Plan the Perfect Picnic

Picture this: it’s a beautiful spring day, and you have finished all of your studying and assignments for the week. You’re ready to relax and enjoy a delicious picnic with friends in the arboretum, your favorite sunny spot on campus, or even just your backyard.

We’ve got just what you need to make sure your picnic consists of mouth-watering recipes that are not only sure to impress your friends, but packed full of the nutrients you need to keep your body healthy and happy.

Bon appétit!

Tomato Watermelon Salad with Feta and Toasted Almonds                           Photo: Epicurious

Watermelon is a great source of vitamins A, C, B1, and B6. The antioxidants derived from the vitamin A help fight off inflammation. Tomatoes also contain a vitamin A and C. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which has been proven to halt the growth of cancer cells. This recipe is vibrant, flavorful, and only takes a few minutes to prepare. Add your choice of fresh herbs such as dill, basil, and mint.

Homemade Pesto                               Photo: Kiss My Spatula

Rather than buying premade pesto at the store, simply make your own! All you need is a food processor or blending tool of some kind. Basil, the main ingredient in pesto, contains beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A that protects epithelial cells (the cells that form the lining of numerous body structures including the blood vessels) from free radical damage. Basil is also a good source of magnesium, which promotes cardiovascular health. This recipe calls for walnuts, which are cheaper than the traditional pine nuts used in pesto. Combine with whole-wheat pasta and your choice of veggies such as zucchini, yellow onion, and tomatoes.

Peach Crisp

              Photo: Big Girls Small Kitchen

Peaches are in season May though October, so now is the perfect time to enjoy them! According to a study from Texas A&M, stone fruits like peaches, plums and nectarines have been shown to ward off obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.Try to get them local at the Davis Farmers’ Market for best quality and taste. This recipe for peach crisp is simple, only takes 30 minutes to bake, and can even be used with other types of fruits. Once you have your crisp, top it with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.

Mango and Mint Infused Tea                                             Photo: Katie’s Cucina

I’ll be honest I’m addicted to iced to of any kind, but this recipe really impressed me because of it’s great flavor without all of the sugar present in most tea drinks. The blend of mango and mint is unique as well as refreshing. Mangoes are a low-fat, low-calorie, cholesterol-free source of a variety of nutrients, especially vitamin A, vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds. Mint is a naturally soothing substance, so it can alleviate the inflammation and temperature rise that is often associated with headaches and migraines. Mint also promotes digestion and soothes the stomach in cases of indigestion or inflammation.