Picnics are all about enjoying good food in the great outdoors.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic date, or a gathering with friends, having the right picnic food can make all the difference.
We’re sharing some easy and delicious recipes that are perfect for packing up and taking on your next outdoor adventure.
From sandwiches and salads to snacks and desserts, we’ve got you covered with plenty of tasty options to satisfy every craving.
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Picnic Planning Tips
- Remember the napkins! It’s easy to get caught up in preparing snacks and forget the basics like napkins and utensils. Pack plenty, especially if you have kids, and consider including wet wipes for quick clean-ups.
- Bring food covers. While the idea of a picturesque picnic spread is lovely, the reality often involves unwanted guests like bugs. Keep your food protected by using Tupperware containers, outdoor food covers, or simply wrapping items in foil or plastic wrap.
- Serve strategically. Take into account the temperature sensitivity of your dishes and serve accordingly. Start with items best enjoyed warm and save those prone to melting for later.
- Opt for spill-proof cups. Especially important if kids are in tow, spill-proof cups help prevent messy mishaps, whether you’re seated on the ground or at a picnic table. Trust us; it’s worth the extra precaution to avoid drinks spilling over the food.
In this list of picnic food ideas you’ll find ideas for:
- Easy to make wraps and sandwiches
- Vegetable dishes and salads
- Finger foods and appetizers that are unique
- Make ahead dishes
- Easy prep picnic food ideas
(Looking for more delicious summer recipes and ideas? Try these delicious vegetable side dishes, our favorite cookout and bbq side dishes, or these summer snacks perfect for all get together and gatherings
Chicken Salad Wrap
Chicken salad wraps are a fantastic picnic food idea because they are easy to make, portable, and packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients that stay delicious even when served cold.
Spinach Mushroom Quiche
Spinach mushroom quiche is a great picnic food idea because its combination of fresh spinach, savory mushrooms, and creamy cheese creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to transport and enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Southern Fried Chicken
Southern fried chicken is a classic picnic food idea because its crispy, flavorful coating and juicy, tender meat make it a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to enjoy outdoors.
Grinder Sandwich
Grinder sandwiches are a delicious choice, packed with layers of meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables, all nestled in a crusty roll for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Thai Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
Thai chicken salad wonton cups are a delightful appetizer, offering a perfect balance of spicy, tangy flavors in a crispy wonton shell for a unique and tasty bite-sized treat.
Stuffed Avocado With Shrimp Ceviche
Stuffed avocados with shrimp ceviche are a refreshing and flavorful dish, combining creamy avocados with zesty, marinated shrimp for a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Loaded Hummus Pita
Loaded hummus pitas are a delicious and nutritious option, featuring creamy hummus topped with fresh vegetables, olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Tortellini Salad
Tortellini salad is a delightful dish, combining tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and savory dressing for a refreshing and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Savory Tomato Tart
A savory tomato tart is a delectable dish, featuring a flaky crust filled with juicy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and creamy cheese for a flavorful and elegant meal.
Veggie Wrap
A veggie wrap is a healthy and tasty option, filled with fresh vegetables, creamy spreads, and flavorful seasonings for a satisfying and nutritious meal on the go.
Mini Antipasto Skewers
Mini antipasto skewers are a delightful appetizer, featuring a variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and fresh vegetables, all conveniently served on a skewer for a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer, featuring toasted bread topped with a flavorful mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil for a simple yet delicious bite.
BBQ Chicken Skewers
BBQ chicken skewers are a crowd-pleasing dish, with juicy chicken pieces marinated in a tangy barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection, offering a savory and smoky flavor in every bite.
Tomato Crostini With Pesto And Ricotta
Tomato crostini with pesto and ricotta is a delightful appetizer, featuring crispy toasted bread topped with creamy ricotta, vibrant pesto, and juicy tomatoes for a burst of fresh and savory flavors.
Smoked Deviled Eggs
Smoked deviled eggs are a unique twist on a classic, featuring creamy, tangy filling with a hint of smoky flavor that adds depth and richness to each bite.
Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is a popular and nutritious dish, combining creamy, ripe avocado spread on toasted bread, often topped with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for a simple yet delicious meal.
Smoked Salmon Crostini
Smoked salmon crostini is a sophisticated appetizer, featuring crispy toasted bread topped with creamy cheese, delicate smoked salmon, and a hint of dill or lemon for a burst of fresh, savory flavors.
Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
Greek chicken pasta salad is a flavorful and hearty dish, combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, olives, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty Greek dressing for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Mediterrean Couscous Salad
Mediterranean couscous salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish, featuring fluffy couscous mixed with fresh vegetables, olives, and herbs, all tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavorful meal.
Turkey Avocado Wraps
Turkey avocado wraps are a delicious and convenient meal, featuring tender turkey slices, creamy avocado, fresh vegetables, and a touch of seasoning, all rolled up in a soft tortilla for a healthy and satisfying bite.
