Serving food outdoors can be complicated, and people may want to eat at different times around activities and keep things simple. Preferred picnic foods are those which are easy to prepare, won’t spoil easily, and can be served in individual easy-to-eat portions. Here are our two favorite picnic food recipes:
Recipe 1: Cold veggie hummus wraps (Serves 4)
Ingredients:
- 4 large (9 1/2-inch) flour tortilla wraps, plain or spinach
- 1 cup plain hummus, homemade or store-bought
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried (Or use arugula)
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- A dash of oregano for each wrap
Directions:
Lay four tortillas open. Spread ¼ cup of hummus onto each wrap. Divide spinach and shredded carrots evenly and put on each wrap. Sprinkle a dash of oregano onto each wrap. Roll or close the wraps. Cover tightly in plastic wrap and place into the refrigerator until ready to pack into a chilled cooler. Best if made on same day.
Recipe 2: Make-ahead dilly pasta salad (Serves 4)
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. your favorite pasta (We like rotini)
- 1 cucumber, seeds removed, finely chopped
- 8 cherry tomatoes, washed, dried, and halved
- 2 oz. Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons washed, dried, and finely chopped fresh dill
- Up to ½ bottle (8 oz.) of prepared Italian salad dressing or your own homemade vinaigrette
Directions:
Cook pasta al dente. Let cool. (Tip: do not overcook pasta.) Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Parm cheese, and dill. Slowly put some dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss. Taste as you go. Stop pouring dressing when pasta salad is adequately coated to your liking. Evenly distribute pasta salad between 4 medium-sized mason jars or individual containers. (Tip: Attach cutlery to each jar using tape or twine.) Refrigerate after making and keep cool until serving. Best if made early in the day or one day ahead.
When picnicking, simplicity and food safety are priorities. Do read our sister article entitled Easy Summer Picnic Hacks (link). Choose non-soggy-style sandwiches that can be individually served. Also, avoid salads with mayonnaise that have the potential to spoil quickly in the heat. Rather, opt for oil and vinegar-based dressings. Or test out our two favorite picnic food recipes listed above. For more picnic-friendly food inspiration, visit Pinterest and search for picnic food ideas.
