As the weather warms and the days grow longer, it’s the perfect time to gather your favorite foods and head outdoors for a picnic! Whether it’s a group or family celebration, a meal for two or a solo adventure, picnics are a fun way to enjoy homemade dishes in the great outdoors. Picnics do not need to be complicated. Take the meal or snack you already planned out to the backyard or to a nearby park for a change of scenery.
Here are some easy and tasty recipes for your next picnic!
Kiwi Pineapple Slaw
This refreshing side dish combines the sweetness of pineapple with the crunch of cabbage, the tanginess of kiwi and the creaminess of mayonnaise. One person commented, “It was easy to make, light and refreshing and not too sweet, but just sweet enough.” Not a fan of pineapple? Try our Kiwi, Banana, and Apple Salad instead!
Packed with protein and fiber, this salad features split peas, green onions, diced tomatoes and a zesty Italian salad dressing. It is flavorful and hearty—the perfect side dish to help fill you up.
A light and refreshing salad bursting with summer flavors. Made with only four ingredients! A great side dish for any picnic spread.
A hearty blend of pasta, fresh veggies, ham and cheese. If you love pasta salads and want more ideas, make sure to read our blog post.
Planning a picnic with kids? Here are some kid-approved options to bring with you.
- Fruit Salad. This recipe is easy to customize. Just mix your choice of fruits with low-fat or nonfat lemon yogurt.
- Baked Apple Chips. This recipe has only two ingredients. Make ahead of time for a tasty picnic dessert!
- Yogurt Fruit Dip. If you have a way to keep food cold, bring along this kid-approved dip! Serve with the kids’ favorite fruit slices.
Keep Food Safe on Your Picnic
When planning for a picnic, keep food safety in mind. Here are some tips to make sure your foods stay safe to eat.
1. Keep cold foods cold. Use a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs. Remember that cold foods need to be stored at or below 40 degrees F.
2. Keep coolers closed. This will help contents stay colder longer.
3. Always wash your hands before and after handling food! If there’s no running water at your picnic site, bring along a water jug, some soap, and paper towels. Another option is to bring hand wipes.
For more food safety tips, visit https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/handling-food-safely-while-eating-outdoors
Hopefully there is a sunny day coming up when you can enjoy these recipes outside. Here’s to more good food and even better memories!
