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Summer is here and there's no better way to enjoy the sun, sand and sea than packing up the picnic basket, putting the family in the car and heading to the coast for a beach picnic. No matter where you are, getting outdoors, laying down a blanket and eating with your hands is a fantastic way to savour the flavours of the season. Below, you’ll find some tips, creative suggestions and simple yet delicious recipes that will make your picnic an unforgettable culinary experience.
Plan and prepare ahead
A successful beach picnic starts with careful planning and preparation. Before heading to the shore, create a checklist to ensure you have all the essentials. These may include a picnic blanket, sunscreen, insect repellent, a portable speaker, reusable utensils, and a cooler with ice packs to keep your food fresh.
Opt for fresh and seasonal ingredients
Summer brings a bountiful harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables. Incorporate these vibrant, seasonal ingredients into your beach picnic menu for a burst of flavour and nutritional goodness. Consider packing a variety of juicy watermelon slices, tangy mango salads, and refreshing cucumber mint coolers (above).
Go for light and refreshing dishes
When basking under the sun, it's essential to keep your beach picnic menu light and refreshing. Avoid heavy, mayonnaise-based salads and opt for dishes like quinoa and chickpea salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a zesty citrus shrimp ceviche. These dishes are not only delicious but also won't spoil quickly in the heat.
Finger foods and portable bites
Photo: Lindsey Moe on Unsplash
Finger foods and portable bites are perfect for a beach picnic, as they are easy to eat and require minimal clean-up. Create a platter of assorted cheeses, crackers and grapes, or prepare bite-sized Caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Hydration is key
Spending time under the sun can lead to dehydration, so it's crucial to keep everyone well-hydrated during your beach picnic. Offer a selection of refreshing drinks like infused water with cucumber and mint or a tropical fruit punch made with pineapple and orange juice. Don't forget to carry plenty of water bottles too.
Easy recipes for your beach picnic
Italian panzanella
Stale bread gets a tasty makeover in this classic Italian salad. Yesterday’s bread is mixed with tomatoes, onions, cucumber and plenty of olive oil.
Serves 4
Ingredients
500g/1.1lbs of stale Italian white bread, cut into bite-sized pieces
5 tomatoes, ripe and diced
1 red onion, sliced
1 cucumber, halved lengthways and sliced
1 lemon, zest grated
15-30ml/0.5-1 fl oz white wine vinegar
Black olives
Basil
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Method
Soften the bread in cold water with a pinch of salt. When it is completely wet through, wring it out and place in a salad bowl. Add the tomatoes, onions, cucumber, torn basil leaves and lemon zest to the bread. Drizzle with plenty of olive oil, season with salt and ground black pepper and store in the fridge. Before serving the panzanella add the vinegar and the olives and mix well.
Mini quiches with peas and ham
Try this easy mini quiche recipe with peas and ham: tasty and savoury bites that are just perfect for a summer beach picnic.
Serves 4
Ingredients
250g/0.55lbs all-purpose flour
Salt
125g/4.4oz butter
1 egg
50g/1.8oz ham, diced
1 onion, finely chopped
150g/5.3oz peas
1 bunch chives, snipped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 Eggs 200g/7oz Gruyère cheese, grated
200ml/6.8 fl oz cream, 48% fat
Salt and pepper
Method
To prepare this easy mini quiche recipe start putting the flour in a mixing bowl and stir in the salt. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Break the egg into the middle and knead to a dough with your hands and form into a ball. Wrap in cling film and chill for about 30 minutes.
Heat the oven to 200°C/400°F (180°/350°F fan). Grease 4 mini quiche tins. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface and line the tins. Prick the mini quiche bases with a fork and bake for about 10 minutes until golden. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/350°F (160°/320°F fan). Mix together the ham, onion, peas, chives and garlic. Whisk the eggs and stir in the cheese and cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Spoon the pea and ham mixture into the pastry cases, pour the cheese and cream mixture over and bake for about 35 minutes until the filling is set.
Pulled pork sandwiches
Try this easy recipe for pulled pork sandwiches, perfect if you're looking for an authentic American dish and the perfect beach picnic snack.
Serves 4
Ingredients
1.2kg/2.5lbs pork shoulder
4 tbsp oil
4 tbsp mustard
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 red onion, sliced
1/4 white cabbage, shredded
2 carrots, grated
4 spring onions, sliced
Lemon juice
Bread rolls
Butter
Method
Heat the oven to 170°C/340°F (150°C/300°F fan). Score the skin of the pork. Mix together the oil, mustard, chilli powder and Worcestershire sauce, season with salt and pepper and rub the mixture into the pork. Place in a roasting tin, cover with foil and roast in the oven for 3 hours or until the pork is meltingly tender. Let the meat cool a little then pull the flesh into shreds using two forks. Mix together the onion, cabbage, carrot, spring onions and lemon juice. Spread the bread rolls with butter and make sandwiches with the pulled pork and the vegetables.
Vietnamese chicken mango rolls
Looking for new recipe ideas? Try these chicken mango rolls: a tasty Vietnamese dish that’s easy to prepare at home.
Serves 4
Ingredients
100g/3.5oz rice noodles
1 tbsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 bunch mint, finely chopped
1/3 bunch coriander, finely chopped
1/2 bunch basil, finely chopped
1/2 cucumber, cut into matchsticks
2 mangoes, stoned, peeled and sliced
2-3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped 1
2 rice pancakes, or sheets (not rice paper)
75ml/2.5 fl oz soy sauce
1 tsp ginger, fresh, grated
1/2 chilli pepper, seeded and finely chopped Lime juice
Method
Soak the vermicelli according to packet instructions and drain once rehydrated. Place in a bowl and add the vinegar and fish sauce, then add the rest of the filling ingredients and mix carefully. Soak the pancakes according to packet instructions then lay on kitchen paper to dry. Spoon a narrow strip of filling down the centre of each pancake, fold over one half and then roll up as tightly as possible.
Slice each roll in half or quarters and refrigerate. Make the dipping sauce by whisking the ingredients together. Serve your Vietnamese chicken mango rolls chilled rolls with the sauce alongside. If you prefer, you can use prawns instead of chicken. Large cooked king prawns go really well with mango and spices.
Caprese pasta salad with tomatoes and mozzarella
This traditional Italian recipe is prepared with tomatoes and mozzarella: an easy pasta dish, perfect for your summer picnic.
Serves 4
Ingredients
400g/0.9lbs penne or other pasta shape like fusilli
125ml/4.2 fl oz olive oil
2 red onions, finely sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 chilli pepper, deseeded and chopped
800g/1.8lbs canned chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp parsley
250g/0.55lbs mozzarella cheese, cubed
4 sprigs basil, leaves shredded
Salt and pepper
Method
Boil and cook the penne according to packet instructions. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan (skillet) and cook the onions over fairly high heat until they have softened and started to caramelise. Add the garlic and chilli pepper, cook for 2 minutes then add the tomatoes, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes or until the sauce has reduced and thickened. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. When the penne is cooked, drain it well and add to the frying pan with the parsley and mozzarella. Mix well and serve the Caprese pasta salad with the basil scattered over.
A beach picnic is a delightful way to enjoy the summer season with friends and loved ones. With these tips, creative suggestions, and easy-to-follow recipes, your picnic is sure to be a memorable and delicious affair. Embrace the flavours of the season, stay hydrated, and make the most of the sun and surf while indulging in a sumptuous spread of light and refreshing dishes.
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