Our readers share their most cherished recipes and memories of eating al fresco.
Our readers share their most cherished recipes and memories of eating al fresco.
A single glimpse of sunshine is all it takes to draw even the most reluctant sun-seeker outdoors, complete with a rolled-up blanket and a hastily made cheese-and-pickle sandwich in hand. After all, picnics don’t have to be a complicated affair – they can be as planned and prepped, or as last minute, as you want them to be. The recipes below – inspired by three Asda customers – sit somewhere in between: easy enough to make with a little bit of advance warning, and not so faffy that you end up spending more time making them than you would enjoying them in the sunshine. So, keep your eye on the weather forecast while you’re whipping up these al fresco foodie treats and tuck into them with friends or family for as long as British summertime permits.
Serves: 5
Ready in: 20 mins
Price per serve: £1.66
Recipe info: 1 of your 5-a-day, Dairy-free, Faff Factor 2/5, High Protein
Meet Jen
Jen: ‘I love being outside in nature. It feels like summer is finally here when you have your first picnic. One of my favourite al fresco-eating memories is being out with a group of friends and playing a game of rounders right before we sat down for our meal. It was a great way to whet the appetite, plus I managed to hit the ball, which for me is very impressive. I love picnicking in big groups of friends so that I can get a taste of lots of different kinds of food. This tuna orzo salad is my go-to picnic treat – it’s easy to make and always seems to impress the crowds. I love how flavourful, colourful and filling it is.’
Makes: 12
Ready in: 40 mins
Price per serve: £0.47
Recipe info: Freezable, Faff Factor 2/5
Meet Lin and her husband Mick
Lin: ‘We love a good picnic and think food somehow tastes twice as good outdoors. I’ve been enjoying picnics since I was a toddler with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We would share sandwiches, cakes and a flask of tea all sitting on a rug with a cushion for Nanny. Nowadays we are the grandparents with children and grandchildren in tow; comfy, foldable chairs have replaced the rug for us and the picnic food has had a bit of an upgrade, too.
We love to take a selection of pies, fresh fruit, like beautifully ripe strawberries, plus a bottle of wine and squash for the kiddywinks. We like to have a combination of homemade and shop-bought treats, but these chicken sausage rolls are our favourites. Light, flaky pastry filled with chicken and a flavour kick of red pesto, topped with tasty sesame seeds, make perfect finger food for everyone to enjoy. You’ll most likely find us on our local hills in Golden Valley this summer, somewhere we’ve gone as a family for decades. It has a large duck pond to entertain the little ones and plenty of space to get out the frisbee, too.ʼ
Serves: 16
Ready in: 45 mins
Price per serve: £0.18
Recipe info: Vegetarian, Egg-free, Faff Factor 2/5
Meet Marcel and family
Marcel: ‘Whether it’s in a park or by the beach, as long as we’re together, any spot is the perfect picnic location. And sometimes, even our living room floor becomes the ultimate destination on rainy days. My two little children, Valentina and Octavian, light up every picnic with their laughter and energy. It’s all about us making memories together, sharing snacks, playing games, and baking together.
Our chocolate chip flapjacks are like bites of happiness! They’re the ultimate picnic treat – sweet, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness and they’re perfect for keeping the kids fuelled up for all their running around. Plus, they’re so easy to make and the children love baking them. I can’t wait to see the excitement on my kids’ faces as we pack our picnic basket and head out. Whether it’s discovering hidden trails, trying new picnic recipes, or lying on a blanket and watching the clouds go by, I know it’s going to be a fun day out.ʼ
Serves: 6
Ready in: 25 mins
Recipe info: Vegetarian, Low Salt, Under 250 cals
It’s an unwritten rule that you simply can’t have a picnic without a good potato salad and here’s one that you’ll enjoy wheeling out time and time again. The soured cream, spring onions and chives ensure that this favourite doesn’t become too creamy, which means you can go back for seconds.
Serves: 6
Ready in: 20 mins
Recipe info: Vegetarian, Under 200 cals
When it comes to picnic sides, you have to go a long way to beat this sweet and sharp slaw. Crunchy cabbage, carrot, celery and red onion sit alongside sliced apples in a semi-sweet yogurt and mayo dressing – fresh and fabulous!
Serves: 9
Ready in: 1 hour 30 mins
Recipe info: Vegetarian, Low Salt, Under 350 cals
Golden pastry encases a cheesy, vegetable filling for this recipe that’s perfect for a picnic. That's the magic of a vegetable quiche, a dish that's as easy to prepare as it is impressive to serve. It's a great way to showcase the vibrant flavours and a bounty of garden-fresh ingredients.
Serves: 4
Ready in: 45 mins
Recipe info: Contains nuts
Classic by name, classic by nature, the British summertime staple is gorgeous stuffed between slices of buttered bread, pushed into pittas, or simply spooned over a handful of salad leaves. Bliss!
Feeling inspired to give some of these delicious recipes a go? Stock up on everything you need at Asda or pop into your local store.