Planning a picnic? You’re in for a treat! Outdoor dining is a great way to enjoy good food and company. From simple sandwiches to fancy salads, there are many tasty options to pack in your basket.
Good picnic food should be easy to make, transport, and eat outdoors. This article will give you 35 ideas for delicious picnic foods. You’ll find recipes for snacks, main dishes, sides, and desserts that are perfect for eating al fresco. Get ready to make your next picnic extra special with these yummy treats!
Chicken Caesar wraps make a tasty and portable picnic option. To make them, start with cooked chicken breast, chopped romaine lettuce, and Caesar dressing.
Toss the chicken and lettuce with the dressing in a bowl. Add some grated Parmesan cheese and croutons for extra flavor and crunch.
Warm up large flour tortillas to make them pliable. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly.
Secure the wraps with toothpicks if needed. For easy transport, wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap before packing in your cooler.
Deviled eggs are a classic picnic favorite. You can make them easily by hard-boiling eggs, halving them, and mixing the yolks with mayo, mustard, and spices.
Get creative with your fillings. Try adding blue cheese and buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Or go for an Asian twist with soy sauce and umami flavors.
For extra crunch, consider frying the egg white halves before filling them. This adds texture and takes your deviled eggs to the next level.
Remember to keep deviled eggs chilled until serving time. Pack them in a cooler with ice packs to ensure food safety during your picnic.
Fruit salad is a perfect picnic food. It’s refreshing, healthy, and easy to make. You can use any fruits you like, but summer favorites include berries, peaches, and melons.
To keep your fruit salad fresh, add a splash of lime juice. This prevents browning and adds a zesty flavor. For extra sweetness, drizzle in a little honey or maple syrup.
Try mixing in some tropical fruits like pineapple or mango for variety. You can even add a sprinkle of mint leaves for a cool touch. Pack your fruit salad in a sealed container to keep it fresh during transport.
Quinoa salad is a perfect picnic food. It’s light, nutritious, and easy to make ahead of time. You can mix quinoa with your favorite veggies, like cucumber, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
Add some protein with chickpeas or edamame. For extra flavor, toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A simple dressing of lemon juice and olive oil works great.
This salad travels well and tastes good cold or at room temperature. It’s also gluten-free and can be made vegan, making it a crowd-pleaser for different diets.
Pack your quinoa salad in a sealed container. Bring along some forks and you’re ready to enjoy a tasty, healthy picnic meal.
A turkey and cheese sandwich is a classic picnic choice. You can make it easily with just a few ingredients. Start with two slices of bread – whole wheat or sourdough work well.
Add a few slices of turkey breast to one piece of bread. Layer on your favorite cheese, like cheddar or Swiss. For extra flavor, spread some mayo or mustard on the other slice of bread.
You can add lettuce, tomato, or cucumber for crunch and freshness. Wrap your sandwich in foil or wax paper to keep it fresh. Pack it in a cooler to enjoy later at your picnic spot.
Pasta salad is a picnic favorite that’s easy to make and travels well. You can prepare it ahead of time and let the flavors meld in the fridge.
Choose your favorite pasta shape – rotini, shells, or bow ties work great. Cook the pasta al dente so it holds up during transport.
Mix in colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers for crunch and flavor. Add some protein with cubed cheese, salami, or chickpeas.
Toss everything in a zesty vinaigrette dressing. Italian or Greek-inspired dressings complement pasta salads nicely. Pack it in a sealed container and keep chilled until serving time.
Cheese and crackers are a classic picnic staple. You can’t go wrong with this simple yet delicious combo. Choose a variety of cheeses to please different tastes.
Try pairing cheddar, brie, and gouda with assorted crackers. Don’t forget to include some fruit like grapes or apple slices for added freshness.
For easy serving, pre-slice the cheese and pack it in small containers. Bring along a cheese knife for any whole blocks. Remember to keep everything chilled until you’re ready to eat.
This low-fuss option is perfect for casual outdoor dining. It’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults at your next picnic.
A BLT sandwich is a classic picnic favorite. You’ll need crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and mayonnaise spread on toasted bread.
Cook the bacon until it’s golden and crunchy. Let it cool before assembling your sandwich. Choose sturdy lettuce like romaine or iceberg to prevent wilting.
