Getting outdoors and enjoying time together is one of the most amazing things about summer. Get your family and friends together to visit one of Canada’s gorgeous parks this summer and bring a picnic basket full of healthy, simple options to treat your kids and yourselves! Here are some ideas for food to bring to your next outdoor setting:
SANDWICHES
Bread:
- Choose sprouted bread (chock full of nutrients and minerals) or gluten-free bread if that is what your family prefers. You could also choose to make wraps by going with a whole grain or spinach tortilla wrap.
Fillings:
- Organic lean chicken or turkey is usually a good way to go if your family is not vegan/vegetarian
- Egg salad – a fun twist on egg salad is to use avocado instead of mayonnaise!
- Tuna salad
- Veggies! Tomatoes, cucumbers, carrot, avocado, mixed greens, peppers, onions, whatever you desire! Dress up sandwiches or wraps with arugula or sprouts.
- Feta or goat cheese are good options to dress up your wrap or sandwich
SNACKS:
- Trail mix and match: nuts (do not use nuts if you or any of your picnic attendees have allergies), sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, unsweetened cherries, cranberries or raisins, pretzels, popcorn, banana chips, coconut flakes, granola, dark chocolate chips
- Fruits are great snacks: peaches, cherries, strawberries are all in season. Bring along some almond butter and apple slices for a quick, protein-full snack. Cutting up your favourite fruits and putting them on skewers is another way to have a fruity snack that is easy and mess-free!
- Veggies are great as well! Cut up celery, carrot and pepper sticks along with some cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets or whatever is bite-sized and easily handled, and bring along a dip like hummus.
SALADS
- Pasta salad – pre-cook a small portion of gluten-free or whole grain pasta – add a little bit of olive oil, tomato, cucumber, black olive, feta and diced peppers for a lovely pasta salad
- Noodle salad – pre-cook a small portion of noodles – add cole slaw, grated carrots, some lime, garlic and mix in low-sodium soy sauce for a perfect summer noodle salad.
- Greens – you can’t go wrong with a quick salad filled with mixed greens, and whichever vegetables you like. Add seeds like pumpkin, dried fruits, sprouts or other fun salad toppers. Mix together with some avocado or olive oil and a touch of vinegar if you like.
*Remember to try and stay eco-friendly:
- Stay close to home, or if checking out a spot that is long distance – carpool together with friends and family
- Make sure everything you use is re-usable, can be composted or recycled
