The Food Co-op

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Perfect Picnic Sides!

Planning a Summer Picnic?

Here are some tips.

By: Co+op, welcome to the table

There’s no better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than by planning a leisurely outdoor picnic. Here’s how to keep your picnic out of bug-bite and spoiled-food territory to enjoy warm breezes, delicious food and fun.

Prep everything ahead of time

This may seem like a no-brainer, but putting in the time to chop your veggies, assemble your kebabs, or slice your baguette before leaving the house will keep the fuss—and mess—to a minimum once you get outside.

Stay bug-free

Bring small citronella candles to place along your picnic table. If you’re picnicking on a blanket (where fire isn’t the friendliest option), pack a bottle of chemical-free mosquito repellent from the body care section of your co-op.

Avoid foods that spoil easily

That means mayo, cream-based dips, and fresh cheeses are best left at home—unless you’re planning to transport them a short distance on ice and eat them immediately. Any leftovers should be thrown away (so plan your portions carefully!).

Practice food safety

Take care to make sure all raw meats are wrapped separately, and transport them on ice. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for handling raw meat (bring an extra plastic bag to keep them in), and wash your hands as often as possible. Hand sanitizer is a must.

Cook meat with care

If you’re grilling outdoors, keep raw meats below cooked meats on the grill at all times, and make sure they’re cooked thoroughly before eating (a meat thermometer can confirm doneness). Hamburgers should be cooked to 160 degrees, poultry to 170 degrees, and beef, veal, and lamb cuts to 145 degrees.

Keep it earth-friendly

Bring reusable napkins (you’ll not only avoid fly-away paper napkins, but cloth napkins can also be used to wrap food and bottles for transport). If you are using disposable products, look for recycled and biodegradable options at the co-op. And make sure your picnic spot’s as pretty as a picture for its next al fresco diners!

Mango Avocado Pasta Salad

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This tropical pasta salad is a great side dish for grilled chicken or tofu seasoned with a jerk spice rub.

Mediterranean Orzo Pasta

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A simple and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired orzo salad; perfect for lunch or dinner and potlucks or picnics.

Mango Bean Salad

Christie Borders

Tangy and sweet, this festive salad is great for potlucks, picnics or dinner anytime.

Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad

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This simple, refreshing salad is perfect for picnics or any summer meal.

Two Berry Picnic Salad

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Perk up your picnic with this bright, savory salad featuring strawberries and wheatberries.

Grilled Corn Salad with Honey-lime Dressing

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Sweet corn takes on a slightly smoky quality on a hot grill, perfect with a tangy, sweet dressing and tender cubes of avocado.

Elotes

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Give your corn on the cob a zesty blast of flavor.


Don’t Forget the Drinks!

Watermelon Mint Frosé

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Celebrate with this festive, frosty, refreshing summer drink.

Watermelon-Strawberry Lime Cooler

By: Robin Asbell

Cool off with a great pink smoothie combo: watermelon and frozen strawberries make a wonderful slushy drink. A touch of lime and a sprig of mint give it a South of the Border twist.

Seasonal Cocktails and Other Beverages

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Somehow, there's a beverage for every occasion. We've got a few suggestions for quenching your guests' thirst creatively at your next gathering.