoying delicious food with your favorite people.
