Earlier this month we shared our Quick and Simple BBQ Healthy Spring Recipes to enjoy at our community pool at Le Montreaux apartments in Austin, Texas. And we promised more ideas to bring your family together in the great outdoors to enjoy our beautiful spring weather in Austin.
Bon Appetit from our family to yours!
The Essentials for a Perfect Picnic
Location, location, location. Throughout the years, we have highlighted some of our favorite parks to park and enjoy the super spring and summer weather in Austin. Here’s a link to our blog about Dog Friendly Parks in Austin.
Inasmuch as the classic wicker baskets are cute and can contain lots of essentials, we prefer to use something that will keep our food cool before, during and after (IF there are leftovers) a day at the Park. Obviously, you will want to pack utensils, napkins, cups and plates. For the ultra-easy picnic, go with those that are environmentally friendly and easy to toss after your tasty repast.
Don’t forget some disinfectant cloths to wipe off a table, hands, and such. If you prefer to find a grassy spot to set in the shade, be sure to bring a large blanket or two.
Super Easy Vegetable and/or Turkey Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- Fresh bread or baguette
- Blend: Prepared Pesto, Mayonnaise (blend to your preference), spread on bread
- Place the following vegetables within the sandwich:
- Baby Greens (we like Arugula and Basil)
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Heirloom Tomatoes
- Marinated Artichokes Hearts (cut into small quarters)
If you want to add protein, head to your favorite deli and select your options; here are our favorites:
- Honey Ham
- Peppered Chicken
- Smoked Turkey
Oh-so-Easy Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
Prepare and combine:
Pasta ~ Our top picks for a perfect pasta salad are the larger shapes like rotini, penne and bowtie
Veggies – Roasted for sure, and for the best recipe, check our first blog for a super easy roasted vegetable recipe. Within the list are all the options that make for a perfectly tossed spring pasta dish. And you can also add marinaded Pepperoncini peppers to add to the flavor and color.
Cheese ~ If you are serving a crowd, you might want to stay away from the heavier flavored cheeses like Blue or Goat and opt for fresh parmesan or the like to use the small mozzarella balls – which the kiddos like, too!
Fresh Herbs ~ Basil for sure, and perhaps toss with some chopped Parsley as well.
Dressing: Mix together and toss with the Pasta:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil