© Shutterstock

Green salad - If it's hot, dry, and sunny, consider making up a green salad of celery, cucumber, cabbage, onion, greens, herbs, and spices— a superfood super bowl!

© Shutterstock

Hummus dip - What's a picnic without a dip or two? A healthy bowl of hummus is best served with pita chips and a sprinkling of paprika.

© iStock

Cheddar cheese - Originating in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset, this lovely cheese is best savored with crackers and a dollop of pickle. Try it extra mature!

© Shutterstock

Cured sausage -

Saucisson, a dried cured sausage from France, is an ideal accompaniment to cheese. It's also a wonderful sandwich filler. Try and get hold of Rosette de Lyon, a French favorite.

© iStock

Scotch egg - A great picnic hamper standby, the Scotch egg is a traditional British snack where a hard or soft-boiled egg is wrapped in sausage meat, coated in bread crumbs, and baked or deep-fried. Enjoy with pickle or coleslaw.

© iStock

Coleslaw - Believed to have originated in the Netherlands way back in the mid-18th century, coleslaw is a favorite side dish and works wonders with chicken or as a salad dressing. 

© Shutterstock

Chicken drumsticks - Pack a rack of baked chicken drumsticks smothered in a delicious honey mustard sauce. A tasty addition to fresh, crunchy salads.

© iStock

Tabbouleh salad - This vegan-friendly option brings together tomato, cucumber, couscous, mint, and pomegranate to produce a typical Middle East dish that's as colorful as it is flavorsome.

© iStock

Quiche Lorraine - A delicious pick for outdoor dining, and as mouth-watering eaten cold as it is when hot. 

© iStock

Roasted almonds - Roasted, crunchy almonds make a delicious and healthy snack. It's a perfect appetizer to go nuts over!

© iStock

Fresh baguette - You can't beat freshly baked bread, and the baguette epitomizes a picnic get-together. The more crispy the crust, the better.

© Shutterstock

Caprese salad - Get creative with a caprese salad: skewer sweet tomato, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves for a different take on this simple Italian classic.

© iStock

Olives - Marinated olives with herbs will lend your spread a decidedly Southern European character.

© iStock

Avocado sandwich - How about these artisanal bites, made with avocado paste and decorated with edible flowers? Go on, spread the news!

© Shutterstock

Spinach fritters -

These easy-to-make quinoa ricotta spinach fritters are super healthy. Tip: spice up the picnic dining experience by adding thinly sliced hot chili peppers.

© iStock

Quinoa salad - Quinoa salad with broccoli, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes... a super summer combo or what?! Well worth the effort to prepare beforehand and pop in the cooler to go.

© iStock

Pork pie - A traditional British snack, the humble pork pie has been gracing picnic spreads since the word "picnic" was invented. A great inclusion in any basket. 

© iStock

Comté cheese - This creamy, nutty-tasting French cheese will need to be kept chilled, so keep it in the cooler and serve by order.

© iStock

Liver paté - It's a labor of love to prepare, but pâté en croûte—baked liver in puff pastry—adds a gourmet flourish to any picnic spread.

© iStock

Salad Niçoise - Add either tuna or anchovies to round off a salad Niçoise, and dress using only the best quality virgin olive oil. Very nice!

© iStock

Homemade jam - If your tastes are simple and you'd rather not stand on ceremony, a round of sandwiches filled with homemade jam— strawberry or apricot, perhaps—can color any picnic spread.

© Shutterstock

Strawberry cheesecake - This is what coolers were made for. After all, what is a picnic without some just desserts? And, of course, strawberries are in season right now.

© Shutterstock

Chocolate brownie - Wickedly indulgent and oh so irresistible, chocolate brownies round off any picnic, especially if you've got kids with you.

© iStock

Fruit skewers -

You could throw in some individual fruit and be done with it. But why not take time and prepare a handful of fruit skewers? Tutti-frutti alfresco, if you like.

© Shutterstock

Summer cocktail drink - Mix ice-cool water with slices of oranges and bits of blueberries, strawberries, and mint for a zesty, healthy refreshment.

© iStock

Vinho verde - Wine is a perfect picnic complement, and there's one that sums up summer in an instant: vinho verde. Light and fresh, this Portuguese wine originates from the country's Minho region. Look for those made with the Alvarinho grape variety.

© Shutterstock

Red wine - Wine choice largely depends on the palate, but there's one picnic red wine that stands out: Plessis-Duval Saumur Champigny. This fresh, raspberry-fruited Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley is perfect served slightly cool.

© Shutterstock

Fruit spritzer - Fruit spritzers are easy to concoct and make tangy and refreshing alternatives to alcoholic drinks. Pictured is a grapefruit spritzer with club soda. 

© iStock

Sparkling water -

Sometimes less is more. Invest in quality sparkling water, drop in a couple of lemon slices or a dash of mint, and quench your thirst in an instant.

See also: Healthy eating: give your diet an extreme makeover!

© iStock