Gourmet Picnic Ideas

Planning a gourmet picnic doesn't mean 2 days of shopping and preparation. Instead, focus on a few well chosen healthy and flavourful ingredients that do not need a lot of preparation.

The delectable picnic is, after all, not only about the food but the experience. Enjoy your meal in the fresh air, surrounded by the ones you love.

So, where to begin?

Sandwiches are the gold standard for picnics. Elevating them into gourmet fare is simple with a few tasty ingredients.

Here are some simple ways to make gourmet picnic sandwiches:

• Instead of mustard or mayonnaise, try a sandwich spread or hummus to instantly transform ordinary meat & cheese into something really extraordinary.

• Veer away from the cheddar and processed cheese slices and experiment with something different - swiss, havarti, brie or goat cheese are all excellent choices.

• Opt for gourmet meats such as proscuitto or smoked salmon.

• Instead of standard lettuce, top your sandwiches with something more flavourful. Look for bagged baby greens, spinach, or you could try fresh basil leaves.

Try any of these gourmet sandwich recipes:

• Antipasto Sandwich
• Caprese Sandwich
• Crab & Pistachio Sandwiches
• Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
• Shrimp On a Bun

Even if you forego the sandwiches, a good sturdy bread is a must. Bring along a small jar with equal amounts of good quality virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. Simply bring along a small plate/bowl to pour it into, dip your bread and enjoy. (This would also be excellent on a salad!)

To keep your picnic healthy, bring along some fresh fruit and vegetables. A healthy salad is, of course, the obvious choice. But also consider some less obvious choices like bruschetta, kalamata olives, pickled asparagus, pickled carrots or even pickled beets. They all pair very nicely with a nice serving of cheese (perhaps bocconcini) and crackers or flatbread.

And, of course, no meal is complete without dessert. Chocolate-dipped strawberries are simple, yet deliicious gourmet fare. You could also dip other fruits such as apples or grapes into chocolate as well.

If you really don't have time to prepare for a gourmet picnic, there are many excellent choices for purchase.