FROM THE COOKED LIBRARY
Tabbouleh
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One of the easiest dishes to make in the summer, as there’s no need to spend ages over a hot stove and it’s more substantial than salad leaves. We like this twist on the classic recipe from Zita Steyn. Using quinoa instead of bulghar wheat boosts the protein but it’s the clever swap of herbs for blitzed broccoli and carrot that makes this a satisfying picnic dish.
A well-dressed salad
A bright and colourful addition to any picnic, this refreshing fruity salad from Rob Kirby is easy to transport too. Enjoy as it is or simply dress with lemon juice and olive oil when you’re ready to eat.
Hand-held pies
A pie is always going to be a winner when you eat outdoors – there’s no need to pack cutlery and the filling stays reassuringly safe tucked inside the pastry. These individual chicken ones are Rebecca Seal’s take on a classic from Lisbon and are sure to be a hit with everyone.
An easy cake
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If you’re transporting cake to serve on a picnic you want it to look good still when you unwrap it. Emiko Davies’s Apple and jam cake is spot on. And best of all, it can be made a few days ahead and will still be delicious.
GRAB AND GO
Add a selection of dips, sausage rolls, picnic favourite Scotch eggs and our favourite new products to your basket, and you’ll soon have a picnic worth dining outdoors for.
Thirst-quenchers
Well-hydrated kids are happier kids when it’s hot. These dairy-free cartons of mylk made from coconut milk and sweetened with a touch of date nectar are quite simply delicious. Our tasters loved the chocolate flavour, of course, but the banana is pretty good too. £1.99 Waitrose, Ocado and Tesco
Cool down drink
While it may be tempting to pack a dry white or rose in your basket – if it’s hot then it’s not just the children who need to stay hydrated! With a blend of either lemon, raspberry or ginger with cacao shells (as you’d expect from a chocolate maker) these sparkling infusions, served chilled, will do the trick. £2.50 Hotel Chocolat
Gluten-free staple
Whether you’re cutting down on wheat or are unable to tolerate gluten, this new organic buckwheat from Clearspring is not only gluten-free and vegan, it’s ready to use in a flash to, making it a storecupboard essential for last-minute picnic prep. Try it as a delicious base for a summer salad, or use it to replace pasta in a dish. £2.49 Clearspring
Deli-style Italian
Not strictly from the shops, but rather a click away online. Nice is Life supply a wealth of good-quality products that can turn your picnic into a feast.
The site is packed with tempting treats but if you only buy one thing, we love the burrata cheese. Pack some figs and honey too and you’ll be ready to head off with the minimum of effort.. £4/50 Nife is life