Italy has long been on my bucket list of places to visit. Until then, I can’t think of a more perfect way to enjoy a sunny day than by spreading out a blanket in the park and having a rustic Italian picnic. For me, the key to a good picnic is simplicity. I like to keep the food light and healthy, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. A few of my favorite picnic recipes include prosciutto wrapped peaches, balsamic strawberries over ricotta and bruschetta. I also like to pack a loaf of crusty bread and some cured meats and cheeses. And of course, no picnic is complete without a refreshing drink! Whether you’re enjoying a romantic lunch for two or a fun day out with friends, I hope you’ll give this Italian-inspired collection of recipes a try.

Balsamic Reduction

Making a balsamic reduction is so simple, and it makes such a big impact. It can be found at your local grocery store. But just a few key ingredients come together to create a rich, sweet and slightly tangy sauce that puts the finishing touch on a variety of dishes. Balsamic vinegar, and thyme are all you need. No pun intended. The thyme adds a subtle herbal flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey and the acidity of the vinegar. I like to use a good quality balsamic vinegar for this recipe, because it really makes a difference in the flavor.

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Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

2 Cups Balsamic Vinegar
2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme

Instructions

To make the reduction, simply combine the vinegar and thyme sprigs in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cook it until it has reduced by about half. This will take about 15 minutes.
Once it has reduced, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then transfer it to a jar or container and store it in the fridge.

Keyword Balsamic, Balsamic Reduction, Dressing, Picnic, Salad, Side Dish

While the versatility of balsamic reduction extends beyond this Italian spread, it plays a pivotal role in several of our picnic recipes! Consider doubling your ingredients to have a batch of this delightful dressing on hand in your fridge for the upcoming week. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate your salads and enhance their flavor profile.

Balsamic Strawberries over Ricotta

Trust me on this one, friends. You haven't lived until you've tried balsamic strawberries over ricotta. It's the perfect blend of sweet and tart, and the creamy ricotta pairs beautifully with the juicy berries. Plus, it comes together in just a few minutes, so you can enjoy it any time of day.

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Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

1 Pint Strawberries
1 Tbsp Honey
2 Tbsp Balsamic Reduction
1 Cup Low-Fat Ricotta Cheese
1 Sprig Mint or Basil

Balsamic Reduction

2 Cups Balsamic Vinegar
2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme

Instructions

Balsamic Reduction

To make the reduction, simply combine the vinegar and thyme sprigs in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cook it until it has reduced by about half. This will take about 15 minutes.
Once it has reduced, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then transfer it to a jar or container and store it in the fridge.

Balsamic Strawberries over Ricotta

First, slice strawberries into bite-sized pieces. Next, add the ricotta to a medium bowl and season with salt to taste, stir.
Next, add the ricotta to a medium bowl and season with salt to taste, stir.
Assemble your dish by adding the strawberries over the ricotta and drizzling the balsamic reduction and honey.
Top with small leaves of mint or basil.

Keyword App, Appetizer, Balsamic, Balsamic Reduction, Picnic, Side Dish

As a proud Texan, I have a deep appreciation for the summer bounty of peaches and strawberries—essential ingredients for any picnic spread! In this collection, I’ve curated simple yet delightful ways to enhance these seasonal gems. Whether you prefer to keep it fuss-free or take your dishes to the next level, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s celebrate the flavors of summer in style!

Prosciutto Peaches

This simple yet elegant recipe is a great way to show off summer peaches at their best. I simply cannot resist a roadside Fredericksburg peach stand. In this recipe the sweetness of the fruit is perfectly balanced by the salty prosciutto, and the whole dish comes together in just a few minutes. I like to serve it as an appetizer, but it is also perfect for a summer picnic.

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Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

2 Ripe Peaches
4 Thin Slices Prosciutto
1 Sprig Basil
1 Tbsp Honey
1 Tbsp Balsamic Reduction

Balsamic Reduction

2 Cups Balsamic Vinegar
2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme

Instructions

Slice the peaches to desired thickness.
Place half of a basil leaf (tear or slice) on top of each peach slice.
Wrap each basil peach slice with a strip of prosciutto.
Drizzle your completed prosciutto wrapped peaches with honey and balsamic reduction.

Keyword App, Appetizer, Picnic, Side Dish

Get ready to take your picnic experience to the next level and impress your guests (even if it’s just you!). I’m rounding out our picnic spread with a tantalizing combination of figs, brie, and bacon. While it might sound adventurous to some and like a typical Tuesday lunch to others, there’s one thing we can all agree on: this dish is absolutely DELICIOUS.

picnic-italian-recipe-supper-social-blogs

Fig Bacon Brie

In the culinary world the “holy trinity” traditionally refers to a combination of sautéed onions, bell peppers and celery in Creole cuisine. Fig jam, bacon, and brie is my kitchen’s holy trinity because the flavors play so well together. However, I have yet to see it on the menu at a restaurant. The fig jam, bacon and brie is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. The basil gives it a fresh flavor, while the brie and bacon add a richness that is sure to please any palate.

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Ingredients

8 Oz Brie Room Temperature
1⁄2 Cup Fig Jam
5 Slices Bacon
1 Sprig Basil

Instructions

First, pan fry bacon until crispy. Allow to cool and then crumble.
Slice the brie to desired thickness. Dollop a small spoon-full of fig jam over eacb brie slice.
Top the jam brie pieces with crumbled bacon and basil leaves. Enjoy!