Low-Calorie Recipes for Picnics

When we think of picnics, images of fried chicken, sandwiches, chips and cookies spring to mind. However, packing low-calorie foods for your picnic doesn't have to be difficult. Read on to discover some easy low-calorie recipes for picnics.

Low-Calorie Recipes for Picnics - Cucumber Sandwiches

Cucumber sandwiches are refreshing and delicious picnic fare, not to mention easy to prepare. Follow this recipe for a low-calorie picnic version of this classic sandwich.

Ingredients:

Whole grain bread, low-fat cream cheese, cucumber slices, tomato slices, avocado slices

Directions:

Spread cream cheese on one side of whole grain bread. Arrange cucumber slices on top of the cream cheese in a single layer. Add tomato and avocado slices as desired. Top with remaining bread and serve immediately.

All ingredients can be taken on the picnic separately and easily assembled into sandwiches on site.

Low-Calorie Recipes for Picnics - Low Fat Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a great idea for picnics. The classic version of this beloved lunch time treat can be filled with fat. Follow this recipe for a low-calorie picnic version of chicken salad that your whole family will love.

Ingredients:

½ cup non-fat plain yogurt, one tablespoon fat-free mayo, one teaspoon sugar, two teaspoons lemon juice, one and a half teaspoons spicy mustard, two cups diced cooked chicken, one third cup diced celery, salt and pepper to taste, whole wheat bread, lettuce and tomato to garnish

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and blend in a food processor or blender until desired consistency is achieved. Spread onto whole wheat bread and top with lettuce leaves and tomato slices if desired.

This chicken salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Take a container with you on your picnic along with bread, lettuce and tomatoes for an easy to assemble low-fat chicken salad sandwich.

Low-Calorie Recipes for Picnics - Picnic Potato Salad

Follow this recipe for a low-calorie picnic favorite. You simply can't have a picnic without the potato salad but you can keep it low-calorie.

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds cubed potatoes, two chopped hard boiled eggs, ½ cup fat free sour cream, ½ cup fat free mayo, one tablespoon spicy mustard, ¼ cup chopped green onions

Directions:

Cook potatoes until tender in boiling water. Drain and allow to cool completely. Add hard boiled eggs. Mix sour cream, mayo, mustard and green onions together in a separate container. Combine potato and egg mixture with sour cream mixture and mix well. Cover and chill.

This potato salad should be prepared ahead of time and kept chilled in a cooler until ready to serve.

Low-Calorie Recipes for Picnics - Vegetable Dip with Crudités

Vegetable dip is a wonderful low-fat picnic idea. Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks and/or fresh broccoli and cauliflower pieces. Follow this recipe for a low-calorie picnic version of this classic finger food.

Ingredients:

½ cup non fat plain yogurt, one cup low fat mayonnaise or miracle whip, one package Italian dressing mix or ranch dressing mix, four teaspoons vinegar, ¼ teaspoon thyme

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly, cover and chill.

This vegetable dip should be made ahead of time and chilled, then taken on the picnic and served with fresh veggies.

Low-Calorie Recipes for Picnics - Low-Calorie Fruit Dip

Fruit dip is a great way to spice up fresh fruit. Follow this low-fat picnic recipe to create a low-calorie version of this classic family-favorite.

Ingredients:

one cup non-fat plain yogurt, two tablespoons orange juice concentrate, two tablespoons honey

Directions:

Mix ingredients together thoroughly, cover and chill.

This fruit dip should be made ahead of time and chilled, then taken on the picnic and served with fresh fruits such as apple wedges and pears.

Low-Calorie Recipes for Picnics - Low Fat Fruit Shortcake

This is a delicious low-calorie picnic recipe that is a hit with kids and adults alike. It's refreshing on a hot day and super easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

Low-fat angel food cake, strawberries, kiwis, low fat cool whip

Directions:

Cut a slice of angel food cake and top with strawberries and kiwis. Top the entire thing with some low fat cool whip and serve immediately.

This recipe is easily assembled on site. Just make sure to keep the cool whip and fruit chilled in a cooler until ready to serve.