This healthy salad is flavourful as well as nutritious. Simply toss cauliflower florets in a hot sauce and serve with dressed lentils and salad leaves.

This sophisticated salad is excellent for a posh picnic. The mighty blue cheese pairs beautifully with the buttery walnuts.

Alternatively, serve with kale or chard instead of spring greens. Find more inspiration for cooking with spring greens. This colourful pastry, packed with layers of vegetables, feta and egg, is sure to impress your fellow picnic-goers.

Discover more vibrant vegetarian pie recipes. Meat-lovers are sure to take a thick slice of this pork and ham pie, which has eggs neatly nestled in the middle. It's a bit of a challenge, but perfect for a weekend cooking project and well worth the effort when you tuck in. Take a look at our pork pie recipes for more meaty picnic bites.

Cheese carries the flavours of basil, mint and watercress in these crisp, bite-sized filo parcels. They're easy to make but look beautiful on any plate or platter. Based on a French pithivier, our simple spiced pie is an impressive twist on a classic coronation chicken sandwich filling.

It's equally delicious served warm or cold, and keeps well for up to three days. Want a meat-free picnic centrepiece? Cutting into this multi-layered bake will reveal a kaleidoscope of colourful veg such as beetroot, sweet potato, chard and celeriac.

Wrapped in homemade spelt pastry, this crowd-pleasing pie is worth the effort. Browse our vegan pie recipes for more dairy- and egg-free pastry inspiration. Why not try this veggie pie? A twist on the classic cheese and onion, it's made using filo pastry and harissa-roasted butternut squash for some extra spice and sweetness.

A summery twist on classic sausage rolls, with a chicken and bacon filling flavoured with sundried tomatoes, garlic and basil. We've got plenty more sausage roll recipe variations.

Our step-by-step instructions will help you nail this picnic classic. Achieve a crispy breadcrumb coating, moist herby sausagemeat and slightly runny yolk.

Discover more scrumptious scotch egg recipes to fill your picnic basket. These savoury scones are easy to make, and are a lovely alternative to bread at a picnic. They're simply scrumptious split in half and spread thickly with butter. Peruse more savoury scone recipes , from cheddar to chorizo flavours.

Flapjacks don't have to be sweet. Bake a batch of these moreish cheddar and chive oat bakes for a scrumptious savoury picnic bite. With a mixture of crunchy seeds, grated carrots and porridge oats, they are full of goodness.

Find more fabulous sweet and savoury flapjack recipes. Want a change from scotch eggs? These tasty bite-sized morsels are instead filled with shredded ham hock and peas alongside traditional sausagemeat. Fry them in a crispy breadcrumb coating and serve with mustard, mayo or minty tartare sauce.

These tasty little parcels replace traditional sausagemeat with a gourmet filling of mushrooms, chestnuts, leeks and cheddar cheese. Encased in a butter puff-pastry case, they are made for picking up and dunking in a punchy dip see our ideas below.

If you are also avoiding dairy, then try our equally delicious vegan sausage rolls , which use brown rice miso as a binding agent. These herby tear-and-share bread rolls are easy to make and baked with a moreish filling of mozzarella and sundried tomatoes. They are sure to be a hit with the kids.

We've got lots more showstopping tear and share breads to enjoy with family or friends. Try these fun, fruity apple rings for a healthier alternative to real doughnuts. Kids will love helping to make and decorate them with nut butter, soft cheese and sprinkles.

Pack them in a small box wrapped in a little baking parchment, then enjoy as a light picnic treat. Discover more quick and easy snacks for kids.

Transform a punnet of ripe, juicy strawberries into a decadent snack by drizzling them in velvety dark chocolate. Drizzle with milk and white chocolate and enjoy as part of a romantic picnic or al fresco gathering.

Take a look at our strawberry recipes for more inspiration with this juicy summer berry. Ditch the shop-bought trail mix and make up your own sweet and salty version to pack in a paper bag. A delicious mix of nuts, seeds, pretzels, dried fruit and chocolate, it's a great snack for kids to munch on while walking to the picnic site.

Any leftovers can also be used as a popcorn alternative on family film night. These easy polenta bites can be made in three simple steps and kept in the fridge for up to a day. Great to serve with delicious dips or flavourful enough to eat alone. Hummus is one of the most popular and versatile picnic dips.

