There are about 98 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day and that means almost 100 opportunities for fun summer picnics — and many more, if we’re lucky. Whether you’re heading to a big family reunion or just a spur-of-the-moment picnic in the park with the kids, you need some go-to summer picnic foods that are nutritious, easy to make and fun to eat.
To make your summer picnics even more enjoyable, we share some summer picnic foods that your kids will love — and that you will love to prepare. With a short list of nutritious staples you probably already have in your pantry and fridge, you’re well on your way to prepare, pack and picnic! As a bonus, we offer some beverage ideas to help keep your kids hydrated and satisfied as they play.
Summer picnic foods start with simple salads
There’s nothing nicer than a summer salad and, with a little planning, you can use up leftovers from dinner to create some unique salads that are just right for your next family picnic. Here are three we can’t wait to try:
Love to grill? Spark up for your burgers and dogs, but grab those cucumbers you picked up at your local farmers market and make this Cucumber Yogurt Salad recipe. This side dish couldn’t be any easier to prep. Then, toss the leftovers into your picnic basket and relive the flavor at the park!
Grilled corn is a summer delight. Here’s a great recipe that will help use up any leftovers you might have. This Grilled Summer Corn, Blueberry and Zucchini Salad is a real surprise, thanks to sweet blueberries and creamy feta or cheddar cheese. Who knew blueberries and corn make such a great combination?
Watch your kids devour vegetables when you pack this Quinoa-Veggie Salad With Marinated Feta Cheese. They’ll enjoy it all the more if they help chop the broccoli, tomatoes, olives, cucumber and carrots! Not a fan of quinoa? Try brown rice or whole wheat couscous instead.
Add some sandwiches, too!
Your kids will agree: when it comes to sandwiches, simple is best. It’s a good thing that pretty much any food can be made into a sandwich. Open the picnic basket and toss in one or more of these kid-friendly picks. Make sure you have enough for you, too!
What makes these luscious Italian Panini Bites just that little bit unique is the pesto. If your kids like a simple ham and cheddar, they may love this easy-to-eat, petite version!
Empanadas are a fun-to-eat pasty-like treat that are perfect for picnics. Whip up a batch of these Smoked Cheddar Kale Empanadas and enjoy them straight from the picnic basket!
Sometimes, the best sandwiches are all about the bread. Why not make it simple and pair a multigrain or seeded whole wheat bread with a luscious Michigan cheese? The combinations are infinite, but the recipe doesn’t get any easier than this. Bread plus Michigan cheese equals perfect picnic food, every time.
Milk rehydrates and smoothies keep you cool
On a picnic, a cold drink is just as welcome as a sunny day. For the simplest picnic beverage, be sure to fill your drink container with fresh milk. Prized for its ability to replenish what is lost when we sweat, milk is “affordable, accessible and delicious” plus it’s packed with essential nutrients, according to MilkMeansMore.com.
This content is sponsored by United Dairy Industry of Michigan / Milk Means More. Learn more at milkmeansmore.org.
Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s How to Get Kids to Eat Healthy.
