By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Is there anything worse than arriving at your picnic destination only to find that your carefully prepared sandwiches have turned soggy, your salads sloppy and your meticulously prepared desserts a melted mess?
The good news is that with a little planning and creativity, you can ensure that your picnic fare stays fresh, delicious and travel-friendly. Here are our tips for the top picnic foods that travel well and avoid inviting too many ants to the party:
It’s a wrap
Instead of traditional white bread sandwiches, opt for wraps or sturdy sambos that are less likely to become soggy. Fill soft flour tortillas, crispy cob loaves or sourdough slices with your favourite fillings such as sliced deli meats, cheese, crisp vegetables (cushion soggier ingredients like tomatoes between sturdy lettuce leaves) and flavourful spreads.
Roll wraps tightly and secure with toothpicks or wrap them in parchment paper for easy transport. Not only are these options versatile and convenient, but they also hold up well during travel, ensuring a satisfying and mess-free picnic experience.
Raise the (DIY sandwich) bar
Alternatively, get creative and set up a DIY sandwich bar at your picnic site, allowing guests to customise their own sandwiches to their liking. Pre-slice a variety of bread, rolls and baguettes and offer an assortment of fillings such as meats, cheeses, spreads and condiments.
Provide plenty of options for toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onion, pickles and beetroot. Let everyone assemble their perfect sandwich on the spot. Not only does this approach minimise soggy sandwiches, but it also adds an interactive element to your picnic gathering.
That’s jarring
Say goodbye to wilted greens and soggy salads with this innovative (and Pinterest-approved) picnic-friendly solution: salad in a jar.
Layer crisp lettuce, chopped vegetables, grains, proteins and dressings in individual mason jars, screw on the lids tightly and pack them in a cooler or insulated bag. When it's time to eat, simply shake the jar to distribute the dressing evenly and enjoy a fresh and flavourful salad on the go.
This portable and customisable option ensures that your salads stay crisp and delicious until you're ready to dig in.
Snack attack
For a fuss-free picnic option, keep things simple and satisfying with a selection of savoury and sweet snacks and substantial finger foods that are easy to eat on the go. Think charcuterie boards with a variety of cheeses, cured meats, olives, nuts and dried fruits.
Prepare a platter of crudites with colourful vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, celery and cherry tomatoes, paired with hummus, tzatziki or guacamole for dipping. Pack a selection of crackers, breadsticks and artisanal crisps for dipping and spreading.
For a small sweet treat, prepare a batch of mini muffins or muesli bars and enjoy a satisfying pick-me-up during your picnic adventure.
Sweet endings
No picnic is complete without something sugary to satisfy your sweet tooth - opt for desserts that are portable, mess-free and easy to enjoy outdoors. Examples include individual servings of fruit salad or fruit skewers for a refreshing and healthy treat; or (for the less wholesome!) a batch of freshly baked cookies, brownies or slices that can be easily packed and enjoyed on the go.
Alternatively, assemble a make-your-own dessert board - we love a DIY sundae station - with an assortment of ice cream, sauces and sprinkles, for a fun and interactive picnic dessert experience.
Hydration station
Finally, don't forget to stay hydrated during your picnic adventure. Pack plenty of water in reusable bottles or insulated flasks to keep you refreshed and hydrated throughout the day. Consider bringing along a selection of chilled bubbles for a refreshing and thirst-quenching picnic experience.
