How to Pack a Healthy Picnic Basket

Healthy Snack Ideas for the Perfect Picnic

The end of the summer vacations is nearly here, and as we head into fall the days are going to get shorter, temperatures will drop, and we probably won’t want to spend as much time outside. So, what better way to make to most of the final few weeks of the summer season, than with a delicious and healthy family picnic?! In this blog,  your local bakery – Great Harvest of Newtonville have put together this comprehensive and nutritionally-balanced menu for a gourmet, three-course picnic.

Starters

The great thing about a picnic is that you can share everything by laying all of the food out on a blanket for everyone. For starters, why not try a platter of fresh and healthy dips served with Great Harvest’s 100% Whole Grain Bread!

Tzatziki

Make this refreshing, tangy dip by de-seeding and grating cucumber, then adding this to natural, unsweetened yogurt with lemon and mint.

Pico De Gallo

This Mexican salsa has a spicy kick to it and makes a great summer dip. De-seed and finely chop 1 or 2 green chilies, add diced white onion, de-seeded diced tomato and roughly chopped coriander. Finish with salt and a generous squeeze of lime juice.

Guacamole

This delicious side is full of healthy fats that you should include in your weekly diet. Mash 2 ripe avocados, add deseeded diced tomato, finely chopped chili, diced white onion and coriander. Add salt and lime to taste. Have you seen the wide range of bread products available at Great Harvest of Newtonville? Call today at 617-928-1162 to find out more about which tastes have been baked fresh today!

Mains

For the main course of your picnic, it’s important to include complex carbohydrates that provide slow release energy all day long, as well as a portion of protein. Filled baguettes sliced into bite-size chunks are great for sharing and provide something for everyone. First, get some freshly baked, crunchy loaves from your local Great Harvest bakery, then try filling them with these healthy summer sandwich fillings.

Low Fat Egg Mayonnaise Baguettes

Eggs are an excellent, vegetarian source of protein. They also provide essential fats and many important nutrients. This makes them the perfect option for feeding your family. Hard boil the eggs for around 10 minutes, then leave them to cool. Peel off the shells and mash the eggs in a large bowl. Mix in low-fat mayonnaise and cress or chopped scallions for a pop of flavor. Serve in the baguettes with sliced tomato, crunchy cucumber, and crispy lettuce.

Fajita Chicken

Chicken is a fantastic, low-fat source of protein. For something a little different, try this spicy fajita chicken sandwich recipe. Take one chicken breast for each person. Place in a bowl and sprinkle with paprika, salt, a sprinkle of sugar and lime. Leave to marinade for a couple of hours. Next, cut the chicken into strips and fry in a frying pan along with chopped red onion and sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Serve this mixture in the sandwich with some of the guacamole sauce and slices of cheese.

Salmon and Cream Cheese

Salmon is a superfood, full of omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for healthy brain development. Smother your baguette with low-fat cream cheese, then layer over slices of delicious smoked salmon. Finish off with a squeeze of lemon, and serve with lots of salad.

Dessert

Everybody loves a little sweet treat at the end of their meal, but dessert doesn’t have to be a blow-out. You can make some absolutely delicious summer sweets, without using tons of sugar of fat. One refreshing summer option is jello with summer fruits. Arrange summer berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries in the bottom of a jello mold. Pour the jello over and leave it in the refrigerator to set. When you take your jello out for the picnic, make sure that it is nice and chilled before setting off, and keep it in a cooler to prevent it from melting.

Every Good Picnic Starts with a Trip to Your Local Baker in Brighton

Great Harvest of Newtonville not only provides delicious 100% whole grain bread products, but also sweet treats like cookies, muffins, and cakes. Great Harvest of Newtonville also offer an excellent selection of freshly prepared sandwiches and baguettes and even deliver products right to your door! Call today at 617-928-1162 to find out more about which treats and flavors are ready for you in store or pop in and take a look next time that you are passing by.