I love picnic season.
There is something about hiking to the perfect spot, laying down a blanket, and enjoying a meal in nature that warms my heart. However, what isn’t heartwarming is most picnic foods involve gluten-filled foods. Sandwiches, pasta salad, crackers and cheese, the list goes on.
Want to accommodate everyone on your outdoor adventures?
Trying to plan an affordable, balanced, and delicious gluten-free picnic?
Try my top gluten-free picnic proof recipes below!
Pro: most of these recipes are also plant-based and vegan friendly!
It’s important to note that keeping food from sitting in the temperature danger zone for too long is vital during warmer months. For more about this and summer outdoor food safety tips check out this post!
Top Gluten-Free Picnic Proof Recipes
1
Fruit Salad Skewers
Cube or shape fruit for eating and slide them on to skewers. These make for perfect fun snacks that require no utensils.
Looking for fruit salad inspiration? Try making a Berry Watermelon Honey Mint Fruit Salad or Basil Orange Zest Cherry Fruit Salad.
Prepare the fruit as directed but instead of placing them in a large bowl and tossing them with the dressing, place them on skewers and bring the dressing along in a separate dipping-friendly container.
When you’re ready to enjoy the fruit salad skewers, dip them in the dressing and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Use toothpicks and smaller pieces of fruit for the fruit skewers to maximize portability and to improve dipping capabilities.
2
Salad Skewers
On the topic of fruit salad skewers, why not do the same thing but for vegetable-based salads?
Apply the same concepts from above, slide cubed or bite-sized vegetables onto skewers (or toothpicks for a more snacking, dippable, and portable-friendly food). After filling your skewers (or toothpicks) with yummy vegetables, pack a dressing to dip them in when you arrive at your picnic location and enjoy!
Need some salad skewer inspiration?
Try a tomato basil avocado blend! Slide the cherry tomatoes, cubed avocado and basil leaves onto a skewer and dip in a simple balsamic vinaigrette!
Are you a fan of olives? Try a Mediterranean themed salad by using diced red bell peppers, black olives, and diced cucumbers. This blend of vegetables would pair great with a balsamic vinaigrette, tahini dressing, or hummus!
3
Dipping Cups
Dipping what? You read right, dipping cups. Or in this case, jars that are ready to go for all of your dipping desires!
At the bottom of a jar or dipping friendly container, place 2tbsp (or more) of hummus, guacamole, or whatever you dipping loving heart desires.
On top of the dip, place vegetables into the jar so that they’re ready for easy dipping. Good options include carrot sticks, celery sticks, and cucumber spears.
4
Bliss Bites
Looking for the perfect dessert for your outdoor affairs? Or maybe the perfect snack for your hike break? Energy bites are the solution!
Packed full of nourishing ingredients, Bliss Bites make for a balanced and healthy dessert or snack option. Pro tip, they are super portable and easy to take with you on your travels.
Need some bliss bite inspiration? I’ve got you covered! Check out my vegan-friendly adaptogenic Maca Raisin Energy Bites, Strawberry Shortcake Bliss Bites, or my not so plant-based Lemon Square Bliss Bites.
5
Apple Toast Buffet
Looking for a fun family-friendly and hands-on meal/snack? Want something that is hands-on, nourishing, and easy to prepare and share?
Packing an apple toast buffet is the perfect and balanced snack to pack for your picnic/outdoor adventure!
What you'll need:
– Apples
– Nut Butter or other room temperature friendly spread
– Toppings (think coconut flakes, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, shredded carrots, cinnamon, granola, cereal etc.)
Directions:
1 – Thinly slice apples so they have a flat wide surface. Sprinkle with lemon juice and store them in an airtight container until picnic mealtime comes around. For maximum freshness, pack a small cutting board and knife to slice apples on right before your picnic food festivities begin!
2 – Pack a nut butter to spread on top of the apple slices.
3 – Pack toppings to sprinkle on top of the nut butter in separate small containers. Extra points for stackable containers!
4- When it comes time for assembly, layout your apple toast toppings and allow your picnic attendees to assemble them as they desire (assisting kids when appropriate of course).
Enjoy!