Written by: Allison Cook, Food City Dietetic Intern

July is National Picnic Month, when friends and families can get together and share a meal in an exciting new way. It encourages us to spend time outdoors and enjoy the summer sun with our loved ones. Picnic Month adds to a summer of fun, and you can easily add variety and balance to your basket. Try these picks for your summer picnic basket: 

 

Eat the Rainbow 

It is important to choose fruits and vegetables of all different colors to improve our health by offering a variety of different nutrients. For a picnic in a pinch, look for ShortCuts fruit cups and pre-made salad kits to add to your basket.

 

Bakery/Deli 

If featuring a sandwich or wrap at your picnic, try out fresh baked baguettes. When it comes to choosing bread for your picnic, select whole grains for added fiber to keep your picnic basket balanced. 

 

Fresh Meat 

Protein helps keep you fuller longer and fuels all types of play and activity. Incorporate lean meats like fresh sliced turkey as a quick option in your picnic basket and use Food City Pick Well tags to identify low sodium choices. Deli meat sandwiches can be a balanced meal choice by incorporating protein, whole grains, healthy fats, and vegetables.

 

Hydration

Do not forget to stay hydrated while basking in the summer sun. Try Misty Mountain bottled water or low added sugar electrolyte replacement drinks to replenish losses from sweat and play while outdoors.

 

Picnic Perfect Cobb Sandwich

• 1 avocado, chopped

• 2 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 loaf Full Circle Market Multigrain Bread

• 2 cups baby spinach leaves, shredded

• 1 ripe tomato, coarsely chopped

• 2 slices mozzarella cheese

• 2 slices Dietz & Watson Lite Gourmet Sliced Turkey

 

1. Use a fork to mash the avocado and lemon juice together in a bowl until smooth. Trim the top of the bread and scoop out the center, leaving about 3–4-centimeter shell. Spread avocado mixture over the base.

2. Place a layer of spinach over avocado mixture and add tomato, mozzarella, and sliced deli meat. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in fridge to develop flavors.