Are you looking for the perfect outdoor meal? Whether you’re planning a picnic, a barbecue, or a camping trip, these 10 delicious dishes are sure to make your outdoor meal one to remember. From a light and refreshing fruit salad to a hearty macaroni and cheese, these recipes are easy to make and sure to please. So grab a blanket and your appetite and read on for the perfect outdoor meal!
Fruit Salad
A fruit salad is the perfect dish for a picnic or any other outdoor meal. Fruit salads are bright and delicious and they can appeal to everyone since they are very customizable. There is no right way to make a fruit salad, so make your fruit salad how you would like.
That being said, my preferred fruit salad contains kiwi, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, raspberries, bananas, grapes, grapefruit, and mangoes. If you are feeling creative with your fruit salad, you can also add toppings, including mint, basil, almond flakes, or honey.
To make a delicious fruit salad, start by whisking together honey, orange juice, and lemon zest for the dressing. Then, add a combination of strawberries, blueberries, kiwis, raspberries, oranges, grapes, mangoes, and apples to a large bowl and pour over the dressing, tossing gently to combine. Chill until ready to serve.
For maximum freshness, hold off on the dressing until it’s time to serve, and don’t keep prepped fruit for more than four hours. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Enjoy your delicious fruit salad.
Image Credit: Joost van Os from Pexels
Rice Krispie Treats
For a little sweetness consider bringing Rice Krispie treats to your next outdoor meal. Rice Krispie treats are a classic snack that everyone loves. They are easy to make, store, transport, and serve, making them the perfect addition for outdoor gatherings.
Plus, their sweet, gooey texture is sure to be a hit! They’re also a great way to add a little variety to an outdoor meal, giving everyone something different to look forward to.
To make Rice Krispie treats, melt butter in a pan and add marshmallows. Then mix in KELLOGG'S® RICE KRISPIES® cereal and stir. Lastly, press the mixture into a pan and let it cool!
Image Credit: LAWJR From Pixabay
Noodle Salad
A less-known (but equally delicious) picnic dish is noodle salad. A noodle salad is made with a variety of ingredients, from vegetables and proteins to seasonings and dressings. Typically, noodle salads are made with noodles and a lot of diced vegetables, including carrots, bell peppers, and red onions. They also usually have tangy peanut dressings and herbs like mint, cilantro, and basil.
What makes it a great outdoor meal is that it is easy to assemble and transport. Its excellent and light texture makes it a great dish for outdoor meals. Plus, it can be easily customized to accommodate everyone’s dietary needs and preferences! Noodle salad is an ideal choice for any outdoor meal, as it can be enjoyed without utensils or dishes!
Image Credit: Max Griss from Unsplash
Homemade Hummus + Chips
There is nothing better than fresh hummus and chips, especially when it is homemade. So homemade chips and hummus are great snacks to bring to an outdoor meal. Not only are they easy to make, but they are also a healthier alternative to processed snacks.
You can customize the flavor of your homemade chips and hummus to your liking, allowing for a more personalized snack. Plus, homemade chips and hummus are always crowd-pleasers, making them the perfect addition to any outdoor meal.
Image Credit: Cleo stracuzza from Unsplash
Kebabs
Kebabs are an excellent choice to bring to an outdoor meal! They are easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to suit everyone's tastes! You can make them vegetarian, vegan, or regular.
Kebabs can be made with a variety of proteins, vegetables, and sauces, and can be cooked on the grill or a portable stove. This makes them a great option for an outdoor meal as they can be quickly and easily prepared and cooked.
Also, they can be served with a variety of sides, making them a great choice for people with different dietary preferences. Kebabs are a versatile and delicious option that will please everyone at the outdoor meal.
To make kebabs, gather the protein ingredients such as beef, chicken, or tofu and gather vegetables. (Peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes). Cut the proteins and vegetables into cubes. Thread the proteins and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients.
Preheat the grill or a stovetop over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the kebabs with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the kebabs and serve the kebabs with a side of your favorite sauce or condiments.
Image Credit: Pixabay from Pexels
Coleslaw
Bringing coleslaw to an outdoor meal is a great idea because it is easy to travel with, is a delicious side dish, and pairs well with various foods. It is a great source of crunchy, creamy texture to a meal and can add a variety of flavors depending on the type of dressing used. Coleslaw is also a great way to add vegetables to the meal and can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for outdoor meals.
It is a great way to add something extra to a meal and can be enjoyed by everyone. So get cooking!
Image Credit: Wow_pho from Pixabay
Homemade Pizza
Homemade pizza is an excellent dish to bring on a picnic because it's homey and hearty and will be enjoyed by everyone! Who doesn't enjoy pizza? Homemade pizza is easy to make and it's simple to reheat and bring it where you are having the gathering.
To make homemade pizza, you need to start with the dough. To make the dough either buy premade dough at the grocery store or make your own! When making your dough, first combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and any flavorings in a large bowl.
Next, include water and add flour while stirring. Then include olive oil and form your pizza! Once the pizza is rolled and formed, pour on the pizza sauce and add on cheese and any toppings.
Image Credit: ponce_photography from Pixabay
Macaroni & Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a staple dish to bring to an outdoor meal. It is a classic comfort food that everyone loves, and it is easy to make in large batches. It is also easy to bring around because it can be pre-made and served cold or easily reheated.
Also, macaroni and cheese is a great choice for outdoor meals because it is a hearty dish that will keep everyone full and satisfied. Its cheesy flavor also pairs well with a variety of other dishes, making it a great side dish for larger outdoor meals.
Image Credit: Taryn Elliott from Pexels
Fudgy Brownies
Fudgy brownies are the perfect treat to bring to an outdoor meal, like a picnic! Not only are they easy to transport and share, but they also taste amazing. They are a great combination of rich, chocolatey flavor and soft, gooey texture that everyone will love.
They are a crowd-pleaser and are sure to be enjoyed by people of all ages. They won't melt in the sun like some other desserts, making them a great choice for outdoor meals.
Brownies can also be made ahead of time and require no special preparation or cooking, so they are easy to put together and take along! To make brownies, first pre-heat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Next, add cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until combined. Then bake! Allow them to cool and enjoy!
Image Credit: Marta Dzedyshko from Pexels
Yogurt Bark
Yogurt bark is an easy and nutritious snack to bring to an outdoor meal. The cool yogurt and fresh fruit are perfect for a warm summer day. Yogurt bark is a delicious combination of crunchy granola and creamy yogurt that is both sweet and savory.
Yogurt bark is a great source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, making it the perfect snack to keep you full and energized while enjoying the outdoors. It's also easy to make ahead of time and store in the freezer until you're ready to enjoy it. Plus, it's an easy way to get kids involved in meal prep and make an outdoor meal more fun and special.
Image Credit: GIPHY
Eating food outside with friends and family is a perfect way to spend time together and eat some delicious food. With these 10 recipes, you are sure to excite your friends and family and have an enjoyable gathering. Whether you're looking for a cooling bite of yogurt bark or a filling noodle salad, these recipes are sure to please. So take advantage of the day and enjoy an outdoor meal!
