It’s National Picnic Month! Today I share healthy picnic recipes you can enjoy all summer long.
Dairy foods are a nutritious picnic option and can be stored safely in a cooler with ice packs.
1 ounce of extra sharp cheddar cheese serves as the protein source in this salad jar which has as much protein as an egg! Natural cheeses, like Cheddar, Colby and Swiss, are great options for people who are lactose intolerant because they contain minimal amounts of lactose. The dressing is made with yogurt as the base which not only decreases calories and fat but increases protein and important nutrients like calcium, potassium and vitamin B12. For the kids, consider packing shelf stable milk boxes which pack essential nutrients for kids growth including calcium, vitamin D for strong bones and zinc and selenium to help support a healthy immune system.
Wraps are another good picnic food option
I used Fresh Cravings Hummus which you can find in the deli section at Walmart and is made with chickpeas, tahini and Chilean extra virgin olive oil. It comes in a variety of flavors – everything bagel, honey jalapeno and roasted red pepper in 10-ounce tubs and larger family sizes. You can even use their famous refrigerated never cooked or pasteurized salsa as a spread in taco wraps – find it chilled in the produce section at Walmart.
For a snack I have spiced watermelon pops!
I make these with Mule Sauce hot sauce by sticker mule which is a craft brand alternative to mega-brand hot sauces. It’s not aggressively hot instead has a slightly sweet and floral, so it complements many foods and adds flavor not just heat for very little calories. Available in bottles or on the go packets at stickermule.com and on Amazon and Walmart.com.
Simply slice a personal sized watermelon into wedges and place on popsicle sticks. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp Mule Sauce. Brush onto watermelon wedges and top with lime zest, chili powder and crumbled cotija. Feel free to scale heat up or down by using more or less Mule Sauce and cayenne.
For dessert I have ice cream cake for national ice cream month!
These are great to have stocked in your freezer for impromptu summer gatherings, pool parties, birthdays and BBQs. You can find Carvel, Oreo and Reese’s ice cream cakes locally at Publix, Walmart and Harris Teeter in the baker freezer case. Check the store locator at Iloveicecreamcakes.com.