This rich and creamy chickpea blend is made using just five ingredients and is ready in 10 minutes. Spoon into lunchboxes to transport and enjoy with crunchy vegetable batons or pittas. See our hummus recipes for plenty more flavour variations, including beetroot, pea and squash hummus.

Whip up this Middle Eastern-style dip as part of a meze feast. The smoky flavour of charred aubergines pairs well with nutty tahini, sharp lemons and parsley.

Roasted red peppers provide a flavour boost in this speedy, low-calorie dip. A cooling mint, garlic and yogurt dip, perfect for summer snacking. Enjoy it with pitta toasts or spread over wraps as a filling.

Keep the hunger pangs at bay with this light yet satisfying vegan dip. Blitz the avocado with beans, garlic, spices, lemon zest and juice and serve with a scattering of mixed seeds, crackers or crudités. This minty yoghurt dip is exceptionally refreshing. The golden raisins add small bursts of sweetness throughout.

Serve alongside flatbread or as a complement to barbecued meats. Combining two of our favourite foods — falafel and scotch eggs — this is a great healthy veggie option to bring along to a picnic. The casing is made using chickpeas spiced with cumin and coriander rolled in crisp panko breadcrumbs.

Quiche lovers can now enjoy our lighter version of this picnic classic, minus the pastry case. It's still packed with a comforting mixture of cheese, smoky pancetta and asparagus, so you won't be compromising on taste. Another picnic favourite without the calorie-laden pastry.

Our clever pork pie uses strips of seasonal courgette and plenty of spices to make an attractive picnic main that's also full of flavour. Combine lightly charred chicken breasts with a vibrant mixture of veggies, herbs and homemade creamy tzatziki.

Wrapped in wholemeal tortillas, these Greek-style skewers are sure to be popular with kids and adults alike. Looking for a lighter option to traditional picnic fare? Try a Scandi-style picnic spread complete with cooked salmon, hot-smoked salmon, stuffed eggs and a cucumber, yogurt and dill salad.

Pile onto rye bread rolls and prepare to take a big bite! Check out our healthy picnic recipes for more light and summery treats. This healthy, quick and easy tuna pasta takes only 25 minutes from start to finish. Check out more of our healthy pasta salad recipes. Make your own zingy syrup by cooking fresh ginger root with lemon peel and sugar.

Topped up with soda water and lemon juice, it makes a wonderfully crispy and refreshing summer drink to take to a picnic. This crowd-pleasing fruity cocktail can be made in advance and nestled in an ice bucket or cool box. The base is made with coconut rum and gin, and we've added an optional garnish of coriander to give it a herby lift.

Blend together lemons, blackberries and mint to make a refreshing drink that's delicious served with sparkling water. If you want to take it to the next level or vary it for the adults , it pairs perfectly with prosecco.

Refreshing and citrussy, this easy iced tea is guaranteed to impress at a family picnic. With the subtle flavours of tea, honey, lemon and mint, it's a lovely palate cleanser after all those pies!

The mixture of juicy honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon chunks make this the ultimate cooler to beat the heat. Treat yourself to an alcoholic picnic cocktail and enjoy the summer heat while it lasts. Cool down with more of our best picnic drinks ideas. Put fresh blackberries centre-stage in this tasty traybake with a crumbly digestive biscuit base and a tangy layer of blackberry jam.

Cut into squares and transport in a tin — they'll even survive well on a sunny day. Take rocky road to new heights by adding a tropical twist. We used dried pineapple, mango, banana chips and desiccated coconut, but you can add any dried fruit, nuts or biscuits that you have to hand.

Experiment with new flavours and textures — it's hard to go wrong! Fudgy and irresistible, these blondies look impressive but are actually very easy to make.

We've swirled a custard and rhubarb mixture through the blondie batter for a rich hit in every bite. Transport your tastebuds to the tropics with our simple coconut traybake.

It's easy to divide up into squares — each with a jammy raspberry centre and dark chocolate drizzle. Portion into lunchboxes for a sweet pick-me-up.

Decadent, moreish and plant-based to boot — it doesn't get better than these vegan brownies. Glacé cherries add a lovely burst of fruity flavour against the chocolate batter, made extra-indulgent with dark chocolate, cocoa powder and coffee.

