Our Top Picks for Summer Picnic Recipes

Picnics are hands down one of the best parts of summer. Imagine lounging on a vibrant blanket, shaded by swaying trees, while indulging in a delectable feast fit for royalty. (Extra points if you can recruit a friend to fan you.) We’ve compiled a collection of mouthwatering recipes that will make your picnic the highlight of the season. From delicate salmon pinwheels to flavorful peppadew-feta muffins, and refreshing old-fashioned lemonade to hearty salads that won’t wilt, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s create an abundant spread for your perfect summer picnic!

For more inspiration, check out:

• 50 amazing picnic spots in South Africa
• Top 10 tips for an unforgettable picnic
• 23 must-visit picnic spots in the beautiful Cape Winelands
• The best braai spots in Cape Town and throughout South Africa

Crunchy Southern-Style Chicken Drumsticks

A Crowd-Pleasing Finger Food

Get ready to wow both kids and adults with these mouth-watering drumsticks. The moment you set these crispy chicken delights on the table, everyone’s eyes will light up with excitement. And the best part? They’re baked, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing any of the crunchiness. (But if you’re feeling indulgent, you can always deep-fry them too.)

Delicious Mini Steak Wraps

Let me share with you a fabulous option for stretching your steak further – mini steak wraps! They are not only a clever way to make your meal go further but also incredibly flavorful, especially when marinated in a tangy lemon-thyme dressing.

Delicious Feta, Peppadew, and Caramelized Onion Muffins

I have a fantastic recipe for you that you can easily make your own. These muffins are so versatile and forgiving that you can throw in any tasty bits and pieces you have lying around. The combination of sweet, salty, and spicy in this recipe is absolutely irresistible, but feel free to experiment with flavors like bacon, spinach, or parmesan if you prefer.

Mini sausage rolls

These bite-sized sausage rolls aren’t just for fancy parties or cocktails! They’re perfect for picnics too, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about making them from scratch and impressing your friends.

Spicy baked falafel with tzatziki

Get ready for a burst of flavor with these crispy and spicy falafel bites. They’re so simple to make, and the best part is enjoying them with a refreshing tzatziki dip. For a vegetarian option that’s just as delicious as steak, stuff these mini wraps with falafel instead.

Delicious Smoked Salmon Pinwheel Sandwiches

Imagine taking a simple picnic sandwich to a whole new level with these delightful smoked salmon pinwheels. The combination of horseradish and dill will tickle your taste buds, guaranteeing a winning flavor sensation.

Delectable Mini Bacon and Mushroom Frittatas

If you’ve ever wished for a muffin-sized crustless quiche, your picnic dreams have come true! These mini bacon and mushroom frittatas are the perfect size for a lovely outdoor feast. Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite ingredients like feta, sundried tomatoes, peppadews, peppers, or herbs.

Get the recipe here

Breads and Tarts

Savor the Taste of Tomato and Fennel Bread

Indulge in the flavors of this delectable tomato and fennel bread. The store-bought bread dough makes it incredibly easy to prepare. Simply mix in some rosemary, lemon zest, fennel, and other delicious ingredients, and let your oven do the rest. It couldn’t be any easier!

Try the Irresistible Artichoke, Feta, and Lemon Bread

Wow, this bread may look fancy, but let me tell you, it’s actually really simple to make. You don’t have to deal with all that waiting and punching down dough because we’re using store-bought dough. That means you can dig into this deliciousness a lot sooner.

Now, let’s talk about this mouthwatering spicy vegetable savory picnic loaf. It’s based on a recipe by Yotam Ollenghi and let me tell you, it’s more like a crustless quiche than a bread. You won’t be able to resist!

Next up, we’ve got a real treat for all you Marmite lovers out there. This marmite tart is like the gourmet version of a classic cheese and Marmite sandwich. Now, I know Marmite can be a polarizing ingredient, but the cheesiness of this tart might just convert even the biggest skeptics.

And finally, we have the tomato and basil tart. This one is always a hit at picnics, and the best part is, it’s super speedy to whip up. Just slice it up and watch it disappear.

Spreads and Dips

If you’re into creamy, garlicky goodness, then you have to try my Mushroom Pâté. It’s like having a jar of creamy mushroom pasta in spreadable form!

And if you’re a fan of melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness, you won’t be able to resist my Potted Pork Belly. Slow-cooked pork belly, shredded and seasoned with mace, pepper, and salt, then packed into a pot and sealed with butter. It’s the tastiest thing you’ll ever smother on a piece of bread!

If you’re tired of the same old basil pesto, I’ve got just the thing for you. My Nasturtium and Macadamia Nut Pesto is a fresh and vibrant alternative. The peppery nasturtium leaves are tamed with buttery macadamia nuts and just a hint of garlic. It’s a delicious twist on a classic!

Get the recipe for these amazing spreads and dips right here:

Salads

Potato Salad

Hey there! Let’s talk about potato salad, a dish that comes in all kinds of variations. People have different ideas about what makes the perfect potato salad. Some say it’s a must to include hard-boiled eggs, while others believe that the key is to roast the potatoes instead of boiling them. But let me tell you about a potato salad recipe that has a special ingredient that will blow your mind: roasted garlic!

Watermelon and feta salad

One of my favorite salads is watermelon and feta. It’s so easy to make, and the mix of flavors is truly irresistible. The sweet watermelon, the salty feta, the creamy texture, and the crunchiness all blend together in a way that leaves me wanting more. This salad is perfect for a picnic because it’s durable and can handle a little rough handling. Plus, it can also handle some time in the sun without losing its deliciousness.

