As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, there’s nothing quite like packing up a picnic and heading outside to enjoy some sunshine and fresh air. And of course, no picnic is complete without some delicious snacks to munch on! But who has the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen preparing elaborate dishes? Luckily, there are plenty of easy yet delicious picnic snacks that you can whip up in no time. In this post, we’ll be showcasing three of our favourites: Caprese Skewers, Antipasto Platter and Hummus and Veggie Sticks.
First up, we have Caprese Skewers. This classic Italian appetiser is a crowd-pleaser that couldn’t be easier to make. All you need are some cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and mini mozzarella balls (also known as bocconcini). Simply thread one of each onto a skewer, drizzle with a balsamic glaze and you’re good to go! The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients (makes 2 skewers):
• 5 cherry tomatoes
• 5 fresh mini mozzarella balls
• 5 small basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Toothpicks or skewers
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cherry tomatoes and pat them dry.
2. Drain the mini mozzarella balls and pat them dry.
3. Rinse the basil leaves and pat them dry.
4. On a clean surface, skewer a cherry tomato, a mini mozzarella ball, and a small basil leaf.
5. Repeat until all of the ingredients are used up.
6. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Pack the skewers in a container or wrap them in parchment paper or cling film for your picnic.
Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-eat Caprese Skewers on your next picnic!
Next, we have the Antipasto Platter. This one is perfect for those who like a little bit of everything. An antipasto platter typically consists of a variety of meats, cheeses, olives and other snacks arranged on a platter. Some popular choices include salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers and various types of cheese (think: mozzarella, provolone, and asiago). Arrange everything in an attractive manner on a large platter and voila! You have a gorgeous spread that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
• A selection of cured meat (such as salami, prosciutto or ham)
• 1-2 oz of cheese (such as fresh mozzarella, provolone or cheddar)
• 1/4 cup of olives (such as Kalamata, green or mixed)
• 1/4 cup of marinated vegetables (such as artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes)
• 1-2 oz of crackers or bread
• Fresh or dried fruit (optional)
• Nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Arrange the cured meat on one side of a platter.
2. Place the cheese on the other side of the platter and cut it into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
3. Add the olives and marinated vegetables to the platter, spacing them out evenly.
4. Add some crackers or bread to the platter, arranging them around the other ingredients.
5. Add fresh or dried fruit and nuts, if desired.
6. Pack the antipasto platter in a container with a tight-fitting lid or cover with cling film and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
You can also add other ingredients to the antipasto platter, such as pickles, nuts or grapes, depending on your taste preferences. Just make sure to pack everything tightly and securely for the picnic.
Last but not least, we have Hummus and Veggie Sticks. This is a great option for those who are looking for something healthy and satisfying. Hummus is a dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a great choice for snacking. Simply pack some hummus into a container, along with some carrot sticks, celery and cucumber slices for dipping. You could also include some pita chips or whole-grain crackers if you want to mix things up.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp water
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Assorted vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, etc.) for dipping
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine the chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, cumin and water. Pulse until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
2. Season the hummus with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add more lemon juice or water if the hummus is too thick.
3. Transfer the hummus to a small container with a lid. Arrange the vegetables on a separate container or plastic bag for easy transport.
4. When you’re ready to enjoy your picnic, simply dip the veggies in the hummus and enjoy!
Note: You can make the hummus ahead of time and refrigerate it until your picnic. Just make sure to keep it in a cooler or insulated bag with some ice packs to keep it fresh when transporting.
No matter which of these snacks you choose, you can’t go wrong. They’re all easy to make, delicious and perfect for enjoying in the great outdoors. But if you’re feeling creative, don’t be afraid to mix things up and try some new flavour combinations. For example, you could add some sliced peaches or nectarines to your Caprese Skewers for a sweet twist, or swap out the traditional hummus for a beet or roasted red pepper hummus for a pop of colour and extra flavour. The possibilities are endless!
As always, when packing for a picnic, be sure to bring along plenty of napkins, plates and utensils. And don’t forget to bring a blanket or some chairs to sit on! With these easy and delicious picnic snacks in tow, you’re sure to have a great time no matter where you go. Happy snacking!