Nothing says summer like a picnic and as my American friends will be celebrating the 4th of July soon, I thought it might be nice to pull together some tasty picnic recipes. From sandwiches, wraps and pies, to salads, sweet treats and drinks.
We've had some beautiful weather here in Scotland this month, so I'm quietly optimistic that we will have some picnic weather in June too. Even though most of us don't celebrate the 4th of July hear in Scotland, we will be celebrating the sunshine and getting out and about as much as we can.
Our diets have changed with the sunshine and are much lighter with lots of salads, mezze, wraps and toasties, rather than the heavier food of the winter months.
I hope you will find plenty of inspiration for your 4th of July picnic or just some new ideas for lighter summer meals. Thanks to all the wonderful bloggers who contributed recipes.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a staple for a quick lunch at work or on the go. They are easy to make, tasty and filling. Try changing your bread to a pitta pocket or flatbread to keep things fresh.
Chickpea Salad Sandwich - Feenin for Greens
Chickpea Mayonnaise Salad Sandwiches - Rhian's Recipes
Roasted Vegetable and Tofu Sandwiches - Tinned Tomatoes
Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Sandwiches - Tinned Tomatoes
Falafel and Apple Salad Sandwiches - Tinned Tomatoes
Vegan BBQ 'Shroom Buns - Tinned Tomatoes
Wraps
I love a wrap. There is just something rather special about them.
Eat them fresh or toasted, but do buy good quality wraps as cheap wraps can be a bit claggy.
To wrap them successfully place your filling in the middle of the tortilla, fold the sides over the filling and firmly roll the top of the tortilla over the filling and towards you, tucking in the sides as you go.
Beet Salad Lunch Wrap- Tinned Tomatoes
Chickpea Quinoa Vegetable Wraps - Lisa's Kitchen
Onion Bhaji Lunch Wrap - The Vegan Lunch Box
Spicy Bean Lunchtime Wrap (copycat recipe) - Tinned Tomatoes
Pies and Tarts
Ready rolled puff pastry or a block of shortcrust pastry is the starting point for making so many different types of pies and tarts. Individual pies that can be eaten without cutlery are the best option for picnics.
Easy Mediterranean Tarts- Tinned Tomatoes
Kale Pesto, Cauliflower Picnic Pies - The Veg Space
Chickpea and Vegetable Picnic Hand Pies- Tinned Tomatoes
Vegan Quiche Lorraine- Seven Roses
- Tinned Tomatoes
Pasta Salads
We love eating pasta salad for dinner in the summer, but it is a great addition to a picnic spread. You can toss them in so many sauces and dressings, then pile on the vegetables, pulses, salad or herbs. Just remember to drain the pasta while it is al dente and refresh it under cold water for glossy pasta.
Best Summer Pasta Salad- Tinned Tomatoes
Two Bean Pasta Salad- Healthy Happy Life
- Tinned Tomatoes
Summer Greek Pasta Salad- Tinned Tomatoes
Summer Veggie Pasta Salad- Strength and Sunshine
Healthy Vegan Macaroni Salad - Veggies Don't Bite
Grain Salads
There are so many grains to use as a base for salads. Rice, couscous, faro, bulgur wheat and quinoa to name a few. Cook them in vegetable stock instead of water to boost the flavour.
Quinoa Taco Salad- Contendedness Cooking
Asparagus and Arugula Farro Salad -Dianne's Vegan Kitchen
Curried Rice Salad with Orange - The Garden Grazer
Lemon Garlic Mint Quinoa Salad - Green Scheme
Mediterranean Couscous Salad - Tinned Tomatoes
Potato Salad
I had you at potatoes, didn't I? We all love potato salad, but we don't all like potato salad laden with thick vegan mayo, so try dressing your potato salad with lighter dressings, such as salad dressings and pesto.
Harissa Potato Salad- Strength and Sunshine
Vegan German Potato Salad-Dianne's Vegan Kitchen
Roasted New Potato Salad with Lentils- Occasionally Eggs
Classic Potato Salad - Beautiful Ingredient
Creamy Vegan Potato Salad - Tinned Tomatoes
Vegetable Salad
These salads are the perfect way to reach your five-a-day. They are super healthy and packed with flavour and texture.
Vegan Apple Broccoli Salad- Vegan in the Freezer
Super Spring Salad - Gathering Dreams
Springy Radish Salad with Lime Dressing- Beautiful Ingredient
Watermelon Tomato Basil Salad- Veggies Save the Day
Ultimate Greek Chopped Salad- The Garden Grazer
Vegan Mexican Chopped Salad with Avocado Dressing- Happy Kitchen Rocks
Roasted Pepper Salad with Tofu- Vegan Huggs
Rainbow Thai Spiralized Salad - The Belly Rules the Mind
Easy Vegan Broccoli Slaw - Glue & Glitter
Summer Grilled Corn Salad - Vegan Huggs
Bean & Lentil Salad
Adding beans and lentils to a salad is a good way of adding protein to your salad as well as adding a different texture. A bean or lentil salad will also keep you fuller for longer.
White Bean Cherry Tomato Salad- Veggies Save the Day
Pineapple Fiesta Salad - Where You Get Your Protein
Kidney Bean Salad with Lemon & Parsley- A Virtual Vegan
Herbed White Bean Picnic Salad - Soup Addict
Sweet Treats
Of course you need something sweet to end with. Be it a cake, cookie, pie or pop. Go on tuck in!
Flourless Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies- Occasionally Eggs
Vegan Pie Pops- Desserts with Benefits
Strawberry Pie with Walnut Oat Crust- Where you Get Your Protein
Grain-Free Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies- Veggies Don't Bite
Vegan Smores Pie- Bear Plate
Dark Treacle Banana Gingrebread- Tinned Tomatoes
Orange Upside Down Semolina Cake- Sunnyside Hanne
Oaty Vegan Apple Pie- The Veg Space
Guilt-Free Apple Pie in an Apple- Desserts with Benefits
Almond Cherry Muffins - A Virtual Vegan
- Tinned Tomatoes
Picnic Drinks
It's important to drink lots of water on a hot day. My tip is to pop bottles of water in the freezer the night before, then pack your picnic treats with them, to keep everything cool until you are ready to serve. You will have cool food and lovely cold water to drink. Of course it's nice to have something a little more celebratory, so smoothies and lemonade are good choices as soft drinks.
Mixed Berry Smoothie - Tinned Tomatoes
Lavender Lemonade- Champagne Tastes
Pink Pineapple Smoothie - Tinned Tomatoes
Strawberry Lemonade with Lavender- Champagne Tastes
Vegan Tropical Butternut Squash Smoothie - The Belly Rules the Mind
Green Mango Smoothie - Tinned Tomatoes
If you are looking for more 4th of July inspiration, check out my 4th of July Vegan BBQ Guide and have a great 4th!
