Now that summer is here, we’ve been hard at work in the Jeff’s Naturals kitchen creating new dishes perfect for outdoor entertaining, potlucks and best of all, PICNICS!
The perfect picnic dish should be simple, easy to transport and taste delicious once you’ve arrived at your destination. Just in case you need a refresher, we put together some practical tips for picnicking here:
Whatever your next excursion is, whether it’s a day at the beach or the pool, an evening at an outdoor concert, or a just a relaxing afternoon at the park, these three new picnic-ready recipes will all but guarantee that you will pack the perfect picnic basket and savor the outdoors!
Here are a few of our favorite picnic-ready recipes:
Picnic Ready Recipe #1: My Big Fat Greek Pita
Stuff all of the goodness of delicious Greek Salad with a simple dressing combined with Feta, Greek Peperoncini, Kalamata Olives, Roasted Red Pepper Strips and Capers into a fresh pita and you’ve got the perfect meal on-the-go!
Prep Time: 20 min. Total Time: 20 min. Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 c. tomatoes, diced
6 c. spinach leaves
1 1/2 c. cucumber, thinly sliced
1 c. feta cheese, crumbled
1/3 c. Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, sliced
1/4 c. Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini
1/4 c. Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips
1 Tbsp. Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capers
1/4 c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
5 tsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. crushed garlic
4 pita breads, about 6 inches diameter
PREPARATION
In a mixing bowl combine the tomatoes, spinach, cucumber, feta, olives, peperoncini’s, roasted bell pepper strips and capers.
In a separate bowl whisk together the olive oil, oregano, lemon juice, and crushed garlic.
Once ready to serve, toss the dressing with the vegetables. Cut the pita rounds in half and divide the mixture evenly among the 8 pita rounds.
Serve and enjoy.
Pic-Nic Ready Recipe #2: Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad with Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes
Prep Time: 15 mins. Total Time: 20 mins.
Serves: 4-6
INGREDIENTS
2 ½ cups broccoli florets, small diced
2 ½ cups cauliflower florets, small diced
¾ cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
¾ cup chopped Jeff’s Naturals Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, drained
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
PREPARATION
In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli, cauliflower, cranberries, sunflower seeds and sundried tomatoes.
In a small mixing bowl, stir the yogurt and vinegar together well.
Add the yogurt mixture and olive oil to the broccoli salad ingredients. Stir to combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Pic-Nic Ready Recipe #3: Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 8-10
INGREDIENTS
1- 19 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained with some liquid reserved
3 Tbsp. tahini paste
4 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 c.Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained
2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp. crushed garlic
Cumin, Salt & Pepper to taste
PREPARATION
In a food processor, combine all ingredients and puree until smooth. If mixture is too think, use some of the reserved garbanzo liquid to thin it out.
Serve with some pita wedges and a side of olives drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and garnished with a pinch of chili flake for a dressed up appetizer at your next picnic or bbq.
You can also perfect your picnic game by bringing along these classic creations found on our Recipe Page.