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How to Create a Summer Picnic

August 11, 2019 By Jess 7 Comments

How to Create a Summer Picnic
How to Create a Summer Picnic
How to Create a Summer Picnic
How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com

One of my favourite things to do in the summertime is to enjoy meals outdoors so I’m going to show you how to create a summer picnic with ease!

How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com
The best part of a picnic in my opinion is it can be super simple from the food to the location.

Grab your family and friends, some simple dishes, a blanket and let’s picnic!

How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com
When I was a teenager my friend and I used pack a baguette and cheese in our backpacks and head out on our bikes to picnic by the shores of Lake Ontario.

You’re probably thinking, ‘what teenager knows what a baguette is,’ and I have my Mom to thank for introducing me to one of my favourite breads everrrr!

And that is how I was introduced to the easiest way to enjoy food with friends; a picnic.

So, this summer I setup a simple picnic in my friend Gillian’s backyard and we had the BEST time enjoying food and drinks in the sunshine. This is what I love about a picnic; it can be anywhere, even in a backyard, and you can make it delicious and lovely in just a few simple steps.

Location

Picking a location is key to a great picnic and you don’t need to go far from home. A backyard with space for a blanket can be just perfect! Or, look for a nearby park with trees that provide some shade. Either way, give yourself a bit of space to spread out and enjoy.

How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com
Picnic Essentials

While a picnic basket can certainly be the perfect carryall for all of your picnic items, you really just need a sturdy bag for your supplies. A blanket is perfect for setting the scene and if you’re driving to your location or at home, outdoor pillows can add a nice touch too. Of course, you’ll need a few key utensils, plastic dishes, cutlery, a serving board and cloth napkins.

How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com
I also brought a couple of flower stems that I had at my house and stored them in my moscow muled mug for easy transport. One more item to pack is a bag to use for dirty dishes afterwards which makes clean-up much easier.

How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com
Delicious Food Dishes

The food is what makes the entire picnic experience. I am all for dishes that can be prepared, packaged and stored in the fridge which makes for easy packing.

So, here are a few ideas to help with your picnic menu:

Mason Jar Salads: Mason Jar Salads are wonderful for picnics because you can layer all the ingredients so the salad stays crisp. Then, just shake the mason jar prior to eating to mix all of the ingredients. I made a quick salad by layering dressing, roasted vegetables and chickpeas, quinoa, arugula and parmesan cheese. I mixed the vegetables (small zucchini, red pepper and a cup of baby tomatoes) with about 1 cup of chickpeas plus olive oil and a 1/4 tsp of thyme, basil, garlic powder, oregano and salt & pepper. Then roasted everything for about 25-30 minutes at 400F.

How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com
This Roasted Summer Vegetable Salad recipe also keeps very well and transferred into mason jars for a picnic would be delightful. I used the dressing from this salad to make the salad I talked about above.

Sandwiches: A Sandwich is a staple at a picnic and the recipe combinations are endless. I like to use a sturdy bread like baguette which does well with so many ingredients. A favourite sandwich combination of mind is: pesto, seasonal vegetables like zucchini and peppers, then add mozzarella and arugula.

How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com
All of these ingredients will do well when prepped a day before your picnic and then stored in the fridge. My Peach & Prosciutto Summer Focaccia recipe would also make a great sandwich option!

Dessert in a Jar: An easy way to pack a treat for your picnic is using small mason jars or really any jar you have. I like to use small jam jars that I’ve kept because they’re for perfect one-person desserts. One of my favourites desserts is a cheesecake in a jar!

How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com
Make each one by layering crumbled graham crumbs at the bottom of the jar followed by mascarpone cheese mixed with a bit of lemon zest and sugar, then topped with fruit. You could also make my Summer Fruit with Whipped Cream recipe, then just divide in to jars.

Charcuterie Board: Making charcuterie boards with seasonal ingredients is one of my favourites for a picnic. I like to mix up tastes and textures with a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, jams and crackers. A couple of my favourite ingredients for summer:

  • Cheeses: brie, gouda, manchego
  • Meat: prosciutto, spicy salami
  • Fruits: plums, peaches, apricot

How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com
Make your board, wrap it up and store in the fridge so it’s ready to pack. And, this cheeseboard is a lovely option for dessert too by adding some chocolate, nuts or a couple of sweets of your choice.

Fresh Fruit: Bring whichever fruit is in season. Just wash and cut (if needed), then store in a reusable container to bring in your picnic basket.

How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com
Something to Cheers With

A bottle of bubbly or perhaps a rosé is the perfect summer picnic drink to cheers with! You could also opt for a bottle of lemonade or sparkling water instead.

How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com
Whichever your choice, always remember to bring lots of water and drink responsibly. If you’re bringing glass bottles, wrap them in napkins for packing.

