Sandwich Platter Ideas
One of the easiest and most versatile platter ideas for a picnic is a sandwich platter. There are countless sandwich combinations you can create to cater to various tastes and dietary restrictions. Some classic options include:
- Ham and cheese
- Turkey and Swiss
- Vegetable and hummus
- Chicken salad
- Tuna salad
For added variety, consider using different types of bread, such as baguettes, ciabatta, or whole wheat wraps. Cut the sandwiches into smaller, bite-sized portions for easy snacking during the picnic.
Fruit and Cheese Platter Ideas
A fruit and cheese platter is another excellent option for a picnic. It provides a refreshing and balanced combination of flavors. Here are some ideas for your fruit and cheese platter:
- Slices of melon, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Assorted cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and brie
- Crackers or sliced baguette
Arrange the fruits and cheeses attractively on a platter, and consider including some small bowls of honey or fruit preserves for dipping or spreading.
Mezze Platter Ideas
If you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, a mezze platter is a great option. Mezze refers to a selection of small dishes typically served in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Balkans. Here are some ideas to create your mezze platter:
- Hummus
- Baba ganoush
- Tzatziki
- Tabbouleh
- Pita bread or pita chips
You can also include other items like olives, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, and feta cheese. Arrange the different foods in separate bowls or compartments on a platter for easy sharing.
Salad Platter Ideas
A salad platter is a refreshing and healthy option for a picnic. It allows you to mix and match different salads to cater to different preferences. Here are some ideas for salad platter options:
- Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese
- Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil
- Quinoa salad with mixed vegetables
- Spinach and strawberry salad
- Couscous salad with roasted vegetables
Prepare each salad separately and arrange them attractively on a platter. Consider including some salad dressings on the side for people to choose from.
Dessert Platter Ideas
No picnic is complete without a sweet treat. A dessert platter is a great way to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Here are a few ideas for your dessert platter:
- Assorted cookies, such as chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and sugar cookies
- Brownie bites
- Fruit skewers with a chocolate dipping sauce
- Mini cupcakes
- Sliced cake or pie
Arrange the desserts on a platter or on individual dessert plates for easy sharing. If you have access to a portable cooler or ice pack, you can also include some frozen treats like ice cream or popsicles.
