Summer Picnics: A Local Flavor Extravaganza for the Whole Family!

Ah, the lazy, hazy days of summer are upon us, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a delightful family picnic? Say goodbye to the same old store-bought snacks and dive into a world of local flavors. In this blog post, we’ll explore the wonders of utilizing fresh, local ingredients for your summertime picnics, with a playful twist that’s perfect for the whole family. Here are some fun ideas to inspire your next outing!

Summery Sandwich

Head to your farmers market and combine the quintessential summertime flavors together on some locally baked bread for a Caprese Sandwich!

Caprese Sandwich
Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer’s market.
Check out this recipe

Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, and More Tomatoes! 🍅

Begin your picnic adventure with the true stars of summer – tomatoes! Whether big and juicy or small and bursting with flavor, tomatoes add a refreshing touch to any picnic spread. Slice, dice, or enjoy them whole – these colorful gems are the true heroes of your picnic salad.

Marinated Tomatoes
No cooking in a hot kitchen here. Cold, refreshing tomatoes marinated in a basic dressing. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
Check out this recipe

Crisp Cucumbers

Add a satisfying crunch to your picnic basket with crisp cucumbers and vibrant bell peppers. Their vivid colors not only make your picnic blanket a visual delight, but also provide a delightful texture to your snacks. Dip them in hummus or homemade ranch dressing, make some cucumber sandwiches, toss them in a salad, or munch on them solo – the choice is yours.

Tzatziki
A refreshing summer dip featuring locally grown cucumbers. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
Check out this recipe
Tzatziki

Stay Deliciously Hydrated

Infuse your favorite lemonade with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant and herby twist or cucumbers for a cooling effect. A thoughtful beverage is sure to keep everyone happy during your summer picnic!

Basil Lemonade
Fresh, local basil lemonade recipe is a perfect summertime refreshment in North Iowa. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer’s market.
Check out this recipe
Basil Lemonade

Watermelon Wonder

No summer picnic is complete without the king of fruits – watermelon! Slice it into juicy wedges or get creative with fun shapes. The entire family can indulge in this hydrating and sweet treat that captures the essence of summer. Elevate it with a salad!

Watermelon Feta Salad
Cold, sweet, salty, fresh! Perfect for a summertime picnic! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer’s market.
Check out this recipe
Watermelon Feta Salad

Family Fiesta with Salsa

Transform your picnic into a family fiesta by letting everyone create their own signature salsa. Set up a mini salsa bar with various ingredients, including those fabulous tomatoes, and watch as your family crafts their unique flavor masterpieces. It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

Farmers' Market Fresh Salsa
A spin on our basic salsa recipe, this Farmers' Market Fresh version adds seasonal sweet corn and some optional seasoning. So fresh and tasty! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
Check out this recipe

With tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchini, sweet corn, basil lemonade, crackers, cheese, and watermelon in tow, your family picnic is set to be the highlight of the summer. Embrace the vibrant colors, savor the local flavors, and enjoy the quality time spent with your loved ones amid the sunny warmth of the season!