How to Pack a Picnic and Keep Food Cold

Ice packs work great to keep food cool. However, you could also freeze a bottle of water which serves two purposes: keeping food cool and then you can enjoy the water as a refreshing drink as the ice melts.

How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com
Layer items in your picnic basket or bag starting with the heaviest items at the bottom. Then, put more delicate items towards the top of the basket. Using food containers that stack easily also helps to make packing much easier.

Atmosphere

While enjoying a picnic with a few people is lovely, having a picnic by yourself can be just as enjoyable. Grab a good book like The Recipe Club to enjoy along with your food. Totally disconnecting to enjoy the company of friends or reading a book can be magical. You could even bring cards to play a game after you eat or maybe even an easy lawn game like bocce ball.

How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com
There are so many ways to enjoy time together with a picnic, let your tastes guide you! And, if you’d rather not make food just pop by your favourite bakery or take-out restaurant, grab your favourite baked goods or dishes and take those with you.  Make the summer picnic experience as detailed or as simple as you want, and make it your own.

How to create a summer picnic | cookinginmygenes.com
Happy Picnicking friends!

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Dinner, Foodie Adventures, Gatherings, Main Course, Recipe Tagged With: charcuterie, cheese, cheese platter, cheese tray, cheeseboard, mason jar, mason jar salad, outdoors, picnic, picnic menu, salad, sandwich, vegetarian, vegetarian sandwich

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Matt - Total Feasts

    August 19, 2019 at 11:05 am

    What a great little guide for a picnic. You talking about baguettes has made me think, some of my best picnics just include jambon-beurre and a good wine. That said, I like the idea taking jar salads on a picnic. They look delicious!

    Reply
    • Jess

      August 19, 2019 at 11:11 am

      Thanks so much Matt! And I agree, jambon-beurre and a good wine are TOTALLY delicious and satisfying for a picnic too!

      Reply
  2. Sabrina

    August 19, 2019 at 8:09 am

    Fantastic inspiration for a picnic! I love the veggie sandwich and the dessert in jars idea. And of course baguettes 🙂

    Reply
    • Jess

      August 19, 2019 at 11:11 am

      Thanks so much Sabrina! I’m glad you found some picnic-inspiration for the summer. And those desserts in a jar are definitely a favourite of ours too 🙂

      Reply
  3. Terri

    August 18, 2019 at 9:45 pm

    I want to be invited on a picnic with you! OMG everything from the basket to the flowers to the sandwiches and salads looks divine!!

    Reply
    • Jess

      August 19, 2019 at 11:12 am

      Anytime Terri! I love a picnic and picnicking with a fellow food blogger would be awesome!

      Reply

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  1. Peanut Chicken Power Bowls - Cooking in my Genes says:
    May 24, 2020 at 11:36 am

    […] could totally pack these bowls up in mason jars for a picnic […]

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INSTA-GRATIFICATION

It takes only 5 ingredients to make this ROASTED S It takes only 5 ingredients to make this ROASTED STRAWBERRY APPETIZER! 

Strawberries are roasted with balsamic and maple syrup and then used to top cracked black pepper Boursin cheese. Add a little basil for garnish and serve with crostini - that’s it. It’s the perfect hit of sweet and savoury for the Spring (then summer) season!

You can also easily double this recipe to make it for more people too. 

Here’s the recipe friends!

Serves: 3-4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered
1x 150g Boursin Cracked Black Pepper Cheese (remove from fridge 10 minutes before making the dip)
Fresh basil for garnish
Crostini or crackers for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. Add quartered strawberries to a parchment lined baking sheet along with balsamic vinegar and maple syrup. Stir together and then roast for 20-25 minutes until just softened and the strawberry juices start to release. Set aside to cool.
3. When you’re ready to serve the appetizer, spread the Boursin cheese on a low plate or bowl and then top with roasted strawberries and fresh basil.
4. Serve with crackers or crostini. Enjoy!
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Here’s how to make 2 servings - 

INGREDIENTS:

For the Peanut Chicken Bowls:
1-1 1/2 cups cooked chicken (or other protein of choice)
1/2-1 cup cooked grains of choice 
1 carrot, grated 
1/2 cup chopped cucumber 
1/2 bell pepper chopped
1/2-1 cup red cabbage, sliced thin
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2 1/2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari 
Juice from half a lime
1 1/2 tbsp sriracha or other hot sauce of choice 
1 tsp fresh grated ginger 
1/4-1/3 cup hot water 

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. To make the peanut sauce, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, ginger and 1/4 - 1/3 cup hot water and set aside.
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Recipe is also on the blog if you desire - linked in my profile above!

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/peanut-chicken-power-bowls/
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https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/easy-summer-tortellini-pasta-salad/
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INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
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