The perfectly packed picnic can be a truly moving experience. Whether it's at the park, the beach or an outdoor concert, it's the only meal you can enjoy almost anywhere.

"No courses. No worries," says Govind, "Just a bunch of friends and lots of great food that doesn't need heating, so everyone can relax and enjoy being together."

The sky's the limit for this Mediterranean-style spread. It's a light, refreshing lunch or dinner with plenty of options for everyone—outdoor eating at its best!

Govind's Tips for the Perfect Picnic Keep things simple by packing food in containers that double as serving bowls.

Create a padded carrier by lining a big box or storage bin with a few tablecloths and blankets. When it's time to chow down, cover the box with one of the tablecloths and use it as a serving table!

Food like this deserves real dishes and silverware. Glasses, however, can be fragile, so be sure to bring along some nice plastic pieces.

Pack a cooler with ice and fill it with single-serve bottled waters, soft drinks and beer, as well as a bottle or two of white wine or rosé.

Don't forget the mood-setters and other essentials: a corkscrew & bottle opener, votive candles, matches, salt & pepper shakers, napkins, paper towels and a few trash bags.