When we dream of picnics (which is often ), they always look like a Wes Anderson movie. We’re talking pastel skies and symmetrical landscapes, vintage wardrobes and quirky one-liners. As the sun sets, we feast to the sound of a sweeping, whimsical score.
So our real picnics are a lot less glamorous. And they don’t involve Owen Wilson. But this spring, we’re upping our game with a killer picnic basket — because eating al fresco doesn’t have to mean sandwiches and pasta salad. Dust off your checkered blanket and leave the PB&J at home. Here’s how to pack your picnic like a champ.
Image: Green Kitchen Stories
Peanut Soba Spring Rolls
These sunny spring rolls from Love and Lemons get their kick from ponzu sauce and savory peanut noodles. And you were about to pack that sad pasta salad…
Image: Love and Lemons
Fried Brussels Sprouts
Put down the celery sticks. We’re doing picnic veggies right with fried Brussels sprouts — swapping the ranch dressing for smoky honey aioli, of course. Thanks, How Sweet Eats!
Image: How Sweet Eats
Roasted Grapes & Balsamic Reduction
Cheese and crackers are a picnic staple — but this time around, dress them up with Averie Cooks’ decadent grape and balsamic reduction.
Image: Averie Cooks
Corn & Basil Muffins
Crepes of Wrath whips up two of our favorite springtime ingredients in one, portable muffin. Yes, please.
Image: Crepes of Wrath
Baked Pancake with Spring Greens
Part frittata and part soufflé, this airy pancake from Green Kitchen Stories stars your beautiful spring greens.
Image: Green Kitchen Stories
Honey Bacon Onigiri
Rice balls are the ultimate picnic fare — they’re small, portable, and (of course) adorable. Top it off with honey and bacon, and we’re in heaven. Thanks, My Name Is Yeh!
Image: My Name Is Yeh
Vegetable Frittata
A picnic roundup without a frittata recipe would be the worst kind of heresy. Clean out your vegetable drawer with this everything-but-the-sink frittata from Damn Delicious.
Image: Damn Delicious
Thyme Lemonade
What’s a picnic without lemonade? Jelly Toast adds depth to this springtime staple with a hint of thyme. Bottoms up!
Image: Jelly Toast
Blueberry Hand PIes
They’re buttery! They’re flaky! They fit in tbe palm of your hand! These pies from Some Kitchen Stories are everything we ever wanted in dessert.
Image: Some Kitchen Stories
Tiramisu
When all else fails, put it in a glass. Half Baked Harvest blew our minds with this genius tiramisu recipe, which calls for beignets instead of lady fingers.
Image: Half Baked Harvest
