Picnicking is an ideal activity for relaxing with family while enjoying the fresh air. Whether in a park, at the beach, or in the forest, sharing a meal outdoors creates precious memories. However, preparing a perfect picnic requires some planning and good recipe ideas. This article offers practical tips and simple yet delicious recipes to make your family picnic unforgettable.
How to choose the right spot?
Choosing the right location is essential for a successful picnic. Opt for local parks where children can run and play safely, or a beach if you enjoy the sea breeze and the sound of waves.
Forests offer a tranquil and shaded atmosphere, perfect for hot days.
Whatever the location, ensure it has enough space to accommodate your family and some amenities like picnic tables or nearby restrooms.
What is the ideal duration for a picnic?
Deciding the duration of your picnic will help you better organize your day. A morning or an afternoon can suffice for a meal and some games.
If you prefer a full day, plan additional activities like a walk, board games, or books to read outdoors. Also, check the weather forecast to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
What equipment should you bring?
To make your picnic comfortable and enjoyable, don’t forget to bring a few essentials. A large blanket to sit on, a cooler to keep your food fresh, and reusable tableware for an eco-friendly meal.
Also, a folding knife will be particularly useful for a picnic. It is compact, easy to carry, and indispensable for cutting bread, fruits, or vegetables. You can find your knife on the Couteaux Morta website.
Remember to bring trash bags to clean up and respect the environment. If you plan to stay a long time, consider bringing folding chairs and an umbrella for sun protection.
What gourmet sandwiches to prepare?
Sandwiches are picnic classics. Here are two simple and delicious recipes.
Roast chicken and grilled vegetable sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 ciabatta rolls
- 2 roasted chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 zucchini, grilled and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, grilled and sliced
- 100g arugula
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper
Preparation
- Cut the ciabatta rolls in half and spread mayonnaise on each half.
- Add slices of roast chicken on the bottom half of the rolls.
- Place the zucchini slices and bell pepper strips on the chicken.
- Add a handful of arugula.
- Season with salt and pepper and close the sandwiches with the top half of the rolls.
Ham and cheese sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 baguettes or sandwich rolls
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- Some lettuce leaves
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- Salt and pepper
Preparation
- Cut the rolls in half and spread butter on the inside of each half.
- Add a thin layer of mustard on one half of the roll.
- Place two slices of ham on the bottom half of the roll.
- Add two slices of Swiss cheese on top of the ham.
- Distribute a few cucumber slices and lettuce leaves on the cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Close the sandwiches with the top half of the roll.
- Cut each sandwich in half and wrap them individually for easy transport to your picnic.
What refreshing salads to choose?
Salads are perfect for a picnic as they are light and easy to prepare. Try these two recipes:
Mediterranean pasta salad
Ingredients
- 300g short pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 100g pitted black olives, sliced
- 150g crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
Quinoa salad with crunchy vegetables
Ingredients
- 200g quinoa
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 grated carrot
- 1 grated zucchini
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper
Preparation
- Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa, bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and parsley.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
What fruity desserts for a picnic?
Fruity desserts are perfect for a picnic. They are light, refreshing, and easy to prepare. Here are two ideas:
Seasonal fruit salad
Ingredients
- 2 apples
- 2 bananas
- 1 can of pineapple chunks
- 1 punnet of strawberries
- 2 oranges
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons honey
Preparation
- Cut all the fruits into equal-sized pieces.
- Mix them in a large bowl.
- Add lemon juice and honey, mix well.
- Keep in the fridge until it’s time to go.
Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple
- 2 kiwis
- 1 punnet of strawberries
- 1 bunch of grapes
- 2 plain yogurts
- 1 tablespoon honey
- A few mint leaves
Preparation
- Cut the fruits into pieces suitable for skewers.
- Thread the fruit pieces onto wooden skewers.
- Mix the yogurts with honey and chopped mint leaves for the sauce.
- Serve the skewers with the yogurt sauce on the side.
What refreshing drinks to accompany your recipes?
Homemade drinks add a special touch to a picnic. Here are two simple recipes:
Homemade Lemonade
Ingredients
- 4 lemons
- 1 liter of water
- 100g sugar
- A few mint leaves
Preparation
- Squeeze the lemons and pour the juice into a pitcher.
- Add water and sugar, mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add mint leaves for flavor.
- Serve chilled with ice cubes.
Iced tea with red fruits
Ingredients
- 4 black tea bags
- 1 liter of water
- 200g red fruits (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 2 tablespoons honey
Preparation
- Brew the tea bags in a liter of hot water for 5 minutes.
- Let cool and remove the tea bags.
- Add the red fruits and honey, mix well.
- Keep in the fridge until serving.
How to prepare in advance to avoid stress?
Preparing in advance is key for a stress-free picnic. Here are some tips:
Recipes that keep well: Choose recipes that don’t need last-minute preparation. Pasta salads, sandwiches, and fruity desserts keep well in the fridge.
Tips to keep food fresh: Use ice packs in your cooler and place the most perishable foods in first.
Conclusion
A family picnic is a wonderful opportunity to come together, enjoy nature, and share good times over tasty dishes. With these tips and simple recipes, you can easily organize an outdoor meal that will delight both young and old!
