20 Ways to Enjoy Fresh Fruits and Vegetables at Your Next Picnic

Picnics are the perfect occasion to savor the fresh flavors of fruits and vegetables. Here are 20 creative and delicious ways to include these ingredients in your outdoor feast:

1.     Banana & Strawberry Skewers: Alternate slices of bananas and whole strawberries on skewers for an easy-to-eat treat. Drizzle with lime to keep bananas from browning. These skewers are also delicious grilled.

2.     Grilled Sweet Potato Salad: Grill cubes of sweet potato and toss them in a light vinaigrette with your favorite greens. Simple to assemble and portable!  For something a little different check out these banana sweet potato skewers.

3.     Dragon Fruit Salsa: Combine dragon fruit and pineapple with lime juice, cilantro, and grated jalapeno for a tropical twist on salsa.

4.     Mini Banana Muffins: Bake mini banana bread muffins for a sweet and portable snack. These blueberry banana muffins are a fan favorite!

5.     Lettuce & Veggie Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap up sliced veggies and a spread of hummus.

6.     Grapes & Cheese Platter: Pair clusters of grapes with a selection of cheeses and whole grain crackers.

7.     Celery with Almond Butter: Fill celery sticks with almond or peanut butter for a crunchy and filling snack.

8.     Fruit Kabobs with Yogurt Dip: Create a colorful arrangement of fruit on kabob sticks and serve with a side of honey yogurt dip.

9.     Dragon Fruit Cubes: Scoop out dragon fruit flesh and cut into cubes for a visually stunning treat.

10.  Tropical Pineapple Smoothie: Blend pineapple with banana and coconut milk for a refreshing smoothie.

11.  Mixed Bean Salad: Toss mixed beans with diced veggies and a zesty dressing for a filling summer side.

12.  Grape & Chicken Pasta Salad: Add halved grapes to a creamy chicken pasta salad for a touch of sweetness.

13.  Energy Bites with Dates & Nuts: Combine mashed bananas with chopped nuts, oats, and dates to form bite-sized energy balls.  You may also like these Dole Energy Bites.  

14.  Strawberry Spinach Salad: Toss spinach leaves with sliced strawberries, goat cheese, and a poppyseed dressing.

15.  Lettuce & Quinoa Salad Cups: Fill lettuce cups with a mix of quinoa, diced veggies, and a light lemon dressing.

16.  Watermelon & Strawberry Lemonade: Puree watermelon and strawberries to mix into homemade lemonade.

17.  Grilled Pineapple Rings: Grill slices of pineapple until they're caramelized and serve as a sweet side dish.

18.  Veggie Sticks & Guacamole: Cut carrots and cucumbers into sticks and serve with a batch of fresh guacamole.

19.  Roasted Veggie Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and bell peppers on skewers and grill until tender.

20.  Fresh Berry Tartlets: Fill pre-baked tart shells with a citrus-infused low fat cream cheese and top with a variety of fresh berries.

With these ideas, you can easily pack a basket full of vibrant, tasty, and healthy options that everyone at your picnic will enjoy!

Published June 1, 2024