Although summer doesn't officially begin until June 22nd, Memorial Day weekend feels like the unofficial start of the season. As the warm weather settles in there will be plenty of time for barbecues, so why not have a picnic this Memorial Day Weekend. Whether you'll spread a blanket in your backyard or at a public park, here are some ideas for delicious picnics.
1 Open-faced beef tenderloin sandwiches can be transported in a baking dish
2 Ham and Swiss is a more classic sandwich. Make it special on a baguette
3 A tuna nicoise sandwich is a good choice for a picnic
4 A good oil packed tuna makes your sandwich even better
5 For vegetarians, create a sandwich with portabello mushrooms, fennel and tomatoes on a ciabatta roll
6 Quinoa and cucumber salad stands up well to travel
7 Mango and radish salad with a lime dressing is very tasty
8 A fresh corn salad is always great at a picnic
9 Chilled corn and coconut milk soup is an interesting combination to try
10 A cold herb and cucumber soup is refreshing
11 If you prefer fruit, then a cold raspberry soup is a good choice
12 Or a peach gazpacho may be just the thing
13 Sour cherry crumb bars are delicious
14 Dark chocolate sandwich cookies hold up well
15 Or you might like a more traditional oatmeal cookie
16 Lavender-infused lemonade is easy to make and tastes great
Choose foods that are portable and will survive outside a refrigerator. Sandwiches are a good choice. An open-faced beef tenderloin sandwich with herb mayonnaise is easily transported in a baking dish. A more classic choice might be a ham-and-swiss but serve it on a french baguette. Another possibility is a tuna Nicoise sandwich on a hearty ciabatta roll. Choose a really good oil-packed tuna in a jar for added flavor. It's always good to have a vegetarian option. A "hero sandwich" made with portabello mushrooms, fennel, tomatoes and yellow peppers is one everybody can enjoy.
Include a salad or two, particularly ones without leafy greens that could wilt. Possibilities include: a quinoa salad with cucumber; mango and radish salad with a lime dressing; or a fresh corn salad.
Cold soups are a nice addition to a late Spring picnic. Chilled corn and coconut soup is an unusual and satisfying combination that will please your guests. A cold herb and cucumber soup is also a good choice. If a fruit-based soup is more to your liking then try a rhubarb and raspberry soup or a peach gazpacho.
Bring desserts that are individualized and don't require slicing and serving.Sour cherry crumb cakes are yummy and can be made with fresh or frozen cherries. Dark chocolate cookie sandwiches is sure to be a crowd pleaser. They transport well in a loaf pan. For something tried and true, bake a batch of all-American oatmeal cookies.
Go the extra step and make fun beverages like a lavender-infused lemonade or an iced jasmine tea.
Even if it rains on Memorial Day, spread your blanket on the living room floor and have an indoor picnic instead!
