The first of this summer’s Bank Holiday Weekends has just passed us by in the UK. I’m going to be typically British for a moment and tell you that the weather was not quite up to scratch. What’s with the frosts that won’t go away even though it’s now May? And chilling wind – just so you know – it’s okay to hop right off for a few months. Despite the weather, my family were not deterred from heading outside with our food. We shivered our way through enjoyed two picnics on days out.
But guess what? Those picnics consisted of some very typical food. Think sandwiches, cherry tomatoes, a piece of fruit, the odd bag of crisps and some cartons of juice. There’s nothing wrong with those food items, but there’s no reason to settle for the norm when picnics could be so much more. A little bit of thought and a pinch of effort could make our standard picnic so much more exciting.
With excitement in mind, I’ve compiled a list of picnic friendly items to help you spice up your outdoor munch-up a little. I’ve included savoury pastry treats, carbohydrate based salads, hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, enticing nibbles, refreshing drinks and sweet treats. Basically, all you could possibly wish for and more besides. Plan ahead and include one or two different dishes each time you pack up for your day out. Before you know it, your friends will be swarming around you with picnic envy.
Savoury Pastry Treats
Blue Cheese, Watercress & Artichoke Tarts
Those full-on flavours will satisfy vegetarians and non-veggies alike.
Cheesy Potato & Bacon Scotch Eggs @ www.theflavorbender.com
Forget the shop bought ones. Indulge. Splurge. Treat yourself to a proper Scotch egg.
Wild Garlic & Guinness Sausage Rolls @ www.recipesfromapantry.com
When you know you want just a hunk of meat within your pastry – go posh.
Tempting Drinks
Hibiscus & Raspberry Soda
Pack some syrup, a bottle of fizz and some cups and treat the kids
Frisky (Vodka) Summer Punch @ www.giraffescanbake.com
Not driving? Treat yourself.
Bourbon Caramel Steamer
When you know the weather is going to disappoint (what are you, British?) – pack a Thermos flask – Bourbon optional but recommended.
Salads with Carbohydrates
Prawn & Mango Salad in a Jar @ www.thepurpleladle.com
I want one. I want one. Any old screw top jar will do.
Mexican Quinoa Salad @ www.greenhealthycooking.com
Surprise on textures and flavours. Pack in neat little pots and enjoy.
French Potato Salad @ www.monpetitfour.com
So classic. But done so very well.
Hearty Sandwiches
Chicken Peanut Butter Sandwich @ www.brazilianflairintheusa.com
This one is teasing me. Juicy, tender chicken, crunchy veg and that hit of savoury-salty intrigue from the peanut butter. Let’s do it.
Spicy Cucumber Sandwiches @ www.naivecookcooks.com
Indeed Ma’am. High tea on a picnic is possible.
Plantain, Pancetta & Pesto Panini @ www.midlifecroissant.com
Daring, hearty and definitely punchy. This little wedge of carb has everything going on and transports exceedingly well.
Curry Chickpea Salad Pittas @ www.naturalgirlmodernworld.com
Top notch. Coronation chicken, move over.
Tantalising Nibbles
Beet Dyed Devilled Eggs @ www.asideofsweet.com
So pretty. I reckon even the kids would be tempted.
Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri @ www.chopstickchronicles.com
Dare to be different. The filling can be customised depending on your preferences and they hold together well.
Spinach & Yoghurt Frittata @ www.recipesfromapantry.com
Individual Frittata. Enough said.
Lemon & Thyme Marinated Olives @ www.deliciouseveryday.com
If only we could take that pretty plate with us to serve them on. Regardless, olives are necessity on picnics, so let’s make them good ones.
Fresh Salads
Spiralised Greek Salad @ www.oldhousetonewhome.com
Following the latest trends (exactly like my wardrobe) what 2016 picnic would be complete without a spiralised salad? This one is a corker, filled with the flavours of laid back, sun-soaked Greece.
Three Bean Salad @ www.sidewalkshoes.com
Robust and full of flavour. Easy to pack into individual containers.
Hawaiian Slaw @ www.platingsandpairings.com
A refreshing update on the classic slaw. Not a scrap of mayo in sight.
Sweet Surrender
Brown Sugar Flapjack (Oat Bars)
Hearty fuel for that rounders game you’ve promised the kids.
Spiced Trail Mix Popcorn @ www.hapanomnom.com
Munch mid-walk or during the sit down picnic. It’s entirely up to you… if you can wait.
Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes @ www.swankyrecipes.com
The epitome of British summertime in a cupcake.
Sugared Walnut Fruit Salad @ www.tastesoflizzyt.com
A healthier alternative dessert to pack for a picnic… or a great palate cleanser after an earlier indulgence.
Round-up complete. Right now, I’m imagining all of these picnic items laid out together on a picnic blanket.
All. At. The. Exact. Same. Time.
It’s a pleasant thought.
what an awesome roundup Jane! we are lucky over here in western australia that even winter can bring a few picnic worthy days. Love your idea of Bourbon in a thermos! the panini and the deviled eggs are my pick I think. Thanks for including my prawn and mango salad in a jar 🙂
No problem Jayne. I really can’t decide on my favourites, so the only think is to sign myself up for at least a dozen picnics this summer and tackle two at a time. Then maybe I’ll be able to judge.
Thanks Jane for including my tea time cucumber sandwiches!! Awesome round up!!
Thanks Ami – I’m in love with those neat little cucumber stacks of yours
So much good stuff here! I can not wait for picnics this summer.
Thanks Meghan – me too.
Wow! They all look so amazing! I’m going to need an awfully big picnic basket to fit it all in 😉 Thanks for including my Trial Mix Popcorn!
… And a fork lift truck to pick it up once full of these goodies. I’ll help you demolish it all though.