Summer is the perfect time to pack a picnic and head down to your favorite picnic spot. The thing is, it’s possible to have a Chinese picnic packed with goodies that aren’t your usual American fare. Think of it as having dim sum on the go!
Chinese Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is a staple of any picnic. If you want to have a Chinese picnic, then it’s time to put a fresh spin on this classic. Start by baking and shredding the chicken breast, since that is the most time-consuming part of preparing this dish. If your picnic is meant to be for lunch or dinner, then you are in luck. That’s because you can spend the morning preparing the chicken. Any leftovers make for a great wrap sandwich that you can have for lunch the next day.
Spring Rolls
Everyone loves spring rolls. Spring and summer rolls are both surefire ways to get everyone excited to have a Chinese-style picnic. Fill rice paper wrappers with veggies and rice noodles. It’s incredibly healthy and surprisingly easy to make, which makes it perfect for your picnic basket. Jazz things up with a spicy dipping sauce – hoisin and peanut. Beef, chicken, and small shrimp also take your spring rolls up a notch.
Potato Salad and Coleslaw
Potato salad and coleslaw are two other items that you probably associate with a picnic. If you didn’t know that you could make Asian-inspired variations before your next Chinese picnic, then you are in for a surprise! The potato salad can include bok choy, green onion, and a rice vinegar dressing. Meanwhile, the coleslaw can be made from cabbage and bok choy and topped with a rice vinegar dressing as well.
Egg Rolls
We mentioned above that spring rolls are a great addition to your picnic. Here’s an idea for an alternative – the humble egg roll. These crispy treats have bean sprouts, mushrooms, celery, and pork.
Tea Eggs
This is perhaps the most unique item on this list. Hard-boiled eggs are simmered in a combination of tea and spices. They’re also known as marbled eggs due to their distinctive appearance. They make for great snacks and part of a yummy breakfast if you are so inclined – just think about the time of day that you’re planning your picnic for!
Get All Your Asian Groceries at Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market is your one-stop-shop for all of your Korean and Asian grocery needs. With more than 10 locations in Maryland and Virginia, this growing market is always expanding and opening new markets to serve our customers better. Since we opened in 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, please email us at LottePlaza.com.