Perfectly Portable Picnic Ideas

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

We have rounded up all the classics like salads, sandwiches, desserts and lemonade—and thrown in a few extras that travel well and taste great. Plan your menu with these easy, no-fuss ideas for delicious and satisying picnic favorites.

Cobb Salad

Salads are a welcome addition to any picnic basket. Just be sure you don’t dress your salad greens in advance. Pack the dressing separately to that tender lettuces stay fresh and crisp.

Ginger Lemonade Fizz

Cool down with a nice glass of lemonade. Add club soda and ginger to the drink for a refreshing spin.

Egg Salad

Want to know a secret for jazzing up a classic egg salad? Pickle relish. Add a couple of tablespoons into the mix when preparing.

Coleslaw

Crunchy coleslaw features the best of all worlds: the sweet, crunchy and tangy flair of vinegar.

Potato Salad

It wouldn’t be a picnic without this warm-weather staple. Keep it simple by adding hardboiled eggs, mayo and some sweet pickle relish.

Brownies

Rich, chocolate brownies satisfy any sweet tooth. Let them cool completely and cut them into squares before your picnic. That will make them easier to travel with— and easier to share.

Quiche

A savory egg custard baked in a flaky pie crust is perfect for sharing. Make ahead or easily pick up a premade tin of quiche from many local grocers with a premade selection of foods.

Fruit Salad

Sweeten up your favorite summer fruits with a drizzle of honey and a splash of orange juice. Delicious and refreshing on a hot day.

Charcuterie Board

We can’t think of anything we’d rather pack in our picnic basket than the makings of a generous charcuterie board. It’s a little bit of work to assemble the board once you get to your picnic location but trust us, it’s worth it. Think antipasto on a platter and choose a variety of cold cuts, cheese (cubed and sliced), olives, some tapenade or fig spread and some sturdy crackers.

Macaroni Salad

Prepare a subtly sweet pasta with a hint of lemon zest, and some finely chopped toasted almonds and dried apricots. It stores well for up to three days, so it is easy to make ahead.

Turkey Sandwich

Build a sandwich, piled high with toppings and a generous helping of sliced turkey. Don’t forget the cheese and the spread of choice (mayo, jam, mustard or even a little olive oil and seasonings.

Watermelon

How do you make picnic-perfect slices of watermelon even better? Sprinkle them with a mix of sugar, salt and lime zest right before serving.