Have you been eyeing a breathtaking view or a luscious green patch near a waterscape? For special times with your favorite people, nothing says warm weather fun like a picnic. Follow these tips and tried-and-true recipes for preparation ideas and tasty drink pairings to go with a flavor-filled, all-in-one bowl meal.
Ambiance:
Throw pillows are a must. Pull them from your couches or invest in outdoor pillows that can be used repeatedly. A large throw is also essential to protect from moist ground and grass stains. Bring your favorite tunes with one of the many available portable speakers or unplug and enjoy the sounds of nature. Cut flowers add a wow factor.
Equipment:
You don’t have to own a picnic basket to have a picnic. But if you do bring a basket, make sure to have some way to chill your perishables and drinks. Reusable silverware, plastic wine or drink cups, and plates often come with a picnic basket set, but can also be purchased separately. Keeping it elegant, but easy (and cool) is the key!
Accompaniments:
A cheese plate with fruit is the perfect start to your picnic fare. As with the cheese, your drink selections should coordinate with the main dish. For salads, pair accouterments with the dressing in mind. This lemony herb vinaigrette dressing goes well with smooth cheeses and tart beverages such as lemonade, prosecco, or sauvignon blanc.
Enjoy your perfect picnic!
Lemon Herb Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad
An all-in-one bowl meal that will delight at your next picnic!
INGREDIENTS
Marinade/Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- cracked pepper, to taste
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, trimmed
Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 1 large cucumber diced
- 2 Roma tomatoes diced
- 1 red onion sliced
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives (optional)
- lemon wedges to serve
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
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- Whisk together all the marinade/dressing ingredients in a large jug. Pour out half of the marinade into a large, shallow dish. Refrigerate the remaining marinade to use as the dressing later.
- Add the chicken to the marinade in the bowl. Marinate chicken for 15-30 minutes (or up to two hours in the refrigerator if time allows). While waiting for the chicken, prepare all the salad ingredients and mix in a large salad bowl.
- Once chicken is ready, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a grill pan or a grill plate over medium-high heat. Grill chicken on both sides until browned and completely cooked through.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes and slice. Arrange over salad. Just before eating, drizzle salad with the remaining untouched dressing. Serve with lemon wedges. Recipe from Cafedelights.com
