10 of the best family picnic recipes
We've picked out the most interesting, family-friendly food to pack up for a picnic. All you need to add is a blanket and a shady spot on the grass!
Ditch the soggy sandwiches for a whole new picnic world of pasta, sushi, couscous and muffins – all simple to make at home and tasty enough for the whole family to enjoy in the sunshine (while it lasts!).
Here's our pick of the best family picnic recipes...
1. Vegetarian sausage rolls
A healthy, flavoured-filled alternative to shop-bought sausage rolls, made with veggie sausages, ricotta cheese, peppers and mushrooms. Takes 40 minutes and make 6 portions.
2. Bow-tie pasta salad with chicken
A toddler-friendly pasta salad from baby-food guru Annabel Karmel, featuring chicken (or ham), broccoli, sweetcorn and peas.
3. Kiddy sushi rolls
Another Annabel Karmel creation, made with tuna, bread, cucumber and carrot. Our recipe includes alternative filling suggestions for tuna-refusers. Can be made the night before.
4. Rainbow Superfood Fritters
Baby-friendly finger food that's definitely not too babyish for older ones – and virtuously (but deliciously) packed with beetroot, kale, squash and sweetcorn. Our recipe also suggests other fritter flavours.
5. Confetti couscous salad
A super-quick-to-make, brightly coloured veggie salad, with pine nuts and raisins for extra texture and sweetness.
6. Apple and raspberry crumble muffins
Moist and fruity sweet treats, with a nutty crumble topping. Makes 12 muffins.
7. Annabel Karmel's Favourite Sandwich Selection
You can't go wrong with a good sarnie at a picnic and this selection covers all the child-friendly bases, including chicken, cheese, cucumber and hummus.
8. Oatcakes with vegetable dip
A super-fast blended dip made from cream cheese, peppers, squash and tomatoes – that's suitable for babies (and adults) from 11 months.
9. Cheese straws
Simple, savoury baked finger food, suitable for babies from 9 months. Makes 15 in 30 minutes.
10. Fancy chocolate fairy cakes with white butter icing
A tin of these sweet treats make the perfect last touch – or bribe for walking home – after any picnic.
More picnic inspiration:
Authors
Janet is mum to two children aged 6 & 9 and a great-Aunt too. She began writing early, penning her first book aged just 7. She has published 2 books