The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the great outdoors beckons us to embrace the joys of summer. One perfect way to soak up the season is by going on a delightful picnic. Whether you're heading to the beach, a park, or a scenic hiking spot, packing a delicious spread of packable snacks and sandwiches will elevate your outdoor adventure.
In this blog post, we'll explore some creative ideas for summer picnic foods that are easy to prepare, transport, and enjoy in the great outdoors.
Mediterranean Mezze Platter:
Transport yourself to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean with a tantalizing mezze platter. Pack a variety of olives, hummus, tzatziki, pita bread, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices. Tzatziki is a dip/sauce made by mixing strained yoghurt, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, salt, sometimes lemon juice, dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Add some feta cheese or whatever variety of cheese is available to you for an extra burst of flavour. This refreshing and healthy combination is perfect for grazing and sharing.
Caprese Skewers:
Capture the essence of summer with these vibrant Caprese skewers. Alternate cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and bite-sized mozzarella balls (Do you want to know how to make mozzarella balls please leave in comments, will share soon.) on skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze (To make a glaze, you only need that one ingredient: balsamic vinegar. Many recipes call for an added sweetener of some sort — usually sugar or honey. Cooking it down with those additions helps it cook faster while adding a hint of flavour to the glaze.) and a sprinkle of sea salt. These skewers are not only visually appealing but also packed with the classic flavours of Italy.
Wraps and Rolls:
Sandwiches are picnic staples, and wraps and rolls take them to a whole new level. Prepare a variety of fillings like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or tuna salad. Spread a layer of cream cheese, mayonnaise, or pesto on tortillas or lavash bread. Add the fillings, roll tightly, and slice them into bite-sized portions for easy sharing.
Fresh Fruit Salad:
Stay cool and hydrated with a refreshing fruit salad. Choose a medley of seasonal fruits like watermelon, melon, berries, mangoes and citrus segments. Toss them together in a bowl, sprinkle with some fresh mint leaves, and add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a zesty kick. This vibrant and juicy salad is a natural energy booster.
Savoury Skewers:
Spice up your picnic with savoury skewers that combine flavours and textures. Thread marinated chicken, shrimp, paneer or tofu along with colourful bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms onto skewers. Grill them in advance or cook them over a portable grill at the picnic spot. These skewers offer a delicious protein-packed option for outdoor feasting.
Panipuri:
Bhelpuri:
DIY Trail Mix:
For an energy-boosting snack, create your own personalized trail mix. Mix together a combination of nuts, dried fruits, seeds, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips or coconut flakes. Pack them in individual portions or airtight containers for easy snacking during your picnic adventure.
A summer picnic is a perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors while savouring delectable food. By packing a variety of packable snacks and sandwiches, you can elevate your outdoor dining experience and make it memorable. From Mediterranean flavours to refreshing fruit salads, these ideas offer a range of options for a satisfying picnic feast. So, gather your loved ones, grab a picnic blanket, and embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure amidst nature's embrace.
Last but not least, do not forget to pack a few garbage bags to pick up all the waste from the picnic site. Even bedsheets, a few outdoor games, and lots of water and drinks (not fizz drinks) are a must to have a good picnic experience. Choose a place away from the city, near a waterbody and with lots of trees.
Happy picnicking!
Neerja Bhatnagar
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