Enjoy more of our portable picnic dessert recipes. The best part is—it takes less than 30 minutes to make!

Get the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe. Deviled eggs are the perfect snack for potlucks and picnics, alike. But remember that once you take them out of the fridge, you should serve them within two hours.

Get the Deviled Eggs recipe. There are so many reasons to love this over-the-top sandwich. Not only is it loaded with meats and cheese, but it can also be made ahead, wrapped in plastic wrap, and served the next day!

Get the Italian Sandwich recipe. This creamy potato salad is loaded with texture and flavor thanks to crunchy celery, bits of crispy bacon, and fresh dill. Serve it alongside side any sandwich or slider. Get the Red Potato Salad recipe. It wouldn't be a picnic without pasta salad.

And this one is a huge hit with everyone who tries it. After all, it's hard not to love a dish that includes both ranch and bacon! Get the BLT Pasta Salad recipe. Empanadas are great for picnics because they're essentially like little savory hand pies.

Pack the green herby sauce in a separate container for dipping! Get the Chicken Empanadas recipe. This is a simple recipe for classic egg salad. But really you can't go wrong if you want to make it your own.

Add celery, bell peppers, herbs, and spices. Get the Egg Salad recipe. Switch things up by adding sweet strawberries to the tart mix and you'll have a drink that's perfect for a picnic.

To pack it, use a big mason jar with a lid. Get the Strawberry Lemonade recipe. SHOP GLASSES. Fluffy herbed focaccia bread, pickled red onion, and slices of honey ham make this sandwich anything but ordinary.

It also takes your typical mayo and makes it into a delicious pesto spread. Get Ree's Ham Sandwiches with Arugula and Pesto Mayo recipe. No forks are needed for this portable picnic dish.

The skewers hold all the ingredients of a classic chef's salad. Get the Chef's Salad on a Stick recipe. Quiche is great for bringing on a picnic because it can be served at room temperature.

Cut slices in advance, then pack it up for everyone to eat! Get the Quiche Lorraine recipe. This buttermilk-based green goddess dressing is loaded with fresh herbs, like tarragon, chives, and parsley.

It helps give the simple red potatoes a ton of flavor. Get Ree's Green Goddess Potato Salad recipe. Enjoy these bright and citrusy cookies while basking in the sun. They would be especially delicious with a glass of lemonade.

Get the Lemon Crinkle Cookies recipe. SHOP COOKIE SHEETS. How to Make Creamed Corn Fresh Off the Cob. This Loaded Cheeseburger Dip Is Gone in Seconds. Where to Buy Seeds for Your Garden This Spring. This Hurricane Cocktail Is a Taste of New Orleans.

Cool Down This Summer with Frozen Lemonade. This Peach Galette is Big Enough for a Crowd.

These cheap picnic foods are great for your next outdoor feast. From snacks to budget-friendly desserts, these easy picnic recipes are what you need Missing Planning a picnic at the park? Our 15 cheap picnic ideas are all delicious family favorites! Make our recipes for easy picnic sides + meals!

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Budget-friendly picnic essentials - Look no further, we've compiled the ultimate list of picnic ideas, from the essentials to our favorite picnic food ideas These cheap picnic foods are great for your next outdoor feast. From snacks to budget-friendly desserts, these easy picnic recipes are what you need Missing Planning a picnic at the park? Our 15 cheap picnic ideas are all delicious family favorites! Make our recipes for easy picnic sides + meals!

Master Italian bread skills with our ciabatta and focaccia recipes. Add a DIY element to your al fresco feast with these veggie flatbreads, filled with roasted vegetables, creamy coconut tzatziki and a herby, spicy green sauce.

Simply pack up the ingredients into separate containers and let everyone assemble their own wraps at the picnic. This twist on a classic fish finger sandwich is a moreish picnic treat. The combination of lightly salted homemade fish fingers complements the sweet brioche and sourness of the gherkin and lemon.

Get more ideas for wrap recipes and flatbread recipes. New season potatoes pair well with crisp, crunchy vegetables in this fresh potato salad recipe. We've used radishes, red onions and cucumber, but it would also work wonderfully with fennel, celery and spring onions.

Make the most of seasonal veg with our top 10 summer salad recipes and check out more potato salad recipes.

