6 HEALTHY PICNIC RECIPES FOR SUMMER

Summer is nearly here! Moreover, with it come many an opportunity for lounging with friends and family in the park, on the beach, in the pool, up on a mountain. There’s such a joy in checking the weather in the morning, seeing it’s beach weather that day and spontaneously texting all your friends for a picnic. We love packing the kids in the car and taking off with some delicious food in tow, portable speakers, some crisp white wine and a 12 pack of the finest beer we can find. One of our favorite things about summer is how we see so many people come to life and out of hibernation –determined to shake off the winter doldrums and get dirty in the grass.

Remember those picnics you used to have as a kid with all your friends from school and the lucky parents who got to feed you? Now that we’re the parents, we revel in getting to relive our childhood and plan picnics all summer long. However, there is nothing worse than arriving at the park with soggy sandwiches (oh the shame, oh the hungry children). To avoid any such disaster, we’ve rounded up some of the best picnic recipes from some of our absolute favorite plant-based food bloggers. You’re welcome in advance. Get your great outdoors on this summer.

HERBY PICNIC POTATO SALAD FROM GREEN KITCHEN STORIES

Green Kitchen Stories always have the most delightful combination of flavors. The Denmark-based couple really knows how to crowd-please (both parents and kids alike). Potato salad is still the favorite at any picnic or barbecue – but the mayo-heavy versions sit like a lead balloon for hours on end. Make this one for ultimate deliciousness and still be able to play Red Rover, Red Rover.

SANITY SAVING ONE-POT PASTA FROM MY NEW ROOTS

My New Roots is the brainchild of Canadian Sarah Britton. A newish mother herself, she knows there is wisdom in simplicity. This one-pot pasta is not only super easy to make; it will put the cheese-sandwich toting picnic goers to shame (be prepared to share).

ROASTED BEET HUMMUS FROM THE MINIMALIST BAKER

Hummus. The mainstay of picnics the world over. Jazz it up with this beet version from the insanely good vegan baked goods blog, The Minimalist Baker.

SPRING PICNIC BREAD FROM GREEN KITCHEN STORIES

Green Kitchen stories get it right almost every time. This picnic bread (picnic bread?! Who knew there was such a magical thing? Clearly it’s a Scandinavian thing). Make this one day before and just pop in your picnic basket when you’re set to go.

VEGAN BANANA BREAD FROM OH SHE GLOWS

We’ve made the, Oh She Glows, banana bread so many times we have essentially memorized it. Our family repeatedly requests we make it time and time again. Also, it’s mind-blowingly easy! Get over any baking fear you might have and get to the oven. The best bit is it freezes like a dream – so you can make far in advance and just grab and go when you’re ready to munch.

CACAO HEMP CRISPY TREATS FROM MY NEW ROOTS

Who doesn’t love a rice crispy treat at a gathering? It’s always the most popular item at the dessert table. However, they’re SO sugary. Make these healthy versions from My New Roots, minus the sugar hangover (and covertly dose your kids with some Cacao derived magnesium and Hemp protein). Wins all round!