How to create a Picnic worth heading outdoors for

Various images of picnic suitable food with text overlay

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.

Blue Cheese, watercress and artichoke tarts

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.

A jug of Frisky Summer Punch with text overlay

Bourbon Caramel Steamer

When you know the weather is going to disappoint (what are you, British?) – pack a Thermos flask – Bourbon optional but recommended.

Bourbon Caramel milk drink being poured into a glass mug

Salads with Carbohydrates

Mexican Quinoa Salad @ www.greenhealthycooking.com

Surprise on textures and flavours. Pack in neat little pots and enjoy.

person squeezing lime juice over Mexican Quinoa Salad

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.

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.