18 fuss-free recipes to make for a spring picnic


Finger foods, sandwiches, breezy tarts and fresh salads are all fool-proof picnic classics. 

1. Pumpkin & Red Pepper Tart with Creamy Goat Cheese

This easy vegetarian tart is practically begging to be shown off at your next gathering.

2. Roasted Cauliflower, Lentil Tabbouleh and Cumin Yoghurt

This hearty salad can be served as is, or with your choice of protein.

3. Caramelised Onion and Gruyere Cheese Scones

Raise your scone game with the nutty gruyere cheese and sweet caramelised onion.

4. Chicken & Tarragon Sandwiches

French tarragon, a perennial herb that appears late spring to early summer, is perfect with chicken.

5. Avocado Caesar Salad in a Jar

Freshen up your next lunch or picnic with this simple salad-in-a-jar.

6. Chargrilled Cauliflower Tarts

If you need a finger food, a light starter, or even a tasty lunch, cauliflower tarts are the ticket.

7. Broccolini, Buckwheat & Herb Salad

If the vegetable gods are smiling, use fresh broad beans instead of frozen and swap out the broccolini for asparagus.

8. Chicken Curry Puffs

These baked golden parcels can impress on their own as a spicy entrée or make a tasty addition to an afternoon spread.

9. Garden Greens Feta Filo Pie

A simple tart to use up excess garden greens, heavy on the fresh herbs and complemented with briny feta.

10. Beetroot Cashew Dip

This vibrant dip will be a hit at any picnic, afternoon tea or party.

11. Parmesan-Crumbed Eggplant Rounds

Warmer weather calls for lovely finger food.

12. Potato, Fennel, Mozzarella & Anchovy Tart

Potatoes are the anchor ingredient in this flavourful tart.

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13. Butter Bean Salad with Preserved Lemon Peel

The secret to Ruth Pretty’s zippy butter bean salad? Preserved lemon peel.

14. Pesto Puffs with Cherry Tomatoes

These babies push all the right buttons when you want a tasty savoury bite.

15. Creamy Asparagus, Spinach, Herb and Goat’s Cheese Tart

Pair this savoury meal with a dollop of tomato relish and a glass of pinot gris.

16. Crispy Veggie Chips

Forget splurging on a bag of gourmet chips at the store, try making your own (hint: it’s easier than you think).

17. Blueberry Muffin Cake with Almond Topping

This dessert is simple to make with a good crunchy topping — just mix and stir!

18. Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies

Cheesecake and brownies rolled into one ultra-decadent treat.

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Homegrown Kitchen author Nicola Galloway embraces a slower way of life with a garden-to-table ethos on her 800sqm block in Nelson

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NZ Life and Leisure    NZ Lifestyle Block
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