Today is International Picnic Day, so what better time to do a roundup of some of my favorite foods that are picnic friendly? With Diner en Blanc fast approaching, it’s also time to start thinking about what to make for the big event!
Diner en Blanc is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has grown to include a dozen participating cities. The first Diner en Blanc was held in Paris and included just a few of its founder, François Pasquier’s, friends. Now, thousands worldwide congregate to be a part of this great event! Philadelphia’s Diner en Blanc will be held on Thursday, August 22 and the wait list is being formed now. You can sign up for the wait list here.
Philadelphia’s first Diner en Blanc was held last year and it was a huge success. This year, 2,300 participants will be notified of the secret location moments before. Guests arrive with their own tables, chairs, place settings, and meals and enjoy the outdoors and company together. Each attendee is dressed head-to-toe in white, with a white table cloth, and white chairs. Photos from last year’s event are truly beautiful! With the beautiful white place settings, the food can really be the star. So bringing a colorful, delicious, and easy meal is key! Here are some of my suggestions for the big night:
Chilled soups make a great choice for picnics. Just pack in a sealed tupperware container and spoon into bowls when you arrive. Some of my favorites include:
Vegan Chilled Corn Soup. Soup can be made ahead of time. Keep toppings separate until ready to serve.
Gazpacho can be made ahead of time. Keep toppings separate until ready to serve. (Vegan)
Avocado-Corn Chowder with Rotisserie Chicken. Soup can be made ahead of time but can be made within 20 minutes. Keep toppings separate until serving.
Vichyssoise (Cold Leek and Potato Soup). Soup and bacon can be made ahead of time. Keep bacon separate until ready to serve.
Black Bean Soup with Orange Jalapeno Salsa. Can be eaten warm or chilled. Soup can be made ahead of time. Keep toppings separate until ready to serve. (Vegetarian)
Gazpacho with Grilled Pickapeppa Shrimp. Keep Shrimp separate until ready to eat.
Heirloom Gazpacho. Make ahead and keep chilled until ready to serve.
A cheese plate would be a perfect addition to a picnic basket. To go along with some of the cheese, you could also serve fresh fruit. Some appetizers that would also travel well include:
Sriracha Deviled Eggs
Radish and Arugula Crostini with Brie
Pancetta Crisps with Goat Cheese and Pear
Black Bean Mango Salsa on Jalapeño Parmesan Crisps
Cherry Ricotta Bruschetta
As a main dish, sandwiches work great. Or you could make these Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini Boats to bring along:
Pasta salad is such a picnic staple, consider bringing one of these with you instead:
Pesto Pasta Salad
Pasta Salad
Other side salad options:
Farro, Berry, and Walnut Salad
Don’t forget dessert!
Lemon Earl Grey Squares
Tiramisu Brownies
Salted Caramel Brownies
Plum Swirled Cheesecake Bars
“Dirt” Flower Pots
And why not make a fun cocktail to sip along with your meal?
Watermelon Mojito
What do you think?