It's time to get out and enjoy the longer days this season; and what better way than a summer picnic? I'm not talking about throwing some food in a cooler and eating it outside. I'm talking about an Instagram-worthy picnic that is both delicious and relaxing.
Make it a family outing at your favorite park to connect or invite the girls and enjoy crisp adult beverages while you chat about your days. A summer picnic can be as simple or as glamorous as you want, but one things certain... You need the perfect menu!
Planning the perfect summer picnic menu can be a bit daunting. You must make sure that the food will hold up while you set up and get ready to dig in. No one wants a soggy sandwich or salad and nothing's more disappointing than a melted dessert. So, what makes a good picnic menu for summer? Thanks to PlateJoy I have some wonderful recommendations for your next picnic.
Who's PlateJoy? Well, it's only the best thing to come from the meal plan craze! Unlike the usual meal kit subscriptions, PlateJoy.com offers more flexibility with personalized plans that include recipes and grocery lists to make cooking easy. They even offer optional ingredient delivery when you want it, with no packaging waste, and at a more affordable price too.
With that said, you're still probably wondering how they can help with your picnic menu. It's simple. PlateJoy is all about healthy living and making it easy to put meals together that you can enjoy and not worry about. Thanks to this, they offer perfect-for-picnic dishes in their meal plans and as a member you'll get the grocery list, food delivery and recipe to make the planning as simple as pie.
As for the recommendations, here they are...
For starters, Caprese Skewers are beyond easy and are a fav among many. Just grab a skewer and alternate grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Then, right before it's time to eat, drizzle with a balsamic glaze to finish it off.
Can't forget side dishes! Instead of the classic potato salad that can be iffy when it's left out, try a healthy Quinoa Salad. Combine cooked quinoa with sun-dried tomatoes, chopped kale, and toasted almonds. For the dressing, toss the salad in garlic, mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice.
Now time for the main course. While most sandwiches get soggy on your way to your picnic spot, a good Italian Pressed Sandwich will hold up nicely and taste amazing. What's even better is that you make these prior to your picnic, so no stressing the morning of. On the day before your picnic, spread pesto on one half of a sliced ciabatta loaf, then layer on Italian cold cuts, provolone, and greens like arugula and spinach. Wrap the whole prepared loaf in plastic wrap and place a heavy object on top (a skillet or six-pack works great). Leave for six hours or overnight before slicing. Ta-Da!
Finish off the menu with a simple dessert like Almond Butter Fudge. With only three ingredients (almond butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup) you can't beat this delectable treat.
To wash everything down elevate your water with cucumber, lemon, and lime. Add about 4-8 slices of each to a pitcher of water and let infuse for 2-4 hours. Of course, if you want a more grownup option, Sangria is always a safe bet to enjoy on a summer day. The day before your picnic, combine equal parts white and red wine, squeeze in juices from fresh lemons, limes, and oranges, then add in chunks of as many kinds of fruit as you want: citrus slices, mango, apple, watermelon, blueberries, etc.
Now that you have the menu, it's time to find a relaxing location, a comfy blanket, and a picture-perfect picnic basket!
For more recipes and healthy choice options, make sure to take a look at PlateJoy's blog for more inspiration. And, while you're there, check out their available meal plans. It could be just what you're looking for to start a healthier lifestyle.