Fun picnic dishes that are transportable?

[galka]

What can I make for a nice father's day picnic? The challenge is that we need to hike to the picnic place for abour 40 min- so it should be packable and not to heavy.
Thank you!

[charlesbois]

The all-time classic picnic food, fried chicken. Just wrap it up in waxed paper and go.

I also like fruit kebabs on picnics, as fresh fruit helps quench thirst and gives you enegry for hiking.

[HannahBanana]

Oh...here is another picnic FAV. Its called a Muffeleta. Super easy to transport and perfect for outdoor picnics:

One large sour dough or foccacia bread sliced length wise.
Drizzle one side with a nice olive oil, spread the other side with pesto sauce.
In layers start to add roasted red peppers, pitted olives, favorite cheeses (we use provolone and smoked gouda), grilled zucchini and eggplant, arugula leaves.....and sliced favorite meats if desired. Wrap TIGHTLY together in plastic wrap like one giant sandwich. Slice in wedges when you get to your picnic site. All the flavors will have blended together and created an AMAZING sandwich! The secret really is to wrap it tightly.

[HannahBanana]

I'm off to a family picnic this upcoming weekend. I'm bringing a tried and true Thai noodle salad. Its delicious, travels well, and the longer it sits, the better it tastes. I've brought it to MANY family get togethers and it is always eaten up very quickly with lots of recipe requests. I do everything in the recipe to taste:

Main ingredients are:
Cooked whole wheat spaghetti....strange but true...and the best noodle to use! The
whole wheat gives it added texture
Grated carrots
Grated cabbage....red and green
Lots of chopped cilantro and green onions
Green peas or peapods
Julienned red and yellow peppers
Toasted sesame seeds

Dressing to taste:
Vegetable oil
Sesame oil
Low sodium soya sauce
Rice wine vinegar
Lots of fresh garlic and fresh ginger....grated fine
Brown sugar
Lime juice
Red pepper flakes
Pinch or two of Chinese 5 spice powder if desired (i've had it with and without, both ways deelish!)

Mix all together, pack in tupperware, and enjoy! Remember that the spaghetti noodles will absorb a lot of the dressing, so I always bring a little extra to mix in right before eating.

[AMFM]

that looks yummy hannah! thanks - i'm always looking for summer healthy sides. - would be awesome with an asian marinated flank steak and asparagus on the grill and fruit salad. i may have this weekend's dinner.... :)

[AMFM]

my mom loved this recipe and wants to try for a potluck tomorrow - do you have estimate amounts on the dressing?

[HannahBanana]

glad to hear you like the recipe!
I do add a decent amount of the veg oil to the dressing, as it prevents the noodles from sticking and really carries all the other flavors well....so its not very lowfat (but gee you gotta live once in a while!! :-)
The sesame oil is more just a tsp or two, as its just for flavoring. Go crazy with the spices, all to taste.
Basically you want to make a vinigrette....so its twice as much oil as acids.....
SO deelish....now I'm hungry!

[HannahBanana]

Also really nice served with cooled grilled prawn and scallop skewers...marinated in a little oil, lime, sake, and garlic!

[Gooseberry]

This sounds a lot like my favourite Asian noodle salad, only I use soba (buckwheat) noodles, and add julienned cucumber.

As a side dish for picnics, fresh cucumber pickles are my absolute favourite at the moment. So crunchy, so refreshing...

[AMFM]

what's in YOUR dressing? :)

[HannahBanana]

Mmmmm.. julienned cucumber is a great addition! Specially if added right before serving....would stay nice and crunchy!

I've also topped this salad with toasted cashews....really nice