Best Foods to Pack for a Beach Picnic

When tomatoes are at their peak, there’s no better way to show them off than in a simple sandwich. Soft white bread, crispy cucumber, and a creamy dill spread, you can’t go wrong with this traditional warm weather treat. These handheld treats are the perfect bite for picnics, parties, or just making friends as you’re lounging around getting your vitamin sea. I want to go to the beach just to have an excuse to make these delicious snacks.

This Gullah-inspired family recipe features the most mouthwatering broth you'll ever taste. This freshest-ever pasta salad is gearing up to be your go-to side with any meal. A lemony vinaigrette tops it off in the most refreshing way.

This is an exceptional post with so many great ideas for picnic or any summer night dinner. I make this silky, smoky dip as much as I can when eggplant is in season. You’ll often find me enjoying it straight off a spoon, but it’s delicious with fresh pita and veggies too. So often, we toss pesto with pasta or dollop it onto pizza but forget how fantastic it is on its own. When I have an abundance of summer basil, I like to pack a jar of pesto in my picnic basket to spread onto crackers or good crusty bread. The broccoli softens and absorbs the lightly creamy, tangy dressing as it sits, so it tastes even better after a night in the fridge.

Pair these with a drink like a big bottle of cold water. All of these are safe for toddlers and can be shared with older kids and adults. These ideas also work well for general summer snacking, whether at home, at a lake, at the pool, or a day out of the house. Mealtimes can be challenging for parents of energetic toddlers. A CHOC dietitian offers tips, recipes and activity ideas.

Decide what healthy kid-friendly meals and snacks you will prepare. When packing your picnic, utilize foods that are pre-packaged or easy to pre-pack and do not easily melt. Bring along an empty plastic grocery bag for trash and paper towels and plastic utensils for easy disposal.

If you like to have more of a variety, get different flavored hummus packs so you can just grab and go. You'll have to leave the beach for this, though. Here's another quick and easy lunch idea that can be eaten Lunch at the beach while still sitting on the beach.