Slice tomatoes thinly and sprinkle with a pinch of salt to enhance their flavor. Spread mayo on both sides of the toasted bread. Layer the ingredients, starting with lettuce, then tomato, and finally bacon.
Wrap your BLT tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Pack it in a solid container to prevent squishing during transport to your picnic spot.
Spinach and artichoke dip is a tasty picnic treat. You can make it easily with cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo as the base. Add in chopped spinach and artichoke hearts for flavor and texture.
Mix in some parmesan cheese and garlic for extra taste. You can serve this dip hot or cold. For a hot version, bake it in the oven until bubbly. For cold dip, mix the ingredients and chill in the fridge.
Bring along some chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for dipping. This crowd-pleaser is sure to be a hit at your next picnic.
Vegetable crudité is a perfect picnic food. It’s easy to make and offers a healthy snack option.
Choose 4-5 fresh vegetables with different colors and textures. Carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are popular choices.
Cut the veggies into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Add a dip like tzatziki or hummus to pair with the vegetables.
For extra flavor, include some marinated olives or feta cheese. You can also add grapes or sliced apples as a refreshing touch.
Arrange everything on a platter, placing dips in small bowls surrounded by the colorful veggies. This creates an eye-catching display that’s sure to impress your picnic guests.
Ham and Swiss croissants make a tasty picnic sandwich. To make them, split croissants in half and spread garlic herb cheese on the top half.
Layer provolone, ham, and salami on the bottom half. Add some lettuce for crunch. Put the top half on to complete the sandwich.
Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to pack your picnic basket.
These sandwiches are easy to make ahead and transport. The flaky croissant pairs well with the savory ham and melty Swiss cheese. They’re filling without being too heavy for outdoor dining.
Greek salad is a perfect picnic food. You can make it easily with fresh ingredients. Chop tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions into bite-sized pieces.
Add Kalamata olives and cubes of feta cheese. Mix everything in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano.
For a fun twist, try making Greek salad skewers. Thread the ingredients onto small bamboo sticks. This makes them easy to eat and adds a playful touch to your picnic spread.
Potato salad is a picnic classic that you can’t go wrong with. It’s easy to make and travels well. You can make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld in the fridge.
Start with boiled potatoes cut into bite-sized chunks. Mix in mayonnaise, mustard, and a splash of vinegar for the dressing. Add chopped celery and onions for crunch.
For extra flavor, try adding bacon bits, fresh herbs, or diced pickles. Some people like to include hard-boiled eggs too. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve your potato salad chilled. It pairs great with grilled meats and other picnic favorites. Just remember to keep it cool until serving time.
Kale chips are a crunchy, healthy snack perfect for picnics. To make them, start with fresh kale leaves. Wash and dry the leaves thoroughly.
Remove the stems and tear the kale into bite-sized pieces. Toss the kale with a little olive oil and your favorite seasonings.
Spread the kale on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at a low temperature until crispy. Let the chips cool before packing them for your picnic.
Kale chips are light, portable, and full of nutrients. They’re a great alternative to regular potato chips. You can experiment with different flavors like garlic, cheese, or spicy seasonings.
Chicken salad sandwiches are a picnic classic. You can make them easily with leftover cooked chicken, mayonnaise, and your favorite mix-ins.
Chop the chicken and combine it with mayo, diced celery for crunch, and some herbs like dill or parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Spread the mixture on your bread of choice. Whole wheat, sourdough, or croissants all work well. For extra flavor, add lettuce and tomato slices.
Pack your sandwiches separately from other foods to keep them fresh. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in airtight containers for easy transport to your picnic spot.
Fruit skewers are a fun and easy picnic treat. You can make them with a variety of fresh fruits like melons, berries, pineapple, and grapes.
To prepare, cut fruits into bite-sized pieces. Thread them onto wooden skewers in any pattern you like. Mix different colors and textures for visual appeal.
For a twist, try grilling your fruit skewers. This brings out new flavors and adds a warm element to your picnic spread.
Serve your skewers with a simple dip made from Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla. This adds a creamy contrast to the fresh fruit.
Fruit skewers are portable, healthy, and require no utensils. They’re perfect for outdoor eating and appeal to both kids and adults.
