Indulging in delicious food is always a satisfying way of getting the nourishment your body needs. On a sunny, beautiful day out at a picnic, having a scrumptious feast is a delight. If you are looking for nutritious food for a picnic, instead of leaving out things that seem unhealthy, include lots of healthy elements instead. This is a principle that will let you cook filling and substantial meals that are still great for your body. Let us give you some ideas!
Berry Desserts
Everybody loves dessert, so let’s find a way to make desserts that are full of good nutrients. Berries are full of antioxidants which are powerhouses of repairing damage to your body. There are lots of things to be made with berries, such as very simple jams that can be used to fill cookies or spread on bread. Our suggestion is that you try baking a pie! Pie filling is very versatile and can be made with whatever combination of berries you want: blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, to name a few. Choose the berries you like the most, or buy whatever is in season for a fresh berry pie! You should always opt for fresh ingredients to get the most nutrients from your meal!
Loaded Salads
Salads can be delicious and substantial when made right. There are a few different elements to a good salad. First, pick a base. Although iceberg lettuce is a classic choice, you can switch it up with a green that you prefer. For instance, romaine and kale are both great base options. You can even make two salads with different bases so that everyone has options at the picnic. Next, think about what to fill your salad with. Here, you can get creative! Think about filling the salad with as much variety as possible. Add some protein such as sliced ham or baked chicken. Add some crunchy textures like nuts or croutons. Then, add some sweet and juicy elements like raisins or fresh orange pieces. Finally, make a dressing for your salad. You could make a chickpea hummus that would add a lot of healthy fat and fiber to the meal, or make an olive oil-based dressing to use unsaturated fat.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are so simple to make, yet so filling and delicious. Try to use vegetables that are filling and sturdy so that they bake to have a delicious crisp crust but a tender centre. Some vegetables that roast well include potatoes, carrots, brussels sprouts, pumpkin, and sweet potato. These vegetables are a healthy source of carbohydrates that give you energy for all sorts of activities. Vegetables are also high in vitamins A and C, and the fibre in vegetables also reduces discomforts such as constipation.
Egg Dishes
Eggs are easy to cook and are a delicious source of protein. An egg frittata is a super simple recipe that includes baking eggs mixed with seasoning and milk and filled with ingredients. It is a great way to include lots of vegetables and proteins in one dish. Some combinations include a spinach and cheese frittata, or a bell pepper and chicken version.