Did you know that August 31st is Eat Outside Day? It’s the perfect excuse to pack a picnic basket, gather your favorite people, and savor the last golden days of summer under the open sky. Eating outdoors turns an ordinary meal into a memory—whether it’s a full spread at the park, snacks on a blanket in the backyard, or a quick bite during a neighborhood stroll.
This year, I’m celebrating with one of my favorite picnic recipes: the Heirloom Tomato & Whipped Feta Sourdough Picnic Sandwich. It’s fresh, colorful, easy to pack, and tastes like summer in every bite.
Sunday Funday friends have also created great recipes for your outdoor dining experiences. go visit them!
- Blue Cheese Spinach Fig Tarts by Food Lust People Love
- Cheese Muffuletta (Vegetarian) by Palatable Pastime
- Chicken Fajita Foil Packets by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Heirloom Tomato & Whipped Feta Sourdough Sandwich by Our Good Life
- Keto Salami & Egg Cups by Sneha's Recipe
- Muddy Buddy Marshmallow Brownies by Amy's Cooking Adventures
- Pesto Pasta Salad by Mayuri's Jikoni
- Quick Pork Liver Pâté by Karen's Kitchen Stories
- Spiced Avocado Chocolate Mousse by Culinary Cam
Why This Sandwich Belongs in Your Picnic Basket
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Sourdough bread brings a hearty chew that holds up beautifully, even after sitting in your picnic bag.
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Heirloom tomatoes provide bursts of juicy sweetness and come in gorgeous shades of red, gold, and even purple.
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Whipped feta spread adds a tangy, creamy balance that elevates the whole sandwich.
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Fresh basil brings that unmistakable garden flavor, tying it all together.
It’s simple enough to whip up before heading out the door, yet elegant enough to feel special.
Why it’s perfect for a picnic
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Sourdough stays chewy and sturdy, even after a couple of hours.
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The whipped feta adds a creamy, tangy layer that pairs beautifully with juicy tomatoes.
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No mayo — so it’s safer for warm-weather dining.
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Colorful heirloom tomatoes + basil make it look as good as it tastes.
Tips for a Successful Eat Outside Day
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Keep it cool: Store your sandwiches in an insulated bag with an ice pack to keep ingredients fresh.
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Bring something bubbly: Sparkling water or a chilled bottle of wine pairs beautifully with this sandwich.
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Add simple sides: Fresh fruit, olives, or a handful of chips make an effortless, balanced picnic.
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Don’t forget comfort: A blanket, napkins, and a little bug spray will keep you happy outdoors.
Did You Know? Eat Outside Day Meets Ferragosto
While Eat Outside Day (August 31st) is a playful American holiday, it shares the spirit of another beloved summer tradition: Ferragosto (August 15th) in Italy.
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Ferragosto dates back to ancient Rome, when Emperor Augustus declared a festival to celebrate the end of the harvest.
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Today, it’s both a Catholic feast day (the Assumption of Mary) and a nationwide holiday in Italy, where families escape to the beach, mountains, or countryside.
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Like Eat Outside Day, Ferragosto centers on rest, joy, and eating outdoors—from elaborate seaside feasts to simple family picnics.
Both holidays remind us that food always tastes better under the open sky, especially when shared with the people we love.
Final Thought
Eat Outside Day is more than just a fun holiday—it’s an invitation to slow down and reconnect with nature, food, and each other. This heirloom tomato and whipped feta sourdough sandwich is my go-to for a picnic meal that feels indulgent yet simple. So grab your basket, head outside, and celebrate summer’s last hurrah in the most delicious way possible!
I love this post...the photos, the recipe, and the info about Eat Outside Day originating in Italy.
ReplyDeleteI love a summer tomato sandwich and putting the feta cheese bread makes it over the top. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteTruly nothing beats a ripe heirloom tomato sandwich because the tomatoes tastes like tomatoes should! That whipped feta is the perfect spread to complement the tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteI love heirloom tomatoes. The whipped feta is the perfect compliment for them too!
ReplyDeleteI love heirloom tomatoes, any excuse to enjoy them in different ways and this sandwich is just perfect. Got all the ingredients at hand so making some and heading to the park near my home.
ReplyDeleteOkay, Just yum! And the presentation is lovely. Buon Ferragosto!
ReplyDeleteIncredible sandwich recipe.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a perfect summer sandwich
ReplyDelete