Fresh Summer Picnic Ideas with a Tomato Twist for Memorial Day
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer in the United States. Typically observed on the last Monday in May, it's a time when people come together to honor and remember the military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.
First and foremost, it’s a day of remembrance. It’s also a time to look forward to warmer, nicer weather; the perfect occasion for a picnic. Families and friends gather in parks or backyard patios and enjoy the outdoors with summer picnic food and Tuttorosso Tomatoes are the perfect Memorial Day picnic companion.
Tuttorosso takes pride in using only the freshest, seasonal ingredients to create our delicious tomato products. By sourcing our tomatoes during peak growing seasons, each can is filled with the vibrant flavors of ripe, sun-kissed tomatoes. This commitment to quality ingredients shines through in every dish, making Tuttorosso a trusted choice when it comes to fresh summer recipes.
Planning Your Memorial Day Picnic Menu
Enjoying a meal in nature at a picnic nourishes your body and soul. It's an exhilarating experience to share with family and friends, especially when you have the delicious summer picnic foods that everyone loves.
Here are some tips to make your Memorial Day picnic a success:
- Choose Portable Foods
- Remember to Bring Drinks and Recyclable Plates & Utensils
- Don’t Forget Dessert
- Pack Smart - Use a Picnic Basket or Cooler
- Bring Along a Blanket or Tablecloth
- Pack Some Wet Wipes or Hand Sanitizer
- Don’t Forget Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
And most importantly, plan to take along all your favorite summer recipes featuring Tuttorosso Tomato Products.
Remember, the key to a successful picnic is to strike a balance between delicious food with fresh seasonal ingredients and easy transportation of that food. With careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can create a Memorial Day picnic menu that everyone will enjoy.
Tuttorosso Tomato Summer Salads
If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant salad recipe that is perfect for summer picnics, the Watermelon and Feta Salad is not to be missed.
This light and flavorful salad with red and yellow watermelon, cucumber, Tuttorosso peeled plum tomatoes, green onion and fresh herbs is topped with a balsamic reduction sauce and crumbled feta cheese. It’s packed with flavor and good-for-you, fresh ingredients.
The Al Fresco Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavorful pasta salad recipe that can be made ahead of time for your Memorial Day picnic. This light pasta salad is perfect for summer picnics, featuring Tuttorosso diced tomatoes, and fresh vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and yellow bell peppers tossed in a flavorful seasoning.
Packing Tips for the Perfect Picnic
As for your food, be sure to use well-sealed containers; there is nothing worse than opening your basket or cooler only to find soggy buns for your Italian Sloppy Joes! If you are making sandwiches ahead, use parchment or waxed paper to wrap sandwiches. We love this tutorial from Serious Eats for wrapping a sandwich. We also like using reusable items for our food, like glass jars for salads, muffin tins for a condiment station or deviled egg holder, how about egg crates for items that need to stand in transport, like mini cupcakes!
If you are packing a cooler, it is good idea to make sure both the food and the cooler are pre-chilled. A couple of hours before packing, fill the cooler about half way with ice and let it set, you will dump the ice/water before packing. Your chilled cooler will keep your food cool longer! Use items like ice sheets or those blue ice packs instead of messy loose ice. These are easier to tuck between the food containers and no water to get into the “sealed” containers. Fill empty spaces with water bottles and drink cans.
Making the Most of Your Memorial Day Picnic
Embracing the start of summer with a delightful picnic can create cherished memories. Consider having your picnic at a picturesque park, a lakeside spot, or a scenic garden for a great outdoor experience. While the food is the highlight, picnics are a great place to play games like touch football, baseball, Frisbee, corn hole, and so much more.
Make this Memorial Day special by embracing the start of summer with a picnic, and elevate the experience by incorporating fresh and delicious recipes featuring Tuttorosso Tomatoes!
With the warmth of the sun, the company of loved ones, and the freshest flavors of the season, this Memorial Day can be truly special as we honor and pay tribute to our fallen heroes and welcome the joys of summer.