Want to add a little pizzazz to your next picnic this month? Try these fresh ideas that are quick, easy, and delicious to take advantage of the season's fresh produce. Umm, good! Don’t forget to pack all of the items you’ll need for a great picnic. Also make sure to utilize our safety tips to have a relaxing and safe picnic.

Cheryl Bell, MS RD LDN CHE
Healthy Living Advisor
Providing simple solutions for a healthier life…

Avocado Tuna Sandwich
Serves 4

1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and coarsely mashed
2 T fresh squeezed lime juice or lemon juice
¼ c roasted red pepper strips, fresh or jarred
2 T chopped fresh parsley
1 t minced garlic

¼ t black pepper
1 (6-oz.) can drained Chicken of the Sea® Chunk Light Tuna in Spring Water
8 slices hearty whole-grain bread
8 slices tomato slices
8 slices red onions

1. In medium bowl, combine avocado, lime juice, red pepper strips, parsley, garlic and pepper. Gently flake and fold in Chicken of the Sea® Tuna.
2. Fill each sandwich with 2 slices tomato, 1/4 c avocado filling and 2 slices red onion. Serve immediately. Makes 4 sandwiches.

Nutrition Information per serving:
300 calories
13 g fat
30 g carbohydrate
7 g fiber

Adapted from www.chickenofthesea.com

Fresh Garden Tomato & Cucumber Salad
Serves 8

2 medium cucumbers
2 c grape tomatoes, halved
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
3 T Carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 T Meijer sugar
3 T Meijer Red Wine Vinegar
¾ t Meijer salt (optional)
⅛ t fresh ground black pepper

1. Cut cucumbers in half. Remove seeds and slice.
2. In bowl, combine cucumber, grape tomatoes, bell pepper and onion. In bowl, whisk together olive oil, sugar, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Add dressing to cucumber mixture and toss to coat.
3. Cover and chill salad for several hours.

Nutrition Information per serving:
85 calories
5 g fat
10 g carbohydrate
2 g fiber

Wine Suggestions: Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay

Adapted from http://www.carapelliusa.com

Fresh Strawberry Pie
Serves 9

Fresh strawberries are cooked on top of the stove in a rich Sugar Lite glaze, then poured into a baked pastry shell and chilled. It's garnished with whipped topping and fresh whole strawberries.

1 Meijer ready prepared 9-inch single pie crust
1¼  c Equal® Sugar Lite™
⅓ c Meijer cornstarch
2 T water
1 T lemon juice
5 c sliced fresh strawberries (about 2 pounds)
8 medium size whole fresh strawberries, halved
Meijer Fat Free Whipped Topping (optional)

1. Pierce bottom and sides of pie crust with tines of a fork. Bake in preheated 400°F oven 12 to 14 minutes or until golden in color. Cool completely on wire rack.
2. Combine Equal® Sugar Lite™ and cornstarch in medium size saucepan. Stir in water and lemon juice until blended (mixture will be very thick). Stir in sliced strawberries until well-coated. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Cool 10 minutes. Pour into baked pie pastry. Refrigerate 3 to 4 hours or until well-chilled and filling is firm.
3. To serve, place halved strawberries around outer edge of pie. Cut into wedges and garnish each with prepared whipped topping, if desired.

Nutrition Information per serving:
214 calories
5 g fat
40 g carbohydrate
2 g fiber

Adapted from www.equal.com

Picnic Packing Checklist

• Picnic blanket or other ground cover
• Table cloth
• Eating utensils – forks, knives, spoons, plates, cups, bowl, etc.
• Serving utensils – large spoons or forks, servings dishes
• A sharp knife
• Napkins
• Paper towels
• Can and bottle opener
• Corkscrew
• A small cutting board or portable plastic cutting mats
• Condiments such as mustard, relish, etc.
• Plastic zipper storage bags
• Trash bags
• Moist toweletts
• Hand sanitizer
• Water and beverages
• Ice
• Single use camera
• Deck of cards or small games
• Baseball, soccer ball or other athletic equipment
• Portable radio with batteries
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Portable chairs and table

Picnic Safety

• Wash hands and work areas before preparing food
• Cooler Safety
• Pack food right from the refrigerator into the cooler.
• Make sure to have ample amount of ice to keep food around 40°F.
• Don’t put the cooler in the car trunk. Carry it inside an air-conditioned car.
• Keep cooler in the shade at the picnic.
• Use a separate cooler for drinks.
• Pack raw meats, poultry or seafood on the bottom of the cooler.
• Two Hour Rule: Don’t leave perishable food un-refrigerated for more than two hours. If outdoor temperature is 90° F or higher, limit time to one hour.