Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a delightful picnic? Whether you’re at the park, by the beach, or in your backyard, these ten delicious picnic recipes will ensure your outing is both flavorful and enjoyable. Here’s a mix of appetizers, mains, and desserts that are easy to prepare and transport.
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
– 12 oz rotini pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, and onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper; pour over the salad and toss to coat.
- Chill before serving.
- Caprese Skewers
Ingredients:
– Cherry tomatoes
– Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
– Fresh basil leaves
– Balsamic glaze
– Salt and pepper
– Skewers
Instructions:
- On each skewer, thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball. Repeat until the skewer is filled.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Serve chilled.
- Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry
Ingredients:
– 1 package (1 lb) frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry and cut into squares.
- In a bowl, mix spinach, feta, salt, and pepper.
- Place a spoonful of the mixture in the center of each pastry square, fold over, and seal.
- Brush with egg wash and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. Cool before packing.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Avocado
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– 4 sandwich rolls
– 1 avocado, sliced
– Lettuce and tomato slices
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium heat. Season chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let cool and slice.
- Assemble sandwiches with grilled chicken, avocado, lettuce, and tomato on sandwich rolls. Wrap individually for the picnic.
- Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
– 2 cups water
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, bring quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Let quinoa cool, then fluff with a fork and combine with bell pepper, onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper; pour over the salad and mix well.
- Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Greek yogurt
– 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1 cup granola
– Honey (optional)
Instructions:
- In a cup or jar, layer yogurt, berries, and granola.
- Repeat layers until the cup is full. Drizzle with honey if desired.
- Cover with a lid for transport and chill until ready to serve.
- Sliced Cold Cuts and Cheese Platter
Ingredients:
– Assorted deli meats (salami, ham, turkey)
– Assorted cheeses (cheddar, gouda, brie)
– Crackers
– Grapes or olives for garnish
Instructions:
- Arrange sliced meats and cheeses on a large platter.
- Add crackers and a small bowl of grapes or olives for a fresh touch.
- Cover with plastic wrap for transport.
- Homemade Hummus and Veggies
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic
– Salt to taste
– Assorted vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers) for dipping
Instructions:
- In a food processor, blend chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt until smooth.
- Serve hummus in a container with assorted veggies on the side for dipping.
- Mini Pie Bites
Ingredients:
– 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
– 1 cup fruit filling (such as cherry, apple, or blueberry)
– Sugar for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out pie crusts and cut into circles.
- Place a small amount of filling in the center of half of the circles.
- Top with another circle, seal edges with a fork, and sprinkle sugar on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Allow to cool before packing.
- Lemonade with Fresh Mint
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Fresh mint leaves
– Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pitcher, mix the lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
- Add water and stir well. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
- Add fresh mint leaves and lemon slices for garnish. Chill until ready to serve.
Conclusion
These ten delicious recipes will make your spring picnic a memorable one! They are portable, require minimal effort to prepare, and cater to various tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your blanket, gather your friends or family, and enjoy a delightful day outdoors!