Pay attention to textures
Want to make sure your sandwiches hold up well during transport and haven’t turned soggy by the time you eat them? Avoid sandwiches made with fresh tomatoes, which have a high water content (our confit tomato sandwiches with tonnato sauce contain very little), or those with lettuce, which can wilt come serving time. For salsa, opt for a chunky version rather than a liquid one to prevent it from leaking at the bottom of your lunch bag.
Add flavour and freshness
If you love the idea of bringing salad to the park, be sure to prepare it in advance for the flavours to develop even more, especially when it comes to pasta salad. For a fresh touch, choose fresh herbs and chop them ahead of time, and add them at the last minute so that they stay vibrant and don’t wilt. You can also set aside a bit of dressing to toss it in before serving.
Choose dishes that keep well
If you’re planning on spending a few hours at the park, bring dips and sauces that can handle ambient temperature, so be sure to avoid mayonnaise and dairy products. As for drinks, you want them to stay fresh. Pour them ahead of time into large pitchers and add plenty of ice to help maintain the ideal serving temperature.
Pick the right ingredients
We’ve all had a cake whose frosting melted by the time we made it to the park… Since it can get hot during a picnic, think carefully about the ingredients that go into a recipe. When it comes to dessert in particular, you don’t want it to melt, so avoid anything that’s heat sensitive and choose options that travel well. So skip the whipped cream, yogurt and chocolate if you want to keep unpleasant surprises at bay!
For great recipe ideas for your next picnic, be sure to consult this article: