Cheap but delicious picnic ideas-?

[MZCsmpsns]

My boyfriend and I planned a cheap date for next weekend & we decided on a picnic at the lake. I'm not sure what to bring. We're pretty sure they don't have grill pits, so we won't be able to cook anything. I'm kind of at a loss as what to bring. We're both pretty broke & I'd prefer if we spent $10 or less for our meal. Anybody have any ideas on a tasty fulfilling meal on a budget that doesn't need to be cooked or kept cold? (we might stay over night, so if there's leftovers they might go bad in a cooler)

*edit* Wasn't sure where to post this, I was debating on frugal forum or food discussion, but decided here. It kinda fits w/both, so I wasn't sure!

[Skylark]

Anything in a pita! Cold veggie pitas, whether cooked or raw veggies, would be awesome. Cold cooked rice and beans could be good in a pita, too. Couple that with a pasta salad and some fresh fruit, and you will have a really good meal.

[hoodedclawjen]

nice bread, stuff to spread on it... potato salad, pasta salad, bean salad, rice salad, make your own falafels or hummus... everything is cheaper if you do it yourself.

[Treehugger267]

We have a favorite that's great hot or cold. I make swiss chard pizza. Just unthaw frozen bread dough on a cookie sheet (I make this go faster by proofing it in the oven: turn oven on 200* then turn off, put a pan of boiling water on the floor of the oven and the frozen bread dough on the rack until it's has raised). Smoosh out. Meanwhile, I saute' some swiss chard or spinach w/ some garlic powder, salt and hot peper flakes. Put it on your pizza dough. If you want you can put the swiss chard on half of the dough and fold the other half over it (I've made a lattis top w/ another dough too). Then just bake on 425* till golden brown. Very yummy and very portable.

[hollywoodveg]

See what produce is on sale, since it's summer there are a lot of good prices in the stores. You could by some veggies and toss it with cooked pasta and oil & vinegar for a pasta salad. If strawberries are on sale you could make strawberry crepes, cook the crepes ahead and store separated in freezer paper. I've seen watermelon really reasonable, just cut up some pieces and put in a sealable container. Chips and salsa, or homemade pico de gallo maybe?

[Jon_Veggie]

I think a vegan quiche is perfect picnic food and large enough to feed two people well. Surely not too expensive either.

[Jon_Veggie]

We have a favorite that's great hot or cold. I make swiss chard pizza. Just unthaw frozen bread dough on a cookie sheet (I make this go faster by proofing it in the oven: turn oven on 200* then turn off, put a pan of boiling water on the floor of the oven and the frozen bread dough on the rack until it's has raised). Smoosh out. Meanwhile, I saute' some swiss chard or spinach w/ some garlic powder, salt and hot peper flakes. Put it on your pizza dough. If you want you can put the swiss chard on half of the dough and fold the other half over it (I've made a lattis top w/ another dough too). Then just bake on 425* till golden brown. Very yummy and very portable.

Sounds delicious!

[singing hinnie]

I think a vegan quiche is perfect picnic food and large enough to feed two people well. Surely not too expensive either.

I have to say I've eaten Jons vegan quiche and very nice it was too..:hungry:

I like sushi for a picnic, easy and keeps well in transit. Also home made pasties, spring rolls or samosas work well too.

[Jon_Veggie]

I have to say I've eaten Jons vegan quiche and very nice it was too..:hungry:

I like sushi for a picnic, easy and keeps well in transit. Also home made pasties, spring rolls or samosas work well too.


Why thank you! I love eating outdoors too, pity we don't have more glorious summer days in the North East :)