Savory Cucumber Sandwiches
Savory cucumber sandwiches are a refreshing and light option, featuring crisp cucumber slices layered with creamy spread and herbs between soft bread, perfect for a delightful and elegant snack.
Caprese Sandwich
A Caprese sandwich is a delicious and fresh option, featuring layers of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, all nestled between slices of crusty bread for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
7 Layer Dip Cups
7-layer dip cups are a fun and convenient appetizer, offering individual servings of layers including refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, olives, and green onions for a flavorful and festive bite.
Mandarin Chicken Salad
Mandarin chicken salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish, combining tender chicken, juicy mandarin oranges, crisp greens, and a zesty Asian-inspired dressing for a light and satisfying meal.
Turkey Brie And Apple Sandwich
A turkey, brie, and apple sandwich is a delicious and sophisticated choice, featuring tender turkey slices, creamy brie, and crisp apple slices layered between crusty bread, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Nori Cracker Poki
Nori cracker poke is a delightful and unique appetizer, featuring crispy nori crackers topped with fresh, marinated poke, adding a burst of umami and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Chicken Salad Sandwich
A chicken salad sandwich is a classic and satisfying choice, featuring tender, seasoned chicken mixed with creamy mayonnaise and crunchy celery, served between slices of soft bread for a delicious and easy meal.
Parmesan Smashed Potatoes With Garlic Aioli
Parmesan smashed potatoes with garlic aioli are a savory and indulgent side dish, featuring crispy, golden potatoes topped with grated Parmesan and served with a rich, flavorful garlic aioli for dipping.
Cranberry Baked Brie
Cranberry baked brie is a delightful appetizer, featuring creamy brie cheese topped with tangy cranberry sauce, all baked to melty perfection and served with crusty bread or crackers for a deliciously festive treat.
Burrata And Steak Crostini
Burrata and steak crostini are a sophisticated appetizer, featuring crispy toasted bread topped with creamy burrata cheese and tender, flavorful slices of steak, creating a delicious and elegant bite.
Filet Mignon Crostini Appetizers
Filet mignon crostini appetizers are a luxurious choice, featuring perfectly cooked slices of filet mignon on crispy toasted bread, often topped with a touch of creamy horseradish sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a sophisticated and flavorful bite.
Mushroom Bruschetta
Mushroom bruschetta is a delicious appetizer, featuring sautéed mushrooms with garlic and herbs piled on top of crispy toasted bread, offering a rich and savory flavor perfect for any occasion.
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a classic and creamy dish, combining tender pasta with a mix of vegetables and a tangy dressing, making it a refreshing and satisfying side for any meal.
Puff Pastry Pesto Chicken Bites
Puff pastry pesto chicken bites are a delectable appetizer, featuring tender chicken pieces and flavorful pesto wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, creating a deliciously savory and elegant bite-sized treat.
Roasted Potatoes In Melted Goat Cheese
Roasted potatoes in melted goat cheese are a mouthwatering side dish, featuring crispy, golden potatoes topped with creamy, tangy goat cheese for a rich and savory flavor combination.
Bacon Jalepeno Cheese Poppers
Bacon jalapeño cheese poppers are a spicy and savory treat, featuring jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a deliciously irresistible appetizer.
Jalepeno Corn Fritters
Jalapeño corn fritters are a flavorful and crispy appetizer, featuring sweet corn kernels and spicy jalapeños mixed with a savory batter and fried to golden perfection, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and heat in every bite.
Taco Salad
Taco salad is a flavorful mix of seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips, tossed with salsa and dressing for a hearty Tex-Mex meal.
Thai Beef Rolls
Thai beef rolls are a delicious appetizer, featuring thinly sliced beef wrapped around crisp vegetables, offering a burst of Thai-inspired flavors.
Cheese Rangoons
Cheese rangoons are a tasty appetizer, featuring crispy wonton wrappers filled with creamy, seasoned cheese, offering a deliciously indulgent bite-sized treat.
Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are a mouthwatering appetizer or side dish made by wrapping tender Brussels sprouts in savory bacon strips and baking them until crispy and caramelized, resulting in a delectable combination of smoky and savory flavors that’s perfect for any occasion.
Spinach And Artichoke Dip Sliders
Spinach and artichoke dip sliders are a delicious and indulgent appetizer, featuring mini burger patties topped with creamy spinach and artichoke dip, offering a savory and satisfying twist on a classic favorite.
Sesame Ginger Egg Rolls
Sesame ginger egg rolls are a delightful appetizer, featuring crispy wrappers filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and chicken, flavored with aromatic sesame and ginger for a deliciously flavorful bite.
Wrapping Up The Best Picnic Foods
Planning the perfect picnic doesn’t have to be complicated.
With a little creativity and some tasty recipes, you can create a memorable outdoor dining experience that everyone will love.
Whether you’re enjoying a sunny day at the park, a beachside bonfire, a bbq gathering with friends, the right picnic food can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your adventure.
So next time you’re looking for picnic food inspiration, pack up some of these delicious recipes, grab your favorite people, and make some unforgettable memories.