When you’re eating at your desk answering emails, sometimes it’s easier to snack rather than have a composed meal: a plate with some sliced apple, some shaved Parmesan, and some roasted almonds, or maybe some sliced ham, a pile of arugula, and a corner of baguette. You could plan these “picnics” when you’re making your meal plans, but you might also be able to pull them together from the loners in your fridge that have nowhere else to go. Either way, try to hit at least four of the following five categories. Otherwise you’ll end up with a bowl of day-old rice and some celery sticks—more pitiful than picnic.
THE VEG AND FRUIT
Celery sticks, a sliced apple or pear, carrots, cold roasted squash, dried apricots, fresh or dried figs
THE PROTEIN
Crumbled or cubed Parm, sliced or cubed provolone, crumbled feta or goat cheese, sliced or cubed salami, sliced turkey/pork loin/beef, Perfect 7-Minute Eggs (here), roasted almonds or walnuts
THE GREEN AND/OR CRUCIFEROUS
Cooked greens, baby arugula/spinach, sliced cabbage, roasted broccoli or cauliflower
THE CARB
Cooked potatoes, cooked rice, sliced baguette, pita bread, crackers, really good oily focaccia, cooked or canned beans, refried beans
THE DRESSING
Basic Vinaigrette (here), Simple Yogurt Sauce (here), lemon juice, or simply olive oil and salt