Picnic-Perfect Plant-Based Dishes for a Tasty Backyard Get-Together

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These picnic plant-based dishes feature 10 salads, wraps, sandwiches, and desserts, plus a perfect cocktail! Wondering what to bring for a romantic picnic or potluck get-together? Try these vegan and vegetarian recipes for salads, wraps, sandwiches, and desserts made with naturally sweet dates: plus, don’t forget a perfect margarita! Enjoy healthy eating for summer events with these 10 ideas.

Lentil Pasta Salad

lentil pasta salad with sliced olives, cherry tomato halves, and fresh basil leaves in large bowl with serving spoon.
Image Credit: Melissa Altman-Traub for Melissa Traub Plant-Based Nutrition

Easy lentil pasta salad offers a healthier twist on the classic pasta salad, making it ideal for get-togethers and picnic baskets. Packed with vegetables and topped with a fresh lemony vinaigrette, it captures the taste of summer.

Get the Recipe: Easy Lentil Pasta Salad

Broccoli Crunch Salad

Close up of broccoli salad topped with pumpkin seeds.
Image credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Bursting with color and fresh taste, this summer broccoli crunch salad is a hit at any gathering. Crisp broccoli, crunchy pepitas, and a zesty chipotle mayo dressing come together to create a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy your greens. Perfect as a side or a light main dish.

Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

Orange Tahini Grilled Tofu

Grilled tofu on plate with grilled zucchini slices and red peppers.
Image Credit: Melissa Altman-Traub for Melissa Traub Plant-Based Nutrition

Add Mediterranean flavor to your tofu for an easy grilled vegan main dish. This versatile recipe is easy for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner, offering a delicious way to enjoy plant-based protein.

Get the Recipe: Orange Tahini Grilled Tofu

Cabbage Crunch Salad

Close up of cabbage salad topped with chopped peanuts.
Image credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

In just 20 minutes, you can create this vibrant cabbage crunch salad. Packed with crisp veggies, it’s tossed in a creamy peanut butter dressing and topped with fresh green onions, cilantro, and crunchy chopped peanuts. The hearty vegetables store well, making it the prefect picnic salad.

Get the Recipe: Link text

Perfect Margarita Cocktail

margarita in glass with shot glass and lime next to it.
Image Credit: Jennifer Deremer for Not Entirely Average

Make this drink yourself with fresh lime juice: why rely on prepared mixes? Use your favorite tequila and mix up this easy favorite: here’s no better way to quench your thirst!

Get the Recipe: Perfect Margarita Cocktail

My Favorite Veggie Hummus Wrap

2 stacked halves of whole wheat burrito with grilled portobello strips, red peppers, zucchini, hummus, and spring mix and apple slices on a plate.
Image Credit: Melissa Altman-Traub for Melissa Traub Plant-Based Nutrition

Looking for a healthy vegan lunch idea? Look no further: Combining warm grilled vegetables with fresh, crunchy veggies, this wrap features flavorful, grilled portobello mushrooms and zucchini for a satisfying meal.

Get the Recipe: My Favorite Veggie Hummus Wrap

Pumpernickel Sandwich

A halved stacked sandwich on brown pumpernickel bread with cucumbers.
Image credit: Erika Piper for The Veggie Yaya

Enjoy a quick, delicious outdoor lunch with this combo: rich pumpernickel bread slathered in homemade garlic-dill cream cheese and topped with crisp cucumber slices. The earthy bread pairs perfectly with the tangy, herb-infused spread and refreshing cucumber crunch.

Get the Recipe: Pumpernickel Sandwich

Salad with Beans, Quinoa, Rice, and Pecans and Lemon-Herb Dressing

Bowl of beans, yellow peppers, cucumber, pecans, and quinoa with a fork.
Image Credit: Melissa Altman-Traub for Melissa Traub Plant-Based Nutrition

This crunchy salad is a great choice for the summer. The protein and fiber from the beans, along with healthy fats from the nuts and olive oil, can help you feel satisfied!

Get the Recipe: Salad with Beans, Quinoa, Rice, and Pecans and Lemon-Herb Dressing

Easy Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Chocolate-covered dates stuffed with peanut butter on a plate.
Image credit: Erika Piper for The Veggie Yaya

These sweet and salty date bites are an ideal snack or treat, with all the benefits of plant foods. Sweet, chewy dates, peanut butter, and dark chocolate combine for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Get the Recipe: Easy Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Homemade Vegan Oatmeal Date Cookies (Gluten-free)

oatmeal date cookies on cooking rack and a white plate.
Image Credit: Melissa Altman-Traub for Melissa Traub Plant-Based Nutrition

Try these oatmeal date cookies with chocolate chips for a tasty, chewy vegan and gluten-free after-school or anytime snack. These contain less added sugar and saturated fat than typical oatmeal cookie recipes.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegan Oatmeal Date Cookies (Gluten-free)

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