With summer around the corner, it's time to start thinking about all the outdoor activities you can look forward to. Every family has its fun summer traditions, but there are always a few staples everyone enjoys. One of the most common and enjoyable summer activities is going for a picnic. A picnic not only allows you the chance to savor the extra hours of daylight but also allows you to enjoy the way the food tastes different when eaten out in the open. It is also a way to enjoy a communal meal with family and friends without the distractions that are always present at home. A picnic enables people to focus on the food they are eating and those around them. These also happen to be the guiding principles of Mediterranean cuisine. Picnics and Mediterranean food are made for each other. An example for those in the Bay Area is the versatile chicken shawarma, which can add a delicious twist to San Mateo picnics.

There are a few guidelines that have to be followed to create a great picnic meal:

• The food should be easy to pack and transport.
• It should retain its flavors and textures and not be bland and dull when eaten. 
• The food should be easy to eat without the need for lots of cutlery and utensils.
• It should not be too heavy since outdoor activities are a part of most picnics.
• Since people have different culinary likes and dislikes, the food in the basket should have something for everyone.

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Also Read: Let’s Clear up Some Misconceptions About Halal Meat

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Picnic Ideas

There is a huge variety of Mediterranean food and recipes that are easily available. To give you an idea of the kind of Mediterranean picnic menu you could plan, here are 3 options.

• A Grilled Greek Menu: Grilled chicken, tzatziki (a cool and refreshing mix of cucumbers and yogurt), grilled zucchini and eggplant slices, whole wheat pita, watermelon, feta, and mint salad.
• A Middle Eastern Medley: Whole grain couscous, kebabs of firm white fish with a dressing like chermoula (which is a combination of herbs, lime juice, spices, and salt that can also be used as a marinade), a vegetable salad, and dates for a sweet ending. 
• Spanish Bites: A salad of spinach and garbanzo beans with grilled shrimps, a Spanish egg and potato omelet with some olives, cheese, and nuts to munch on.

Mix and match dishes as you want – it's difficult to go wrong with Mediterranean food.

There are no set rules to follow while preparing Mediterranean food. As long as it is based on the ingredients, produce, and cooking methods that are the basis of the cuisine, it’s good to go. In other words, a dish can be modified to suit the tastes and preferences of those who are at the meal, be it a picnic or otherwise. There is no shortage of recipes available, so finding the right picnic foods is not a problem. What needs to be ensured is that everything that goes into the food is fresh and of the best quality. Those living in and around San Mateo are not only in the right place to enjoy summer picnics, but they also have access to the best Mediterranean produce and ingredients at Aladdin Gourmet. And if you do not feel like cooking but just want to pick up great food for the picnic, the deli has all that you need, including such favorites as authentic halal shawarma right here in San Mateo.

1. What makes Mediterranean food great for a picnic?

Mediterranean food is perfect for picnics because it’s easy to pack, retains its flavors, and doesn’t require lots of utensils. It’s also light yet satisfying, ideal for outdoor meals.

2. Can I make Mediterranean food for a picnic?

Yes! Mediterranean food is versatile and perfect for picnics. Dishes like grilled chicken, kebabs, and fresh salads travel well and are easy to eat outdoors.

3. What are some Mediterranean picnic menu ideas?

• Grilled Greek Menu: Grilled chicken, tzatziki, grilled vegetables, pita, watermelon salad.
• Middle Eastern Medley: Couscous, fish kebabs, vegetable salad, dates.
• Spanish Bites: Spinach and garbanzo bean salad, shrimp, Spanish omelet, olives, cheese.

4. Can I buy Mediterranean food for my picnic instead of cooking?

Yes, you can visit Aladdin Gourmet Market in San Mateo for ready-to-go Mediterranean options like halal shawarma, fresh salads, and more, perfect for a picnic.

5. What is shawarma, and is it good for picnics?

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish made from seasoned meat, typically served in pita with toppings. It’s a great picnic option because it’s easy to eat and packed with flavor.

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