The 4th of July gives the perfect excuse for outdoor picnics and cookouts. Surrounded by friends and family, the focus isn't on the food, but on the company, That's why we like to cook up meals that are easy. Better yet, we like foods that can be packed in a picnic basket and toted to the nearest park or lake. Here's a guide to help you plan out your picnic.
Essentials for a picnic feast:
- Picnic basket
- Large blanket or tablecloth
- Plastic utensils: forks, knives, spoons
- Plastic cups/ fake wine glasses
- Corkscrew/bottle opener
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Garbage bags
- Aluminum foil/ cling wrap
A healthier picnic spread beyond hamburgers and hotdogs, mayo-based sides and beer, here are some of my favorite recipes from my blog ActiveTastyLife .
Protein
Chicken- For a fun twist, try out maple mustard chicken thighs, which can be grilled up and stored in Tupperware to take to the picnic.
Vegetarians and vegans- seek out tempeh, a soy protein grain that holds up well on the grill. Or try grilled eggplant since it has a meaty texture.
Sides
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Creamy potato salad is essential, but for a more colorful, beta-carotene option, try roasted sweet potatoes.
Vinegar-based coleslaws hold better in the heat, and since crunchy cabbage it won't get soggy. This Asian coleslaw is a rainbow of color and nutrition.
Make this showstopper carved watermelon basket and fill it with juicy fruits to keep you hydrated in the heat.
Drink
Instead of beer, spike this watermelon spritzer with vodka or rum.
And for those looking for someone else to do the packing:
The Bishop’s picnic basket includes smoked fried chicken, deviled eggs, watermelon, cookies and sparklers, plus their just-released wine growlers.
The Fresh Market is offering online ordering of their 4th of July meal deal until July 3rd. Pick from kebobs and baby back ribs or salmon and three sides.
DBA BBQ's catering packages are a whole lotta meat. Try out the smoked chicken wings, the "big game platter" with pulled pork, wings and spare ribs, smoke n' fried chicken or go for the holy grail and get the "tailgating package", with four pounds of pulled pork, four pounds of spare ribs, four bone-in chickens and sides.
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