• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cooking in my Genes

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Gatherings
  • Free E-Cookbook
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy

How to Create a Summer Picnic

August 11, 2019 By Jess 7 Comments

  • 3
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

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
  • 3

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

Previous Post: « What’s In Season – Monthly Favourites
Next Post: Stone Fruit Breakfast Crumble »

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

Trackbacks

  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 […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

About me

Welcome to Cooking in my Genes. I share my take on recipes I grew up with, foodie adventures & my kitchen creations. About me…

Claim Your Free E-Book Now!

Receive email updates and
my FREE e-cookbook with
6 simple & seasonal recipes.

Let’s Connect

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Looking for a recipe?

Sidebar Ad

Recent Posts

  • Easy Herb Drop Biscuits
  • What’s In Season – Recipes to Make in April
  • Simple & Easy Turkey Tacos

Recent Comments

  • Jess on One Bowl Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Jess on Peanut Chicken Power Bowls
  • Alysa B. on Peanut Chicken Power Bowls

Archives

Categories

Footer

INSTA-GRATIFICATION

This Rhubarb Cake is a fav in our house and perfec This Rhubarb Cake is a fav in our house and perfect for Spring!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
A light cake dough mixed with rhubarb and then topped with brown sugar and cinnamon; you seriously can’t go wrong!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
We would usually create this recipe to share but because we can't gather right now, send this to a friend to make and enjoy from our own homes on a virtual coffee date!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Link to recipe in bio⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
#rhubarbcake #rhubarb #springbaking⁠⁠
⁠I am all about fresh, crunchy salads and using ⁠I am all about fresh, crunchy salads and using seasonal ingredients, so I'm making this Spring Vegetable Salad today!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
I love to visit the farmers' market to pick up produce. Asparagus, peas and pea shoots bring this salad to life and it makes the perfect lunch or side salad for dinner.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Recipe is linked in my bio friends⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
#springsalad #seasonalproduce #farmersmarket⁠⁠
#ad Weekend brunch is here and I’m making this S #ad Weekend brunch is here and I’m making this SPRINGTIME FRITTATA with ingredients from my online grocery order from @mycnf ! Simple ingredients, fresh greens & herbs and some delicious local bread on the side - this is PERFECT to enjoy anytime this weekend.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
8 eggs
⅓ cup milk
3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup ricotta
1/2 tsp salt
ground pepper
½ cup diced onions (about half small onion)
2 cups packed greens (arugula)
1/4 cup chopped herbs (mix of 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped chives or dill)
1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350F and place a 10 inch skillet on the stovetop. 
2. Whisk eggs, milk, ricotta, salt and pepper together and set aside.
3. Prep other ingredients: dice onions, measure out herbs and greens.
4. Add 3 tbsp oil to pan, saute onions for 5-7 minutes on medium heat to soften.
5. Stir in greens & herbs and just wilt greens - cook about 1 minute.
6. Pour the eggs & milk mixture into the pan, stir and then cook until the edges of the frittata just start to pull away, about 5-7 minutes. 
7. Top with parmesan cheese and then transfer to the oven and bake to set, about 15-18 minutes.
8. Top with microgreens and serve with a side of bread & butter.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
**If you want to check out online grocery delivery with Community Natural Foods, use my code JESS21 for free shipping!
•
•
•
#weekendbrunch #frittata #eggsforbreakfast
Happy Weekend!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ The weather is looking Happy Weekend!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
The weather is looking good this weekend and this Grapefruit Lavender Spring Blossom Cocktail makes for a simple and beautiful sip for the springtime.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
The natural tartness of the grapefruit is very refreshing, and when paired with a touch of lavender it’s a beautiful harmony of flavours.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Recipe linked in bio friends⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
#springcocktails #gincocktails #cocktailrecipe⁠⁠
#ad If there’s one thing that’s made life easi #ad If there’s one thing that’s made life easier this past year is ordering groceries online from one of my favourite local stores! @mycnf Community Natural Foods was the first health food store I found when I moved to Calgary 13 years ago and it’s still a staple for me to this day. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
SO recently I checked out their online grocery store to stock up on ingredients for a favourite weekend recipe - a SPRINGTIME FRITTATA! Stay tuned as I will be sharing the recipe this Saturday!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
P.S. Want to check out their online ordering & local Calgary delivery?! Use code JESS21 for free shipping! Some of my other fav items to pickup are: almond milk, nuts & seeds, local breads & fresh vegetables. 
•
•
•
#supportlocalyyc #groceryhaul #frittata #breakfastrecipes
Try this One-Pan Baked Chicken with Tomatoes and O Try this One-Pan Baked Chicken with Tomatoes and Oregano for dinner tonight!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
We are starting to see more tomatoes at the market and they are perfect baked with chicken, oregano and an olive oil-lemon for a seriously flavourful dish.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
And one-pan means less clean-up!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Don't forget to save this post, recipe linked in bio friends⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
#onepandinner #chickendinner #easydinner⁠⁠
Start your week with this Green Tropical Smoothie, Start your week with this Green Tropical Smoothie, it's a little tropical escape in a glass!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
It's one of my fav smoothies for breakfast or a snack and it's a great way to get some extra greens in. I added a whole cup of spinach and you can't even taste it!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
*save this post*⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Here's the recipe:⁠⁠
⁠⁠
INGREDIENTS⁠⁠
1/2 banana⁠⁠
1 cup spinach or another leafy green like kale⁠⁠
1 1/2 cup frozen mango or pineapple (or a combination of both)⁠⁠
2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut use sweetened if that's all you have⁠⁠
juice of half a lime⁠⁠
1 1/2 cups coconut milk almond milk or coconut water work too⁠⁠
⁠⁠
INSTRUCTIONS⁠⁠
Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend on high until combined, about 1-2 minutes.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Enjoy!⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
#smoothierecipes #tropicalsmoothie #greensmoothies⁠⁠
{new recipe} Easy Herb Drop Biscuits are made for {new recipe} Easy Herb Drop Biscuits are made for Sunday baking!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
These tender & fluffy biscuits are made in just one bowl and speckled with fresh rosemary & thyme. Mix them up, drop them on a baking tray and pop them in the oven for just under 20 minutes. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Make them for breakfast, brunch or dinner. And enjoy with a spread of butter!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Recipe linked in bio
•
•
•
#dropbiscuits #bakingfromscratch #sundaybaking
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · CookinginmyGenes.com

  • 3