Tuna salad is a tasty and portable picnic option. You can make it quickly with canned tuna, mayo, and your favorite mix-ins.
Try adding chopped celery for crunch and red onion for flavor. Pickle relish gives a tangy kick. Mix in some Dijon mustard and lemon juice for extra zing.
Pack your tuna salad in a container and bring along some bread or crackers. You can also serve it on lettuce leaves for a low-carb choice.
For variety, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayo. Add diced apples or grapes for sweetness. Chopped nuts give extra protein and crunch.
Baba ganoush is a tasty Middle Eastern dip perfect for picnics. It’s made from roasted eggplant blended with tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic.
To make it, you bake the eggplant until soft, then scoop out the flesh. Blend this with the other ingredients until smooth.
You can serve baba ganoush with grilled flatbread or pita for dipping. It’s a great alternative to hummus and adds variety to your picnic spread.
Sprinkle some parsley and smoked paprika on top for extra flavor and color. This creamy dip is sure to be a hit at your next outdoor gathering.
Pimento cheese spread is a Southern classic that’s perfect for picnics. This creamy, tangy spread combines shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos.
You can serve pimento cheese spread with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or tortilla chips for dipping. It also tastes great spread on crackers or toasted baguette rounds.
For a twist, try using pimento cheese as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. You can even bake it in a dish for a warm, gooey appetizer.
Make your spread ahead of time and keep it chilled until you’re ready to enjoy it at your picnic. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious.
Marinated olives make a tasty and easy picnic snack. You can buy pre-marinated olives or make your own at home. To marinate olives, start with drained olives of your choice.
Heat olive oil in a pan with garlic, herbs like thyme or rosemary, and lemon peel. Pour this warm mixture over the olives and let them soak up the flavors.
For extra zest, add some chili flakes or a splash of pastis. Let the olives marinate for a few hours before packing them for your picnic. They’ll be full of flavor and ready to enjoy.
Sushi rolls make a fun and tasty addition to your picnic spread. You can make them ahead of time and pack them easily for outdoor dining.
Try classic fillings like cucumber, avocado, or cooked shrimp. For a twist, add mango or cream cheese to your rolls. Vegetarian options with carrots, bell peppers, and spinach are also delicious.
Pack some soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side. Don’t forget chopsticks or small forks for easy eating.
To keep your sushi fresh, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a cooler until you’re ready to serve.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are a sweet treat perfect for picnics. To make them, wash and dry fresh strawberries thoroughly.
Melt chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, coating it evenly.
Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined tray. Let them cool until the chocolate sets. For added flair, drizzle with white chocolate or sprinkle with chopped nuts.
These tasty bites are best kept cool, so pack them in a chilled container for your picnic. They’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Pepperoni rolls make a tasty and portable picnic treat. To make them, start with pizza dough or bread dough. Roll it out flat and layer pepperoni slices on top.
Roll up the dough tightly and slice into individual portions. Bake until golden brown and the pepperoni is slightly crispy.
For extra flavor, brush the rolls with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese after baking. You can also add mozzarella cheese before rolling for a gooey center.
Serve the pepperoni rolls warm or at room temperature. They travel well and are easy to eat without utensils, making them perfect for picnics.
Grapes and berries are perfect picnic snacks. They’re easy to pack and don’t need any prep. You can rinse them at home and pop them in a container.
These fruits are sweet, juicy, and refreshing on a hot day. They’re also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Try a mix of red and green grapes for variety.
For berries, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are great choices. They’re colorful and tasty. You can eat them on their own or mix them into a fruit salad.
Remember to bring wet wipes for sticky fingers after eating these fruits.
Focaccia bread is a perfect picnic food. You can easily make it at home with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, olive oil, and salt.
Press the dough into a baking sheet and let it rise once. No need for a second rise or shaping loaves. It bakes quickly in about 15 minutes.
Top your focaccia with garlic, rosemary, or other herbs for extra flavor. The olive oil helps these toppings seep into the dough, making it very tasty.
You can slice focaccia into squares for easy eating at your picnic. It’s great on its own or as the base for sandwiches with Italian meats and cheeses.
Salmon pinwheels make a tasty and elegant picnic snack. These bite-sized rolls are easy to prepare ahead of time.
