25 Easy Picnic Food Ideas
Ready for the perfect picnic? From fun sandwiches and sides to easy treats, our latest post has all the picnic food recipes you need for an unforgettable outdoor feast. Grab your basket and check it out!
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Easy Picnic Food Ideas for Summer
I absolutely love picnicking in the summer! There’s nothing quite like enjoying delicious food in the great outdoors with friends, family, or that special someone.
Whether you’re looking for quick and easy snacks for a spontaneous trip to the park or want to get a bit more fancy for a romantic date night, this post has got you covered. From classic sandwiches and fresh salads to gourmet treats, you’ll find all the recipes you need to make your next picnic a memorable one.
So grab your picnic basket, spread out that blanket, and let’s dive into some scrumptious picnic food ideas!
Picnic Sandwiches and Pinwheels
Sandwiches are a staple for picnics, offering a convenient and versatile option that’s easy to pack, transport, and enjoy outdoors.
Avocado Chickpea Salad – Elevate your picnic with this avocado chickpea salad! Made with creamy feta and zesty lemon juice, it’s ready in under 15 minutes. With minimal ingredients, this simple, healthy, and delicious salad is the perfect vegetarian option for your outdoor meal.
Pesto Turkey Sandwiches – Savor the simplicity and flavor of this Pesto Turkey Sandwich—a delightful and effortless choice for lunch. A baguette spread with pesto serves as the base, layered generously with tender turkey, cheese, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce. Perfectly balanced and satisfying, it’s a must-have for any picnic.
Cranberry Rotisserie Chicken Salad – Indulge in the delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors with this cranberry rotisserie chicken salad recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of tastes that makes every bite satisfying and memorable.
Pimento Cheese Sandwich – Sink your teeth into the timeless delight of a classic pimento cheese sandwich. Perfect for picnics, its robust flavors pair beautifully with the outdoors, offering a satisfying and portable meal that captures the essence of Southern comfort.
Pinwheel Sandwiches – Turkey, salami, pepperoni, and zesty pepperoncini peppers wrapped snugly in a tortilla or wrap. These portable delights are perfect for picnics, offering a deliciously convenient way to enjoy a variety of flavors outdoors.
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Pinwheel Sandwiches – Cucumber and cream cheese pinwheels are an irresistible finger food, perfect for picnics. Delicate slices of cucumber are wrapped in a creamy blanket of cream cheese, creating a refreshing and satisfying bite-sized treat.
Picnic Side Salads
Side salads are the perfect addition to any picnic, offering refreshing flavors and crisp textures that complement main dishes. They provide a delicious and wholesome accompaniment to your outdoor dining experience.
Shrimp Macaroni Salad with Cajun Spices – Indulge in the flavors of the South with this easy shrimp macaroni salad, ideal for picnics. Packed with zesty Creole spices, it offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Greek Orzo Salad – Enjoy a satisfying Greek orzo pasta salad, bursting with Mediterranean flavors and tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing. It’s a perfect side dish to complement any picnic sandwich or add grilled chicken for a hearty stand alone dish that’s both refreshing and filling.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad – Introducing the irresistible Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, a summer delight! Featuring savory diced chicken, crispy bacon, tender pasta, crunchy French Fried Onions, and creamy Ranch dressing. Enjoy this flavorful twist on a classic pasta salad at your next picnic!
Mexican Tuna Salad with Corn – Whip up this 10-minute, one-bowl Mexican tuna salad packed with high-protein canned tuna, crunchy veggies, zesty lime juice, and taco seasonings! Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or meal prep. Enjoy it solo, in a tortilla, with crunchy chips, or as a lettuce wrap. Endless possibilities await!
Corn and Tomato Pasta Salad – Celebrate summer with a delightful pasta salad featuring sweet corn, fresh cherry tomatoes, and fragrant cilantro tossed with cavatappi pasta and a zesty lemon dressing. This vibrant dish is not only vegan and vegetarian-friendly but also a refreshing addition to any picnic or outdoor gathering.
Red, White and Blue Cheese Potato Salad with Bacon – Get ready for summer picnics with this vibrant red, white, and blue cheese potato salad. Featuring a mix of red, white, and purple potatoes tossed in creamy blue cheese dressing, sour cream, herbs, and crispy bacon, it’s a dreamy make-ahead side dish that gets even better the next day.
