Ditch the sarnies in favour of tapas, mezze and antipasti bites  

<p>There&rsquo;s nothing more satisfying than lunch in the great outdoors, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying some really tasty food with friends. But rather than reaching for the cheese sandwiches, this year, throwing the perfect picnic is all about embracing Mediterranean flavours and eating like the southern Europeans do.</p><p>“Home to some of the world&rsquo;s most delicious dishes, Mediterranean food is all about traditional recipes, fresh dishes using good olive oil and smoky flavours that evoke memories of lazy summer holidays spent abroad,” says Mark Richmond, Innovations Development Chef at Asda.</p><p>Get in the mood for summer with small plates of juicy olives, tapas bites and soft focaccia coupled with the social dining experience you'll find in Spain, Greece or Italy - it&rsquo;s like sunshine on a plate...</p><p> </p><h2>SPAIN</h2><h2><a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/sweet-potato-chorizo-bites" target="_blank">Sweet Potato & Chorizo Bites recipe</a></h2><p>These help-yourself skewers combine smoky and sweet flavours and only take 30 mins to make.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="sweet-potato--chorizo-bites__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/sweet-potato--chorizo-bites__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p> </p><h2><a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/spanish-cheesy-chorizo-mini-scones" target="_blank">Spanish Cheesy Chorizo Mini Scones recipe</a></h2><p>For a cool twist on a British classic, bake these little savoury nuggets the day before and serve with sticky, sweet onion chutney.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="spanish_cheesy_chorizo_mini_scones__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/spanish_cheesy_chorizo_mini_scones__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p>Something to drink? Pair your chorizo feast with <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/spain-and-portugal/the-wine-atlas-cigales-tempranillo/910001811729" target="_blank">The Wine Atlas Cigales Tempranillo</a> &ndash; made in the vineyards of northern Spain, this vibrant red has hints of cherries, cocoa and vanilla &ndash; just remember to pack those plastic wine glasses!</p><p> </p><h2>ITALY</h2><h2><a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/masterclass-focaccia" target="_blank">Masterclass Focaccia</a></h2><p>Nothing conjures up a sun-kissed Italian picnic like soft, pillowy focaccia dipped in olive oil. Pick up our <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/bread/asda-bakers-selection-sea-salt-and-rosemary-focaccia/1000008341210" target="_blank">Baker's Selection Sea Salt and Rosemary Focaccia</a> or try your hand at making your own with our easy guide &ndash; that&rsquo;s sure to impress your friends…</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="masterclass-focaccia__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/masterclass-focaccia__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p><h2><a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/minted-pea-spring-onion-frittata" target="_blank">Minted Pea & Spring Onion Frittata</a></h2></p><p>Frittatas make a fab picnic dish because they add an air of sophistication and yet give you a great opportunity to use up all of the veggies in your fridge. This recipe is light, summery and simply delicious.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="minted-pea-spring-onion-frittata__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/minted-pea-spring-onion-frittata__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p> </p><p>Something to drink? An apéritif like an Aperol Spritz might be right up your street for a Sunday afternoon in the park, but it might be a bit strong depending on the occasion. Instead try our crisp, citrusy <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/italy/wine-atlas-grillo/910001813567" target="_blank">The Wine Atlas Grillo</a> perfect for sunny afternoons.</p><p> </p><h2>GREECE</h2><h2><a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/spinach-feta-tartlets" target="_blank">Spinach & Feta Tartlets recipe</a></h2><p>Inspired by the classic spanakopita, these creamy filo parcels of spinach and feta will have you wishing you'd made more.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="spinch-feta-tartlets__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/spinch-feta-tartlets__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p> </p><h2><a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/greek-salad" target="_blank">Greek-Style Salad With Feta Cheese recipe</a></h2><p>Lightly charred lettuce leaves and tangy feta cheese make this gorgeous Greek salad a fabulous picnic addition.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="salad__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/salad__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p>Short on time? For a fantastic mezze selection, try our <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/tapas/asda-stuffed-vine-leaves/910003044032?cmpid=otc-good-_-ghs-_-Mediterranean-picnic-ideas-_-features-_-section" target="_blank">Stuffed Vine Leaves</a> filled with minted rice and lemon or these <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/tapas/asda-halkidiki-olives-with-chilli-cheese/910003044052?cmpid=otc-good-_-ghs-_-Mediterranean-picnic-ideas-_-features-_-section" target="_blank">Halkidiki Olives with Chilli Cheese</a> that deliver a meaty bite with a pleasantly sour flavour.</p><p>Something to drink? Try the traditional Grecian <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/uk-rest-of-europe/mavrodaphne-of-patras-nyx/910002715535" target="_blank">Mavrodaphne of Patras NYX</a> with aromas of figs, plums and rosemary that&rsquo;s delicious when served chilled.</p><p><em>Feeling inspired to throw your own alternative picnic? Stock up on all the <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/" target="_blank">ingredients you need at Asda</a> or pop into your <a href="http://storelocator.asda.com/#!/" target="_blank">local store</a>. </em></p>

How to picnic Mediterranean style

By Asda Good Living,20th June 2017

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