Need Quick & Easy Picnic Items

[disneyfanatic]

We rented a shelter in our local park for a picnic to celebrate my Son's graduation from college. He graduated in early May around the same time as my Mom was ill and passed away. Thus, we really didn't make a big deal out of it like we normally would have. I felt horrible that it went almost unnoticed since it's such a huge thing and he is my first born!

With just two weeks to invite everyone and get it planned, the picnic is a week from Saturday. I'm scrambling trying to come up with fast and easy picnic items, etc. I need some serious help! Usually I am the most organized, prepared person but not this time. I can't really afford to take too much more time off work so that limits my time to cook and prepare next week.

It will be mainly adults with just a few children. We are doing the usual picnic meats--hot dogs, hamburgers, and sausages to make it easier and keep the expense down. What I need are side dishes and possibly some finger foods or desserts (along with a cake) that would hold up on a hot day and I could make in advance if possible. I fairly certain I am going to do potato salad, baked beans, deviled eggs, fruit salad. I'm thinking about maybe a tuna salad or pasta salad along with lots of finger foods (cheese, crackers, vegies, relish tray, etc.) Understand--I always have way too much food and a huge assortment (Mom taught me well).

If anyone has any suggestions or comments, I'm open for about anything.
Thanks!

Michele

[Sheryl]

Michele,

One of my favorite things to make that is so easy is a Greek Pasta Salad. I like to use the colored pasta, then you can do a bunch of different things. Either add black olives or greek olives, you can do sliced olives, or even green olives. I like to put in peppercini's, or you can use Bell peppers. Get either a chunk of Feta cheese or a container of it already crumbled. Then I just buy a bottle of any kind of Italian dressing, mix it all together and it always goes. Of course you can use you imagination and basically add anything like red or green peppers, small pieces of cut up tomoto or even small chunks of cucumber and onion (or red onion).

:mickeyWalk: Sheryl :minnie:

[Belle]

Sounds like you really have everything I would suggest. In addition to the main meats, I always make a pasta salad (even though I don't like or eat the cold salads), a fruit salad and baked beans, along with brownies or cookies, and the usual cheese/cracker tray, chips and munchies. When at a park and not at home, I think it is best to keep it simple with the main staples most people eat. Otherwise you end up throwing out or carting home a lot of warm food. Truly picky eaters will probably eat before hand anyway, just in case they are worried! :lol:

Good luck! I hope he has a wonderful day! :sun:

{hugs}
Belle

[Belle]

Michele,

One of my favorite things to make that is so easy is a Greek Pasta Salad. I like to use the colored pasta, then you can do a bunch of different things. Either add black olives or greek olives, you can do sliced olives, or even green olives. I like to put in peppercini's, or you can use Bell peppers. Get either a chunk of Feta cheese or a container of it already crumbled. Then I just buy a bottle of any kind of Italian dressing, mix it all together and it always goes. Of course you can use you imagination and basically add anything like red or green peppers, small pieces of cut up tomoto or even small chunks of cucumber and onion (or red onion).

:mickeyWalk: Sheryl :minnie:

That sounds just like my pasta salad! :D I use the colored rotini pasta, black olives, small pieces of red pepper, etc. I guess great minds think alike! :D

{hugs}
Belle

[AliciaG]

Michele, It sounds like you've got a great start. I'm sure you'll all enjoy yourselves in this celebration of your son's accomplishment. :D

Here's a recipe for something that I normally bring to outdoor celebrations. It's easy, colorful, refreshing, and always gets rave reviews.

Fiesta Corn Salad

2 cans of whole kernel corn, drained
1 c. chopped tomato
1 c. chopped peeled cucumber
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. diced green or red sweet pepper
2 green onions sliced
1/2 c. bottled Italian salad dressing

Combine all ingredients. Chill several hours or overnight before serving.

Have fun, and let us know how it goes. :D

[DisneyBUff]

Our version of Pasta salad is a tiny bit different. colored noodels, chucks of ham,olives, peperoni,chunks of cheese(i use mild cheader) and some shreaded like a taco blend. and then the bottle Italian dressing ...


we always do a mac salad also... (many versions of this out also)
Watermelon
What about like a red white and blue jello salad..

[ddoll]

One thing that someone always ends up bringing to our cookouts and parties is bakery pizza. You know...the kind that has no toppings? Just room temp with sauce and cut into squares? There are many Italian bakery/pizza places around here that make them. They're inexpensive, no work, don't need to refrigerated and everyone scarves them up quick.

[Bookwood]

Depending on the weather I wouldn't use anything that requires refrigeration- even in out yard stuff gets warm fast and then everyone is shy about eating it!