We all love a nice picnic every now and then. Picnics are a great way to bond with your loved ones. It is an excellent way whether you want a fun-filled day at the local park with your family and kids or a stunning date in a vineyard with the love of your life. Either way, picnics offer an active yet enjoyable activity for people of all ages. Other than outfits, activity items, and loads of water, what else does your basket need?
Snacks, of course!
Loads and loads of snacks.
While it is relatively easy to get your favorite snacks from Walmart or a bakery, preparing your own basket gives it attention to detail, love, and concern. Unsure of what to make? We are here to help you. In this article, we will share some of the best food ideas for your picnic basket.
Let’s begin!
Egg and Cress Club Sandwich
No picnic is complete without fresh sandwiches. This egg and cold cress sandwich will give you healthy protein and carbs, so you are fueled up for an active day at the picnic.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs boiled
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 6 slices of bread (use any variant you want: bran, multigrain, soy, white, etc.)
- Butter for roasting
- ⅔ carton of cress
- Slices of tomatoes, lettuce, ham, cheese, etc. Anything you like.
- Seasoning, salt, and pepper
Method
- Mash boiled eggs with 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise and season the mixture.
- Spread the egg mash on one slice, cover it with another one.
- Put tomato, lettuce, and cheese on this slice.
- Spread mayonnaise on another slice and put it on top.
- Do the same with the remaining 3 slices of bread.
- Cut each sandwich into 4 pieces and use toothpicks to hold them together. Use a very sharp knife.
- This recipe makes 2 sandwiches but if you want more, increase the amount.
Raspberry Coleslaw
Give your bland old coleslaw a berrylicious twist with this raspberry coleslaw. Simple to make and really inventive, this recipe can become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- ½ cup carrots, shredded
- 1 ½ tablespoon mayonnaise
- ⅛ cup raspberry vinaigrette
- Pinch of pepper
- ¼ cup fresh raspberries
Method
- Combine mayonnaise, vinaigrette, and pepper in a bowl.
- Whisk them until appropriately blended.
- In a large bowl; mix carrots and cabbage
- Add the sauce on top of them and toss to cover all the vegetables.
- Top with fresh raspberries.
- If you are going out on a scorching day, consider planning your coleslaw with the drinks so it doesn’t go rancid.
Chickpea Salad
Chickpeas aren’t just good for making hummus. This chickpea salad sandwich is a fantastic twist to your regular sandwiches. The original recipe is vegan-friendly, but you can add any kind of chicken or tuna melt for a non-vegan option.
Ingredients
For Chickpea Filling
- 1 ½ cups chickpeas, boiled and drained
- ½ garlic clove
- 2 tablespoon tahini paste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon capers or cashews from beyond the nut
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- A pinch of sea salt and black pepper
For Sandwich
- A small handful of thin green beans, chopped finely and blanched
- 10 olives
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 soft baguette, sliced
- Vegan mayonnaise (you can use a regular one as well)
- ¼ cucumber, sliced
- A pinch of sea salt and pepper
Method
- Combine all the ingredients for chickpea filling in the food processor and pulse till a coarse filling is formed. Do not puree the filling.
- Spread the chickpea filling on one side of the baguette, layer olives, cucumbers, and red onions on top.
- Spread mayonnaise on the other baguette and season it.
- Put it on top of the other baguette and slice it into small diagonal sandwiches.
- Use toothpicks to hold them together.
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Children typically like something sweet to munch on while they are playing. These lemon bars make a splendid snack for those who have a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, fresh at room temperature
- ¾ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, whisked
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 teaspoon sugar, coarsely ground
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Beat butter and both sugars until they are light and fluffy. Gradually add your eggs.
- Take a separate bowl and add flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Mix them together. Add this into the first mixture and mix well.
- Scoop ¼ cup of dough into small balls.
- Line a baking sheet with butter paper.
- Place the dough balls 6 inches apart from each other. Flatten them until they are ¾ inches thick.
- Brush the cookies with water and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Store in airtight containers.
Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade
Cool yourself off on a hot picnic day with this delicious watermelon lemonade. A watermelon lemonade with a hint of tartness is going to really tingle your taste buds.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sugar
- 4 cups water, boiling
- 1 lb. fresh strawberries, quartered
- 24 cups fresh watermelon, cubed
- 2 cans lemonade, frozen and thawed
- 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
Method
- Mix sugar and water together.
- Put strawberries and watermelon in a blender. (use turns if required)
- Blend at high speed.
- Strain the blend and put it in a jug.
- Add thawed lemon concentrate, juice, and sugar water
- Transfer to an airtight pitcher and store it in your icebox for the picnic.
Smoky Grilled Salsa
This corn salad is perfect for those who love outdoor barbecue. Save your time outdoors by covering the sides of your home. Add as many vegetables as you want, but we will give you the standard recipe for this delicious salad.
Ingredients
- 3 plum tomatoes, halved
- 2 sweet corn, medium with husks removed
- 1 medium sweet yellow pepper, halved
- 1 medium green pepper, halved
- 2 jalapeno peppers, halved
- ½ medium red onion, finely sliced
- ⅛ cup fresh coriander, freshly chopped
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 ½ garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- A handful of raw cashews, store-bought
Method
- Grill your tomatoes, peppers, and onion until they are lightly charred. This will take 12 minutes. Keep the flame medium.
- Let the vegetables cool.
- Remove the corn from cobs.
- Chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, garlic, pepper, sugar, salt, and coriander.
- Pour it over the vegetables and toss to spread evenly.
- Toss cashews on the top.
Conclusion
Picnics are a great way to bond and entertain yourself with the family. You can plan a fantastic day out with your loved ones. Preparing food for the picnic is a great way to show your love for your family and partner. These simple yet mouth-watering recipes are simple yet easy to prepare and won’t take a lot of your time. Just make sure that you pack them properly before leaving the house. Keep an icebox with your basket at all times, so the food and drinks don’t go bad.