Truly epic in name and nature, this sharing salad is loaded with fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, avocados, spinach, mango and cucumber, covered in a zingy herb dressing, topped with a crumbling of feta. It's easy to throw together, requires no cooking and perfect for a picnic group of six though you could easily reduce the quantities.

This vegetarian pasta salad is easy to make and packed with colourful vegetables. We've included crème fraîche as well as pre-made fresh pesto to create a creamy sauce.

An egg salad is classic picnic fare. Try this family-friendly twist with turmeric rice, raisins and toasted almonds. Throw in some grated carrots and cucumbers for texture and you have an easy picnic side. Budget-friendly canned chickpeas are an ideal base for this filling salad option, bulked out with Mediterranean veg and studded with chunks of feta.

This healthy salad is flavourful as well as nutritious. Simply toss cauliflower florets in a hot sauce and serve with dressed lentils and salad leaves. This sophisticated salad is excellent for a posh picnic.

The mighty blue cheese pairs beautifully with the buttery walnuts. Alternatively, serve with kale or chard instead of spring greens. Find more inspiration for cooking with spring greens. This colourful pastry, packed with layers of vegetables, feta and egg, is sure to impress your fellow picnic-goers.

Discover more vibrant vegetarian pie recipes. Meat-lovers are sure to take a thick slice of this pork and ham pie, which has eggs neatly nestled in the middle. It's a bit of a challenge, but perfect for a weekend cooking project and well worth the effort when you tuck in. Take a look at our pork pie recipes for more meaty picnic bites.

Cheese carries the flavours of basil, mint and watercress in these crisp, bite-sized filo parcels. They're easy to make but look beautiful on any plate or platter. Based on a French pithivier, our simple spiced pie is an impressive twist on a classic coronation chicken sandwich filling.

It's equally delicious served warm or cold, and keeps well for up to three days. Want a meat-free picnic centrepiece? Cutting into this multi-layered bake will reveal a kaleidoscope of colourful veg such as beetroot, sweet potato, chard and celeriac.

Wrapped in homemade spelt pastry, this crowd-pleasing pie is worth the effort. Browse our vegan pie recipes for more dairy- and egg-free pastry inspiration. Why not try this veggie pie? A twist on the classic cheese and onion, it's made using filo pastry and harissa-roasted butternut squash for some extra spice and sweetness.

A summery twist on classic sausage rolls, with a chicken and bacon filling flavoured with sundried tomatoes, garlic and basil. We've got plenty more sausage roll recipe variations. Our step-by-step instructions will help you nail this picnic classic.

Achieve a crispy breadcrumb coating, moist herby sausagemeat and slightly runny yolk. Discover more scrumptious scotch egg recipes to fill your picnic basket. These savoury scones are easy to make, and are a lovely alternative to bread at a picnic.

They're simply scrumptious split in half and spread thickly with butter. Peruse more savoury scone recipes , from cheddar to chorizo flavours. Flapjacks don't have to be sweet. Bake a batch of these moreish cheddar and chive oat bakes for a scrumptious savoury picnic bite.

With a mixture of crunchy seeds, grated carrots and porridge oats, they are full of goodness. Find more fabulous sweet and savoury flapjack recipes. Want a change from scotch eggs?

These tasty bite-sized morsels are instead filled with shredded ham hock and peas alongside traditional sausagemeat. Fry them in a crispy breadcrumb coating and serve with mustard, mayo or minty tartare sauce. These tasty little parcels replace traditional sausagemeat with a gourmet filling of mushrooms, chestnuts, leeks and cheddar cheese.

Encased in a butter puff-pastry case, they are made for picking up and dunking in a punchy dip see our ideas below. If you are also avoiding dairy, then try our equally delicious vegan sausage rolls , which use brown rice miso as a binding agent.

These herby tear-and-share bread rolls are easy to make and baked with a moreish filling of mozzarella and sundried tomatoes. They are sure to be a hit with the kids. We've got lots more showstopping tear and share breads to enjoy with family or friends.

Try these fun, fruity apple rings for a healthier alternative to real doughnuts. Kids will love helping to make and decorate them with nut butter, soft cheese and sprinkles.

Pack them in a small box wrapped in a little baking parchment, then enjoy as a light picnic treat. Discover more quick and easy snacks for kids.

