Summer is, without a doubt, picnic season. The great weather, clear blue skies, and great vibe make it the perfect time to be outside and enjoy Mother Nature in all her splendor. Now that being said, you want to make sure the food you bring to a picnic matches the carefree yet still great vibe of the season and the activity. If you need some picnic food ideas that are easy but delicious, here is a comprehensive list that will make you the King/Queen of picnics!
Cooked or BBQ
Grilled Chicken Skewers are perfect picnic eats. You would have made the lemon, olive oil, garlic, and herb-marinated chicken skewers. They taste yummy. It's a simple skewered chicken piece, but it's a nice meaty chunk assembled on a wooden stick. Easy to hold the stick in one hand and catch a game and gobble it up. You can make these much in advance and eat them cold or hot.
So… What you have here is a great picnic. It is simple, easy to eat, and loaded with good nutrition. With a side salad or yogurt or a garlic sauce dip or set. The best part is that they sit in your cooler, and they keep chilling. In a couple of hours, they would be perfect to eat.
Fresh and Vibrant Salads
There is just something about a big salad in the summer. It is overflowing with fresh, crisp, and colorful veggies. Find your favorite lettuce option - like green leaf lettuce. But even chopped spinach or romaine would be great. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sweet bell pepper. Add some grilled chicken and or grilled chickpeas. And then a simple vinaigrette. The great thing about salads is that they are so filling and so simple to zip up in a bag and pack.
Delightful Finger Foods
Well, we all know it's always more fun to eat things that are mini at a picnic. You don't even have to have any knives around; you can share with all of your friends, and each bite is good on its own. So why not some mini sandwiches with turkey and avocado, and why not some cute little hummus, spinach, and roasted red pepper pinwheels? Healthy, full of nutrition and flavor!
And then for dessert? These are so fun. They are skewers with a little combination of grapes, pineapple, and strawberries. And they keep really well in a cooler!
Savory and Satisfying Snacks
A little snack to nosh on at a summer picnic is always a good power play that'll have people loving you. Bring a bag of simple trail mix or really level up and get a charcuterie board that has a buncha of cheeses, meats, nuts, olives, and bread. Just make sure you place the cooler box next to your cheese cuz you don't want it to get too hot and sweaty.
Refreshing Beverages
The summer sun can really take all the hydration out of you, so make sure you have a giant pitcher of iced tea or homemade lemonade hiding in your food cooler bag. Mix up a little fruit punch by adding your favorite sparkling water to a bit of crushed berries and orange juice. You'll feel energized, and it is so pretty on the picnic table.
Sweet Endings
Every good meal deserves a sweet and delicious ending. Make some cookie platters or a fruit tart, or throw the precious popsicles or sorbet in an insulated cooler. Picture yourself eating the nice rich sorbet outside in the sun!
The Importance of Cooler Bags
Because this is a summer picnic, your food is probably going to be cold stuff - and say you are making an egg sandwich, certainly don't want that to be affected by the heat. When it comes to those hot summer days, cooler bags should be a must-have. These affordable food picnic staples help to keep everything at the right temperature so you can have maximum freshness with your sandwiches, salads, desserts, and platters of snacks. This is the secret to enjoying your delicious food at the perfect temperatures!
Enjoy the Summer Picnics with Delicious Food
Picnics are a great way to spend the summer. They get you outside after possibly months of gloomy weather. They give you the ability to create some amazing core memories with family and friends. And unlike, say a dinner, they are uncomplicated when it comes to the menu. As you gear up for bucketloads of lazy picnic days, use the food ideas in this guide to get the most out of your picnics!