A Bachelor’s Guide to the Perfect Picnic

Written by Nick - 

Summer is finally here and the 4^th of July is right around the corner. Whether you’re packing a sandwich to watch the fireworks or making the most of the summertime sun, it’s the perfect time to have a picnic. So pack up your cooler or basket, grab a blanket and head outside.

If you’re going to be venturing outdoors there are a few things you’ll need to remember:

• don’t forget a blanket to sit on and a blanket to lie under in case it’s cold
• if you’re planning to use a picnic table consider a tablecloth – the birds can do some damage to a shaded picnic table
• you’ll want to pick the right meal – anything can get messy when you’re eating on a blanket in a park
• don’t forget the napkins – as I mentioned it can get messy if you’re not prepared.

This Summer Solstice I was lucky enough to make the most of the long daylight and have an evening picnic which turned out to be quite the romantic date.

I made these Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Pesto Mayo as wraps. The Buitoni pesto has a ton of flavor and creates a delicious sandwich or wrap. For picnic purposes, I decided to make these sandwiches as wraps (pictured below) and I used sun-dried tomatoes instead of juicy ripe ones. Don’t forget drinks and a side! This Limoncello Basil Cooler recipe is a refreshing cocktail for the summertime and the Apple-Infused Coleslaw in a Jar is a perfectly packable salad.

If you’re looking for more picnic tips be sure to check out the articles on meals.com for specific beach picnic essentials and day trip/hiking picnic tips.

Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Pesto Mayo

Ingredients for 8 Servings:

• 1 container (7 ounces) BUITONI Refrigerated All Natural Pesto with Basil, divided
• 8 (about 2 1/2 pounds total) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• 1 cup light mayonnaise
• 8 ciabatta bread or French rolls, split horizontally
• 8 thin slices provolone or other Italian cheese

Directions:

PREHEAT grill or broiler.

SPREAD 3 tablespoons pesto over chicken breasts. Place remaining pesto and mayonnaise in blender; cover. Blend until smooth. Spoon into squeeze bottle or covered container and keep chilled until ready for use.

GRILL or broil chicken for 5 minutes over medium heat; turn over. Grill or broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center.

SPREAD pesto mayo over bread; top with chicken and cheese. Add lettuce, sliced tomato and sliced red onion, if desired.

Links:

• Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Pesto Mayo
• Planning a Beach Picnic
• Packing a Picnic for a Day Hike

Related Recipes:

Apple-Infused Coleslaw in a Jar

Limoncello Basil Cooler