Hi!  I wanted to share this group of recipes with you as inspiration for your end of summer and fall picnics as well as easy side ideas when you are bringing a dish to a backyard gathering.  Lastly, save this come back to this post because many of the items are great for early fall meals when you are busy with sports and activities as make ahead meal ideas.

Full Meal Recipes

1. Fully Assemble Ahead of Time:
   1. Mediterranean Pasta Salad with the addition of chickpeas for extra protein and a complete meatless meal
   2. No Cook Summer Tomato Sauce Pasta: Full Meal Idea: Add roasted or sautéed sausage or bacon for a complete meal (can also serve over spinach with mozzarella or add roasted zucchini for extra veggies)

1. Prepare/Bring Deconstructed:
   1. Greek Chicken Bowls
   2. Turkey Bacon & Avocado Salad – serve with Pita Chips or bring a fresh loaf of bread
   3. Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos
      • Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
      • Selection of your favorite taco shells or wraps
      • Guacamole
      • Salsa
      • Cheese (Mexican blend or cojita)
      • Sour Cream

Side Recipes to Pair it with your Favorite Grilled Meat 

1. Full Assemble Ahead of Time:
   1. No Cook Summer Tomato Sauce Pasta – I like to pair with:
      • Grilled pesto chicken
      • Yogurt marinated chicken kebabs
      • Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak
      • Mixed Herb Marinated Chicken
      • Rosemary & Garlic Pork Tenderloin
   2. Mediterranean Pasta Salad – I like to pair with:
      • Grilled pesto chicken
      • Yogurt marinated chicken kebabs
      • Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak
      • Mixed Herb Marinated Chicken
      • Rosemary & Garlic Pork Tenderloin
   3. Cherry Farro Salad: For Complete Meal I usually add spinach for adults, bring a raw veggie for kids and pair with my any grilled meat
   4. Avocado, Corn, Tomatoes and Cheddar Salad (I add the avocado at the last minute): goes great with grilled honey cilantro lime chicken or mixed herb grilled chicken.  It is fun to serve with chips
2. Prepare/Bring Deconstructed:
   1. Watermelon Arugula Salad
   2. Strawberry Summer Salad

DESSERT

1. Pie Bars
2. Pretzel Blondies
3. Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
4. Favorite Brownies 
5. No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

MORE

I really enjoy her blog and recipes and she has a great round up

https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/summer-picnic-recipes-and-tips/

I am going to try her tortellini salads and asian cucumber salads soon!

AND

Why not make it fun and have a giant snack board for a make ahead easy late meal or picnic!

Check these out for inspiration

https://whatsgabycooking.com/summer-snack-board/

https://www.howsweeteats.com/2021/05/best-cheese-board-cheese/