Get ready to discover a selection of simple and effective picnic recipes. Whether it’s salads, sandwiches or light desserts, these recipes are ideal for a meal on the beach, a lunch on the grass or a picnic with friends. From cold dishes to healthy appetizers, including original cakes for take away, you will find recipe ideas to satisfy all wishes. Don’t wait any longer, it’s time to prepare your perfect picnic basket to have a pleasant time.
Read about the topic: 5 tips for a successful picnic
How to have a good picnic?
A good picnic requires planning earlier. Start by choosing a location that suits your needs: a nearby park, a beach, a corner of the country or even your garden. Make sure you have a tablecloth or blanket to sit on and enjoy your meal outdoors.
Next, think about yours menu. It is best to choose dishes that are easy to transport and eat. Here are some suggestions:
- Sandwiches: Vary the breads and toppings for more everyday enjoyment.
- Salads: A pasta salad, for example, is simple to prepare and goes well with many ingredients.
- Tasty cakes: They are easy to take and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: they are perfect for a summer picnic and bring a touch of freshness.
do not forget beverages. Water is important, especially on sunny days. You can also bring fresh fruit juice or soft drinks.
Finally, don’t forget essential accessories : eating utensils, napkins, waste bags and sunscreen in the summer.
What to eat for a picnic? Our best recipes
Summer salads to take on picnics
Salad is probably the easiest dish to transport to a picnic, and one that pleases most people. Add thirst-quenching seasonal vegetables like tomatoes and cucumber. Pasta salads, rice salads, tabbouleh, sweet and savory mixes… You will surely find a recipe to please you.
Pasta salads
Tortis go particularly well with pasta salads. You can also have shells or farfalles.
Rice salads
Another classic: rice salad! Take white Camargue rice to use a local ingredient (even better if it’s organic). Basmati or Thai rice has no place here!
Vegetable salads
Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh, often made from wheat semolina, should be served chilled.
Wraps and club sandwiches for an express meal
Another key recipe for summer picnics: sandwiches! Be careful not to add ingredients that are too fragile, e.g. avoid mayonnaise, cream cheese and smoked salmon. Choose organic sandwich bread with seeds for more treats.
Pies, cakes: main course idea
For a picnic to share, pies and cakes are a very cozy idea.
Easy desserts to take to a picnic
Choose refreshing fruit salads (to keep in a cooler) or desserts that are easy to transport.
Special recipe idea for children
With simple flavors, these recipes should win the hearts of the youngsters.
What ingredients should you avoid without a refrigerator for a picnic?
When packing a picnic, it’s crucial to choose ingredients that store well without refrigeration to avoid health risks and ensure your meals remain delicious and safe to consume. To read on the subject: 7 ingredients that are almost forbidden in picnics. And here are some ingredients you can ban without a refrigerator for a successful picnic:
1. Dairy products:
Fresh dairy products such as milk, cream, yoghurt and soft cheeses such as mozzarella or brie should be avoided. These foods deteriorate quickly at room temperature, which promotes bacterial growth, which can lead to food poisoning. Choose hard or ripened cheeses instead, which are more resistant to heat.
2. Raw or undercooked eggs:
Dishes containing raw or undercooked eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise, tartares or mousse-based desserts, should also be avoided. These preparations are very sensitive to high temperatures and can quickly become dangerous if they are not kept cool. Prefer hard-boiled eggs, which are more stable and easy to carry.
3. Raw meat and fish:
Raw or marinated meat and fish, such as carpaccio, sushi or ceviches, should definitely be avoided without refrigeration. These foods require low temperature storage to remain safe to consume. Choose cooked meat, smoked fish or canned food to ensure their preservation.
4. Fresh cold cuts:
Fresh cold meats such as ham, mortadella or terrine should also be avoided because they spoil quickly without cold. Instead, choose dry sausages, chorizos or other cold cuts that keep well at room temperature.
5. Cream or milk-based dishes:
Dishes containing cream or milk, such as some pasta or potato salads, should be avoided. These ingredients can turn quickly and change the taste and safety of food. Choose oil and vinegar-based vinaigrettes to dress your salads.
6. Fresh seafood:
Fresh seafood, such as prawns, clams or scallops, should never be taken without refrigeration as it can quickly become unsafe to consume. Choose canned fish such as tuna or mackerel for greater safety.
7. Delicate vegetables:
Some vegetables, like avocados or fresh mushrooms, oxidize or deteriorate quickly at room temperature. For a picnic, choose more resilient vegetables such as carrots, peppers or radishes, which stay crisp and fresh for longer.
8. Ready-made salads:
Ready-made salads or pre-seasoned mixes should also be avoided as they are often more perishable. Prepare your salads with fresh, unseasoned vegetables and bring the vinaigrette separately for last-minute mixing.
By avoiding these ingredients, you reduce the risk of dietary problems and ensure that your outdoor dining remains tasty and safe for everyone. Plan your picnics carefully by choosing foods that keep well at room temperature so you can fully enjoy your day outdoors without worry!
