The weather near me is supposed to be beautiful this weekend which means spending as much time outside as possible and that includes my meals. So, I plan to have a picnic. What I put in my basket changes from picnic to picnic but there is one thing that is the same. It’s filled with easy-to-make recipes.
Tabbouleh Salad is a Middle Eastern dish made of parsley, bulgur, cucumber, and other fresh ingredients and spices. Marianne Gleason (Cincinnati, OH) posted a recipe for it that’s full of flavor.
“We had some Middle Eastern friends growing up and this was one of my favorite recipes they shared,” says Marianne.
I let this wonderful salad rest a bit after preparing it and when I finally got to dig in, the bulgur had softened to perfection. If you’re not familiar with bulgur, it’s a grain that has a slightly nutty flavor. It is high in protein and fiber. Combined with the fresh mint and parsley this recipe is a lovely choice for a picnic.
What I love about Fran Miller’s (Parkersburg, WV) Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is that the recipe is very flexible based on what you like.
“One of my go-to recipes for covered dish dinners or a quick, light meal at home,” reveals Fran.
This is fresh, crispy, and creamy. Imagine all the yumminess of chicken Caesar salad but with the added goodness of pasta, bacon, and tomatoes. So yummy!
Suzanne Banfield’s (Basking Ridge, NJ) hearty Summer Picnic Sandwich will serve everyone at your picnic.
“This sandwich holds up very well in a cooler and seems to get more flavorful after a couple of hours when the ingredients have melded together,” thinks Suzanne. “If you’re short on time, buy the grilled vegetables from the salad bar at your supermarket.”
The smoky flavor from the grilled veggies with the spicy candied bacon is superb. Cheese, turkey, and a creamy roasted red pepper aioli just make the sandwich perfect. I opted to use a loaf of Hawaiian sweet bread for the sandwich and it was a delicious choice.
For me, chicken salad is a must in my basket. Gordon Savell’s (Mobile, AL) Fruity Nutty Chicken Salad is always popular.
“Every time someone new tries it, I have a new fan,” reveals Gordon. “My sister and I made it at mom and dad’s 50th and it was a real hit.”
Apples, grapes, and nuts add fantastic texture and flavor. Cooking the chicken in a pressure cooker with the seasonings enhances the flavor of the chicken.
This is tasty on its own or serve on a flaky, buttery croissant. If you’re a fan of chicken salad, you’re going to enjoy this recipe.
Wash everything down with Aunt Fely’s Fruit Tea. Amanda Brecht shared her aunt’s recipe and it is fantastic.
“This is my Aunt Felyscia’s fabulous fruit tea recipe that has become one of my absolute favorites and a must-have whenever we go to visit in Tennessee,” explains Amanda. “This is a true Southern tea, and it’s truly delicious!”
Quick and easy, these simple ingredients combine into a refreshing delight of a drink. Now in the South, we do like our tea sweet and this is a sweet drink. If you don’t like things as sweet, cut back on the sugar a little.
If you’re looking for a weekend activity, pack a picnic and catch up with friends or your family. Want more recipes? Check out our Picnic Picks recipe collection. Happy Pinching!