Planning For Perfection
A picnic sounds cute and fun in theory, but it's all too easy to mess up this outing. From forgetting the blanket to spilling the drinks, there’s a lot to be wary of. However, with this list, packing the perfect food is something you won’t have to worry about.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
1. Ambrosia Salad
If fruit salads are too basic for you, Ambrosia takes it to a whole different level. Did you know this salad includes marshmallows and whipped cream? All you’ll need is some canned fruit and cute mason jars to serve it up cold.
2. Cucumber Sandwiches
This classic afternoon tea snack is the perfect companion to any picnic. With English origins, all you’ll need is some cream cheese, sliced cucumbers, and crustless bread to pull off a sophisticated and classy vibe.
3. Quiche
For a more filling meal, a slice or two of quiche will hit just the spot. The flavor profile is completely versatile, meaning you can add anything from veggies to meats. The best part about quiche is it’s delicious at any temperature, so if you take too long finding a spot, it won’t matter.
4. Sliced Fruit
Small bites and handfuls of appetizing snacks are key to a successful picnic. While you should put a little effort into fancier fare, having some sliced fruit as a backup never hurts. You can cut up anything from pineapples to apples and serve it up with dips.
5. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are both tasty to eat and pretty to look at. Opt for a frosting bag when piping in the filling to get perfect peaks. They guarantee a creamy and spicy touch while getting in that all-too-important protein. Just be sure to keep them chilled for optimal freshness.
6. Pinwheel Sandwiches
Instead of regular sandwiches, elevate your picnic fare to pinwheels. All you have to do is wrap up some tortillas with your preferred veggies and deli meats to make a filling sandwich. You can stick a toothpick in them to maintain their shape too.
7. Cheese and Crackers
This is another simple addition to have on hand just in case. However, you can elevate this by picking fancier cheeses or putting them together beforehand into little stacked cracker sandwiches. Throw in some fruit and wine for an even more indulgent experience.
8. Pigs in a Blanket
One of the coziest foods out there, pigs in a blanket are easy to handle both in terms of storing and eating. All you need to do is wrap mini sausages in pastry and bake them until golden brown and delicious. Be sure to pack extra, as this is a fan favorite.
9. Warm Cider
Drinks are as important as food when it comes to curating the perfect picnic menu. While you can go for simple juices, sodas, or wines, you could take it up a notch by splurging on warm cider. If you’re having an autumn picnic in particular, cider will hit the spot.
10. Yogurt Parfaits
If you have some mason jars on hand, you can create beautiful parfaits. Layer in flavored yogurt, throw in some crunchy granola, and top it off with a glistening portion of fruit, and there you have it.
11. Roasted Chickpeas
This is another light snack that will surprise you with its flavors. All you need to do is dry some chickpeas, toss them in all your favorite seasonings, and roast them on high in either the oven or air fryer. This crispy morsel of flavor is sure to be a hit.
12. Sparkling Soda
If you’re planning a picnic in warmer weather, then sparkling soda on ice is the way to go. You can actually elevate this by throwing in cuts of fruit or using syrup pumps. For instance, you could try lavender syrup or go for lime and pepper instead.
13. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
If your picnic is meant to be more romantic, then nothing gets the job done like chocolate-covered strawberries. A coveted Valentine’s treat, you can enjoy this dessert all year round by melting your own chocolate.
14. Summer Rolls
Unlike spring rolls, summer rolls guarantee freshness without the oiliness. Use rice paper to wrap up cooked shrimp, noodles, and veggies, and there you have it. You could serve it with a dipping sauce if you prefer, but either way, it’s both delicious and healthy.
15. Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Returning to the world of sandwiches, there are plenty of other options that are a picnic hit. Tuna salad is one of those. This classic sandwich takes advantage of a creamy filling that is tasty both warm and cold. Just throw in some lettuce between the slices to prevent sogginess.
16. Potato Salad
Salads play a major role in picnics, and there are many to choose from. Potato salad is on the heartier side and is tasty at any temperature. Throw in mayo, mustard, and your favorite herbs to pack in all that flavor.
17. Sliced Pickles
With all the savory foods and sweet treats, the acidity of pickles might be exactly what you need to cut the indulgence. This tangy snack is another simple and fun option to keep in the basket just in case.
18. Chocolate Chip Cookies
The cookies don’t have to be chocolate chip; any kind will do. In fact, this gives you the chance to be seasonal. If it’s closer to wintertime, you could make sugar cookies. If it’s the midst of fall, you could try your hand at pumpkin spice crumble cookies.
19. Pasta Salad
Another salad option for a more filling bite is pasta salad. The versatility of the dish makes it ideal for any picnic basket, as you can suit it to your companions’ tastes. Pack it up in a container and try not to drop anything on the blanket.
20. Turkey Sandwiches
One final sandwich worth considering is undoubtedly turkey. This is another healthy and light option that you can elevate with some cheese and carefully chosen condiments. Sandwiches are probably as functional as it gets when it comes to picnics, so be sure to pack a few.
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