5 Healthy Picnic-friendly Foods

Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD

| 2 min read

picnic
Summer picnics are a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors, whether at a nearby park or near a river. Relaxing on a blanket while eating a meal is a great way to connect with nature. Kids can have fun running around, exploring nature, and taking a break from screens. Don’t forget to check out our surprising picnic must-haves for your next sunny day. Here are some healthy food options to consider:
Mason jar

Salad in a jar

When it comes to picnics, salads can be difficult to pack since they require multiple containers for the salad and dressing. However, jarred salads are a great solution. The trick is to layer the ingredients in the right order to avoid any sogginess.
Here’s what you do:
  1. Prepare a mason jar with hard veggies such as peppers and onions at the bottom and cover with a dressing of choice. The goal is to avoid mixing high-water-content veggies like lettuce with dressing.
  1. Next, add protein such as beans or grilled chicken, then watery veggies such as cucumber followed by cheese and nuts.
  1. Finally, fill the jar with lettuce and store in a cooler for a fresh meal that just needs a good shake before eating.
Watermelon Jalapeño Gazpacho Shooters
Get ready to start using refreshing and soup in the same sentence with this chilled soup recipe that’s a perfect combination of sweet and savory. This easy recipe is perfect for the summertime – bursting with vibrant colors and flavors.
Sundried Tomato Italian Pasta Salad
This pasta salad recipe packs in nutrients from a variety of vegetables and adds a nice crunch from bell peppers and cucumbers. With a vinaigrette-based rather than mayonnaise-based dressing, this pasta salad fares better for outdoor summer events from a food-safety aspect.
Fruit plate

Cheese and Fruit Board

If you’re pressed for time when it comes to meal preparation, a cheese and fruit board is a quick and effortless option. You can either cut fruit and slice the cheese yourself at home or purchase pre-sliced cheese and cut fruit from the grocery store. It’s important to keep the cheese chilled until you’re ready to serve, especially on hot days, as warm temperatures can cause bacteria to multiply rapidly.
popcorn

Popcorn

Looking for a fiber-packed whole-grain snack that’s perfect for picnics? Popcorn is a great choice. Not only does it not require cooler space, but it’s also safe to leave in the sun for the duration of your picnic. Try these ideas for taking your popcorn flavors to the next level.

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