My husband and I have recently decided to start venturing out to some local parks for “date night picnics”. We’ve been going during the week when it tends to be way less crowded. Sometimes we won’t see another person the whole time we’re there! It’s been so nice to “escape” the monotony that we’ve fallen into. Plus you can’t beat a change of scenery & being in nature has always been a great stress reliever for us. These photos are from our favorite spot. Something about being near water is especially calming.
Looking for some meal inspiration for your picnics?
Here are some of our favorite things we’ve been packing!
Cheese assortments with accompanying charcuterie is always a go to and honestly can be a meal in itself!
Pesto pasta is great to pack for picnics because you can enjoy it room temperature. Silver Palate pesto recipe is hands down our absolute favorite! It’s made with walnuts instead of pine nuts and boy does it make all the difference! The walnuts add a level of earthiness and texture that is unmatched IMO. I make huge batches and then put it in individual containers and freeze it. That way whenever we want to enjoy it I just take out one of the servings from the freezer and allow it to thaw out. I like to roast cherry tomatoes in the oven. Separately I will roast asparagus. Once both have cooked I will assemble everything into one bowl. I cut the asparagus into 2 inch pieces first before tossing so that everything is the size of a bite. I toss the roasted tomatoes, roasted asparagus pieces, & fresh buffalo mozzarella chunks into the any pasta of your choice & top and toss thoroughly with the pesto. It is so tasty! Of course you can always add your choice of protein!
Salads are also great to pack. What I do is assemble the salad with all of the toppings in individual containers one for myself and one for my husband. Don’t add the dressing keep the dressing separate and take it with you. We just pack the salad dressing bottles but you can certainly put it in spill proof containers if you don’t have space for the entire bottle. Then once you arrive you can add salad dressing to your salad put the lid back on and give it a nice shake so that your salad is evenly coated with dressing.
Of course sandwiches are another go to. I generally will pack the sandwich toppings separately and assemble the sandwiches once we arrive so that the bread doesn’t get soggy. Looking to up your sandwich game??!! This sandwich recipe from Ina is one of my favorites! It is so delicious! If you want to make it even simpler you can buy jarred roasted peppers.
Don’t forget something sweet for dessert! These Salted Brown Butter crispy treats from Smitten Kitchen are a gourmet take on an old classic that everyone loves! They’re so easy to make and very picnic friendly!
So what are you waiting for?! Give picnics in a park a try! Just don’t forget the Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer!
Are your picnicking supplies lacking? I did a round up of some great baskets & blankets!
Pattern Modifications:
My modifications can be found here
Outfit:
Sweater:
Sweater pattern can be found here.
Link to what yarn and needle size I used can be found here
Don’t knit? Either this or this will give you a similar look.
Shorts:
These are typically shorter than what I normally wear, but I absolutely love them! They’re longer in the back so you’re completely covered and they’re not too tight on the legs. Plus they’re only $15! Such a bargain!
Cheers!
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