Transform a punnet of ripe, juicy strawberries into a decadent snack by drizzling them in velvety dark chocolate. Drizzle with milk and white chocolate and enjoy as part of a romantic picnic or al fresco gathering. Take a look at our strawberry recipes for more inspiration with this juicy summer berry.

Ditch the shop-bought trail mix and make up your own sweet and salty version to pack in a paper bag. A delicious mix of nuts, seeds, pretzels, dried fruit and chocolate, it's a great snack for kids to munch on while walking to the picnic site. Any leftovers can also be used as a popcorn alternative on family film night.

These easy polenta bites can be made in three simple steps and kept in the fridge for up to a day. Great to serve with delicious dips or flavourful enough to eat alone. Hummus is one of the most popular and versatile picnic dips.

This rich and creamy chickpea blend is made using just five ingredients and is ready in 10 minutes. Spoon into lunchboxes to transport and enjoy with crunchy vegetable batons or pittas.

See our hummus recipes for plenty more flavour variations, including beetroot, pea and squash hummus. Whip up this Middle Eastern-style dip as part of a meze feast. The smoky flavour of charred aubergines pairs well with nutty tahini, sharp lemons and parsley.

Roasted red peppers provide a flavour boost in this speedy, low-calorie dip. A cooling mint, garlic and yogurt dip, perfect for summer snacking. Enjoy it with pitta toasts or spread over wraps as a filling. Keep the hunger pangs at bay with this light yet satisfying vegan dip.

Blitz the avocado with beans, garlic, spices, lemon zest and juice and serve with a scattering of mixed seeds, crackers or crudités. This minty yoghurt dip is exceptionally refreshing.

The golden raisins add small bursts of sweetness throughout. Serve alongside flatbread or as a complement to barbecued meats. Combining two of our favourite foods — falafel and scotch eggs — this is a great healthy veggie option to bring along to a picnic.

The casing is made using chickpeas spiced with cumin and coriander rolled in crisp panko breadcrumbs. Quiche lovers can now enjoy our lighter version of this picnic classic, minus the pastry case. It's still packed with a comforting mixture of cheese, smoky pancetta and asparagus, so you won't be compromising on taste.

Another picnic favourite without the calorie-laden pastry. Our clever pork pie uses strips of seasonal courgette and plenty of spices to make an attractive picnic main that's also full of flavour. Combine lightly charred chicken breasts with a vibrant mixture of veggies, herbs and homemade creamy tzatziki.

Wrapped in wholemeal tortillas, these Greek-style skewers are sure to be popular with kids and adults alike.

Looking for a lighter option to traditional picnic fare? Try a Scandi-style picnic spread complete with cooked salmon, hot-smoked salmon, stuffed eggs and a cucumber, yogurt and dill salad. Pile onto rye bread rolls and prepare to take a big bite!

Check out our healthy picnic recipes for more light and summery treats. This healthy, quick and easy tuna pasta takes only 25 minutes from start to finish. Check out more of our healthy pasta salad recipes. Make your own zingy syrup by cooking fresh ginger root with lemon peel and sugar.

Topped up with soda water and lemon juice, it makes a wonderfully crispy and refreshing summer drink to take to a picnic. This crowd-pleasing fruity cocktail can be made in advance and nestled in an ice bucket or cool box.

The base is made with coconut rum and gin, and we've added an optional garnish of coriander to give it a herby lift. Blend together lemons, blackberries and mint to make a refreshing drink that's delicious served with sparkling water.

If you want to take it to the next level or vary it for the adults , it pairs perfectly with prosecco. Refreshing and citrussy, this easy iced tea is guaranteed to impress at a family picnic.

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Budget-friendly picnic essentials - Look no further, we've compiled the ultimate list of picnic ideas, from the essentials to our favorite picnic food ideas These cheap picnic foods are great for your next outdoor feast. From snacks to budget-friendly desserts, these easy picnic recipes are what you need Missing Planning a picnic at the park? Our 15 cheap picnic ideas are all delicious family favorites! Make our recipes for easy picnic sides + meals!

Carole transferred her corporate skills to entrepreneurial ventures as a food product manufacturer, website developer, and business development consultant. Her first cookbook, The Home Preserving Bible is available on Amazon. Carole also writes food preservation articles for Mother Earth News.

