Whatever and wherever you’ll be picnicking, finger or fork food is the way forward. Tarts, quiches, pasties, terrines and frittatas make perfect picnic fodder, as do salads based on rice, pasta, noodles, couscous, quinoa and other grains. Beans and pulses such as chickpeas and broad beans also work well.

Think beyond the mayonnaise-heavy salads sold in many supermarkets and look to the Mediterranean and Middle East for more flavoursome inspiration. Favour fruity olive oil, lemon and lime juice, fresh herbs, toasted nuts, garlic, chillies and spices for flavour and try natural yoghurt or mascarpone instead of mayonnaise.

For a quick dip or sandwich filling, drain a tin or jar of good quality tuna of its oil, add finely diced red onion, a pinch of dried chilli and just enough good quality mayonnaise to bind. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and stir in a few freshly torn basil leaves. Spread generously on slices of dense, wood-fired bread or white baguette or serve with slices of crisp, raw vegetables such as peppers and young courgettes.

post at : food trays blog