Tips for planning the perfect picnic

As the weather warms up and the sun starts shining brighter, many people look forward to spending time outside with loved ones. What better way to enjoy the outdoors than with a picnic?

Picking the perfect location, selecting foods that everyone enjoys, and planning some fun activities can help put together the perfect picnic. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is here to help whether you're looking to host a small picnic for two or a fun family gathering.

Planning ahead

Planning is key to a successful picnic and choosing foods that are easy to prepare and travel well is essential. Fruits like strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are excellent picnic companions. Getting little ones involved in the preparation process can be fun, and selecting vegetables like baby carrots, celery sticks or bell peppers with a cool dip or salsa can also be a hit.

“Trail mix is a great picnic-friendly food and can be customized with your favorite textures and flavors,” said Sofia Sanchez, an Alabama Extension SNAP-Ed specialist. “Some good options include unsalted nuts, dried coconut flakes, no-sugar-added dried fruit or air-popped popcorn.”

Finding the perfect spot

The location of the picnic is as important as the food. Wide-open spaces with plenty of shade are ideal for laying out a blanket and enjoying a meal. For families with children, nearby playgrounds, walking trails or open spaces to run around are also excellent choices.

Getting active

After the meal, consider getting moving with activities like throwing a football or frisbee, playing tag or taking a walk. Spending time in the sun helps the body make Vitamin D, essential for healthy bone development and a strong immune system.

Perfect recipes for a picnic

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Live Well Alabama offers great picnic recipes, such as Picnic Pasta Salad, Melon and Mint, Everyday Broccoli Salad and Cool Cucumber Salad. These easy-to-make dishes can satisfy the family's appetite and taste buds while being perfect for a picnic.

Overall, with some planning and creativity, a perfect picnic can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors with loved ones while making memories that will last a lifetime.

Recipe: Picnic pasta salad

Cool off with this easy take on pasta salad. This Live Well Alabama Picnic Pasta Salad recipe serves eight.

Tips: Introduce whole grains and boost fiber by using half regular and half whole grain pasta. Kids love to dip. Slice tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers and dip in ranch dressing for a crunchy snack. Add extra vegetables such as grated zucchini or carrots.

Ingredients

• ½ cup fat free Italian dressing
• ¼ cup onion, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 8-ounce package noodles, cooked

Directions

1. Mix ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Chill and serve.

Dustin Duncan writes for Alabama Cooperative Extension System.