How to Make a Picture Perfect Fall Picnic

Personally, I believe fall is by far the best season. Ever. What’s not to love about pumpkin patches, hay rides, haunted houses, cozy sweaters, fall foliage, and beautiful, crisp weather? The list of reasons why fall is the best is a never ending one. So, take my word for it and utilize this time to go on a picture perfect fall picnic while the weather is crisp and breezy.

Even though the world is abundant with recipes to enjoy during a picnics, deciding which snacks to bring can be difficult. We could spend hours in the kitchen trying to cook up some of the best looking and tasting picnic foods ever, or we could spend just one hour making these easy recipes to also create a delicious and picture perfect fall picnic. Your choice, but I’d go with the latter. 

1. Cajun Turkey Sandwich

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 10 minutesTotal time: 20 minutesServings:2 servings

Ingredients

• 4 slices Pepperidge Farm Sourdough bread
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 4 slices Cajun turkey or roast beef
• 4-6 slices Gouda cheese
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 medium tomato sliced
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• SpoonTip: Do one sandwich with turkey and the other with roast beef.

Instructions

1. 
   

   Mix mayonnaise and cumin together in a small bowl. Then spread an even layer of the mayo mixture on the 4 slices of bread. Layer the turkey, spinach, tomato, and cheese to complete the sandwiches.

2. 
   

   In a panini press or panini pan, heat olive oil on medium heat. Grill the sandwiches until golden brown on both sides and until the Gouda cheese is ooey gooey.

3. 
   

   SpoonTip: Wrap the sandwiches in parchment or wax paper to pack in the picnic basket.

2. Charcuterie Board

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 5 minutesTotal time: 15 minutesServings:2 servings

Ingredients

• Artisan Nut-Thins Multi Seeds Crackers
• 8 ounces smoked salmon
• 4 ounces goat cheese
• 4 ounces brie cheese
• 4-6 ounces blackberries

Instructions

1. 
   

   Pack each ingredient in airtight containers and then into the picnic basket. Arrange on a small board on site.

3. Caprese Salad with Avocado and Corn

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 5 minutesTotal time: 15 minutesServings:2 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese diced
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1 avocado diced
• 3 tablespoon basil chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 
   

   In a clear plastic cup, or small container, layer the tomatoes, mozzarella, corn, avocado, and basil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Very Berry Lemonade

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 5 minutesTotal time: 10 minutesServings:2 servings

Ingredients

• About 23-25 ounces Simply Lemonade
• 1 small lemon sliced
• 1/4 cup raspberries
• 1/4 cup blackberries
• 10 mint leaves

Instructions

1. 
   

   Pour lemonade into a mason jar. Add sliced lemons, berries, and mint leaves. Shake well before drinking.

   SpoonTip: Take some fun colored straws and drink straight from the mason jar.

If you have time to make the lemonade from scratch, definitely check out this recipe. 

Now that you have delicious Cajun turkey sandwiches, charcuterie, salad, and lemonade, you are ready for your picture perfect picnic. 

The next step is to carefully pack your goodies into airtight containers and load them into your picnic basket. You can even decorate with flowers like I did in this photo. And lastly, drive yourself and some loved ones to a place that has the best view of the fall foliage, and enjoy a lovely afternoon with your picture perfect fall picnic. 

• Lunch
• Snack