While sandwiches with meat and other meat-based dishes might be common for picnics, this is definitely not your only option! There are so many amazing vegetarian dishes that are perfect for an outdoor picnic, whether it is with you and your significant other or your family. Plus, if you’re following guidelines from a Functional Medicine Burbankexpert, these recipes are excellent to incorporate into your diet.
Quinoa Veggie Salad
If you are on a vegetarian diet, quinoa can be your new best friend. It provides a good amount of fiber and protein when you are not getting these nutrients from the meat you eat. It’s often suggested in Functional Medicine Studio City. It is also good for extra protein when you are on more of a vegan diet where you aren’t eating much cheese. With this type of salad, you will use quinoa that has been cooked and cooled off, along with loading it with all your favorite veggies. This can be any combination you want, from peas and carrots to a selection of garden veggies like tomato, cucumber, and greens.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Pasta salads can easily be turned into vegetarian meals simply by getting rid of the chicken or shrimp the original recipe called for. A delicious pasta salad to try out is one based on Caprese. You will use your preferred type of pasta, mixed with some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, tomato, and mozzarella cheese. It is light, simple, and delicious and fits well within the dietary guidelines promoted by Functional Medicine Los Angeles professionals.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Who doesn’t love a creamy spinach artichoke dip? This is great for a vegetarian picnic if you also want to be a little on the healthier side. If you’re following Functional Medicine Los Angeles dietary advice, you’ll know that while this dip does use cheese, there are recipes out there that will help you prepare more of a lighter dip. The artichoke and spinach are very good for you, and together with the cheese and seasonings create the perfect dip. You can dip sliced raw veggies, crackers, or just about anything else.
Veggie Wrap
If you don’t have a lot of time to prepare for your picnic, but don’t just want boring salads, consider making some veggie wraps. All you need are some tortillas along with your choice of veggies to go inside. You can also add some cream cheese or hummus on the inside of the tortilla, adding a bit of flavor and also helping the veggies to remain in place. There are whole wheat, spinach, and tomato tortillas that work great as wraps for this type of picnic lunch. They are also easy to hold during the picnic without needing to bring along plates.