How to plan the perfect summer picnic
Make the most of the warm weather
Make the most of the warm weather
Warmer weather signals the start of picnic season, but there is more to this style of summer dining than wicker baskets and tartan rugs. Revamp your next picnic with these top tips, menu additions and essential supplies. Plus, don’t forget to be COVIDSafe. Follow government advice in your state to ensure you’re enjoying summer safely.
Plan your picnic ahead
Organising an amazing picnic begins with knowing your location. Are there shaded areas and picnic tables? Will you need to pack a rug? Do some research in advance to know what recipes to prep and what equipment needs to be brought along.
What to bring to a picnic
Picnic food needs to be easy: recipes that are quick to put together, don’t require constant refrigeration and are easy to transport. Read on to discover some easy picnic recipes.
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A hearty potato salad is classic picnic fare and is easy to customise according to what you like. Try this salt and vinegar potato salad recipe or why not opt for a pasta salad? Keep it vegetarian or throw in pancetta or shredded barbecue chicken.
Don’t forget the sweet salads, such as this quinoa, berry and mango fruit salad, or this strawberry and halloumi salad. Avoid delicate or leafy salads that may wilt if left out for too long. Find more salad ideas for picnics by checking out our salad recipes collection.
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Also look to recipes that don’t require much or any cutlery. Think skewers, such as our beef and capsicum or vegetable and haloumi – both can be cooked in advance or on a BBQ if available. Tortilla egg cups, Vietnamese-inspired mango rice paper rolls and blueberry muffins are all delicious, transport-friendly and require no knives or forks to enjoy.
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Anything requiring assembly on arrival should be as straight-forward as pouring over a dressing, scattering with herbs or splitting bread for DIY chicken and cucumber rolls.
Embrace ready-made products, such as salad kits, barbecue chicken and quiches. Anything that leaves you with more time to enjoy being outdoors is a win!
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For drinks, look to recipes that work well both with and without ice, such as an iced tea with mango or a refreshing mixed berry cordial.
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Leave the glass salad bowls and ceramic serving platters at home. For a picnic, it is all about durable containers, paper plates and eco-friendly disposable cutlery.
Put some ice bricks in the freezer the night before and keep stashed in your esky for any items you want to keep chilled.