By Tammy O’Hara
Food Columnist
Summer and picnics go hand in hand. Whether you're gathering at a local park, spending the day at the beach, enjoying an outdoor concert, or hosting friends in your backyard, a picnic is one of the easiest ways to celebrate the season. And while sandwiches and salads are picnic staples, adding a few grilled favorites can take your outdoor meal to the next level.
The key to a successful picnic is choosing foods that are easy to transport, simple to serve, and full of fresh summer flavor. With a little planning, you can create a menu that combines make-ahead convenience with the irresistible taste of food fresh off the grill.
Start with picnic classics. Sandwiches and wraps remain popular because they're portable and easy to prepare ahead of time. Pasta salads, potato salads, and fresh vegetable salads can also be made in advance and stored in a cooler until serving time.
If your picnic destination includes grills—or if you're gathering in your backyard—consider making grilled foods the centerpiece of the meal. Hamburgers and hot dogs may be the traditional favorites, but summer offers plenty of opportunities to get creative.
Grilled chicken skewers are easy to prepare and can be customized with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. Seasoning/marinating the chicken changes the flavor profile of your dishes and pairs nicely with many side items.
Grilled vegetables are a must to freshen up your meals. Corn on the cob, zucchini, asparagus and peppers are all great choices. Season with a little olive oil, salt & pepper or other herbs of your choice. Having the right tools like grilling baskets for vegetables and smaller items is important. Seeing your vegetables or smaller items fall through the grates is one of the quickest ways to ruin your picnic.
Another vegetable to grill that you may not have thought of is romaine lettuce. Cut the head down the middle, brush with some olive oil and grill it cut side down for a few minutes to develop delicious smoky flavors. Top it with grilled chicken and/or veggie skewers and your favorite dressing. I like to add a little parmesan cheese as well.
Fresh summer fruit can also find its way onto the grill. Pineapple, peaches, and watermelon develop caramelized sweetness when lightly grilled and make a memorable addition to both savory dishes and desserts. Grilled pineapple slices are great on burgers, grilled peaches sprinkled with a little cinnamon are a wonderful dessert with ice cream or ricotta cheese. Kick either choice up a notch or two with a drizzle of honey and some crushed pistachios. And grilled watermelon on a bed of arugula with some feta cheese and balsamic glaze makes a delicious salad.
No picnic menu is complete without refreshing sides. Cucumber and tomato salad, fresh fruit salad, or a colorful charcuterie board filled with meats, cheeses, crackers, and seasonal fruit are all excellent choices and always a crowd favorite. These dishes can be prepared ahead of time and provide a cool contrast to warm grilled foods.
For snacks, keep things simple. Fresh vegetables with dip, mixed nuts, pretzels, chips and salsa, and cheese cubes are easy to pack and enjoy throughout the day.
When it comes to dessert, choose treats that travel well. Brownies, cookies, lemon bars, and Rice Krispies treats are picnic-friendly favorites.
Don't forget the beverages. Water should always be readily available on hot days. Homemade lemonade, iced tea, sparkling water, or fruit-infused water can add a festive touch and help everyone stay hydrated.
One of the best things about a picnic is that it doesn't have to be complicated. A few simple sides, some fresh fruit, and your favorite foods on the grill can create a memorable summer gathering. Whether you're sharing burgers at the park, grilled vegetables in the backyard, or a basket full of homemade favorites under a shady tree, picnics offer the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and savor the flavors of the season.
Food safety is especially important during summer outings or pretty much any time in Florida. Keep cold foods chilled in insulated coolers with plenty of ice packs. Perishable items such as meat, dairy products, and mayonnaise-based salads should not remain in the sun for extended periods.
Pampered Chef has a collection of Cool & Serve products that keep your foods chilled for 4-6 hours as well as some very useful grilling tools. I’d be happy to help you find the items you need. Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or follow me on Facebook and/or Instagram.
