Cool Meals for A Hot Summer: Easy, Delicious Meals to Enjoy Outdoors

Hello, fellow Picnic enthusiasts! It’s Alexandra here, your go-to gal for all things picnic and outdoor fun. As a mother who loves the outdoors, I know the joy that a well-planned picnic can bring.

Today, I’m excited to share with you some of my favourite Summer Picnic Recipes for 2023 that are perfect for adults, kids, and even vegans. These recipes are not only delicious but also budget-friendly, making them perfect for any summer outing. So, let’s dive in!

The Joy of Summer Picnics

There’s something truly magical about a summer picnic. The warm sun, the gentle breeze, the sound of birds chirping, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones in the great outdoors – it’s an experience that’s hard to beat.

And of course, the star of any picnic is the Food. Delicious, homemade dishes that are easy to pack and serve in your picnic hamper, and that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences.

Picnic Recipes for Adults

1. Hearty Potato Salad

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

This classic picnic dish is both filling and delicious. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium potatoes
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes until they are tender. Let them cool, then peel and cube them.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the potatoes to the bowl and mix until they are coated with the dressing.
4. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

2. Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Ring

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

This spicy and cheesy dish is sure to be a hit at your picnic. It’s packed with flavour and is a fun twist on traditional picnic foods.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheese.
3. Unroll the crescent roll dough and arrange the triangles in a circle on a baking sheet, with the points facing out.
4. Spoon the chicken mixture onto the dough, then fold the points of the triangles over the filling and tuck them under the base of the ring.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.

3. Honey Mustard Glazed Ham

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours

This sweet and savoury dish pairs well with a variety of sides. It’s a bit more time-consuming to prepare, but the result is worth it!

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in ham
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface with a sharp knife.
3. In a bowl, combine the honey, mustard, brown sugar, and vinegar.
4. Brush the honey mustard glaze over the ham.
5. Bake for 2 hours, basting every 20 minutes with the remaining glaze.

Picnic Recipes for Kids

1. Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dogs

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes

These corn dogs are a fun twist on a classic that kids are sure to love. They’re easy to eat and packed with flavour.

Ingredients:

• 8 hot dogs
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
• 8 wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. Preheat your deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Insert a skewer into each hot dog.
3. In a bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Stir in the milk and eggs, then fold in the cheese and jalapeños.
5. Dip each hot dog into the batter, then fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.

2. Pizza Panini Sandwich

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes

This picnic-friendly version of a kid favourite is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your child’s tastes.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

Instructions:

1. Spread pizza sauce on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Top two slices of bread with cheese and pepperoni, then place the other two slices of bread on top, sauce-side down.
3. Cook the sandwiches in a panini press for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

3. Homemade Pickles

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Resting Time: 2 days

This fun and easy recipe is something that kids can help make. Plus, homemade pickles are a great addition to any picnic!

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon dill seeds

Instructions:

1. Slice the cucumber and place the slices in a jar.
2. In a saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
3. Pour the brine over the cucumber slices, then add the garlic and dill seeds.
4. Let the pickles cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 days before serving.

Picnic Recipes for Vegans

1. Summer Potato Salad

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

This vegan version of a picnic classic is just as delicious as the traditional version. It’s packed with fresh summer flavours and is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium potatoes
• 1 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes until they are tender. Let them cool, then peel and cube them.
2. In a large bowl, combine the vegan mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the potatoes to the bowl and mix until they are coated with the dressing.
4. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

2. Garlic Parmesan Potato Stackers

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour

These potato stackers are a flavorful and satisfying dish. They’re a bit more time-consuming to prepare, but the result is worth it!

Ingredients:

• 6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup vegan butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup vegan parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a bowl, combine the melted vegan butter and minced garlic.
3. Dip each potato slice in the butter mixture, then stack them in the muffin tin.
4. Sprinkle each stack with salt, pepper, and vegan parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 1 hour, or until the edges are golden and crispy.

3. Hawaiian Mac Salad

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes

This tropical twist on a picnic staple is a fun and tasty addition to any picnic. It’s easy to make and packed with flavour.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups macaroni
• 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the vegan mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar.
3. Add the macaroni, shredded carrot, and pineapple chunks to the bowl and mix until everything is coated with the dressing.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Food Safety for Picnics: Ensuring a Healthy and Enjoyable Experience

1. Keep Cold Foods Cold and Hot Foods Hot: Use insulated containers to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Foods that need to be kept cold include salads, sandwiches, and dairy products. Foods that need to be kept hot include soups and grilled meats.
2. Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination.
3. Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands before preparing or eating food. If you’re at a picnic site without facilities, use hand sanitiser.
4. Don’t Leave Food Out For Too Long: According to the NHS, perishable food should not be left out for more than 2 hours. If the temperature is above 32°C, this reduces to just 1 hour.
5. Check Use-By Dates: Always check the use-by dates on packaged foods. Remember, ‘use-by’ is about safety and ‘best before’ is about quality.

Eco-Friendly Picnic Essentials

In addition to food safety, it’s also important to consider the environmental impact of our picnics. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives to traditional picnic items:

1. Beeswax Wraps: Instead of using plastic wrap or aluminium foil, consider using beeswax wraps. They’re reusable, biodegradable, and perfect for wrapping sandwiches, fruits, and other picnic foods.
2. Bamboo Lunch Boxes: Bamboo lunch boxes are a sustainable alternative to plastic containers. They’re durable, lightweight, and biodegradable.
3. Reusable Cutlery and Plates: Instead of disposable cutlery and plates, opt for reusable ones. There are many options available, from stainless steel cutlery sets to bamboo plates.
4. Cloth Napkins: Instead of paper napkins, use cloth napkins. They’re reusable and more environmentally friendly.

By following these food safety tips and opting for eco-friendly picnic essentials, you can ensure your picnic is not only enjoyable but also safe and kind to the environment. Happy picnicking!

I hope you enjoy these Summer Picnic Recipes for 2023 as much as I do and remember to store your food safely to avoid a dicky tummy.

The joy of picnicking comes not just from the food, but also from the company and the great outdoors. So, pack up your picnic basket, head out, and enjoy! And don’t forget to share your experiences and your favourite Summer Picnic Recipes for 2023 in the comments below. Happy picnicking!