Frugal and Healthy Picnics

With the weather this warm (and dry here), it seems like a great time for a picnic.  There’s something special about eating outside, breathing fresh air and getting some sunshine.  Although you may choose to splurge for a picnic and break out the expensive cheeses, prosciutto, and raspberries, picnics don’t have to be expensive to be fun.  And you don’t need to buy lots of fancy specialty items.  Here are some ideas to get started:

–Be creative in the containers you use to bring picnic items — think of what’s good to carry things like tote bags, cloth recyclable bags that you use for groceries, sand pails for the kids, or large wicker baskets that might normally be containers in your living room are possibilities.  For food containers, you might try Chinese takeout containers or bento boxes.

–Bring one very festive item — maybe its a bottle of sparkling wine or carbonated grape juice, maybe its specialty chocolates or homemade treats, or bring specially decorated napkins.

–Be sure to pack necessary items to be comfortable — such as sunscreen, insect repellent, pet items, and handiwipes.

–Have fun foods that you can eat with your hands – in addition to the usual sandwiches, picnics are a great time for hand held food.  I really like chicken drumsticks which are great served cold or deviled eggs.

–Serve an array of healthy foods — you don’t have to serve junk food at a picnic when wonderful healthy foods are available such as fresh vegetables and dips like chipotle hummus, fresh fruit and dips like honey lime dip, and fresh foods on skewers are great options.

–Bring salads and dressing separately — salads are great for picnics. I like to layer the ingredients of a salad in a large bowl with the juicy items on the bottom and the lettuce on top.  The dressing comes in a separate container.  Everything is tossed together just before serving.

I’d love to hear your ideas for a great picnic.

shared at Frugal Friday and Food Renegade