Throw that summer picnic already!

Whether you're planning an intimate picnic for two or upping your picnic ante for twenty, these vibrant portable dishes have you covered.

Eggplant miso dip Source: China Squirrel

Drinks

Picnic punch

Fresh ginger juice brings a zing to this beverage that was just made for summer outdoor dining.

Picnic punch. Source: Destination Flavour Down Under

Watermelon and basil gin fizz

If you're after a refreshing punch with a boozy kick, try this pretty picnic number.

Watermelon and basil gin fizz.

Bread and dips

Olive and rosemary focaccia

The predecessor to modern pizza, focaccia is designed to accompany larger meals and makes it the perfect accompaniment for picnic spreads. A good dose of salty olives and aromatic herbs make this version really stand out.

Olive and rosemary focaccia. Source: Alan Benson

Homemade pide

Give the corn chips and crackers a break and try serving your dips with this straightforward flatbread.

Homemade pide.

Eggplant and miso dip

Miso brings caramel-like quality to this creamy eggplant dip, which can also be used as a condiment for meat and a spread for sandwiches. 

Eggplant and miso dip. Source: China Squirrel

Beetroot dip

A brightly coloured dip that will bring the party to your picnic.

Moroccan beetroot dip. Source: SBS Food

Salads and sustenance

Roasted red onion salad with feta and walnuts

This salad has a well-balanced mix of sweet roasted onions, briny feta and crunchy walnuts, giving it a multi-dimensional flavour appeal. 

Roasted red onion salad with feta and walnuts. Source: Jacqui Small / Lisa Linder

Israeli Salad

A refreshing cooling and vibrant salad of cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and mint mixed up in a lemony sumac-laced dressing.

Israeli salad. Source: Ben Dearnley

Five-grain salad

Textured and nutty, this salad is packed with protein to make it filling as well as tasty.

Five-grain salad. Source: Andrew Davies

Cajun fried chicken with a green chilli and coriander dressing

Golden fried chicken has a place on any summer picnic spread. This lively dressing adds a refreshing touch, and could be used with other meats and as a salad dressing.

Cajun fried chicken with a green chilli and coriander dressing. Source: Petrina Tinslay

Baked falafel with tomato herb salad & tahini sauce

These felafel are baked rather than deep-fried, makes them a lighter, healthier version perfect for warmer weather banquets.

Baked falafel with tomato herb salad & tahini sauce. Source: Alan Benson

Slow-roasted beef brisket

Cooking low and gives this beef a dreamy depth of flavour, and the tangy homemade Worcestershire sauce adds a unique zing and extra richness. Note that 10-12 hours of roasting time is required, so you'll need to get a day head-start on this recipe. 

Slow roasted beef brisket. Source: Alan Benson

Sweet

Peach curd and rosewater tartlets with basil whipped cream

These summery-looking little tarts are a fun change on more common lemon curd, and make the most of seasonal stone-fruit. Rosewater and basil bring some floral and herby flavours of the park.

Peach curd and rosewater tartlets with basil whipped cream and nasturtium flowers.

Pistachio and raspberry brownies

Traditional brownies get a pretty and festive touch with a sprinkling of grassy pistachios and bursting raspberries. They're easy to transport and share, and look impressive.

Pistachio and raspberry brownies.