If there was ever a summer for family picnics, it’s got to be this summer. After being cooped up indoors for most of the year, we’re ready to get outside, to socialise (safely), and to share these tried-and-true picnic menus that please eaters of all ages. 

Picnicking - the Dare family way

There’s so much to love about picnics. They’re highly adaptable for any occasion and extremely family-friendly. They can be as fancy as an artisan cheese board or as simple as a cheese sandwich. 

You could even go the ‘whole roast chicken route’, as demonstrated in the above photo from a picnic Hannah & Rachel shared with their mom and extended family in the late ‘80s. 

‘This is one of our strongest memories,’ Rachel says. ‘Recently we recreated a (more extravagant) version of our childhood picnics. We met in Derreen Gardens to spend time with our sister who we hadn’t seen during the most recent lockdown. She roasted a chicken and my niece did a really tasty, simple pickled cucumber. We brought focaccia from the bakery in Organico, and there was hummus and carrot sticks, Keogh’s Crisps, pickled gherkins, boiled eggs from our chickens, and a selection of cheeses. For dessert Hannah picked up some beautiful strawberry custard tarts from Maison Gourmet, the French bakery in Kenmare.”

The health perks of picnics

From a health perspective, getting outside for a picnic can offer loads of benefits. Time spent outdoors has a way of calming us and reducing stress and anxiety (yes, please!), and making us feel happier... 

Most of us have experienced that uplift in mood when you finally get to feel the sun on your face after being trapped indoors for several rainy days.  A 2018 report suggests a scientific explanation for that mood boost, putting it down to the sun’s potential ability to stimulate serotonin production when it hits our skin. 

It’s known that sunlight increases nitric oxide in the body which helps lower blood pressure and protect against insulin resistance. (Just make sure to use a natural mineral-based sunscreen so the risks of sun exposure don’t outweigh the benefits.) 

Spending time in nature can also counteract the ‘fight-or-flight’ response by activating your body’s parasympathetic system, also known as the ‘rest-and-digest system’... which is perfect for appreciating the joys of a good picnic.  

Packing for eco-friendly picnics

If you get out for picnics this summer, packing your own is the way to go. Not only is it more affordable than buying takeaway, but it cuts down on the excess packaging and single-use plastic that have become a significant source of litter during the pandemic. 

When it comes to packing and transporting a picnic, we love these reusable food and drink storage containers from Cheeki, Black & Blum, and Stasher.

If it’s an alternative to cling film and plastic food bags you’re looking for, we have compostable single-use bags, compostable paper sandwich and snack bags, and beeswax reusable food wraps.  

Our family picnic menu ideas 

There are so many outdoors-friendly foods that would make for lovely picnics, but this is the essential selection the Dare family return to time and time again.   

Gluten-free Multigrain Wraps or Whole Grain Pita 

Fill wraps or pita with cheese and salads, or Rachel’s version of the tuna & rice salad she and the rest of the family have been making for picnics since they were little (see recipe below).

A Good Organic Mayo

To spread on sandwiches, stir into quick dressings, or fold into tuna or potato salads.  

Shines Wild Irish Fish (Irish)

A fab range of wild-caught tuna and sardines preserved in spring water, tomato sauce, or olive oil, ready for sandwiches or salads.

Harry’s Nut Butters (Irish)

The Original and Extra Hot are both nice with celery and cucumber sticks. All 3 flavours, including the Coco Buzz, are lovely spread on crusty sourdough.  

Keogh’s Crisps (Irish)

Because is it even a picnic if there isn’t an excellent bag of crisps? These are our favourite. 

Pickled Gherkins

A must-have in any Dare family sandwich!

Horizon Salted Nuts

Put out bowls for nibbling before, during, or after the main meal.

Refreshing Drinks

We love the kefirs from My Goodness we sell in Organico Shop. But if you can’t get to us in Bantry, the lemonades, pressés, and cordials, available online from Belvoir, hit the spot when served chilled on a warm day.

A Sweet Ending 

The indulgent organic chocolate combinations from Belvas are such a treat. Get a few different varieties and everyone will be happy. 

Rachel’s tuna & rice picnic salad for all ages  

Stir together cooked rice (ideally short grain), with small diced carrot, cucumber, pickled gherkins, chopped chives and parsley, tinned tuna, and sweet corn.

For the dressing, mix a few spoonfuls of mayonnaise and yoghurt, black pepper and salt and a little cider vinegar. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Rachel says she thinks the addition of diced cheddar is a recent one, but these details may be argued between the siblings!

Your next family picnic

Now, get out there and make the most of the picnic weather days every chance you get… fingers crossed this summer is filled with them.

And as always, if there’s anything specific you’re looking for that you can’t find in the online shop, let us know ([email protected]) and we’ll see what we can do to source it for you.