Outside of work, Carole volunteers on fundraising activities for service organizations and has tutored adorable elementary and middle school students.

Raised in the fifties and sixties by Midwestern parents, Carole was imbued with a strong work ethic and prudent values second hand clothes, home-cooked meals, and after school jobs. She transfers these pragmatic, though sentient, ideals to the pages of the website she owns and operates at Greater Seattle on the Cheap.

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Search this site What you need for the perfect summer picnic Here are some cheap picnic ideas and tips: Load your picnic into any large bag or basket. Get smart money tips and money-saving deals in Living on the Cheap's FREE email newsletter.

Save your old milk jugs to put homemade lemonade or punch in if the whole family plans on drinking it. Ice down a cooler with plenty of water if you plan on staying a while, that way nobody ends up dying of thirst!

Alright you lovebirds, here are some ideas to help take the romance factor up a few notches! If you haven't been able to tell by all our other picnic ideas, it doesn't have to be expensive or super detailed to be nice.

All that really matters is that you and your sweetie have a wonderful date night together. Pro Tip: Make a music playlist on your phone of your favorite romantic songs. Use a small speaker or put your phone in a glass to amplify the sound. Slow dancing is not required, but it's always a plus!

Alright, now that you've got all of our favorite picnic ideas, what are you waiting for?! Get those picnics planned and let us know how it goes in the comments!

We had a free picnic in the garden today. I prepared some fruit and cheese platters, made a four star salad and poured out leftover white wine into small glasses.

We then ate a lovely and healthy salad, some platters of tasty fruit and cheese and sipped white wine. Try serving up fresh homemade slices of cake etc as well. Or do a cheese board. You can buy picnic food quite cheaply. My friend lets me have cherries and free fruit from her own garden whenever I feel like a summer picnic at home.

We have tabletop ones instead in addition to make things way easier. I like to also buy a cheap cake from a local bakery in order to liven things up and we have a cup of milk or platters of fruit.

Or we have small pork pies to eat or nice tasty ice cream in a bowl. Simple yet delicious, just the way deviled eggs should be. Get this recipe. Party Perfect Strawberry Jell-O is that retro dessert recipe you've been craving for your next big bash.

Impress everyone with this flamboyant Jell-O mold recipe that is vibrantly pink and deliciously strawberry-flavored. Easy: check! Cheap: check! Delicious: check! This salad meets all the criteria for a budget-friendly recipe that makes a perfect picnic starter.

This is a crazy delicious salad that is great for all year around and takes only minutes to make. This corn salad recipe has a bit of sweet, spicy, and savory all mixed into it making it quite possibly the best salad you will ever eat.

Super cheap to make and a delicious portable meal. This chicken salad recipe will blow your mind with just how easy it truly is.

The mix of savory and sweet makes for a wonderful explosion of flavors! Made with eggs, shredded Cheddar cheese, bacon bits and plenty more, this is an easy potato salad recipe that will keep them coming back for seconds. These irresistible cake mix peach cobbler only uses 4 ingredients, so you will save on time and money.

There's something in these cookies for everyone! From peanut butter to oats to candy pieces, these monster cookies really have it all! Get this recipe!

Elevating cheap ingredients is the easiest way to ensure you stay on budget! This Ramen noodle salad is the perfect picnic food as it's portable, inexpensive, and, most importantly, delectable!

This watermelon pizza will entice your kids to eat all of their fruits! This fun dessert is ideal for any outdoor adventure! This three-ingredient salad could not be easier! This light and fluffy delicacy combines the creaminess of yogurt with the sweetness of grapes!

These orange slices will really brighten your kids' faces! These joyful jello creations provide a delightful way to finish a picnic meal! Add some freshness to your summer spread with this easy pico de gallo! This side dish is best served with tortilla chips for a bright addition to your picnic offerings!

The best picnic recipes are those that don't require any cooking at all! These no-bake cookies create chocolatey morsels that won't heat up your house! What's the best way to start a picnic? Spicy avocado hummus!

This recipe creates a hearty hummus that acts as a delightful dip for carrots, celery, and anything else! Read Next 4-Ingredient Pork Loin Recipe. I have not made this yet so I cannot rate it.

We are adding your Comments. I'm a little apprehensive about the tuna casserole, but everything else looks legit