To make them, spread cream cheese on tortillas. Add smoked salmon, fresh spinach, and chives. Roll up tightly and slice into pinwheels.
The creamy cheese pairs perfectly with the salty salmon. Chives and lemon juice add a bright, fresh flavor.
These pinwheels travel well in a cooler. They’re simple to serve and eat without utensils. Your picnic guests will love these savory, satisfying bites.
Bruschetta makes a perfect picnic food. It’s easy to prepare and transport. You can bring toasted bread slices separately from the toppings.
Classic tomato bruschetta is always a hit. Chop fresh tomatoes, mix with olive oil, garlic, and basil. Pack this mixture in a container.
For variety, try different toppings. Roasted red peppers, olive tapenade, or white bean spread work well. You can even do a sweet version with peaches and honey.
At the picnic, let everyone assemble their own bruschetta. This interactive element adds fun to your outdoor meal. Bruschetta is versatile and suits many tastes.
Preparation and Planning
Good planning makes picnics fun and stress-free. Here are key tips to help you get ready for a great outdoor meal.
Choosing the Perfect Picnic Spot
Pick a spot with shade and flat ground. Look for places near water or with nice views. Check if the area allows picnics and has trash cans.
Parks, beaches, and gardens often work well. Make sure there’s enough space for your group to spread out.
Consider the distance from parking. You don’t want to carry your stuff too far. Think about bathrooms too. Are there public restrooms nearby?
Weather matters a lot. Check the forecast before you go. Have a backup plan in case of rain.
Packing Essentials: What to Bring
Start with a good picnic basket or cooler. Pack plates, cups, and utensils. Don’t forget napkins and paper towels.
Bring a blanket or tablecloth to sit on. Folding chairs can be nice too.
Pack hand sanitizer and wet wipes for easy cleanup. Bring garbage bags to leave no trace.
Remember bottle openers and can openers if needed. A small cutting board and knife can be handy.
Pack sunscreen, bug spray, and a first aid kit. Bring games or books for extra fun.
Food Safety Tips
Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Use ice packs in your cooler. Pack raw meats separately from other foods.
Don’t leave food out for more than two hours. In hot weather, limit it to one hour.
Bring hand sanitizer or soap and water. Wash your hands before handling food.
Pack foods in sealed containers to keep bugs out. Cover dishes when you’re not serving.
Bring a food thermometer to check meat temperatures. Cook ground beef to 160°F and chicken to 165°F.
Avoid foods that spoil easily, like mayo-based salads. Choose stable options like fruits, veggies, and crackers.
Healthy Picnic Food Tips
Packing a nutritious picnic doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. You can enjoy tasty treats while nourishing your body with these smart choices.
Balancing Nutrients
Mix protein, carbs, and healthy fats for a well-rounded picnic menu. Pack lean meats, nuts, and seeds for protein. Bring whole grain breads or crackers for complex carbs. Add avocado or olive oil-based dressings for healthy fats.
Include a variety of colorful fruits and veggies. They provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Try carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, and sliced bell peppers with hummus. Pack berries, apple slices, and grapes for natural sweetness.
Don’t forget hydration. Bring water infused with cucumber or lemon for a refreshing twist. Unsweetened iced tea is another good option.
Substituting with Healthier Alternatives
Swap out high-calorie foods for lighter versions. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in salads and dips. Choose baked chips or air-popped popcorn over fried snacks.
Make sandwiches with whole grain bread or lettuce wraps. Fill them with lean proteins like turkey or grilled chicken. Add plenty of veggies for crunch and nutrients.
For dessert, bring fresh fruit salad or dark chocolate-covered strawberries. These satisfy your sweet tooth with less sugar than traditional treats.
Incorporating Seasonal Ingredients
Take advantage of fresh, in-season produce for the best flavor and nutrition. In summer, pack juicy peaches, ripe tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers. Fall picnics can feature apples, pears, and roasted squash.
Try making a seasonal salad with mixed greens, berries, and nuts. Dress it with a light vinaigrette made from olive oil and lemon juice.
Grill or roast seasonal veggies at home before your picnic. They’re delicious served cold or at room temperature. Think asparagus in spring or zucchini in summer.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
