With the summer season in full swing, it’s that time of the year to grab your basket, get outside, and enjoy a picnic with family and friends! Picnics are the perfect time to enjoy light, fresh, and healthy meals and snacks while enjoying the fresh air and great outdoors. Make sure you pack your Frisbee or football to enjoy a fun game and work up an appetite! Just remember to bring lots of water to stay hydrated while having fun. For a tasty and easy picnic drink, try seltzer with a few slices of fresh fruit for a light and summery flavor.  

Try some of these MyPlate-inspired easy and fun recipes, grab your picnic blanket, and head outside!

• Fruit Skewers
• Quinoa and Garbanzo Bean Salad
• Spinach, Tomato, and Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad

Need some ideas on where to play and picnic? Click here to find local parks and places to gather!

We hope you can find ways to enjoy a fun picnic to celebrate this Independence Day weekend. We wish everyone the safest and healthiest of celebrations − Happy July 4^th!