Looking for healthy fall picnic inspiration? You found it! Keep reading for delicious recipes and picnic ideas. Fall at Shakespeare Dallas is the perfect excuse to pack up a fabulous picnic to enjoy theater under the stars. We worried all week about the weather but it was practically perfect for the opening night of King Lear. My friend Kellie is gluten free, which was the perfect excuse for me to shake up my usual pasta salad / sandwich routine and come up with a whole gluten free fall picnic menu for you all!
What to Bring
I always take my little red wagon (okay, fine, it’s my mom’s that I commandeered a few years ago) for easy transport from the car to the amphitheater. I’m in good company with the Shakespeare Dallas crowd, as many people were bouncing into the theater with wagons full of goodies in tow.
I took my waterproof picnic blanket since I worried the ground would be wet. If you love to picnic like me, I highly recommend a waterproof blanket. Two nights in a row I was completely dry whereas those around me were wet by the end of the evening!
I brought my custom King of Handmade Rose Table tote bag and my insulated Business & Pleasure tote bag in lieu of a cooler. I switched my fall bouquet to a small orange vase that would fit in my cupholder driving to and from the theater. I also brought a couple of small pumpkins just because plus my white outdoor plates, brand forks, gold wine glasses, and army green napkins.
The Food
We all know why you’re really here: the food! I’m so proud of this easy make-ahead menu. For the main course, I made a delicious Butternut Squash Rice Salad with pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, raw pumpkin seeds, feta cheese, and maple mustard vinaigrette. It absolutely screams fall! It also just so happens to be gluten free. Get the recipe here. I also brought grilled chicken tenders to make dinner a little heartier.
I also packed up some hummus with radishes, cucumber slices, sugar snap peas, and cherry tomatoes. I brainstormed how to transport a ready-made hummus plate and decided on a lightweight wood bowl, which worked super well.
For dessert, I made a maple custard topped with cinnamon whipped cream. Puddings and custards are a great option for a gluten free dessert, as they are typically made with cornstarch, which is naturally gluten free. Plus it’s fairly low in sugar and packed full of calcium. You can pour the mixture in cute little jars, perfect for a picnic!
I hope this inspired you to host your very own fall picnic! Want more fall picnic inspiration? Check out my Rosé Picnic, Pumpkin Picnic, and Fall Fairytale Picnic.
Happy picnicking,
Lovely and yet more lovely!