Picnics can be a fun, inexpensive, and easy way to spend time with your family. Food is often a big part of the picnic experience; it doesn’t have to be unhealthy to be tasty! Check out these six healthy food ideas and find your new favorite for your next family outing.
1. Chicken Salad Sandwich
Chicken salad sandwiches are a simple but tasty way to have a healthy picnic lunch. For a low-fat version, try this Fresh Chicken Salad recipe. For a low-carb option, try this Chicken Salad with Cucumber and Basil. It’s also easy to buy prepared chicken salad and put it together before you leave. Either way, it’s a great hearty lunch and will make you the hero of the day!
2. Avocado Ranch Dip
If there’s one thing that just about every American kid loves, it’s pita chips. Nothing beats them for a picnic. Why not use them in an avocado ranch dip instead? The traditional “ranch” dip calls for sour cream, but this homemade version is healthier. It’s made with yogurt instead of mayo and avocado instead of cream cheese. You can buy plain, live-culture yogurt at most grocery stores to cut out extra sugar and flavorings. The avocado gives it a rich texture that makes everyone think they’re eating something much more decadent.
3. Homemade Fruit Kabobs with Chocolate Dip
Fruit kabobs are a great healthy food idea because you can use any fruit that’s in a season where you live. It’s fun for kids to create their own fruit kabobs and dip them in chocolate for a special treat! There are lots of ways to make chocolate healthy; try using honey instead of sugar or chocolate chips high in cocoa content instead of semi-sweet chips. The flavor will be richer, and there’s no loss in sweetness.
4. Fresh Veggie Platter
If you’ve ever been to a picnic with a salad bar, you know that most salads are filled with bacon, cheese, and other unhealthy toppings. It’s full of good-for-you ingredients like onions and peppers and contains no processed meat! It makes for an easy snack or side to any main dish you’re planning on serving at the picnic, but it also works well as an alternative for anyone who’s vegetarian or doesn’t eat meat (or wants more veggies!). This idea is easy because all you have to do is lay it out on the picnic table, and everyone can serve themselves.
5. Turkey Meatballs Wrapped in Lettuce
These turkey meatball lettuce wraps would be a great alternative to the sandwiches on the standard picnic menu. They’re small and filling, so you can easily make a meal out of them. Plus, they’re full of healthy ingredients, like ground turkey and fresh spinach. Serve them warm with some homemade marinara sauce, and you’ll be the talk of the neighborhood!
6. Fresh Fruit Smoothie
A regular fruit smoothie is easy enough for kids to make at home, but it’s also an easy treat for a picnic. On the way home, you can pack some ice cubes in a plastic bag to keep your smoothie cold for a long time. If you have young kids or are short on time, try this Oreo Smoothie recipe, which is easy to make and made with only three ingredients.
In conclusion, healthy food recipes that serve as picnic food can be simple and delicious. By switching up the foods you usually choose, you can trick your family into thinking they’re eating something their taste buds aren’t used to when it’s just a healthier version of their favorite foods!
