Spring has finally sprung! Now’s the perfect occasion to soak up the sun and enjoy a rustic (and nutritious!) picnic. All you need is your picnic basket and a warm blanket!
Year-round freshness
Seeing as seasonal harvests aren’t yet available, opt for Quebec-grown greenhouse fruits and vegetables, which line grocery stores all year long! Such products will be the star of our rustic picnic. Simplicity is key! Combine prepared or semi-prepared ingredients from the grocery store, favouring organic and local products wherever possible. It’s about using ready-to-eat foods wisely and saving time while you’re at it.
A grocery list of the essentials
Here are the top wholesome ingredients to keep on hand, perfect for throwing a picnic together in just a few minutes.
- Organic vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, fresh herbs)
- Organic fruits (strawberries, etc.)
- Canned beans, chickpeas, or lentils
- Quebec cheese
- Frozen vegetables (green peas, corn, etc.)
- Lettuce or salad mixes with ready-to-serve toppings (which you can enhance, of course)
- Pesto
- Nuts, grains, and dried fruits
- Sustainably sourced canned tuna or other fish
A rapid and refined menu
By combining just 5 nutritious and practical ingredients or less, you can prepare a laidback and delicious picnic in under 10 minutes.
Couscous salad with oomph: Using a ready-to-eat couscous salad as your base, simply add your own touch of flavour, colour, and nutrition. Think tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. Want a heartier salad? Toss in some dried fruits and nuts. Fresh and transformed products can be your ally in the kitchen . . . just make sure to avoid highly processed foods.
Savoury spreads: Top a slice of toasted bread with the spread of your choice. Our favourite: green pea puree, fresh mint, an organic runny egg, and Quebec cheese. Simply sublime!
Simple Mezze: Lay out a selection of organic bread, cheese, olives, pickled vegetables, hummus, and crackers. Then sit back and enjoy the moment.
Tomato, bocconcini, and pesto salad: This is the easiest salad in the world . . . you don’t even need a cutting board or knife! In a bowl, toss together 1 can of white kidney beans, rinsed and strained, 1 container of pearl bocconcini, 1 container of organic cherry tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons of pesto. Everyone loves this quick and healthy salad!
When it comes to outdoor picnics, the possibilities are endless. Get ready to put your culinary skills to practice, then head outdoors to soak up that springtime sunshine!
