Don’t you just love the fun of an outdoor picnic? Instead of a dinner menu this week, I’ve put together some recipe ideas for a perfect Shabbat

lunch picnic! Hopefully wherever you are located the heat has broken a bit and you’re able to enjoy some outdoor time on a lazy Shabbat afternoon.

Chips and salsa or guacamole are always a crowd-pleaser but boring! Try whipping up some homemade Pesto Hummus and Whole Wheat Pita Chips from What Jew Wanna Eat. The Pesto Hummus is a great way to use some of those fresh herbs this time of year. If making your own pita chips seems too time intensive just buy some! I love the Stacy’s Pita Chips as well as the Sea Salt Pita Chips from Traders Joes.

Instead of mayo-drenched coleslaw try making this Health Salad, a much lighter version for a summer afternoon, from The Kosher Foodies.

What’s a summer picnic without some potato salad!? This recipe for Mustard Dill Potato Salad from More Quiche Please is also mayo-free. And if you feel like a little more indulgent version try Ina Garten’s recipe for Potato Salad made with mayo and buttermilk!

When I prepare for a picnic I love making a variety of sandwiches, cutting them into individual portions and then wrapping them up for transport. Martha Stewart has a great recipe for a Tuna Nicoise Sandwich and a Hummus and Vegetable Sandwich.

Other perfect picnic sandwich ideas: Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil; Egg Salad with Pickled Cucumbers or even some tangy Goat Cheese, Roasted Red Peppers and Arugula. Make a variety but don’t go too crazy – people will just enjoy being able to sample a few different sandwiches.

No dessert says summertime to me quite like some fireside S’mores and brownies are a great transportable dessert – just cut into squares and put into a container. So try for size these S’more Brownies for a sweet summary end to your picnic. And don’t forget the watermelon slices too!

Shabbat Shalom and happy picnic-ing!