Pack all your favorite foods and head outdoors to soak up some sun! These old and new picnic favorites will make the perfect spread for all to enjoy.
Main Dish
Sandwiches
You can never go wrong with this picnic classic – sandwiches! Easy to make and store, sandwiches are customizable to everyone’s likings. Choose from breads such as white, whole wheat, multigrain, or even tortillas and finish it off with your fillings of choice – meats, veggies, cheese, and spreads such as peanut butter and jelly, and so much more.
Charcuterie Board
If you are opting for a fancier picnic experience, the popular charcuterie board is a must. Filled with meats, cheeses, and grains such as crackers or bread, this option is great for those who are craving a finer array of easy pick-on foods.
Quiche
If you’re planning an earlier picnic, a quiche is the perfect dish for a brunch-themed meal. Whether you decide to make your own or pick one up from the store, quiche provides a great balance of protein from the eggs, grains from the crust, and other nutrients from the added ingredients such as vegetables, cheese, and meat.
Sides
Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a great side dish to bring as you probably already have the ingredients needed to make it in your pantry. This option provides a guaranteed daily serving of grains, plus the endless options of additional add-ins make this the perfect customizable food.
Quinoa Salad
If pasta salad isn’t your forte, quinoa salad is a nutritious and delicious twist on the dish. Following the same strategy of customizing the side dish as you please, the only major change is swapping pasta for quinoa, which still provides a healthy serving of grains.
Chips/Popcorn
If you’re on the go and on a budget, salty snacks such as chips and popcorn are a good option for you. Opt for healthier versions of these favorite snacks, such as chips with no salt added or organic popcorn, so you can still feel good about getting in your grains.
Dessert
Cookies are another picnic option for those who want something simple to make or cheap to buy. Whether you prefer crunchy or chewy, cookies of any kind are ideal sweet treat that can be made in bulk and stored at room temperature – ideal for a day spent outdoors.
For the brunch fanatics, don’t forget to include coffee cake on your picnic menu. This grain-filled breakfast treat that can be cut into bite-sized pieces will have everyone reaching for seconds.
What is more refreshing than that sweet, tangy lemon taste during a beautiful spring day? If you want to impress your picnic guests, lemon bars are the perfect packable dessert to enjoy on your day outdoors.
What will be on your menu for your next picnic?