5 Easy Recipes for a Picnic

What better way to enjoy the summer season than preparing a delicious picnic outdoors? Warm summer days are upon us, giving us the opportunity to organize a pleasant meal outdoors. Whether you prefer the park, a lake, the beach, the forest, or even your own backyard, the most important thing is to share a moment with your family around a good meal.

Plan your feast without the hassle with our simple and delicious recipe suggestions. We've focused on quick-to-prepare dishes so you can enjoy them without spending hours. With our practical tips, you'll also have everything you need to make your picnics a hit all summer long!

Chicken, Avocado, and Bacon Sandwich

Got leftover BBQ chicken to use up? This sandwich will help you use up last night's BBQ leftovers and avoid waste. Take two slices of bread and place the desired amount of chicken on top. Add a few pieces of artisanal bacon l’épicier for the most delicious taste. Then take an avocado, peel it, and slice it. We recommend preparing the avocado the morning of your picnic, placing it in a separate dish, and sprinkling it with a few drops of lemon juice to prevent it from turning brown.

Want to add mayonnaise to your sandwich? Prepare a small container separately to use once you arrive. Pack everything in a well-sealed cooler with several ice packs to keep it fresh. That way, you can enjoy your delicious sandwich without worrying about adding the finishing touches when you get there. Don't have any leftover cooked chicken? Simply substitute meat substitute.

Mexican Corn and Red Bean Salad

Make this colorful salad the day before your picnic to avoid any food preparation on the day of departure. It's the perfect recipe for a getaway to the park or forest. To make it, you'll need one can of whole kernel corn and one can of kidney beans. Rinse, drain, and transfer them to a large container, adding cucumber, cherry tomatoes, a little onion, and cilantro.

Next, in a small bowl, combine the zest of one lemon, a crushed garlic clove, a few drops of mustard, maple syrup, and olive oil to make a flavorful vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the vinaigrette over your salad, and you're done! For more quick ideas using ingredients from your pantry, check out these canned salad recipes for a truly nutritious meal.

Tuna Rice Salad

This tuna rice salad comes together in no time! It's ideal if you have leftover rice in your fridge. Take a bowl, pour in the rice and the contents of a can of tuna. Add a can of corn kernels, some tomatoes, and cucumbers. For the dressing, mix the juice of half a lemon, 45 ml of olive oil, and 15 ml of vinegar. Pour it into the bowl and you're ready to go!

Tip: To save time not only on meal preparation but also on the overall organization of your picnic, gather all the essentials the night before, such as a blanket, a set of dishes, a cooler, and paper towels. A folding chair or table will make you more comfortable if you're spending several hours outdoors. If you're heading to the beach, don't forget your parasol to keep your cooler out of the sun!

Pork fillet wrap

Have you ever thought about having a picnic right on your deck or on the lawn in your backyard? This is a great way to change up your routine and enjoy your favorite foods like the delicious Quebec pork tenderloin marinated in Texas style de l’épicier. Slice it into strips and cook it in a large skillet until it loses its pink color. Then sauté some onions and peppers. Add 10 ml of dried oregano, 5 ml of chili powder, 5 ml of garlic salt, and 5 ml of Tabasco sauce. When your vegetables are softened, pour half a cup of salsa. Then, in a tortilla lined with lettuce, place everything. In case of rain, this menu is a very good option for an impromptu picnic in the living room.

Summer salad with arugula, tomatoes and mozzarella

This summer salad is the epitome of simplicity. In a bowl, combine your desired amount of arugula, a few cherry tomatoes, and bocconcini pasta. Then, add desalted anchovies or black olives. Drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar to finish. Have some bocconcini left over after making this recipe? You can use them in a grilled peach salad that will delight your taste buds.

Tip: To enjoy fresh water during your picnic and stay hydrated all day long, we recommend using an insulated water bottle; an essential item to bring with you on your outing. If you don't have one, fill water bottles a quarter full and place them in the freezer the night before you leave. This way, your water will stay cold longer.