The Simplest Of Ideas // Buffalo Chicken Bites

Summer in Utah means heat! When it is hot outside, it is hard to find motivation to cook. A picnic is the perfect solution. Whether you spread a blanket in the back yard, or take the kids to the park, a picnic can provide a healthy meal and some relaxation. The simplest of ideas can make a picnic meal. Meals don’t have to be complex or even follow a recipe. All you have to do is think about MyPlate and include foods from each food group. Feeling stuck? Here are some ideas to get you started:

Focus on Whole Fruits
- Apple and banana slices with Cream Cheese Fruit Dip or Peanut Butter Fruit Dip
- Grapesicles
- Strawberries with Banana Cream
Vary Your Veggies
- Carrot, zucchini, and pepper sticks with Cottage Cheese Dip
- Greek Veggie Salad
- Black Bean and Corn Salsa or Green Pea Guacamole with Homemade Tortilla Chips
Choose Low-Fat or Non-Fat Dairy
- Cucumber Yogurt Dip and fresh veggies
- Breakfast Sundae
- Make Ahead Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
Go Lean With Protein
- Deviled Eggs
- Pinwheels with sliced ham or turkey
- Buffalo Chicken Bites (recipe below)
Make Half Your Grains Whole
- Whole grain crackers and Simple Hummus
- Carrot Oat Muffins or Honey and Wheat Muffins (click here for Honey and Wheat Mix recipe)
- Yogurt with homemade Granola

See how easy it can be! For more tips on hosting the perfect picnic, click here. For ideas on keeping food safe this summer, click here.

One of my favorite things to create for a picnic is a wrap. They are easy to make, can be made ahead of time, and travel well. We tried Buffalo Chicken Bites at our last picnic and they were a hit.