What to Bring for a Successful Picnic

Looking for a few good recipes to make for a picnic in the park? Before making your selection, consider choosing ingredients and dishes that hold up well in the heat, as well as during transport. These are a few things to keep in mind before filling up your basket, and some recipes for you to try.

1. Dry Sandwiches

There’s nothing worse than a sandwich that’s gotten too stuck on an ice pack or soggy from its fillings. To ensure your sandwiches remain soft, avoid water-heavy ingredients like tomatoes and lettuce. When assembling, “waterproof” the bread with slices of cheese and meats, and place your vegetables in the middle of your sandwich.

Try These Recipes:

2. Hearty Salads

To prevent lettuce from wilting and veggies from turning mushy, opt for salads that stay firm even after being transported in a cooler. Think potato, pasta or rice salads. Certain vegetables can also stay crunchy for a while, like cauliflower, broccoli, carrots and corn kernels. If you’re making a leafy salad, bring the dressing separately and mix it in right before serving.

Try These Recipes:

3. Veggies and Dips in Jars

Fresh veggies are a must on a summer day. To reduce the number of containers you need to bring, place the dip at the bottom of a jar and stick the veggies in vertically. You can also make layered salads in jars, with the ingredients least likely to soften at the bottom with the dressing.

Try These Recipes:

4. Finger-Friendly Snacks

Avoid bringing too many utensils by going with smaller dishes and finger foods. Nuts, roasted chickpeas, pickled veggies, veggie sticks and dips are all great options.

Try These Recipes:

5. Desserts That Can Handle the Heat

Whipped cream, frosting and chocolate tend to melt or get messy when it’s warm out. Opt for “dry” desserts that are easy to eat with your hands and don’t require plates, like cookies, snack cakes and squares.

Try These Recipes: