By Emily Kho, Contributing Blogger
As the days get warmer and the skies clearer, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors for a picnic. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic date, or a fun day with friends, having the right food can make all the difference.
At RBX Active, we believe that delicious doesn’t have to mean unhealthy. Here are three mouth-watering picnic recipes that are both tasty and good for you!
Chickpea & Quinoa Mason Jar Salad
Mason jar salads are perfect for picnics. They’re easy to transport, portion-controlled, and you can shake them up right before eating to mix the dressing with the salad. This Chickpea & Quinoa Mason Jar Salad is light, refreshing, and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned chickpeas
- 1 cup chopped cucumbers
- 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
- 3 - 4 cups arugula
- Dressing:
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- Begin with the dressing. Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
- When ready to assemble the salads, evenly divide the dressing between 2 wide-mouth mason jars (quart size). Then evenly divide the remaining ingredients and add to the mason jars in the order listed. Seal with lid and store in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
- When serving, pour contents of the mason jar into a bowl. Stir around to help get the dressing distributed and enjoy!
Healthy Chicken Avocado Wraps
These Healthy Chicken Avocado Wraps are a great way to enjoy a filling and nutritious meal without the need for utensils. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat on the go.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 6 large burrito size tortillas
- 3 cups lettuce, chopped
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 avocado diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups yellow sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Directions
- Rinse and pat dry chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Preheat a pan on medium/high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Place the meat on the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes. The timing will depend on the size of the chicken. Make sure that the internal temperature will reach 165-170°F.
- Slice cooked or grilled chicken, chop lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado, and grate sharp cheddar.
- Put a large burrito size tortilla on a plate, layer with about ½ cup chopped lettuce, ¼ cup tomatoes, avocado, a tablespoon sour cream, few slices of grilled chicken, and top with ¼ cup grated sharp cheddar.
- Wrap them like an envelope. Repeat the same with the rest of the ingredients.
- Preheat a pan on medium high heat (you DON’T need to grease it with oil). Place the wraps with edges down and grill for a couple of minutes,until brown/golden color, then flip and grill on the other side.
Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
No picnic is complete without a sweet treat, and these fresh Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits are a healthy and delicious way to end your meal. They’re easy to assemble and can be customized with your favorite fruits.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup granola
Directions
- Combine the strawberries and sugar in a bowl and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Divide half the strawberries into two clear glasses.
- Add half the Greek yogurt on top.
- Add half the blueberries on top.
- Add all the granola on top.
- Repeat with one more layer of strawberries, one more layer of Greek yogurt, and one more layer of the blueberries. (red, white, blue, granola, red, white, blue)
- Serve immediately for best consistency.
Final Thoughts
These picnic recipes are not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients to keep you energized for all your outdoor activities. At RBX Active, we encourage a balanced lifestyle that includes both physical activity and healthy eating.
So grab your picnic blanket, pack up these delicious recipes, and enjoy a delightful day in nature. Happy picnicking!