During spring and summer, there’s nothing better than packing a picnic basket and heading outdoors for a moveable feast. From traditional picnic foods, like crispy fried chicken and creamy potato salad, to healthy al fresco alternatives, like low fat turkey wraps and refreshing fruit salad, there are so many wonderful options for picnic menus. If you’re watching your waistline and looking for low calorie picnicking options, you can place these great suggestions onto your red and white checkered tablecloth!
Deli Meats & Cheeses: Get creative with low fat and low calorie deli meats and cheeses by creating healthy wraps using whole wheat tortillas. Try this tasty turkey wrap: Mix together 1 cup fresh corn kernels, ½ cup chopped tomato, ¼ cup chopped soft sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons canola oil, and 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar. Divide 8 slices of low sodium deli turkey among 4 whole whet tortillas. Evenly top with the corn mixture, and then evenly top with two cups chopped romaine lettuce. Roll up, cut in half, and then wrap before putting in your picnic basket.
Fruit Salad: Add an element of fun to your picnic menu by threading chunks of fresh fruit onto skewers. Potassium-rich bananas, vitamin-rich melons and pineapple—which is chock-full of bromelain—are great choices.
Salads: In addition to traditional salads, which are full of great health benefits, you can also make colorful, unique salads that offer great taste and texture. Make a flavorful tabbouleh salad with grilled vegetables. Tabbouleh is very low in fat and is traditionally made with bulger, chopped herbs (fresh parsley and fresh mint), lemon juice, olive oil, and tomato.