Viva’s 50 Most Popular Recipes Of All Time
Our 10 Most Popular Recipes From Instagram In June
For your picture-perfect picnics and potlucks.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This June, our Instagram was colored with easy pasta salads, crowd-pleasing dips, and other warm-weather favorites. We dined on twisted bacon at brunch and fresh strawberry cake for dessert.
From delectable dressings to fun, festive picnic ideas, these top-clicked summer recipes are full of fresh flavor and, of course, plenty of visual appeal. So, if you need some start-of-summer inspiration, check out the top-trending recipes that will stay in our rotation all season long.
Mom's Best Macaroni SaladDotdash Meredith Food Studios
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This pretty pasta salad is one of our top-rated recipes for a reason: it's sweet, tangy, and loaded with texture from the colorful mix of veggies. Instagram user ballroommom06 raved, "My family is crazy for this! It's delicious." Another user suggested swapping in Ranch dressing for mayo if you're feeding picky eaters. We approve!
Scottish ShortbreadDotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Just because it's one of the most basic cookies out there doesn't mean it can't be the most beautiful. These buttery shortbread cookies caught lots of eyes on Instagram with their crispy, light texture and soft golden color. Made with just 3 ingredients, these traditional treats are perfect to pack for a picnic or enjoy with an iced coffee on a hot summer afternoon.
Roasted Asparagus with Parmesanhappyschmoopies
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When you've already planned out the main course, this easy side dish is a no-brainer. June is the perfect time to enjoy fresh asparagus, and when it's flavored with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sea salt, there's no tastier way to enjoy it either.
Spiced Bacon TwistsDotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Sure, bacon doesn't usually last long on the breakfast table, but this twisted bacon, with its sweet, candy-like coating, will disappear almost instantly. It's crispy all over, seasoned to perfection, and beautifully twirled for a playful presentation. "Spiced. Bacon. Twists. BOOM." says user kellester26.
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Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad DressingDOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
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For whatever reason, salads at restaurants just taste better. Well, we've finally discovered the secret, and it's in this flavorful salad dressing recipe. Keep a batch in the fridge and enjoy cool, crisp (and easy) salads all summer long.
"Made this today! The dressing is exactly what I've been searching for!" Instagram user tons_ohhhhh_fun comments.
Cold Greek Tortellini SaladView Recipe
Cold, crunchy, and refreshing, this chilled tortellini dish has all the bright flavors of the season while still helping you keep cool. You can't go wrong with this simple pasta salad—it's the kind of crowd-favorite dish that will go with everything else at the potluck.
Real HummusDotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Put a plate of homemade hummus on the table with warm pita and fresh veggies, and everybody is happy. This recipe has been passed down for generations for a reason—it's simply delicious. "This is the best homemade hummus I've ever tried. I have made so many, but nothing beats this!" user brendaarmstrong1964 agrees in the comments.
An easy hack? Adding ice while blending makes the final dish unbelievably creamy and luscious.
Marry-Me ChickenDotdash Meredith Food Studios
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A now-viral dish (but one that's been in our repertoire for years), Marry-Me Chicken is perfectly juicy and flavorful—and best of all, easy. Instagram users have called this a "delicious chicken dinner" and suggest doubling over or even tripling the creamy sauce. Serve it over a plate of pasta, and you might just steal some hearts.
Clone of a Cracker Jackvoraciousgirl
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It's no wonder this peanutty, caramelly popcorn stopped Instagram users mid-scroll. The sweet and salty treat tastes so much like the childhood ballpark favorite, the only thing you'll miss is the box prize!
User dbemis75 comments, "This looks better than packaged cracker jack!" while kdchappell shares, "My family loves it (without peanuts) and it's a Christmas staple."
Best Strawberry Cake from ScratchDOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
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We get it—making cake from scratch can seem intimidating, but this sweet and simple recipe will guarantee a fluffy, show-stopping cake on your first try. Strawberry cake shines in this season with its beautiful ripe berry flavor and strikingly summery color. User 125marshall comments, "I don't love strawberries, but I could love that cake."
Planning A Picnic! How's About You Make It Irish With These Delicious Recipes
These traditional Irish picnic foods will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your soul. So, gather your loved ones, pack your picnic basket, and embark on a delightful journey celebrating the beauty of Ireland's summertime.
While Ireland's weather doesn't always cooperate, this summer has been on the whole delightful so far. If you're lucky enough to be heading out into the countryside this weekend or even your local park why not make an afternoon of it and pack a picnic?
Here, we will delve into the world of traditional Irish picnic foods, share delightful recipes, and provide insights into what essentials to pack for a perfect Irish picnic.
Soda bread sandwichesSoda bread, a staple in Irish cuisine, takes center stage in the form of hearty sandwiches for picnics. These sandwiches feature a variety of fillings, from classic ham and cheese to smoked salmon and cucumber. The dense, slightly sweet soda bread complements the fillings perfectly.Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour- 1 teaspoon baking soda- 1/2 teaspoon salt- 1 cup buttermilk- Fillings of your choice (e.G., ham, cheese, smoked salmon, lettuce, cucumber)
Method:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly.
Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing it into thick slices for sandwiches.
Fill the sandwiches with your desired ingredients and pack them for your picnic.
Subscribe to IrishCentral Egg sandwichesA staple of Irish picnics, egg and onion sandwiches are simple yet flavorful. The creamy egg salad with a hint of tangy onion is a classic combination that can be enjoyed on freshly baked soda bread or crusty rolls.Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped- 1 small onion, finely chopped- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard- Salt and pepper to taste- Slices of white bread or crusty rolls.
Method:
In a bowl, combine the chopped eggs, onion, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
(Option: Add chopped tomatoes or lettuce to the mix)
Spread the egg salad generously onto your bread.
Cut the sandwiches into desired shapes and pack them for your picnic.
Smoked salmon and dill cream cheese wrapsFor a taste of luxury, incorporate smoked salmon into your Irish picnic spread. These wraps combine the delicate flavors of smoked salmon with a creamy dill-infused cream cheese, creating an elegant and satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped- 8 ounces smoked salmon slices- Fresh lettuce leaves
Method:
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with fresh dill until well combined.
Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto each flour tortilla.
Arrange smoked salmon slices and lettuce leaves evenly on top of the cream cheese.
Roll up the tortillas tightly and secure with toothpicks, if necessary.
Slice the wraps diagonally into smaller portions and pack them securely for your picnic.
Subscribe to IrishCentral Fresh fruit saladIncorporate the vibrant colors and flavors of fresh Irish produce into your picnic with a refreshing fruit salad. Choose seasonal fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and sliced apples. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle the fruit salad with a honey-lime dressing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)- 1 apple, thinly sliced- Juice of 1 lime- 2 tablespoons honey- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Method:
In a bowl, combine the mixed berries and sliced apple.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey.
Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the fruit and gently toss to combine.
Garnish with mint.
Irish cheese and charcuterie boardIrish cheese and charcuterie board
Embrace the rich tradition of Irish cheese and create a mouthwatering charcuterie board for your picnic. Include a variety of locally produced cheeses, such as Cashel Blue, Dubliner, and Knockdrinna. Pair them with slices of cured meats, artisan bread, chutneys, and fresh fruits for a delightful grazing experience in the great outdoors.
Traditional beveragesTo quench your thirst on a warm summer day, consider packing traditional Irish beverages. A refreshing option is a homemade lemonade, combining freshly squeezed lemons, sugar, and sparkling water. For those who prefer a taste of Ireland, a bottle of craft cider or a flask of Irish whiskey mixed with ginger ale can add a touch of authenticity to your picnic experience.
9 Healthy, Portable Picnic Foods To Pack For Your Next Outing
Is there anybody who doesn't love a picnic? Not according to Smithsonian Magazine, which reported that searches for "picnic date ideas" have increased nearly fourfold in the past year.
It may be that the pandemic got us all used to doing everything, including dining, outside in the fresh air, or a newfound awareness of the many health benefits of spending time in nature. Whatever the cause, eating alfresco is more popular than ever, and with a little planning, you can pack the perfect picnic wherever you end up enjoying it: at the beach, the mountains, even indoors.
There are some practical considerations to filling your picnic basket, of course. You want foods that won't melt or spoil and are portable and easy to eat as well as healthy. Produce checks every one of these boxes, and can be enjoyed in so many easy, delicious ways. Plus, the majority of Americans do not meet the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines recommendations for produce (1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables each day), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and many cite lack of preparation and cooking time as a reason why, according to research published in the June 2020 Nutrients. But many fruits and veggies don't need much time or attention to be picnicworthy.
Sugar snap peas, baby bell peppers, baby carrots, broccoli florets, radishes, cherry tomatoes, or grapes, cherries, berries, peaches, and plums require zero peeling, dicing or other prep work to enjoy — simply rinse and add them to a food storage container or zip-top baggies. They are the perfect picnic finger food on their own or served with a dip.
A daily dose of fruits and veggies is associated with a plethora of benefits. Fruits and veggies are very low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, reports Orlando Health. They also can help prevent chronic disease, aid digestion, lower blood pressure, and keep one's appetite in check, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. A study published in January 2020 in the journal Nutrients found that participants who ate at least five servings of fruits and veggies even experienced a mood boost.
Another benefit of plant-based options? They tend to be less likely to spoil in the heat than meat, dairy, or other animal-based products. That doesn't mean you shouldn't still use caution, however. In general, the temperature range between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F is the danger zone for food, where bacteria can multiply rapidly, according to Kansas State University. Food is safe only for up to two hours at that range, and only one hour if the outdoor temperatures are above 90 degrees F. It's a good idea to surround your food with ice packs and place it inside an insulated container to prevent spoilage, advises the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). And don't forget to pack plenty of water and beverages to stay cool and hydrated.
Below you will find nine picnic recipes that are way more filling, nutritious, and colorful than cheese and crackers.
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