Antipasto Salad – Loaded with salami, pepperoni, mozzarella balls, olives, artichokes, cherry tomatoes, and more, this vibrant antipasto salad is a no-cook recipe that shines as a standout side dish or a satisfying main course.
Three Bean Salad – Planning a picnic and want to add some flavor? Look no further than this delightful Three Bean Salad! It’s a perfect choice for your outdoor spread with its refreshing crunch, zesty dressing, and vibrant colors that make every picnic meal memorable.
Wild Rice Chicken Salad with Grapes and Cashews – Wild rice chicken salad is a perfect companion for picnics, offering a refreshing and versatile option that’s easy to pack and enjoy outdoors. It provides a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious, making it ideal for leisurely outings in the sun.
Picnic Sides and Snacks
Picnic sides and snacks add flavor, variety, and convenience to your outdoor dining experience. They’re easy to share, perfect for grazing, and offer a range of textures and tastes that cater to everyone’s preferences, making your picnic enjoyable and satisfying.
Mini Cheese and Onion Quiches – These mini cheese and onion quiches, made without cream, are perfect for picnics. Enjoy their savory flavors and crisp wholemeal pastry whether you serve them hot or cold.
Caprese Tortellini Skewers with Balsamic Glaze – Introducing Caprese Tortellini Skewers with Balsamic Glaze: a delightful finger food for any occasion but especially fun for your next picnic! These cold appetizers feature the classic Italian combination of tomato, basil, creamy mozzarella, and cheesy tortellini, offering a burst of simple yet delicious flavors in every bite.
Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers – Whip up these cream cheese stuffed mini peppers for a delightful, easy snack or appetizer! They’re crunchy and flavorful, packed with a creamy blend of cheddar, bacon bits, and a hint of sriracha for a spicy kick. Perfect for sharing at any gathering!
Harissa Garlic Hummus – Experience the bold flavors of Harissa Garlic Hummus, where spicy harissa, zesty garlic, and fresh scallions come together with chickpeas. Perfect for dipping pita chips or veggies, this flavorful hummus adds a delicious kick and bright colors to any picnic.
Chili Lime Sunflower Seed Dip – Creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor, Chili Lime Sunflower Seed Dip is a picnic favorite! Made with raw sunflower seeds, fresh carrot, olive oil, and citrus juice, it’s both wholesome and delicious. Ideal for outdoor snacking, it pairs perfectly with veggies, crackers, or chips, making your picnic spread extra special.
Mango Pico De Gallo – Mango pico de gallo is a delightful and refreshing salsa, ideal for summer gatherings. This vibrant salsa pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, adding a burst of tropical flavor to any outdoor spread.
Picnic Dessert Ideas
Adding a simple dessert to your picnic adds a delightful touch of indulgence. A sweet ending enhances the outdoor dining experience, making it even more enjoyable for everyone.
Grape Salad with Cream Cheese-Vanilla Dressing – Grape Salad with a light vanilla-cream cheese dressing is a beloved staple at summer picnics. This updated version retains its refreshing sweetness and delicious flavor without the guilt—a perfect addition to any outdoor spread!
Japanese Candied Strawberries – Experience the delight of Japanese candied strawberries! These luscious berries are coated in a thin, crisp candy shell that adds a satisfying crunch and a brilliant shine. This traditional Japanese treat is simple to make, incredibly tasty, and only needs a few basic ingredients. Perfect for any sweet tooth!
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats – Enjoy these irresistible treats that combine the creamy richness of peanut butter with the delightful crunch of rice cereal. Perfectly sweet and satisfying, they’re a great addition to your picnic spread, sure to please both kids and adults alike.
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies – Indulge in these easy peanut butter cookies, where simplicity meets deliciousness. With a perfectly crisp exterior and a chewy center, each bite is packed with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter. These cookies are a delightful treat that’s quick to make and impossible to resist.
Picnic Recipes to Enjoy This Summer!
There you have it, friends! These picnic recipes are all about keeping it simple and enjoying good food with your favorite people out in nature.
Whether you’re chilling in the park or hiking a scenic trail, these dishes make it easy to savor summer’s flavors. From refreshing salads to tasty sandwiches and snacks, these recipes celebrate the joy of picnicking with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
So grab a blanket, pack your basket, and make your next outdoor adventure deliciously memorable!
What do you like to pack for your picnic? Let us know in the comments below!
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