Low-Calorie Recipes for Picnics: Six Delicious Recipes Perfect for a Picnic

There are many delicious low calorie recipes that are perfect for picnics. Light salads, grilled chicken and refreshing desserts are wonderful alternatives to picnic foods that are high in fat and calories. We often think of fried chicken, hamburgers and potato salad as traditional picnic foods.

It's time to change our way of thinking and rid ourselves of the extra fat and calories we pack in our picnic baskets. The following are six of my favorite low calorie recipes for picnics. Each one is simple to prepare and take to your favorite picnic spot.

Cucumber Corn Tomato Salad

* 2 cucumbers peeled, sliced and diced
* 1 package cherry or grape tomatoes - cut each one in half
* 1 red onion peeled, sliced and diced
* 2 ears of corn - cooked and cut from the cob (or 1 can of niblet corn)
* 1 can of black beans (optional)
* salt and pepper to taste
* balsamic vinegar
* olive oil

Mix all of the ingredients together and add the balsamic vinegar and olive oil to taste.

This low calorie salad is not only delicious but it is easy to transport in a covered container.

Cesar Salad with Grilled Chicken

This is a great way to use leftover chicken breasts, or grill them at the picnic or at home the day before.

* 1 head Romaine lettuce - cut into pieces
* croutons
* 3 hard boiled eggs peeled and cut into quarters
* 2 grilled chicken breasts - cooked and thinly sliced
* Low fat shredded mozzarella cheese to sprinkle on top of the salad
* 1 bottle of your favorite low calorie Cesar salad dressing

This recipe, except for the croutons and salad dressing , can be put together before you leave for your picnic. It can also be assembled at the picnic location.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Fresh fruit is a perfect picnic dessert. Mix this up the night before and let the juices meld together for this luscious, light treat. Use any combination of fruits you enjoy. The following is my favorite fruit salad.

Cut up the following fruits and place in a covered plastic container ready to go on tomorrow's picnic:

* Watermelon
* Grapes
* Strawberries
* Bananas
* Peaches
* Pineapple (fresh or canned)
* Oranges

TurkeyTortillas

Tortillas are fun to eat on a picnic. These scrumptious turkey tortillas are low calorie and can be made with a spicy kick or not depending on your taste.

* Lettuce - shredded
* Tomatoes - diced
* Red onion - sliced and diced
* Cucumber- peeled, sliced and diced
* Thin sliced low salt deli turkey
* Chili sauce (optional)
* Whole wheat tortillas - or your favorite variety

Homemade Hummas on Pita Chips

Place the following ingredients in your food processor and blend:

* 1 can cannelloni beans
* ½ cup Feta cheese
* ½ cup Greek style yogurt
* 1 Tbsp. Lemon juice

Take this spread to your picnic and enjoy it on pita chips, mini bagels or crackers. It also makes a delicious dip for fresh vegetables.

Stuffed Pita Pocket

* Thinly sliced low salt deli turkey breast or low salt ham
* Whole wheat pita bread
* Red onion - thinly sliced
* Tomato - thinly sliced
* Cucumber - thinly sliced
* Lettuce shredded
* Low calorie salad dressing of your choice

Fill your pita with the delicious low calorie ingredients and add a small amount of your favorite dressing for a real picnic treat.