Celebrated National Picnic Month today on CBS Nashville’s Talk of the Town! Try these healthy recipes to prep for your next picnic.
Hydrating no-bake energy bites
First we have hydrating no-bake energy bites with a surprise in the center – grapes! 99% of grapes are produced in California. They are perfect for summer picnics because they are portable, deliver energy and hydration and are in season May through January. Plus, research suggests that consuming grapes daily may help protect against UV-induced damage to skin. Simply combine ½ cup of date puree and ½ a juiced lemon with 1/3 cup each of crumbled almond and walnuts. Wrap a tablespoon of batter around your grapes and roll in chia or hemp seeds.
Cobb salad jars
Next up we have make-ahead cobb salads in a jar. For food safety reasons, it’s best to have the salad prepared in advance rather than assembling on location. Simply layer your jars with a yogurt-based blue cheese dressing which is made with Greek yogurt and cottage cheese so is a good source of protein and calcium. Next add brown rice, bacon bits, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce and 1 ounce of extra sharp cheddar cheese will serve as the protein source – and actually has as much protein as an egg! The good news is that those with lactose intolerance can still enjoy Natural cheeses, like Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, and Swiss which are naturally low in lactose.
Home frozen yogurt tubes
For dessert, we have homemade frozen yogurt tubes! Simply, whisk together 1/2 cup of plain yogurt, 1/2 cup of mashed fruit of choice and ¼ cup of milk. Transfer the mixture to a resealable pouch and freeze until firm. Not only will these help keep your other foods cold, they are a dessert you can feel good about serving since yogurt provides important nutrients, like calcium and zinc, while fruit adds natural sweetness and fiber.
Get the full recipes here!
