Some days are just way too beautiful not to pack up your car and hit the road, find a place outside to sprawl out with the family (or your bestie) and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Drag him or her out by the elbow and greet the wonderful day with a smile and a basket packed full of goodies to munch on.Getting outside to enjoy a picnic and some fair-weather isnt just fun and healthy for you and your whole familyit can also be wildly romantic with your special someone. In fact, a picnic can be pretty much whatever you make it.You can even picnic at night, under the stars, or by the light of a full moon. Cue some romantic mood music, and youve got the beginnings of an amazing date night you wont soon forget. But, youve got to start with the basics for a fabulous picnicand the basics are food! Its important to choose food thats simple, tasty, healthy and satisfying. Here are a few easy picnic ideas to get you started.
This recipe is lifted right out of traditional Peruvian fare and not only is it delicious, its super colorful and pretty with green limas, yellow corn, and organic red quinoa.Prep time on this recipe is roughly 20 minutes, and then there are only 10-15 minutes more before its ready to eat. Not only is this dish high in fiber, its organic, gluten free, free of nuts and all kinds of good for you.Fancy it up with queso fresco or goat cheese crumbles and add loads of flavor with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper, plus white wine vinegar. Extra virgin olive oil adds a dose of healthy fats and the resulting masterpiece tastes amazing. Just mix all of your ingredients and serve. You can eat this deliciousness chilled (just add an ice pack to that picnic basket) or at room temp. Either way, its sure to be a big hit.
Whats a picnic without a delicious dip to enjoy? This avocado cashew dip is the perfect addition to a healthy and refreshing picnic. Cashews are amazing little gems of nutrition and make a wonderful cream substitute for dips, sauces, and spreads.Avocados are super creamy, and ingredients like lime juice, cumin, Cayenne, garlic, jalapeo,salt, and cilantro give this recipe tons of flavor with just a bit of kick. The best part is how easy this dip is to make. It takes 10 minutes topsjust throw your cashews and water into a blender and puree until creamy, then add in all your other goodies and blend them well.You can add more water to adjust the consistency and use this dip on just about anything. Chips, crackers, nachos, toasted bread, even crunchy veggies. The skys the limit. Did we mention this deliciousness is also vegan-friendly and free of dairy, soy, grains, and gluten? Who knew eating healthy could taste so good?
Speaking of crackers, why not try these amazing cheese crisp crackers with that avocado cashew dip? These crackers make a great soy and gluten free appetizer, plus they are low carb, low sugar, and loaded in fiber.These crackers use a base of organic coconut flour and organic brown rice flour, along with organic brown flaxseeds and sharp cheddar cheese. They are seasoned with sea salt, while butter and eggs provide both extra protein and a dose of energy boosting fats. Just use a food processor to mix all your ingredients except the flax.Once youve formed a good dough, you can mix in your flaxseed and lay it all out on a pre-floured surface. Using a rolling pin to roll out the dough to the thickness you like best, and then cut the dough into pieces just big enough for a bite. Place them on a cookie sheet and bake in a convection or conventional oven. Just remember to adjust the temps depending on which type of oven you use.Once these crackers are done baking, they should be brown and crispy, ready to slather with that yummy avocado cashew dip. If you picnic also happens to be date night, we recommend taking turns feeding each other for maximum romantic points.
Of course, whats a stellar picnic without a breathtaking dessert? This easy, no-bake fruit tart is just the ticket. Its almost like eating a cookie, but better! This recipe calls for a base of almond flour and organic coconut flour, plus yummy flavors like cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla extract for the crust. The filling is just cream cheese (Greek or regular) and powdered sugar. Can you say decadent?The topping is red and green grapes, halved, plus pomegranate seeds and apple slices. You can, of course, add other fruits as well. It all hinges on your taste buds. No matter what, this is one dessert you will want to make again and again.There you have it. Easy picnic recipes to make that next outdoor excursion a smashing success.