1. Corn and Cheese Curd Salsa
This sweet and savoury salsa combines flavours from here and beyond to titillate your taste buds. Corn and local cheese curds go well with the cilantro, jalapeño pepper, lime juice and avocado pieces. Serve cold with corn chips and enjoy in a quiet and shady corner.
Dips and salty spreads
Corn and Cheese Curd Salsa
“I always bring dip or salsa to a picnic. Cheese curds are also a favourite of mine, so I jumped off from these two ideas to create this recipe. I make it the morning of, to ensure the cheese remains nice and fresh, as well as to prevent the avocado from browning.”
— Danielle, Standardization Chef
2. Rhubarb-Hibiscus Lemonade
With its gorgeous deep-red colour, this lemon-free “lemonade” has everything going for it to become the drink of the summer. Lightly tart, with chunks of rhubarb, and highly fragrant thanks to the addition of the hibiscus, it’ll shine on any picnic table. When serving, add rhubarb, hibiscus flowers, lime slices and ice cubes for a refreshing and resolutely summery drink.
Summer Cocktails
Rhubarb-Hibiscus Lemonade
“I was inspired by my travels to Mexico and agua fresca, a non-alcoholic drink made with fruit and flowers that you find there, to create this lemonade. We served it for a long time at Café RICARDO restaurants and it was very popular.”
— Isabelle, Chef and Cooking Show Host
3. Lemony Orzo Salad with Feta
Lunch in the park and pasta salad go very well together. In this recipe, make a lightly sweet and tangy dressing from lemons, raisins, maple syrup and cinnamon. Then pour it over some orzo and feta cheese. Pack everything in a sealed container and, before serving, add baby spinach, walnuts and a blend of herbs for a burst of freshness. It’ll be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser around the table.
summer picnic
Lemony Orzo Salad with Feta
“When I worked at a prepared-food shop, I used to make a recipe similar to this pasta salad. Given that I love cinnamon, I added a pinch to the dressing and, along with the raisins, it adds a gourmet touch. It’s truly a pastry chef’s salad, which I am!”
— Alexane, Development Chef
4. Hummus and Eggplant with Honey
This recipe suits every occasion, starting with an outdoor lunch. To a classic hummus, add a mix of eggplant with soft, Mediterranean flavours. The honey, fresh herb and sumac garnish takes this puréed legume dish up a notch. All that’s left is to find the perfect spot to sit down.
Summer Parties
Hummus and Eggplant with Honey
“I enjoy homemade hummus, as I can control the amount of tahini and adjust it to my taste. I like transforming it into a full dish and pairing it with eggplant. When in season, this vegetable is the answer to many of my cooking questions.”
— Etienne, chef senior au développement
5. Confit Tomato Sandwiches with Tonnato Sauce
The classic tomato sandwich takes on new life with this version, where the tomatoes are confit. It’s a surprising touch, adding a taste of umami to this classic summer snack. Tonnato is also added, made from an emulsion of tuna, garlic and hot mustard. A play on texture is also created with the inclusion of arugula and basil.
Sandwiches
Confit Tomato Sandwiches with Tonnato Sauce
“This is the tomato sandwich of my dreams! The flavours are concentrated, it’s got umami, it’s slightly sweet and it has just the right amount of kick. You can really taste each ingredient. It’s the perfect lunch on a Saturday before heading to the pool.”
— Laurence, Development Chef
6. Lemon-Raspberry Squares
These lemony treats are practically a pink lemonade in bite-size form! On a shortbread-like base, add the creamy and dense lemony filling. On top, add a mirror-glaze raspberry jelly for a touch of tartness and colour. It’s a sunny dessert that fits nicely in a picnic basket or a large lunch bag.
Bars and squares
Lemon-Raspberry Squares
“When my daughters were little, we often made these squares. They’re fresh, summery and you can eat them with your hands. For me, it’s the perfect dessert that travels well, whether on a road trip or enjoyed in the park as a post-lunch sweet treat.”
— Ricardo
Learn more from our Test Kitchen on assembling the perfect picnic spread by reading this article: