Ten Fabulous Vegan Picnics
Shake out your blanket, pack your sunscreen and get outdoors with these fun al fresco themed menus
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According to the CDC, fully vaccinated people in the U.S. can safely gather outdoors in small groups with other fully vaccinated people. As spring settles in and summer is around the corner — after well more than a year of isolation and one lost summer — I can’t think of a better time to plan a picnic. And since Covid times have been so drab and depressing, what would be a better palate cleanser than a themed picnic with friends and family? Nothing. Nothing would be better.
It’s time to gather your accouterments — for example, a blanket, cruelty-free sunblock and insect repellent, a sporty implement or two, reusable plates, cups and cutlery, cloth napkins, a well-packed cooler and your most adorable, Yogi Bear-approved pic-a-nic basket — and bring your best vegan game to the great outdoors. From chic to fun, elegant to unpretentious, I’ve thought of some themes and curated some recipe ideas that should inspire creativity and lots of fun.
The Italian-style Picnic
Olive Tapenade (Loving it Vegan)
Panzanella Salad (Hell Yeah it’s Vegan)
Orzo Salad (My Darling Vegan)
Muffuletta Sandwiches (Hot for Food)
Italian Rainbow Cookies (VegNews)
Extras: Crusty bread, pesto, Italian sodas
The BBQ-Style Picnic
Classic Coleslaw (Nora Cooks)
Easy Potato Salad (It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken)
Perfect Corn Muffins (Connoisseurus Veg)
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches (Vegan Street)
Slab Pie with Salted Caramel Pecan Drizzle (Holy Cow Vegan)
Extras: BBQ potato chips, vegan baked beans, limeade
The Mexican-Style Picnic
Black Bean and Corn Salad (Love and Good Stuff)
Street Tacos/Elotes (The Edgy Veg)
Mexican Rice (Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen)
Mushroom and Spinach Tortas (Serious Eats)
Tres Leches Cake (Dora’s Table)
Extras: Guacamole, chips and salsa, Horchata
