Picnics are the perfect occasion to savor the fresh flavors of fruits and vegetables. Here are 20 creative and delicious ways to include these ingredients in your outdoor feast:

 

1.     Banana & Strawberry Skewers: Alternate slices of bananas and whole strawberries on skewers for an easy-to-eat treat. Drizzle with lime to keep bananas from browning. These skewers are also delicious grilled.

 

2.     Grilled Sweet Potato Salad: Grill cubes of sweet potato and toss them in a light vinaigrette with your favorite greens. Simple to assemble and portable!  For something a little different check out these banana sweet potato skewers.

 

3.     Dragon Fruit Salsa: Combine dragon fruit and pineapple with lime juice, cilantro, and grated jalapeno for a tropical twist on salsa.

 

4.     Mini Banana Muffins: Bake mini banana bread muffins for a sweet and portable snack. These blueberry banana muffins are a fan favorite!

 

5.     Lettuce & Veggie Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap up sliced veggies and a spread of hummus.

 

6.     Grapes & Cheese Platter: Pair clusters of grapes with a selection of cheeses and whole grain crackers.

 

7.     Celery with Almond Butter: Fill celery sticks with almond or peanut butter for a crunchy and filling snack.

 

8.     Fruit Kabobs with Yogurt Dip: Create a colorful arrangement of fruit on kabob sticks and serve with a side of honey yogurt dip.

 

9.     Dragon Fruit Cubes: Scoop out dragon fruit flesh and cut into cubes for a visually stunning treat.

 

10.  Tropical Pineapple Smoothie: Blend pineapple with banana and coconut milk for a refreshing smoothie.

 

11.  Mixed Bean Salad: Toss mixed beans with diced veggies and a zesty dressing for a filling summer side.

 

12.  Grape & Chicken Pasta Salad: Add halved grapes to a creamy chicken pasta salad for a touch of sweetness.

 

13.  Energy Bites with Dates & Nuts: Combine mashed bananas with chopped nuts, oats, and dates to form bite-sized energy balls.  You may also like these Dole Energy Bites.  

 

14.  Strawberry Spinach Salad: Toss spinach leaves with sliced strawberries, goat cheese, and a poppyseed dressing.

 

15.  Lettuce & Quinoa Salad Cups: Fill lettuce cups with a mix of quinoa, diced veggies, and a light lemon dressing.

 

16.  Watermelon & Strawberry Lemonade: Puree watermelon and strawberries to mix into homemade lemonade.

 

17.  Grilled Pineapple Rings: Grill slices of pineapple until they're caramelized and serve as a sweet side dish.

 

18.  Veggie Sticks & Guacamole: Cut carrots and cucumbers into sticks and serve with a batch of fresh guacamole.

 

19.  Roasted Veggie Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and bell peppers on skewers and grill until tender.

 

20.  Fresh Berry Tartlets: Fill pre-baked tart shells with a citrus-infused low fat cream cheese and top with a variety of fresh berries.

 

With these ideas, you can easily pack a basket full of vibrant, tasty, and healthy options that everyone at your picnic will enjoy!

 

Published June 1, 2024