Drinks
Fresh ginger juice brings a zing to this beverage that was just made for summer outdoor dining.
Picnic punch. Source: Destination Flavour Down Under
If you're after a refreshing punch with a boozy kick, try this pretty picnic number.
Bread and dips
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Watermelon and basil gin fizz.
The predecessor to modern pizza, focaccia is designed to accompany larger meals and makes it the perfect accompaniment for picnic spreads. A good dose of salty olives and aromatic herbs make this version really stand out.
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Olive and rosemary focaccia. Source: Alan Benson
Give the corn chips and crackers a break and try serving your dips with this straightforward flatbread.
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Homemade pide.
Miso brings caramel-like quality to this creamy eggplant dip, which can also be used as a condiment for meat and a spread for sandwiches.
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Eggplant and miso dip. Source: China Squirrel
A brightly coloured dip that will bring the party to your picnic.
Salads and sustenance
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Moroccan beetroot dip. Source: SBS Food
This salad has a well-balanced mix of sweet roasted onions, briny feta and crunchy walnuts, giving it a multi-dimensional flavour appeal.
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Roasted red onion salad with feta and walnuts. Source: Jacqui Small / Lisa Linder
A refreshing cooling and vibrant salad of cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and mint mixed up in a lemony sumac-laced dressing.
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Israeli salad. Source: Ben Dearnley
Textured and nutty, this salad is packed with protein to make it filling as well as tasty.
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Five-grain salad. Source: Andrew Davies
Golden fried chicken has a place on any summer picnic spread. This lively dressing adds a refreshing touch, and could be used with other meats and as a salad dressing.
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Cajun fried chicken with a green chilli and coriander dressing. Source: Petrina Tinslay
These felafel are baked rather than deep-fried, makes them a lighter, healthier version perfect for warmer weather banquets.
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Baked falafel with tomato herb salad & tahini sauce. Source: Alan Benson
Cooking low and gives this beef a dreamy depth of flavour, and the tangy homemade Worcestershire sauce adds a unique zing and extra richness. Note that 10-12 hours of roasting time is required, so you'll need to get a day head-start on this recipe.
Sweet
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Slow roasted beef brisket. Source: Alan Benson
These summery-looking little tarts are a fun change on more common lemon curd, and make the most of seasonal stone-fruit. Rosewater and basil bring some floral and herby flavours of the park.
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Peach curd and rosewater tartlets with basil whipped cream and nasturtium flowers.
Traditional brownies get a pretty and festive touch with a sprinkling of grassy pistachios and bursting raspberries. They're easy to transport and share, and look impressive.
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Pistachio and raspberry brownies.