Looking for a fun way to enjoy the outdoors with your loved ones? July is National Picnic Month, so grab your picnic basket and get ready to enjoy some fresh flavors out in nature! Picnics are a great way to switch up your usual family activities while being cost-effective, healthy, and simple to prepare. If you need some fresh picnic menu ideas to get you started, we have all the inspiration you need to take your picnic game up a notch.

With school now a distant memory, July is picnic season for families from coast-to-coast. Young kids, teenagers, and busy parents all love a fun family picnic because it’s a chance to get out of the house, relax, and enjoy great food. Whether you’re spending your day at the beach, playing at the park down the street, taking a long family hike in a national park, or simply hanging out in the backyard, everyone in your family will cherish their memories of these special moments. So, make sure to give your next picnic some extra thought, because the right food can make all the difference!

Picnics are simple to plan, but they’re even easier if you get the kids involved. Let your kids help create the menu plan and take them grocery shopping with you. This can be empowering for them, and they will enjoy the anticipation and excitement that comes with planning a picnic adventure. Moreover, by getting them involved, they are more likely to try out the new foods that they helped choose! When shopping, help them cultivate healthy eating habits by explaining why you’re picking the ingredients that you put in the cart, noting their vibrant color, firmness, and freshness.

For a tasty and nutritious spread, you want to choose fresh greenhouse grown ingredients. Not only are these sustainably grown options delicious and packed with important vitamins and minerals, but they will add a colorful splash to your picnic blanket. Make sure to capture the moment and share it on social media!

There are many different greenhouse grown snacking veggies that come in convenient grab-and-go packs, including bite-sized cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. Mini Munchies Snack Packs are an ideal option for families with young kids because they combine all their favorite flavors in one small package. You can easily keep all your snacking veggies on your counter or in your fridge and pack them quickly in your picnic basket, cutting down on prep time. Most importantly, you can use these versatile ingredients in many unique recipes that are picnic perfect!

Picnic Perfect Recipes –

To make your meal special, we suggest thinking outside the lunch box and trying out some more creative recipes. Here are a few fresh ideas to get you inspired for National Picnic Month.

Make a Fresh Vegetable Platter –

It doesn’t get any easier than this.Fill your basket with Uno Bites™ Nano Cucumbers, RedRoyals® Sweet Cherry Tomatoes On-The-Vine, and Aurora Bites Mini Sweet Peppers and serve them with hummus or your favorite dip. This no-fuss option is incredibly nutritious and will keep you energized on an outdoor adventure.

Pack Fresh Sandwiches and Wraps –

Sandwiches are a picnic classic, but you can make them your own by incorporating fresh and flavorful ingredients. Try fresh sandwiches and wraps with turkey, your favorite cheese, avocados, lettuce, and sliced Tomatoes On-The-Vine. Sandwiches are a great option if you need to pack for your whole family but don’t have much space, like on a kayak trip or bike ride.

Mix a Quick Salad –

A simple salad can be a satisfying addition to your picnic menu. Choose a recipe with pasta or rice to add a healthy dose of carbohydrates so you can fuel up while taking a break from your favorite outdoor activity. Try making a Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice Salad, which gets a boost of flavor from Uno Bites™ Nano Cucumber, Juno® Bites Red Grape Tomatoes, and Sweet Bell Peppers. You can prepare this salad the night before so that it is ready in the morning.

Craft a Charcuterie Board –

If you want a classy, selfie-worthy picnic menu, bring along a charcuterie pack filled with cheese, cured meats, crackers, fruit, and fresh veggies like Sangria® Medley Tomatoes and Poco Bites® Cocktail Cucumbers. When you arrive at your favorite picnic spot, spread out your ingredients on a wooden cheese board for easy and elegant picnic fare that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Get outside this month and enjoy an outdoor adventure with family, complete with the perfect picnic to keep everyone satisfied in the sun. There’s really no better way to enjoy each other’s company ーespecially during National Picnic Month! Grab a blanket, make a picnic playlist to play on your Bluetooth speaker, and enjoy an afternoon in the great outdoors.

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