Schools out for summer! OK, well for some of us, it’s been out for like 10+ years, but whatever – it’s still a time to celebrate!!  It’s the best time to focus on enjoying the long days of summer with family and friends. Barefoot temps, trips to the beach and the farmers market, making time for fresh and simple meals and doing as much as possible outdoors… there is just so much that is especially delicious about summer. To me, there is no better word for what it we need to be doing right now – than savoring!!

One of my personal favorite ways to Savor the Summer is with PICNICS!! We love packing up some goodies and heading to the beach, to a local park, farmers market or even just our own backyard for a some good old fashioned – dining al fresco! There truly is no better way to enjoy the flavors of the season than with your feet in the grass, your skin being kissed by the hot summer sun enjoying the freshest food the season has to offer.

I am super excited to share with you today a bunch of great naturally-colored red white and blue 4th of July-inspired picnic recipes plus a ton of other summer-worthy recipes!

If you are feeling especially patriotic – here are a few naturally colored red, white and blue recipes (all shown above):

No-Bake Vegan Cheesecake from Tasty Yummies
Raw Mini Mascarpone Berry Cakes from Texanerin Baking
Fourth of July Fruit Skewers  from Snappy Gourmet
Red White and Blueberry Popsicles from The View from Great Island
No Bake Blueberry Pie from Fannetastic Food
Red White and Blue Salad from A Healthy Life for Me
Patriotic Quinoa Salad from It’s Yummi
Lavender Berry Parfaits from Tasty Yummies
Raspberry Bars from Petite Allergy Treats

More Gluten-Free Recipes – Perfect for Any Summertime Picnic:

Red Wine & Blue Summer Spritzer from Wine and Glue
Red White and Blue Quinoa Berry Salad from Kitchen Treaty
Raw Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Tomatoes, Basil and Olives from So Let’s Hangout
Snap Pea Slaw with Creamy Cashew Dressing from 80Twenty
Best Guacamole from What’s Gaby Cooking
Homemade BBQ and Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips from Fork and Beans
Cauliflower Tabbouleh from Gourmande in the Kitchen
Grilled Sweet Potato  and Wilted Kale Salad from Tasty Yummies
Super Green Quinoa Salad from With Love and Food
Burrata with Chipotle Strawberries and Arugula from Aida Mollenkamp
Zucchini Socca from Tasty Yummies
Concord Grape Syrup from 80Twenty
Vegan Potato Salad from Nosh and Nourish
Swiss Chard Wraps with Walnut Taco Filling from Tasty Yummies
Thai Style Lettuce Wraps from Aida Mollenkamp
Roasted Summer Vegetable Quinoa Salad from Roasted Root
Chipotle Hummus from Tasty Yummies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies from Because I Like Chocolate
Homemade Mango Salsa from Live Simply
Warm Mustard and Herb Fingerling Potato Salad from What’s Gaby Cooking
Cucumber Ribbon Salad with Garlic Tahini Dressing from Tasty Yummies
Blackberry + Mango Lemon Poppy Seed Fruit Salad from With Food and Love
Cucumber and Mint Limeade from So Let’s Hangout
Sprouted Lentil Tacos with Feta Cheese  from Tasty Yummies
Mom’s Potato Salad from Everyday Maven
Summer Chickpea Salad from Franny Cakes
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cashews from One Creative Mommy
Four Bean Salad w/ Quinoa Sun Dried Tomatoes + Sunflower Seeds from The Lemon Bowl
Very Berry Salad with Honey Sweetened Raspberry Vinaigrette from Tried and Tasty

Other quick and easy foods to bring along on your gluten-free picnic:

corn tortilla chips
salsa
your favorite sandwiches made on gluten-free bread
cheese, meat and your favorite gluten-free crackers
fresh fruit
fresh veggies
olives
nuts
and of course, don’t forget the wine!

Check out my 4th of July Pinterest Board for even more ideas.