Lots of warm and sunny weather means packing up the picnic basket for an outdoor meal. Luckily, there are tons of healthy recipes out there for a delicious summer spread. Whether you’re going on a hike, to the beach, or just for a walk through the park, read on for some recipes for your picnic.
1. Grilled Shrimp and Veggie Orzo
Making food ahead of time for a picnic means that your recipes should be fine served cold or at room temperature. This grilled shrimp and vegetable orzo salad is a great summer meal, dressed with pesto vinaigrette.
For vegetables, grill zucchini, bell pepper and summer squash with a red wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil marinade. Marinate the shrimp with this same mixture and add a little salt and pepper. Toss all the ingredients with cubed raw heirloom tomatoes and basil leaves for a fresh balance to this dish.
2. Grilled Vegetable Hummus Wraps
Grilled veggie and hummus wraps are a delicious and healthy meal that makes great use of fresh summer vegetables. This recipe for grilled veggie and hummus wraps recommends using red onions, bell pepper, and eggplant, cooked on a grill pan over medium-high heat.
After grilling, chop up the vegetables. Spread some hummus over whole grain flatbread and then add the vegetables and a little bit of crumbled feta cheese. Garnish with some fresh parsley.
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3. Edamame “Guacamole”
Try a new spin on the classic picnic chips and dip with this delicious cross-cultural dish, which uses edamame and olive oil in the place of avocado to make a “guacamole” that is slimming, spicy, and delicious.
Start by slicing up some whole-wheat pitas, and then sprinkle them with pepper, chili powder, and a touch of salt. While you bake your pita “chips,” puree some of your edamame with olive oil and warm water in a food processor.
Chop up the rest of your edamame with onions, bell peppers, and jalapeño and fold them into your puree. The result: spicy “chips and dip” that are low-calorie, rich in protein, and chock full of vegetables.