Try out these mouth-watering dishes as you lay out your next picnic mat!
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Chicken sandwich
An all-time favourite, the sandwich is a must-have item on any picnic food list. Fill up your sandwich with sliced cucumbers and avocados (“5 Green Superfoods”), shredded carrots and tomatoes. Arrange roasted skinless and boneless chicken breast on top of your spread. Cheese lovers can opt to sprinkle off with cheese. If you wish, you can slightly toast the sides of your bread. Amp up your carbohydrate content by choosing wholegrain bread. Now just wrap your sandwiches up in greaseproof paper to hold the fillings together and you are good to go.
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Smoked salmon wrap
Fancy something more exciting than a sandwich? Try a lettuce wrap instead. Use big lettuce leaves to wrap cucumbers and a few slices of smoked salmon. This combination of antioxidants and protein will give you the energy you need while you enjoy the outdoors. Top the wrap off with some Greek yogurt and get ready for mouthfuls of crunchiness!
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Potato salad
Another popular picnic dish, potatoes are a good source of fibre, potassium and vitamins. This comfort food has been associated with lowering blood pressure and supporting heart health. Add some crunch to your salad with chopped apples, celery and raisins. For a healthier option, use herb vinaigrette as salad dressing. Throw in some tomatoes and red bell peppers for colour and their antioxidant properties. Salad has never been more appetising!
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Fruit salad kebab
Bite-sized fruits are easy and fun to eat! Mix cherry tomatoes, kiwi and grapes for sweetness and throw in some cucumbers and avocado for your dose of veggies. Hold them together on kebab skewers. Alternatively, you can separate the ingredients and assemble at the picnic place – a fun activity for all to do!
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Devilled Eggs
The humble egg is a good source of high quality protein. For this tasty dish, boil large eggs (number dependent on picnic pax) first and wait for them to cool. Then scoop out the yolks and mash them together with mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. To spice things up, you can add in chili! Distribute the yolk mixture into the egg whites. Refrigerate and pack just before you head out for your outing.
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Kiwi yogurt cups
Cool off with this appetising dessert after a healthy picnic meal. This super fruit contains tons of nutrients and five times the vitamin C of an orange in one serving. Simply chop up your kiwis and mix with honey and lemon zest. Spoon into cups with plain Greek yogurt and serve. That’s it – easy and delicious!
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Strawberry lemonade
What could be more refreshing than a cup of strawberry lemonade? Blend strawberries with sugar, water and lemon juice. Make sure the lemons are at room temperature to get the most juice out of them. Pack beverage in individual jars or in one big thermos. Enjoy the fresh air as you sip on your beverage!
Tricks on how to pack your picnic basket
- Pack heavy and items first to avoid squashing soft items
- Stack wet ingredients at the bottom
- Lightweight containers stack easily
- Separate dishes with napkins to avoid them from clinking together
- Put delicate and dry items on top
- Wrap glass bottles (if any) in the picnic blanket
- Pack bin bags to clean up after the picnic
- Use a frozen bottle of water to act as an ice pack to keep food chilled
- Use cupcake cases to hold condiments or to act as small bowls for fruits
References
Swissotel infographics