Winter has finally packed its bags, and spring is rolling out the green carpet! It's time to trade those wool socks for picnic blankets and celebrate the season of new beginnings with an outdoor feast. Here's how to shake off the chill and welcome the sunshine with a perfect springtime picnic, packed with healthy, delicious bites that are sure to tickle your taste buds (dietitian approved)!

Springtime favorites that are dietitian curated:

1. Veg Out with Crispy Veggies and Hummus
Start your picnic with a colorful array of crunchy vegetables – think carrots doing the tango with celery and bell peppers, while cucumber sticks play it cool. Dive them into a pool of creamy hummus for a snack that's as nutritious as it is Instagram-worthy. Who knew eating your veggies could be this much fun?

2. Quinoa Salad: The Grass is Greener Here
Ditch the heavy winter meals for a light and zesty quinoa salad. Mix this superstar grain with spring greens, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Drizzle it with a lemony dressing, and voilà! You've got a dish that's not just a feast for the eyes, but also a party for your palate.

3. Skewer the Past (Season) with Grilled Delights
Wave goodbye to winter stews and hello to grilled chicken or tofu skewers. Marinated in your favorite herbs, these skewers are like little sunbeams on a stick, bringing warmth and smoky goodness to your picnic spread.

4. Wrap It Up with Whole Wheat Delights
Roll into spring with whole wheat wraps stuffed with avocado, turkey, and crisp lettuce. It's a wrap that's easy to handle, even if you're juggling a frisbee (or cocktail) in the other hand.

5. Fruit Salad: Spring's Natural Candy
Sweeten the deal with a bowl of fresh fruit salad. It's like eating a rainbow, minus the pot of gold, but with a sprinkle of mint and a touch of honey, who's complaining? This juicy mix is the perfect antidote to those long-gone winter blues.

6. Fizzy Water with a Twist (or a Kick!)
Forget the sugary drinks of yesteryear; keep things light and bubbly with sparkling water, jazzed up with slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber. It's hydration with a side of pizzazz, perfect for toasting to longer days and shorter sleeves.

And if you're in the mood for something with a bit more kick, why not reach for a Volley? These all-natural, refreshingly clean alcoholic beverages are the ideal companion for your springtime picnic. They add just the right touch of spirited fun while keeping in step with your healthy lifestyle. Cheers to sunnier days and delightful sips!

So, dust off that picnic basket, throw on some shades, and embrace the great outdoors. With these healthy and delicious ideas, your springtime picnic is not just a meal; it's a celebration of the end of hibernation. Here's to fresh air, fresh food, and fresh starts.

Happy picnicking!
- Sarah Grace Meckelberg, MS,RD