summer picnic recipes

It is hot hot hot outside!  I love the long relaxing nights and all of the fresh produce that summer brings, but growing up in North Carolina, I never loved the blazing hot and humid summer days.  Sometimes it isn’t bad if you can stay in the shade, or take a dip in the water, but there are some days, like this entire week, when the heat index is 106 and you start sweating the second you step outside.

Even with the heat though, we have always loved going on picnics and summer is the perfect time to do that!  When the sun starts to set and the weather becomes more bearable, we pack up some dishes made from delicious summer produce, grab a blanket and head to a shady field or a state park.  We love to meet up with friends for picnics on casual weekend nights and share all of the dishes that everyone has made.  It is so fun to see other people’s creative dishes and ways to use all of the fresh food that is around right now.  I have been striving to try new recipes using all of the fruits and veggies we can get at the farmers’ market before the summer is over.  Below are some great recipes for a summer potluck, a summer picnic, or a summer picnic potluck ;)  Get ready for a tomato and peach overload!

Summer Picnic - Love and Lemons mix n match summer crostini

I am always a proponent of build-your-own. it lets each person put their twist on one item and ensures that everyone has something they like.  So, naturally, I love this idea of a build-your-own crostini bar.  The tomatoes, figs, peaches and herbs all look so summery and delicious with the other toppings!  I think I would build one with hot pepper peach jam, peaches and basil, one with brie, figs and crushed pistachios, and one with pesto, roasted garlic & onion jam, tomatoes and basil.  Yummmm.

Summer Picnic - HSE Grilled VeggiesGrilled veggies are one of the best and easiest sides and these look amazing!  And that avocado whipped feta?!  It looks like it would pair so well with the smoky vegetables.

Summer Picnic - HBH Peach-Burrata-Pizza-with-Honey-BalsamicEvery few weeks I get this desire to make my own summer flatbread, with melty mozzarella olive oil, herbs and peaches, tomatoes or figs.  Every time I get to the grocery store I chicken out and decide I don’t want to make the pizza dough or buy the naan just for this one fleeting idea.  This peach burrata pizza with honey and balsamic might make me change my mind and stick to it.  It would be so fun to have strips of this for your summer picnic or dinner party!

Summer Picnic - Love and Lemons corn cucumber peach avocado salad 2We love to pick up corn and peaches from the farmer’s market and try out the different stands to choose our favorites.  This corn, cucumber, peach and avocado salad puts so many delicious summer produce together in a great, healthy side dish.

Summer Picnic - Cookie and Kate creamy-cherry-tomato-summer-squash-pastaThis creamy cherry tomato and summer squash pasta looks like a delicious and different way to use those squash and cherry tomatoes that are popping up everywhere.  The best part of this is that it is made creamy by adding goat cheese.  That alone makes me want to try this.  Pasta is an easy and portable food too, perfect for picnics!

Summer Picnic - A Couple Cooks Buratta-Peach-and-Tomato-SaladCan you tell I have a soft spot for peach, tomato and cheese combos?  Every time I see another recipe with this combo I want to try it, which is definitely true for this peach, heirloom tomato and burrata salad.  Toss it all together, sprinkle with fresh basil from the garden and you have a delicious side for your summer picnic!  Could I just eat this whole plate for dinner?

Summer Picnic - JTB Tomato PieOne last tomato recipe with a slightly different twist than the others.  This tomato pie is filled with ricotta cheese, eggs, herbs, mushrooms and caramelized onions.  It borders on a quiche and would be a great main dish for breakfast or dinner.  If you’re looking for a way to get rid of those cherry tomatoes that are shriveled and on their way out, this is the recipe for you.  Once they cook, it won’t matter how shriveled they were to begin with and you can pretend they were the freshest ones from the patch ;)

Summer Picnic - my name is yeh gouda+peach+prosciutto+mac+and+cheeseNorth Carolina summers mean heat and thunderstorms.  We get a pop up thunderstorm most nights in the summer (at least thats what it seems like).  For those stormy nights when the lightning and thunder seem to be on top of you and you just want some summer comfort food (that’s not an oxymoron), this gouda mac and cheese with peaches and caramelized onions is just what you need.  This is another dish that would pack well for a potluck.  If you could get it out of the house without eating it all, that is.

Summer Picnic - HSE Pineapple Peach Agua FrescaOn to the delicious cold summer drinks!  Pineapple, peaches, mint and lime combine to form a bright, fresh fruity water.  Throw it in a pitcher and impress your friends with this pineapple peach agua fresca!

Summer Picnic - Wicked Spatula Salted-Watermelon-MargaritasIf you are looking for something a little stronger, try these salted watermelon margaritas. I’m a sucker for watermelon in the summer and the sweet, saturated pink fruit that lends itself to so many refreshing recipes. Bring your chili powder, salt and a pitcher of these watermelon drinks and be the most popular person at the picnic ;)

Summer Picnic - The Faux Martha black ice creamI have wanted to make this black ice cream since I saw Melissa’s teaser instagram post. I was so excited when she posted the recipe and can’t wait until I get my act together enough to try it!

Summer Picnic - Pass the Cookies - Roasted Apricot Greek Yogurt PopsiclesWe can’t let a summer go by without popsicles!  Fresh and bright roasted apricot and greek yogurt popsicles would go well with any of these summer picnic items. Pack them in your cooler with lots of ice and pull them out for a fun summer dessert that is easy to share.

Summer Picnic - A Couple Cooks Peach-PieIf you would rather not prepare a frozen dessert, this peaches and cream pie uses those juicy orange summer fruits and looks absolutely amazing.

Summer Picnic - Cookie and Kate blueberry-crisp-recipeFor this blueberry almond crisp, you don’t even need special serving equipment, just a spoon and some bowls.  The benefit of a crisp is it can be as lazy and relaxed as you like – no fancy pie crust crimping or plating.  Just scoop and enjoy the gorgeous blueberry dessert.

What is your favorite summer picnic food to make?

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