What To Pack For Your Picnic - Summer 2016
11 recipes for the perfect picnic spread
This May, join us as we gear up for the first day of summer with recipes and ideas to make it your best ever. Let the Summer Countdown begin.
After an endless winter, we're happy to announce: It's finally picnic weather.
So invite all your friends, dust off the old blanket, grab some canned wine and start planning for the ultimate picnic feast at a park near you.
Make the king of sandwiches in all its smashed and relish-spread glory, or keep it light like the springy weather with a pickled mushroom salad or a more modern take on pasta salad (bye, bow ties). Alternatively, call it a day with a bunch of dips, because you can't really go wrong with these recipes when you've got the sun on your face, friends all around you and guac in your belly.
Picnic season has begun.
Sweet Green Pea and Herb Falafel
Turn your overzealous farmers' market haul into springtime falafel, studded with fava beans, mint and coriander, and served with warm pita.
Pasta Salad with Walnut Pesto, Tomatoes and Snap Peas
Skip the flabby mayo for a spicy walnut pesto in this ultra-modern pasta salad that'll put the bow tie kind to shame (sorry, Mom).
The Tasting Table Lobster Roll
However, mayo is perfectly fine in our Southeast Asian-inspired lobster roll. Whole lobsters are cooked in star anise, ginger and lemongrass-speckled water for a more fragrant version of the New England classic.
Roasted Poblano and Pecan Guacamole
Extra lime wedges keep this nutty guacamole from turning sad and brown. But the real game changer: making your own tortilla chips.
Pickled Mushroom and Miso Brown Rice Salad
This flavorful grain bowl requires a little planning ahead by pickling the beech mushrooms, but the sturdy rice and carrot salad won't lose its luster sitting out in the sun (just be sure to drizzle the miso dressing on at the last minute).
Muffuletta
It's good to be king, and the legendary New Orleans sandwich is Louisiana royalty stacked with Italian meats, peppers, cheese and lots of olives. Smashed into a thick, solid sandwich, it's basically engineered for picnicking.
Deviled Crab
Sometimes you don't need one big sub to satisfy your crew, just an assortment of cheeses, meats, crostini and this spicy crab salad, dressed in a pungent Worcestershire-powered vinaigrette.
Club Sub Sandwich
But no one will say no to a hulking club sub, layered with bacon, lettuce and tomato, and slathered with an herby mayo.
Warm Chicken Salad
Add a little French flair to your feast en plein air with this fantastic chicken salad, studded with haricots verts, frisée and endive. Better start practicing your accent.
Hummus
This is way better than the Technicolor bagel, trust us. Whir together a range of fuss-free dips, from springy pea-streaked hummus to hot-pink roasted beet hummus. Don't forget the homemade pita chips, too.
Roast Beef Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Wilted Kale
After an afternoon spent tossing Frisbees or, yes, napping, you need to fuel up. Enter this knockout of a sandwich, sprinkled with freshly grated horseradish for an extra kick.