Summer is the perfect time to enjoy picnicking in the great outdoors, and what better way to do so than with an easy grab-and-go picnic? If you’re looking for simple-to-make, nutritious dishes that are perfect for picnics, you’ve come to the right place. As someone passionate about health, nutrition, and the outdoors, I’m excited to share these balanced recipes that will help you keep your metabolism and blood sugar happy. These recipes are designed to get your body into fat-burning mode- combining protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you satisfied and energized all summer long. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to prepare!

1. Adult Lunchables

This balanced snack is easy to pack and provides a great mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole grain crackers
• 1/2 cup sliced cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
• Sliced pepperoni, salami, or turkey
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 cup cucumber slices
• 1/2 cup hummus

Ease: Finding what container you should put it in is the hard part of this healthy snack, lol. It really comes together in just a few minutes.

2. Turkey and Avocado Wraps

Who doesn’t love a good turkey wrap? and one that comes together in minutes and provides the perfect balance of healthy ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 whole wheat tortillas
• 8 slices of turkey breast
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup hummus, pesto or mayo
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Spread a layer of hummus on each tortilla.
2. Top with turkey slices, avocado, spinach, and carrots.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Roll up tightly and slice in half. Wrap in foil for easy transport.

Ease: These wraps take just 10 minutes to prepare, with simple assembly and no cooking required, and super easy clean up.

3. Greek Yogurt and Berry Parfaits

A sweet treat that’s also good for you, these parfaits are easy to pack and perfect for a refreshing protein-packed dessert. These will need to keep cool so be sure to tuck them right by the ice or keep them in the fridge and enjoy when you get home.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1/2 cup granola
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Chia seeds

Instructions:

1. In small mason jars or portable containers, layer Greek yogurt, berries, and granola.
2. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chia seeds.
3. Close the jars and keep them cool until ready to enjoy.

Ease: This treat takes only 5 minutes to prepare, involving simple layering of ingredients.

4. Summer Strawberry Feta Farro Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup farro, cooked and cooled
• 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Farro:

• Rinse 1 cup of farro under cold water.
• In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water or broth to a boil.
• Add the farro, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the grains are tender but still chewy.
• Drain any excess water and let the farro cool.

2. Prepare the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Assemble the Salad:

• In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked and cooled farro, fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, and crumbled feta cheese.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.

4. Serve:

• Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls.
• Sprinkle with toasted nuts (if using) for an added crunch.

Tips:

• To add more protein, you can include grilled chicken or shrimp.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of fresh mint or basil leaves.
• This salad can be made ahead of time. Just keep the avocado and dressing separate until you are ready to serve to prevent the avocado from browning and the salad from becoming soggy.

5. Fresh Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Dip

These colorful fruit skewers are not only pretty but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup melon balls
• 1 cup grapes
• Skewers
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped

Instructions:

1. Thread the fruit onto the skewers, alternating for a colorful display.
2. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, honey, and mint.
3. Serve the skewers with the mint yogurt dip on the side.

These picnic recipes are perfect for your next outdoor (or anytime) adventure. They check all the boxes of delicious, nutritious, portable, and simple to prepare. Each dish is designed to get your body into fat-burning mode by preventing huge blood sugar spikes so combining the right mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you feeling full and energized.

Ready to break free from yo-yo dieting and find food freedom?

Follow @samanthananderson  on Instagram for daily tips and inspiration on living a healthy, balanced life. Happy picnicking!