We had the pleasure of getting together with Christina from Fashion & Frills and Stephanie Drenka for a fabulous and healthy picnic recently and we had such a blast! They’re both some of the sweetest ladies around and it’s always so much fun when we’re able to get together!
The theme for our picnic was blue and white and the goal was to keep the recipes healthy and light. Given the 100+ Texas heat, we found a nice spot in the shade at Arlington Hall at Lee Park in Uptown Dallas to set up our fantastic picnic spread.
The following are a few essentials to pack when you are planning a picnic:
- a big comfortable blanket – we love this one from Target
- a large basket. We found this colorful one at Target for only $14.99
- plates and bowls
- utensils
- cups
- napkins
- flowers
- water
- pitcher for a fun beverage – this one comes with a lid and fruit infuser
- a yard game such as croquette, cornhole, or bocce ball (we found a set at Target for just $15.99)
Fresh flowers and picnic-ware in fun prints and colors brighten up the spread and take the picnic to a whole new level.
Now, for the most important part of the picnic – the food! We brought a mix of homemade dishes and a few pre-made dishes we picked up from Eatzi’s across the street from the park. Although we usually prefer to make everything from scratch so we know what all is going into a dish, it’s totally fine to mix it up with a few quality pre-made options to save time.
Picnic Menu:
- Watermelon feta salad (recipe below)
- Edamame hummus with tortilla chips
- Shredded chicken avocado salad
- Mixed olives
- Pesto pasta salad
- Charcuterie mix of meats and cheeses
- Chocolate strawberries (recipe below)
- Christina’s delicious sugar free champagne spritzers (recipe available here).
Barbara’s watermelon feta salad is so crisp and refreshing, and best of all it’s e-a-s-y to throw together! It only has three ingredients!
Watermelon Feta Salad
Simply chop up and toss together one watermelon (preferably seedless), feta, and mint. No dressing necessary, but if you must have dressing you can whip up a light dressing by whisking together lemon juice, e.v.o.o., salt & pepper, a squeeze of agave nectar (optional), and champagne vinaigrette.
Then, simply serve and enjoy!
We loved Christina’s Low Sugar Citrus-Berry Champagne Spritzers, so delish, you can find the recipe on her blog.
Don’t forget to bring something sweet to have at the end of your picnic! Emily made the most amazing and simple dark chocolate strawberries, such a classic combo! These little bites of heaven are perfect year-round as an easy dessert to bring to parties or for special occasions, like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, and they have 100 calories or less!
Ingredients
- 10-15 Large Strawberries
- 1 bag Dark Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Cut the stems off your clean strawberries and carefully scoop out the top of the berry. The deeper you scoop the more chocolate it will hold.
- Pour the entire bag of chocolate chips in a glass bowl and heat in the microwave for 30 second intervals. Make sure to take your bowl out every 30 seconds to stir the chips. Continue until all chips are melted. It’s very important that you don’t burn the chocolate!
- Place your strawberries in a container and try to find one that will help them sit up straight. Now either spoon the chocolate into the strawberries or use a piping bag.
- Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or until the chocolate hardens – it doesn’t take long at all. Enjoy!
Happy picnicking everyone!
Cheers,
Emily & Barbara
