How to create a Picnic worth heading outdoors for

Jump to:

• Savoury Pastry Treats
• Tempting Drinks
• Salads with Carbohydrates
• Hearty Sandwiches
• Tantalising Nibbles
• Fresh Salads
• Sweet Surrender
• Did you enjoy this recipe compilation? I have more:

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.

Bombay Lamb Rolls

When you know you want just a hunk of meat within your pastry – go posh.

Tempting Drinks

Mint, Lemon & Apple Cooler

Mango chilli punch

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

Egg Florentine Pasta Salad

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

Green Bean and Potato Salad

Hearty Sandwiches

Prawn mayo sandwiches

Coronation Chicken Sandwich

Egg mayo sandwich

Cheese savoury sandwiches

Tantalising Nibbles

Devilled eggs with caviar

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

Minted Pea Salad

Beetroot and Feta Salad with Balsamic

Robust and full of flavour. Easy to pack into individual containers.

Cherry & Goats Cheese Salad with Honey & Thyme Dressing

Sweet Surrender

Brown Sugar Flapjack (Oat Bars)

Hearty fuel for that rounders game you’ve promised the kids.

Spiced and salty chocolate granola

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.