16 Easy Make-Ahead Foods for Your Next Summer Picnic

Summer picnics are all about enjoying great food and good company in the outdoors. Planning them should be all about relaxation and enjoyment, not stressing over last-minute food prep. That’s where make-ahead foods come to the rescue! These delicious and easy-to-prepare dishes can be made in advance, giving you more time to soak up the sun and less time worrying about what to serve. Here are some tasty recipes that will make your picnic stress-free and fun.

Classic Potato Salad

Potato salad is a picnic staple that can be prepared the day before. Boil potatoes and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, diced onions, and pickles. Chill overnight for flavors to meld. This dish is both hearty and refreshing, making it a perfect side for any picnic meal.

Pasta Primavera Salad

This vibrant salad is easy to make. Cook pasta according to the package instructions and let it cool. Combine pasta with fresh, colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and peas. Toss with a light vinaigrette and store in the fridge until you’re ready to go. It’s a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your picnic.

Quiche Lorraine

A savory quiche filled with bacon, cheese, and onions can be baked ahead of time and served cold or at room temperature. To make it, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over a pie crust filled with cooked bacon, sautéed onions, and grated cheese. Bake for about 40 minutes until set. Let it cool, then refrigerate. Quiche can be sliced and easily served, making it a convenient and delicious option.

Fried Chicken

Cold fried chicken is a picnic favorite. Prepare your chicken the night before by coating pieces in a seasoned flour mixture, then frying until golden and cooked through. Allow the chicken to cool and refrigerate. It’s delicious whether served hot or cold. The crispy coating and juicy meat make it a hit with both kids and adults.

Fruit Salad

Mix an assortment of fresh fruits like berries, melons, and grapes. To prepare, simply wash and cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle with a bit of honey and lime juice for extra flavor, and keep it chilled until serving. This sweet and refreshing dish is a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are easy to make and even easier to eat. Boil eggs until hard, then peel and slice them in half. Remove the yolks and mix them with mayonnaise, mustard, and a dash of paprika. Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites and store them in a covered container in the fridge. They are a classic and crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Chicken Caesar Wraps

Wraps are convenient and mess-free. Grill chicken breasts and slice them thin. Wrap with romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese in a tortilla. Wrap tightly and refrigerate. These wraps are flavorful and easy to eat on the go.

Gazpacho

This refreshing cold soup is made from tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and garlic blended together. Blend all the ingredients until smooth, then season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar. Make it ahead and serve it in mason jars for easy transportation and serving. Gazpacho is a cool and tangy way to beat the summer heat.

Cheese and Charcuterie Board

Assemble a selection of cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and dried fruits. Pack them in separate containers and arrange them on-site for a sophisticated and easy-to-share snack. This board can be customized to suit any taste.

Hummus and Veggie Sticks

Hummus can be prepared days in advance. Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Serve it with an assortment of veggie sticks like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers for a healthy and satisfying snack. This dish is perfect for those looking for a nutritious option.

Antipasto Skewers

Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, and salami slices onto skewers. These can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, making them a perfect finger food. These skewers are both colorful and tasty.

Watermelon Feta Salad

Cube watermelon and toss with crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This salad is a refreshing combination of sweet and savory. It’s a unique and delightful addition to any picnic menu.

Mini Sandwiches

Prepare a variety of mini sandwiches using different fillings like ham and cheese, turkey and avocado, or veggie and hummus. Assemble the sandwiches, then wrap them tightly and refrigerate until your picnic. These sandwiches are easy to handle and can cater to various tastes.

Couscous Salad

Couscous salad with chopped veggies, herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Cook couscous according to package instructions, then fluff with a fork and mix with chopped veggies, herbs, and lemon dressing. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for summer. This dish is both nutritious and delicious.

Lemon Bars

For dessert, lemon bars are a zesty treat that can be made the day before. To make them, prepare a shortbread crust and bake until golden. Pour a lemon filling made from eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and flour over the crust and bake until set. Let them cool, then cut into bars. Their bright, citrusy flavor is a refreshing end to your picnic meal.

Stuffed Grape Leaves

Prepare stuffed grape leaves with rice, herbs, and spices. To make them, cook rice and mix with herbs like dill and mint, then roll in grape leaves. Simmer in a pot with water and lemon juice until tender. These can be made a day or two in advance and are great served cold or at room temperature. They are a flavorful and exotic option for your picnic.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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