Sunshine Salad

Imagine a colorful salad that bursts with flavors, a salad that is as bright and refreshing as a sunny day. That’s what you get with the sunshine salad. It’s a delightful combination of juicy mango and zesty red onion that adds a touch of tanginess to every bite. Doesn’t a sunshine salad sound like the perfect dish to enjoy on a picnic?

Sweet Treats

Nectarine and Almond Tart

Oh boy, let me tell you about nectarines. They are the absolute rockstars of summer fruit! When you take a big bite of a juicy nectarine, the sweetness just bursts in your mouth. It’s like a little explosion of flavor! You know what makes nectarines even better? Turning them into a delicious tart.

Now, I’m no pastry chef, but let me share this fantastic recipe with you. It’s a nectarine and almond tart that will blow your mind. You ready?

First things first, you gotta roast those nectarines. And when I say roast, I mean take them to a whole new level of flavor. The heat brings out their natural sweetness and makes them even juicier. It’s like magic! You’ll want to slice them up and spread them all over the tart.

Now, let’s talk about the base. It’s sweet and nutty, which is the perfect pairing for the nectarines. The almonds give it a nice crunch and add a hint of richness to the tart. It’s like a match made in dessert heaven!

Once you’ve prepared the base, you just need to pop it in the oven and let the magic happen. The aroma of the roasting nectarines and the toasting almonds will fill the air, and you won’t be able to resist sneaking a peek.

When the tart is done baking and has cooled down a bit, it’s time to dig in. Trust me, this is where things get really good. The combination of the sweet, juicy nectarines and the nutty, buttery base is simply divine. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite!

So, next time you find yourself with a bunch of nectarines, don’t just eat them straight out of the box (although that’s pretty awesome too). Give this nectarine and almond tart a try, and take your summer dessert game to a whole new level. You won’t be disappointed!

Delicious Chocolate and Coffee Muffins

Hey there! I have got a super easy recipe for chocolate-coffee muffins that you are gonna love. Plus, guess what? The Cadbury milk chocolate used in this recipe is Fairtrade, so you can feel good about indulging in these muffins whenever you like!

Red velvet cupcakes

Let me tell you about red velvet cupcakes. First of all, they are delicious. The combination of moist, fluffy cake and creamy cream-cheese frosting is absolutely heavenly. It’s a treat that is sure to make your taste buds sing.

But there’s more to red velvet cupcakes than just their taste. They are also incredibly popular and well-loved. People all around the world can’t get enough of these little bites of goodness. They’re the kind of dessert that brings a smile to everyone’s face.

What makes red velvet cupcakes so special? Well, it’s the unique flavor and texture that sets them apart. The cake has a hint of cocoa, which gives it a rich and slightly chocolatey taste. And the vibrant red color is simply eye-catching. It’s a dessert that stands out from the crowd.

But the icing on the cupcake, quite literally, is the cream-cheese frosting. It’s smooth, tangy, and oh-so-creamy. When you take a bite of a red velvet cupcake with that velvety icing, it’s pure bliss. The combination of flavors is perfection.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Making red velvet cupcakes sounds difficult. But let me tell you, it’s easier than you think. With a simple recipe and a few key ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats in no time.

So, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that will impress your friends and family, look no further than red velvet cupcakes. They’re a true delight for the senses and a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Delicious old-fashioned lemonade: A timeless recipe

Hey there! Today, I want to share with you a classic lemonade recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This lemonade is like a burst of summer in your mouth – it’s sweet, tart, and incredibly refreshing. Trust me, once you try this, you won’t want to go back to store-bought lemonade ever again!

So, here’s the deal: when it comes to a picnic or any outdoor gathering, this lemonade is an essential companion. It adds that extra touch of nostalgia and delight to your day. And don’t worry, it’s not just for the kids – the adults can have some fun too! You can even sneak in a shot of gin to elevate the flavor and enjoy a grown-up twist on this timeless classic.

What I love about this old-school lemonade is its simplicity. It only requires a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. All you need are some fresh lemons, sugar, water, and ice. Simple, right?

Now, let’s dive into the recipe. First, grab a few juicy lemons and squeeze them to extract their tangy goodness. You’ll want to aim for about 1 cup of lemon juice, but feel free to adjust the amount depending on your taste preferences.

Next, it’s time to sweeten things up. In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice with 1 cup of sugar. Give it a good stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This is where the magic happens – the sweet and sour flavors come together in perfect harmony.

Now, it’s time to quench your thirst! Fill the pitcher with 4 cups of cold water and stir again. Ah, the sound of the spoon clinking against the glass is music to my ears. Feel free to add more water if you prefer a milder taste.

Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, it’s time to chill out! Pop the pitcher in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors mingle and get extra cold. You can’t beat the feeling of sipping on an ice-cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day.

When you’re ready to serve, don’t forget to add some ice cubes to your glass for that extra chill. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can garnish it with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint. Not only will it look fancy, but it will also make you feel like a master mixologist.

So, there you have it – a classic old-fashioned lemonade recipe that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re enjoying it at a picnic, a backyard barbecue, or simply lounging on your porch, this lemonade is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Now, go ahead and grab those lemons from your fridge. You’re just a few steps away from sipping on pure summer bliss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you won’t look back.