Salmon Sliders and a Canadiana Picnic. When you think of Canada, salmon always come to mind. These sliders are made with fresh Atlantic salmon, seasoned with a simple spice rub and seared until golden. Instead of a traditional patty, we let the salmon shine in succulent pieces tucked into soft brioche buns with lettuce and candied maple bacon. Enjoyed outdoors on a sunny summer afternoon, they're the perfect centerpiece for a Canadiana-inspired picnic with friends.
A Canadiana Picnic for Canada Day
To celebrate Canada Day, we pack a picnic and head to scenic Hawrelak Park in downtown Edmonton with our picnic buddies, Margaret and Raymond from Kitchen Frau. The picnic theme is "Canadiana" and the menu is inspired by the foods and traditions that define Canadian cooking. It's a relaxed afternoon meant for slowing down, sharing good food, and enjoying the simple pleasures of summer outdoors.
Setting the Mood
To bring our Canadiana Picnic to life, we lean into a classic red-and-black with earth tone palette inspired by the Canadian outdoors. The decor has that rustic, outdoorsy feel, perfectly suited to the setting. A red and black checkered tablecloth sets the tone, while plaid blankets draped over the benches add color and texture. Enamel mugs, wooden plates and bowls, mason jars with name tags, fresh flowers, lanterns, and vintage-style thermoses complete the setting. Every detail is thoughtfully coordinated to create a picnic that feels warm and welcoming. A celebration of Canadian summer traditions and the simple joy of gathering outdoors.
How to Transport Food and Picnic Wares
There always seems to be a lot to bring to a picnic, but a little planning can make the process much easier. For food, we rely on a combination of picnic baskets, insulated cooler bags, and ice packs to keep perishable items fresh. Tupperware containers, Mason jars, thermoses, water coolers, and pastry tins are also invaluable for transporting food and drinks safely. Mesh food covers come in handy to keep the bugs away.
For picnic wares and décor, we find that wooden crates, wicker baskets, tote bins, sturdy shopping bags, and even cardboard boxes work well. Dish towels are perfect for wrapping Mason jars and other breakable items, helping to prevent chips and cracks during transport. If the walk to your picnic site is a little longer, a garden wagon can be a real lifesaver.
Finally, don't forget a few practical essentials: extra containers for leftovers, paper towels, wipes, and a couple of garbage bags for easy cleanup. A little preparation goes a long way toward making your picnic more enjoyable and stress-free.
Canadiana Picnic Menu
Buttery Popcorn
Salmon and Candied Maple Bacon Sliders
Creamy Coleslaw
Deviled Eggs
Refrigerator Bread & Butter Pickles
Nanaimo Bars, Fresh Strawberries
Iced Tea with Lemon
Canadiana Coffee
How to Make Salmon and Candied Maple Bacon Sliders
- Step 1: Cut a large piece of salmon into 9 squares. Combine the spices for the dry rub.
- Step 2: Place the salmon pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and squeeze the lemon juice on. Sprinkle all sides with the dry rub and massage. Let sit in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Step 3: While salmon is marinating, put bacon on a raised mesh baking rack. Place in a 375F oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then take out of oven, brush each slice with maple syrup and sprinkle lightly with brown sugar. Reduce oven heat to 350F.
- Step 4: Place back in the oven and bake for another 5 minutes. Then, take out of oven, turn each slice over, brush with maple syrup, and sprinkle lightly with brown sugar. Bake for 5 more minutes and take out of oven.
- Step 5: In a large saute' pan, drizzle in olive oil and a pat of butter. Bring to a medium to high heat and sear all sides of salmon, roughly 3 minutes a side or until internal temperature of 145F.
- Step 6: Assemble the sliders. Spread a thin layer of mayo on the inside of the slider buns. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom, then the piece of salmon, and finally the candied maple bacon. Close bun, and place a skewer in the middle to help hold it together.
The Picnic Table
The picnic table is the heart of our Canadiana gathering. Dressed in a red and black checkered tablecloth, it sets the stage for a relaxed summer meal with our friends. The menu is inspired by classic Canadian summer gatherings. Salmon sliders (recipe at the bottom of the post) topped with candied maple bacon are the star of the meal, offering a delicious balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Alongside the sliders, we serve creamy coleslaw (recipe coming soon), deviled eggs, and bread and butter pickles-simple picnic favorites that pair beautifully with salmon. Iced tea with lemon slices offers the perfect refreshment, while a bag of buttery popcorn adds a casual touch, giving everyone something to snack on while enjoying the afternoon.
The side table
No picnic of ours feels complete without a side table for dessert, fruit, and coffee. Alongside sugar and cream, we include a couple of Canadian-inspired additions: maple syrup, and a flask of Canadian rye whisky to spice up our coffee. Nanaimo bars and fresh strawberries round out the spread, offering a sweet finish to the meal. Styled in a red-and-white palette, the side station feels like a natural extension of the picnic and ties the entire setting together.
In the end, this Canadiana Picnic celebrates what we love most about summer entertaining: good food, good company, and time spent outdoors. As the afternoon unfolds, it is a reminder that some of the best gatherings are often the simplest-sharing a meal with friends, enjoying the fresh air, and making memories around the picnic table.
For another perspective on our Canadiana picnic, be sure to visit Margaret and Raymond's post at Kitchen Frau.
Explore Our Picnic Collection
Over the years, we've created picnic gatherings inspired by different themes, seasons, and destinations. If you're planning your own outdoor celebration, browse our collection of picnic ideas for more menu inspiration, styling tips, and entertaining ideas.
- Grilled Corn Pinwheels and a Country Picnic
- Whole Wheat Peach Hand Pies and a Farmers' Market Picnic
- Shortbread Cookie Wedges for a Scottish Picnic
- Nectarine Tomato Salad and a Fun and Games Picnic
- Spinach Frittata Rolls for a Fall picnic
- Italian Panini for a late Fall lakeside picnic
Happy Canada Day!
PrintSalmon Sliders and a Canadiana Picnic
Salmon Sliders and a Canadiana Picnic. When you think of Canada, salmon always come to mind. These sliders are made with fresh Atlantic salmon, seasoned with a simple spice rub and seared until golden. Instead of a traditional patty, we let the salmon shine in succulent pieces tucked into soft brioche buns with lettuce and candied maple bacon.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 sliders 1x
- Category: Main, fish
- Method: Stovetop
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 500 g fresh Atlantic salmon
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Old bay spice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- the juice of half a lemon
For the Candied Maple Bacon:
- 8 slices thick cut bacon
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Sliders:
- 9 brioche slider buns
- 1 tablespoon mayo
- 3-4 Romaine lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Cut a large piece of salmon into 9 squares. Combine the spices for the dry rub.
- Place the salmon pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and squeeze the lemon juice on. Sprinkle all sides with the dry rub and massage. Let sit in the fridge for 1 hour.
- While salmon is marinating, put bacon on a raised mesh baking rack. Place in a 375F oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then take out of oven, brush each slice with maple syrup and sprinkle lightly with brown sugar. Reduce oven heat to 350F.
- Place back in the oven and bake for another 5 minutes. Then, take out of oven, turn each slice over, brush with maple syrup, and sprinkle lightly with brown sugar. Bake for 5 more minutes and take out of oven.
- In a large saute' pan, drizzle in olive oil and a pat of butter. Bring to a medium to high heat and sear all sides of salmon, roughly 3 minutes a side or until internal temperature of 145F.
Assemble the sliders
- Spread a thin layer of mayo on the inside of the slider buns.
- Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom, then the piece of salmon, and finally the candied maple bacon.
- Close bun, and place a skewer in the middle to help hold it together.
I love baking and kneading dough because it takes me to a happy place in my soul.
Margaret @Kitchen Frau says
We just LOVED this picnic! It was the perfect day - beautiful weather, delicious food, good friends, and a fun and nostalgic theme. This is what memories are made of❤️. We can't wait for the next one!
(Those salmon sliders were amazing!!!!!!)
It was an amazing picnic! We should be used, by now, since all our picnics are amazing, but every time I'm just in awe of what we are able to put together. The food was incredible, the location stunning, the company, memorable! Yes, cannot wait for the next one!