Everyone knows that spring term is by far the best trimester at Union. Events like Springfest and Alumni Weekend are always sure to get everyone pumped for the spring term ahead. Sometimes you have to appreciate the little things; like walking outside to see smiling faces, flowers in bloom, and the sun hitting the Nott in the perfect way. These things are what make spring term at Union so great. When spring finally does shine down on Schenectady, students want to spend every possible minute outside. West Beach picnics are the perfect way to soak up the sun and appreciate all that our campus has to offer.
These recipes are great ways to stay healthy and hydrated while studying, relaxing, or just taking in the beauty of Union while on West Beach. By utilizing your kitchen or a Minerva’s, you can make all these yummy, BUT healthy snacks.
1. Power Up Protein Sandwich
Photo by Elisa Djuhar
As much as you want to spend your days in the spring listening to music and picnicking without a care in the world, sometimes there is work to be done. These sandwiches are perfect snack to give you a little protein boost, so you can bang out that homework and get back to making the most of your spring term. And hey, you can get all these ingredients in the dining hall.
2. Mason Jar Salad
Photo by Bernard Wen
Besides being the most instagrammable meal ever, these Mason Jar Salads are super yummy and customizable. Whether you follow the recipe or just throw in your favorite veggies, you will end up with a fantastic portable meal ready for your next picnic.
3. Black Bean Taco Salad
Photo by Julia Maguire
This recipe includes everyone’s new favorite ingredient: the avocado. For that day that you are in a Chipotle mood, but without a car – this salad is for you. There is also feta cheese involved, which is always a plus.
4. Chocolate Drizzled Fruit Kabobs
Photo by Jocelyn Hsu
Everyone knows that a picnic is never complete without fruit. We’ve missed our sweet, juicy fruits in the winter, so it’s time to celebrate their resurfacing. These kabobs make fruit more fun to eat. By drizzling a little chocolate on top, what could be bad?
5. Skinny Milkshakes
Photo by Sussana Tuan
If you’re getting tired of Skellar and need something a little lighter this spring, these skinny milkshakes should be your go to. By using Greek yogurt instead of ice cream, you don’t have to feel bad having seconds…or thirds.
6. Classic Fruit Salad
Photo by Madison Lucas
Perfect for sharing, this classic fruit salad is a great snack to bring outside for your whole group of friends. Everyone can munch on it during the day while they people watch and study on West Beach. What else could be better when its 75 degrees and sunny?
7. Blueberry Muffins
Photo by Meredith Ross
I don’t know about you, but muffins always put me in a good mood. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a snack during the day, they always hit the spot and put a smile on my face. These blueberry muffins (with a streusel topping) are super easy to carry outside and will make your picnic extra special.
#SpoonTip: Make these the night before a beautiful day, so you’ll be all set to impress your friends the next.
8. Peanut Butter and Granola Sandwiches
Photo by Haliana Burhans
Okay, so in terms of bite size goodies, these are totally top of the charts. I mean, can you get any cuter than banana sandwiches? Let me answer that for you: no, no you cannot. They will definitely be your new BFFs and give you that boost of energy you need to power through any last bit of work. And yes, these are considered a dining hall hack.
9. Zucchini Chips
Photo by Kirby Barth
If you’re like me and you’re not the biggest fan of kale chips, but you still want to be healthy, zucchini chips are a great option. They have a lot more flavor and are a super great alternative to potato chips. You can easily throw them in a baggie, and then be set to take on the day.
10. Healthy Fruit Roll-Ups
Photo by Haley Durham
Throwing it back to your childhood, these fruit roll-ups will become a staple in your backpack this spring. However, instead of the Fruit-by-the-Foot that was composed of a questionable amount of real fruit, these babies are all fruit all the time.
11. Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade
Photo by Phoebe Melnick
As the ultimate thirst quencher, this lemonade is the best choice to give spring a proper welcome. Your friends will love you forever if you whip up a batch of this for your next West Beach chill sesh.
12. Avocado Egg Salad
Photo by Paige Rodgers
Again, the holy avocado makes an appearance, this time in egg salad form. Super easy to make and delicious to eat any day of the week, this is one recipe you’ll be sure to come back to.
13. Mini Bagel Sliders
Photo By Sarah Adler
Talk about bite sized, these mini bagel breakfast sandwiches are filled with so many amazing foods, you will definitely find one that you’ll love. These are a crucial addition to that picnic life and you’ll be sure to love ‘em.
14. Apple Pie Bites
Photo by Sherry Xiao
Nothing says happiness like an apple pie. These mini apple pies are a great way to have a classy dessert on the go. They are such a fun play on the classic, and with a plate of these on your blanket, you’re sure to make lots more friends on West Beach.
15. Avocado Toast
Photo by Rachel Piorko
The avocado (once again) makes a return, this time in toast form. You really can never go wrong when you put these simple, light ingredients together into this delight of an open-faced sandwich and your friends will definitely be impressed.
16. Banana Yogurt Bites
Photo by Abigail Wilkins
Sitting outside all day can lead you want a big, ole scoop of Ben and Jerry’s. BUT, instead of caving in and succumbing to your cravings, these banana yogurt bites are the perfect way to enjoy a frozen treat without the calories. Once you pop one of these babies in your mouth, you’ll be sold for sure.
Spring weather can’t come soon enough.