Pack Your Basket with this Summertime Picnic Menu
It is almost summer and what better way to celebrate than with a picnic? Our friends at Bungalow 56 have crafted a fun, fresh menu that captures the flavors of summer.
We packed up our home made salads in adorable weck jars, wrapped our chicken sandwiches in parchment paper tied with a bow (because every sandwich needs a bow) and made sure our La Crema Pinot Gris was perfectly chilled.
{Photography by: Kristen Vincent}
Picnic 101: Find a grassy spot with a view.
To set the scene we laid out our favorite color blocked picnic blanket and arranged our scrumptious treats on a white tray from Target. There is nothing like curling up on a freshly laid blanket and taking in the smell of fresh cut grass, the shining sun and chirping birds. It was the perfect way for us to take a moment to relax from our busy day (Pinot Gris = Relaxation).
Add these items to your picnic “don’t forget” list: Blanket, serving tray, and La Crema Pinot Gris.
We enjoyed a menu of simple summer treats. Chicken, mozzarella and basil sandwiches with pesto, watermelon, arugula and feta salad, summer corn salad, fresh chocolate chip cookies, fresh cherries and of course and bottle of La Crema Pinot Gris.
Here is how to create your own beautiful homemade picnic. Just print out these simple recipes, chill your wine and go find the perfect spot to kick off your shoes and relax.
THE MENU
Caprese Chicken Baguettes
Light, bright, clean flavors tucked inside a fresh baked baguette roll. This terrific combination of flavors and textures is simply amazing.
Caprese Chicken Baguettes
Recipe type: sandwich
Cuisine: Italian
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 4 mini baguettes
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts baked with olive oil, salt & pepper
- 8 slices of fresh mozzarella
- 2 heirloom tomatoes
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- Pre-made pesto sauce
Instructions
- Cut mini baguettes in half, spread pesto on one side of each sandwich, place chicken slices on the bottom then layer on the mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes and basil. Wrap the middle of the sandwich with a piece of parchment paper and tie with twine.
Caprese Chicken Baguettes
Summer Corn Salad
Nothing quite says summer like fresh sweet corn. One of our favorite off-the-cob preparations is to combine fresh grilled corn with other farm fresh ingredients for a simple cold salad.
Despite its simple preparation, this recipe is filled with layers of flavor, thanks to fragrant cilantro, red onion and the tang of fresh squeezed lime, which balance the corn’s sweetness nicely.
Summer Corn Salad
Recipe type: side dish
Cuisine: American
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 5 ears of corn, grilled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tomato, seeded and diced
- fresh cilantro, to taste
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Remove kernels with paring knife and place in large bowl. Add tomato, onion, and green pepper. Toss to combine. Add lime juice and olive oil. Add cilantro to taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve chilled.
Arugula & Feta Salad
Light fresh and filled with the flavors of summer. Fresh watermelon, peppery arugula, refreshing mint and a sweet & tangy vinaigrette bring it all together.
Watermelon, Arugula & Feta Salad
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
- ¼ cup minced shallots
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salad:
- 6 cups baby arugula, washed and dried
- 1/8th seedless watermelon, rind removed and cut into 1 inch cubes
- 12 ounces feta cheese
- 1 cup whole fresh mint leaves, julienned
Instructions
- Whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, shallots, honey, salt and pepper. Slowly pour in the olive oil whisking constantly, to form an emulsion. (if not using right away keep stored in the refrigerator).
- Place the arugula, watermelon, feta and mint in a large bowl. Drizzle with enough vinaigrette to coat the greens lightly and toss well. Taste for seasonings and serve immediately.
We hope you had as much fun reading this post as we did making it! Share your comments, below!
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