Fresh air and sunshine can make any food taste that much better. And a dinner under the stars and the moon spices up almost any gathering. Bring on the soft glow of candles or patio lights and even the mundane and ordinary grilled cheese sandwich feels extra special. Whether its on the back patio, out in a park or by a lake, picking an ideal spot is the easy part. When it comes to the menu however too often outdoor dining involves uninspiring dishes – store bought salads, fast food take outs and coolers filled with soda and other wasteful throwaway plates and utensils.
Isn’t it time to update your outdoor dining experience? Here is a fresh take and alternative ways to create the perfect alfresco meal – easy to prepare, healthy, portable and delicious options – just right for your summer indulgence.
Fruit salad along with fresh greens
Layer sals ingredients in canning jars or even bigger bowls with dressing on the bottom. Then shake them just before serving to mix and dress the salad.
Main dish salads
Hollow out tomatoes, bell peppers or even cucumbers and stuff them with cooked quinoa, goat cheese and olives with seasonings for a delicious ‘salady‘ meal.
Healthy chips
Slice carrots, cucumbers, radishes and other veggies thinly and store in your cooler to keep them fresh. Enjoy them with a variety of humus and other relishes as a healthy alternative to chips.
Taco bar
It is easy to prepare the fixings for traditional tacos and let your guests assemble as they like. You can transport the fixings in reusable containers to reduce your plastic consumption.
Good drinks
Instead of soda, try iced green tea, fresh-squeezed lemonade, water with fresh herbs like mint or lemon grass or water with berries. You can even freeze lemonade in canning jars. They will work as an ice pack in your cooler and then be ready to enjoy as slushies.
In an effort to reduce plastic consumption, carry your own reusable cups, plates and silverware. It is a great feeling to leave an outdoor picnic or outdoor dining event without any plastic trash. One of the biggest reasons for using disposable plastics and store bought foods for an outdoor picnic is amount of time it takes to prepare for a picnic.
So instead of cramming everything at the last minute, here are some easy, stress-free ways to prepare for your picnic a few days in advance.
3+ days ahead of time
- Plan your menu
- Make a list of groceries needed for packing and serving
- Find a cooler or a large basket to transport all your stuff
- Collect containers and food wrapping materials like canning jars, ice cube trays etc
- Organize the tableware – reusable napkins, spoons etc
1-2 days ahead of time
- Buy your groceries and other essentials
- Prep your salads, veggies, fruits and pack in travel ready containers
- Prep flavored drinks make ice cubes with fruits and herbs
- Cook any meat that needs time to marinate overnight
- Pack all serving ware and dishes
Day of the picnic
- Cook any hot items
- Pack your bags and go
Planning and organizing in advance reduces stress so you don’t have to worry about details on the day of the meal and can enjoy the outdoor dining experience as much as everyone else. Al fresco dining simply means “eating outside.” Whether you’re enjoying a simple meal with your family or inviting friends over for an outdoor barbecue, these steps help make your meal more enjoyable. Of course, you can also leave the work for another day and simply find a local restaurant where you can enjoy a meal al fresco!
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