A clear blue sky, a smiling sun and cool breeze; the perfect recipe to head out and enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Put on your sunscreen, big floppy sun hats, those funky shades, and your best summer outfits and you’re good to go. But what is a picnic without the yummylicious food? Remember, our body is in constant need of a healthy, balanced diet. So pack your baskets with these 15 refreshingly hearty food and drinks for a super picnic on a vibrant summer day.
First up: drinks. Water is a must! It is unarguably the best refreshment ever! Of course there are those fizzy drinks to accompany water, but that does not mean you are only restricted to such beverages. Start your picnic with these fresh drinks!
1. Cranberry-basil spritzer
Surely, this would be love at first sight. Not only will this drink quench your thirst, but will refresh you from inside out! Cranberry is a powerful source of nutriment that helps to fight disease and promote good health. Meanwhile, basil is packed with Vitamin C. Add a sufficient amount of sugar, stir, and drink it up!
2. Sophie Dahl’s iced tea
After a generous feast: lie down, relax, read a book, or carry out a conversation, laugh, and sip on this drink. What makes this special is in the unique blend of ingredients. Sophie Dahl fuses Earl Grey tea with Lavender. This is definitely worth a shot!
3. Pineapple Cooler
It goes without saying really, but: people allergic to pineapple, please avoid! Otherwise this is another refreshment that boosts high amounts of vitamin C and manganese. The fruit contains thiamin as well as vitamin B (involved in energy production). Check this out here!
A little munching now and then while you prepare your main meal keeps a check on those bellowing bellies. The following are light and won’t fill you up. Here are some delicious nibbles for you to chomp on.
4. Tomato-cucumber salad with feta
The beautiful color combination of red, green and white is simply tantalizing – the ingredients are dead simple, too! Take a bowl, fill it up with feta cheese, beefsteak tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Mix a light dressing of champagne vinegar, honey and herbs. For more details click here.
5. Green bean and tomato salad with tarragon dressing
This is an ideal summer-time salad, with a neat recipe, and jam-packed with nutrients. This Mediterranean salad contains antioxidant elements, calcium, magnesium, and all kinds of vitamins.
6. Eccentric vegan Caesar salad
This dish is unique in its style and despite being “unusual,” is very palatable. Just try this out and see for yourself. Easy ingredients, no fuss, no mess!
7. Deviled eggs with cilantro, jalapenos and curry
Who knew Devils could have delicious factors about them? At least this preparation has! The combination of fresh eggs, mayonnaise, cilantro, caramelized onions, and Indian spices of Sambar powder and curry leaves are super healthy and absolutely effortless. May the devils win this round!
Time for the favorite part of all food lovers around the globe. Since this is a picnic we are attending, being a glutton would be such a turn off. Not only is it uncomfortable, it is unhealthy too. Let’s keep the ingredients simple, yet filling. So let’s not wait any further and check out the collection of these scrumptious feasts. Presenting to you:
8. Emeril’s muffuletta
A classic New Orleans sandwich, this beauty is stuffed with cured meats, pickled vegetables, cheese, and tangy olives on a hearty Italian loaf. The vegetables, tangy olives and cheese are a perfect balance to the juicy meat. This is your all-in-one meal!
9. Pretzel-crusted “fried” chicken
This fried chicken is both fun and healthy; something both the children and adults will enjoy! The important factor is this is entirely baked and it contains pretzel. So, heat up your oven and bake this protein!
10. Grilled buffalo tofu Po’ boy with apple slaw
A vegan delight, this sandwich is brimming with calcium, protein and iron – and is gluten free! A straightforward recipe with no ruckus, this sub comprises of marinated grilled tofu and creamy slaw.
11. Mayim Bialik’s vegan Reuben sandwich
Just look at this handsomeness! You don’t have to be a vegan to fall in love with it! A twist in the recipe by the actress of Big Bang Theory, this sandwich is stashed with a good proportion of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. This is a comfort food for all!
12. Avocado & ham sandwich
The wooden smoky flavor of the ham, combined with a pleasing nutty zest of avocado and Swiss cheese, make this particular sandwich so extraordinary. The best part of this hearty meal is that avocado itself is a highly nutritious fruit – It has high level of potassium, monounsaturated fatty acid, and loads of fiber. Indulge yourself in this pack of yum; you will love it! You will find the recipe here.
Finally, No matter how wholesome your meal is, it will remain incomplete without the touch of sweetness. Yes, desserts compliment the whole savory feast. Even if you take one item, it is still valuable. Here is a list of 3 sweet treats for you!
13. Quick and easy raspberry tart
This recipe is as easy as a pie! Just get those frozen puff pastry sheets, add generous amount of fresh raspberries, put in the oven and bake it! Fresh raspberries decrease chances of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and increase energy. Take a look at this wonder tart.
14. Milk-chocolate cookies with malted cream
Ernestine Ulmer once said, “Life is short. Eat dessert first.” I am going to rephrase it here, “Life is short. Eat this first.” Another smooth recipe that contains milk-chocolate wafers and a mixture of Ovaltine, butter and sugar, and you are good to go! These cookies contain an extra bit of fat, but that’s fair enough in one case (unless you go out on picnics every day!)
15. Fruit and cheeses
If you want to avoid excess sugar or cream, or want just want something out-of-the-park, then fruit and cheese are for you. Just search around for some hand picked fresh fruits, wash them properly, add an assortment of cheeses, and eat them with toasted raisin-pecan bread. You can also bring fruits of your choice from home, but whatever you do, make sure the fruits are right-out-of-the-tree fresh. Nothing can be as healthy as this meal!
Well, bring out your baskets, call your acquaintances, gather your shopping, and head out on a glorious morning and relish your picnic. Until then, delight yourself and stay healthy!
Featured photo credit: Woman’s Hand Taking Food From Cafe Table With Dips And Drinks via stokpic.com
