Pack the Perfect Picnic

Start Off On the Right Note

Stuff celery with nonfat cream cheese, peanut butter, or goat cheese for appetizers. Baked corn chips with fat-free salsa or fat-free bean dip also works great as a meal opener.

Make Your Own Salsa

Drain a 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chiles and add a handful of fresh cilantro leaves and a pinch or two of cumin and salt to taste. Put through the food processor or mini chopper and voilà! Salsa. Serve with baked tortilla chips or add to black beans for a cold salad just perfect for picnicking.

Try This Healthy Variation on a Classic

Skip the fried chicken. Instead, brush boneless, skinless chicken thighs with olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bake or grill until juices run clear, about 45 minutes. Chill overnight and bring along on your picnic. For another option that’s just as finger-lickin’ messy as the real thing, mix the juice of 1 lemon with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1¼ cup honey, a pinch of curry powder, and a pinch of salt. Roll skinless chicken drumsticks in the mixture to coat well and bake until done, 45-60 minutes.

Switch to Sweet Potato Salad

For a great variation on the original that’s chock-full of valuable antioxidants and beta-carotene, peel and boil a few sweet potatoes, then let them cool. Cut into chunks and toss with enough orange juice to cover, a pinch of cinnamon, and your favorite dried fruit. Serve cold.

Go Mediterranean

Microwave two boxes of whole wheat couscous (boil the water in a Pyrex measuring cup, add the couscous, cover with a plate, and let steam) and add fresh or roasted vegetables, a can of chickpeas, a sprinkling of feta cheese and sliced black olives, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Quench Your Thirst

Instead of sweetened sodas or fruit juices, bring seltzer mixed with all-natural fruit juice; unsweetened, flavored iced tea; or bottles of water. Freeze the bottled water the night before, to use as cold packs to keep food cold. When you’re ready to eat, you’ll have an icy bottle of water ready to drink.

Snack Smart

Pack baby veggies for dipping. Another good use for baby vegetables (tiny corn, squashes, cauliflower, etc.) is to pickle them the day before by soaking them in a jar of vinegar.

Pack a Perfect Dessert

Pack angel food cake for dessert. Bring sliced strawberries and nonfat whipped topping along for your own version of strawberry shortcake. Freeze the whipped topping the night before; it will thaw by the time you’re ready to serve and still be cold enough to be safe. Or even easier, pick up a can of it.

Finish with Fresh Fruit

Bring a whole watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew and slice it open on the spot. Nature’s packing works beautifully to keep fresh fruit cool and fresh.