The Top 10 Things to Eat (and Drink!) Outside

I know I’m not alone when I say the walls are closing in on me. We’ve all been stuck in our home base in the same stagnant routine day after day. All the while, time is whizzing by without us even realizing it. For me, my daily walk outside has been my lifeline; it’s the way I break up the monotony of my day, breathe in some fresh air (through my mask), and feel the sun on my skin, even if for just a moment.

Now that summer is here, the need to be outside grows by the day. Even though gathering at the beach and backyard dinner parties with my friends aren’t in the cards right now, I’m here to remind everyone that we are still allowed to be outside. So don on your favorite summer mask and don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the top part of your face, cause it’s time to eat (and drink!) all the things outside. From your backyard BBQ to your socially distant picnic in the park, I’ve compiled a list of 10 things you want to eat outside from now until the end of summer.

You can’t go wrong with eating summer fruit at its peak. This super-simple recipe is the ultimate picnic treat.

Get the recipe: Easiest Summer Fruit Salad

This crunchy and herbaceous salad is super fresh and the ideal side dish to your favorite grilled protein.

Get the recipe: Tiger Salad

This low-cook, no-chop recipe has dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes — perfect for hot summer evenings on your porch, in your backyard, or at the park.

Get the recipe: No-Chop Cold Veggie Noodle Bowls

This vegetarian sandwich has tangy fermented pickles and is begging to be eaten outdoors.

Get the recipe: Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Obligatory “shrimp on the barbie” joke inserted here.

Get the recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Whip up these carnitas and set up a platter of ingredients for a DIY taco party on your back porch. Margaritas optional.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Summertime’s MVP is best consumed sitting on the stairs of your back porch.

Get the recipe: Smash burgers

Ripe summer peaches enrobed in buttery, flaky dough — need I say more? The only thing better than pie is pie to go. Hand pies make a great treat and are easy to transport to the beach and park.

Get the recipe: Peach Hand Pies

Nothing screams summer like a tall cold glass of lemonade. Fill up your insulated bottle and bring along to your socially distanced picnic.

Get the recipe: How To Make Lemonade from Scratch

Since most of us probably won’t get to Disneyland this year, you can have Disneyland favorite tropical treat in your own backyard. And it’s vegan — fun for everyone!

Get the recipe: Pineapple Whip