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    Home » Recipes » Summer

    Jul 1, 2023 by Sylvie · This post may contain affiliate links

    Food to Take to the Beach

    Gluten-FreeGrain-FreeVeganPaleo

    From drinks to dessert, with fresh wraps and hearty salads in between, these recipes are easy to pack up and take to the beach.

    Food to take to the beach

    So last time we talked about some essential picnic supplies to bring to the beach, but now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s get to the good part - the food.

    If you’re wondering what to pack in that cooler for your trip to the beach then I’ve pulled together some recipes that are perfect for enjoying outdoors. While it’s always nice to pack up some staples like trail mix, fruit and chips, you’ll probably want something more filling as well at some point. Ideally beach food should be: something you can easily assemble or prepare in advance, be able to withstand being transported, taste great at room temperature (no iffy ingredients that could spoil in the heat) and be easy to eat. 

    From wraps and hearty salads to dips, desserts and drinks here are 15 ideas for food to take to the beach.

    Appetizers, Salads and Wraps

    Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip

    Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip (Muhammara) in Bowl Surrounded by Chips

    Serve this dip with some homemade pita chips or store bought chips and you have a simple make-ahead appetizer for any picnic.

    Spicy Green Almond Hummus

    Spicy Green Almond Hummus (Paleo)

    This green hummus is a spicy little number, loaded with fresh flavor that goes great with chips or cut up vegetables.

    Sesame Nori Roasted Cashews

    Sesame Nori Roasted Cashews in Small Wood Bowls

    These salty, sweet cashews with a hit of umami make a great portable snack.

    Carrot Cabbage Slaw with Orange Sesame Dressing

    Carrot Cabbage Slaw with Orange Sesame Dressing (Vegan)

    If you’re looking for a summer salad or side that’s easy to throw together and bring along, then a slaw is the answer.

    Summer Orzo Salad

    Gluten-Free Orzo (Risoni) Pasta Salad with Pesto and Sundried Tomatoes

    This summer orzo salad with broccolini and sun-dried tomatoes holds up well in the heat and is a flavorful addition to any picnic.

    Zucchini Noodle Kale and Sun-Dried Tomato Salad

    Zucchini Noodle, Kale and Sundried Tomato Salad on Plate over Napkin

    While most lettuce based salads can’t be dressed ahead of time and wilt in the heat, this hearty salad comes to the rescue with its staying power.

    Sesame Snap Pea and Broccoli Stalk Salad

    Sesame Snap Pea and Broccoli Stalk Salad in white bowls

    This crunch-filled salad holds up well at room temperature for hours, making it a natural for outdoor entertaining.

    Thai Vegetable Wraps

    Thai Vegetable Coconut Wraps (Paleo, Vegan)

    Filled with crunchy raw vegetables and served with a cashew dipping sauce, these Thai vegetable wraps make an easy and delicious no-cook, portable lunch.

    Cucumber Kelp Noodle Lettuce Wraps

    Cucumber and Kelp Noodle Lettuce Wraps with Sesame Sunflower Sauce on White Plates with Sauce

    Carrots, cucumber, kelp noodles and a creamy sesame sunflower sauce fill these summer roll inspired lettuce wraps that make a refreshing beach lunch.

    Dessert

    Mini Brownie Bites

    Mini Brownie Bites in Napkin Lined Bowl

    These easy to eat mini two-bite brownies are puffed around the edges, chewy in the middle and loaded with fudgey chocolate flavor.

    Crispy Coconut Cookies

    Crispy Coconut Cookies Stacked on Plate

    These coconut cookies are crisp, buttery, light as air and melt-in-your-mouth good; they also pack well.

    Chocolate Chip Cookie Brittle

    Chocolate Chip Cookie Brittle in Tin

    This easy to make chocolate chip cookie brittle is a crisp and crunchy take on an old favorite that's easy to pack up and take along.

    Drinks

    Watermelon Hibiscus Agua Fresca

    Watermelon Hibiscus Agua Fresca in Glasses with Lime Slices

    Refreshing and simple to make, this agua fresca is an easy pick for a thirst-quenching drink you can make ahead of time.

    Raspberry Rooibos Grapefruit Iced Tea

    Raspberry Rooibos Grapefruit Iced Tea in Pitcher with ice and glasses

    This raspberry, rooibos, grapefruit iced tea is fruity with a refreshing sweet/tart taste.

    Lemon Goji Switchel

    lemon goji switchel in glasses with lemon slices

    The original electrolyte drink, without all the artificial color and high fructose corn syrup is a must for hot beach days.

    Happy Picnicking!

    P.S. Also check out these healthy gluten-free recipes that are picnic proof.

    Sylvie

    Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.

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