Five Reasons to Have a Vegan Picnic

So you want to have a vegan picnic…?

It’s a great idea, really, and there are a lot of reasons to put on one of these celebrations of natural foods.

Here are some of the top trends around vegan picnics, and reasons to convene this sort of culinary event.

1. Getting Fruits and Vegetables in Season

For many vegans, a big part of the experience is seeking out those whole foods that are growing where you are – fruits and vegetables that are growing right now, in your area, and hence, cheaper and of much better quality, in general. Who can beat a fresh, flavorful tomato straight from the vine? Or a bowl of just-picked berries…?

A vegan picnic can be a great way to celebrate that sort of freshness. There’s nothing like getting your food fresh from the farm, or wherever it’s coming from. You can also experiment with great ways to reduce or eliminate the carbon footprint of your food. And it’s going to be a great experience, as well as part of a nutritional vegan diet!

2. Where the Wild Food Grows

In fact, the next great reason to have a vegan picnic sort of follows from the original idea of getting fruits and vegetables in season.

If you are eating out in the wild, outdoors, al fresco… you’re eating in the environment that your food grows in. There’s something to be said for this as well! A vegan picnic is likely to evoke new feelings and sensations about the practice of obtaining and enjoying a meal. And that’s a good reason to make this sort of thing a frequent habit, especially in the growing season.

3. The Appeal of ‘Glamping’

Have you heard about this? The idea of eating fresh vegan food outside has led to the emergence of a trend called ‘glamping,’ which is really a combination of the words ‘glamour’ and ‘camping.’

Glamping enthusiasts like to blend high-end culinary experiences with nature and the outdoors. That can mean cooking over a campfire, or eating vegan recipes at a long table in a field full of sun and wildflowers.

What a great way to enjoy some of these flavors that remind us that a lot of food comes directly from the ground, or from healthy, thriving plants?

4. Fresh Air and Vitamins

Here’s another great reason to get your friends together for a vegan picnic – you get a great one-two punch when it comes to healthy nutrients and vitamins for our bodies!

The fresh air and sun gives you vitamin D. That’s vital for good health. The fruits and vegetables give you a range of powerful antioxidants that fight oxidization in your body, and give you better longevity and quality of life.

That kind of synergy can really be built into a great vegan picnic experience. You don’t have to pound the drum too hard, either: most of your vegan eaters are likely to already know about these health benefits. Moreover, as you get into this kind of experience, you’re likely to feel them, too!

5. Fun on a Budget

Want another reason to put on a vegan picnic?

It’s easy and doesn’t require a lot of specialized gear. Meat-eating, on the other hand, necessitates heavy items like a grill and a cooler. And that costs extra money, too.

A vegan picnic is very much like what humans would have done for centuries, prior to all of these cars, trucks and SUVs whizzing around. It’s simple, and you make your own fun. Bring instruments, bring conversation topics, bring your cameras, and bring the healthy fresh food that’s going to sustain you that day.

Vegan Picnic Ideas

So what are you going to have at your vegan picnic? Here are some crowd-pleasing favorites.

Salsa and chips – It’s easy enough to find vegan chips, and as for the salsa, it’s the extra flavors that are going to amaze your crowd. Mango salsa is one option – but a savory blend with cilantro really excites a lot of people!

Salads – Make a fresh green salad, or pasta salad. You can make a bean salad, or a corn salad.Check out this recipe that blends tomato, red onion, bell pepper and olives.

Buddha bowls – Pre-bake cauliflower, butternut squash, and beets in advance. Afterward, dice some avocado and prepare a grain base of your choice. Combine all the ingredients, sprinkle some seeds on top, and drizzle with a delightful cashew mayo or miso dressing. Your meal is ready to enjoy – it’s both straightforward and incredibly tasty!

Whole fruits – For dessert, don’t overlook the abundance that’s at your disposal as a vegan. Fruit is good food! You don’t need much to dress up fresh berries, apples, citrus fruits, etc. Maybe a little vegan cream sauce and lime – and that’s it.