Sandy toes, salty hair… nothing better than summers on the California coast. This particularly hot Bay Area summer has me headed to the beach every free weekend I get! Packing a nutritious picnic basket should be as effortless and stress-free as laying out on the sand all afternoon. This is what I always have on hand to easily pack and go on the weekends.
Snackable Foods
Sliced fruits
Casual foods should be the star of a picnic basket that are easy to eat and won’t create a mess. Fresh produce is a non-negotiable and just happens to be perfect beach fuel. Fruits are not only hydrating, they provide a plethora of nutrients and are a natural source of simple carbohydrates that will help fuel your beach activities. Nothing says summer like fresh watermelon slices and grapes off the vine.
Sliced vegetables, crackers, hummus and goat cheese
Sliced veggies and crackers are the perfect vehicle for hummus. I also like bringing a high quality cheese to slice and enjoy along with crackers (I like Mary’s Gone Crackers or flax crackers) and vegetables like carrots, cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Goat cheese is my favorite cheese in the summer months when it happens to be freshest. These snacks are light enough to keep you energized on the beach and satiated.
Stay Hydrated
Bottled San Pellegrino
Bottled is best when packing a picnic basket. Mini San Pellegrino bottles are my most recent hydration-obsession. Elegant, portable and bubbly. I get mine from World Market.
Infused water
My personal drink of choice is infused water. Hydration is especially important in the summer when we are more prone to sweating and dehydration. Simply add some sliced fruit or vegetables to your water bottle about 30 minutes prior to drinking and enjoy the hydrating and refreshing taste that it brings. My favorite combination is strawberries, cucumber and mint.
Later this week I will be sharing my picnic basket essentials checklist and a recipe you won’t want to be without!
