Something about taking your meal outside makes it one hundred times better. Easily turn all of your meals into summertime picnics with these amazing recipes. Each picnic food idea is guaranteed to be a fan favorite.

Picnics are always a good idea. There is something so fun and special about spending the day outside in the nice weather, hanging out, and eating delicious food. From packed sandwiches to mouthwatering pasta salads, you really cannot go wrong with what you decide to bring in your picnic basket.

EASY PICNIC FOOD IDEAS

Certain picnic foods travel better than others. Sandwiches, pasta salads, wraps, and dessert bars are a few favorites that always travel well. Whatever you choose to stuff your basket with is sure to be a hit — even with the unavoidable ants!

1. HAM AND SWISS SLIDERS

There is a reason why ham and swiss is a classic combination. These mini sandwiches only take 25 minutes to make and they travel super well. It’s a must for your picnic lunch.

Two ham and swiss sliders on top of each other.
Ham and Swiss Sliders
These ham and cheese sliders are the perfect summertime party recipe! Made with sweet Hawaiian bread, thinly sliced ham, and baby Swiss cheese, this 25-minute baked ham and Swiss cheese sliders recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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2. AVOCADO SUMMER ROLLS 

Impress your picnic goers with these beautiful avocado summer rolls. They will almost be too pretty to eat.

Avocado Summer Rolls – Love and Lemons
These fresh summer rolls are stuffed with avocado, tofu, peaches and lots of herbs! Serve with coconut basil dipping sauce. Vegan, Gluten Free.
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3. CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH

Be prepared to be wowed by this chicken salad. This recipe knocks the classic chicken salad recipe out of the park with its add-ins and flavor bursts.

Chicken Salad Sandwich
This classic comfort recipe comes from my grandmother and includes chopped chicken, celery, boiled eggs, and pickle relish mixed in a mayonnaise/miracle whip "dressing" – Old Fashioned Chicken Salad!
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4. EASY TORTELLINI SALAD

Would it really be a picnic if there wasn’t at least one pasta salad? This tortellini salad has a bright, zesty flavor that is perfect for a hot day.

Easy Tortellini Salad
This tortellini salad is full of zingy flavor: delicious for picnics and cookouts! Leftovers last for days, so it’s ideal as an easy lunch.
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5. MILLION DOLLAR TORTILLA ROLL-UPS

Forget about classic wraps. These million dollar tortilla roll-ups are about to become your new favorite way to eat a sandwich. With all of the tasty ingredients stuffed inside the roll-up, they are the perfect finger food for your picnic.

million dollar rolls ups
Million Dollar Tortilla Roll Ups
Million Dollar Tortilla Rolls Ups are about to become your latest appetizer craze. With just 6 ingredients – mayonnaise, bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, almonds, and tortillas – they'll be a favorite appetizer in no time!
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6. BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALSA

Impress your tastebuds with this black bean and corn salsa. The salsa is bursting with a citrus lime flavor making it truly irresistible.

Overhead shot of Black Bean and Corn Salsa in bowl with tortilla chips
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Corn and Black Bean Salsa takes your typical salsa-and-chips appetizer to the next level. Instead of a sad, watery tomato-based salsa, this recipe is made with black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables, all tossed together with zesty lime juice. Perfect for picnics, backyard barbecues, or even school lunches!
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7. AVOCADO TUNA SALAD

Keep your picnic lunch light and healthy with this avocado tuna salad. The avocado swaps out the mayo in this classic sandwich for the replacement you never knew you needed.

Avocado Tuna Salad
This fresh and healthy avocado tuna salad swaps the classic mayo for nutrient-rich avocado! It will become your new go-to after first bite.
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8. FRUIT AND CHEESE KABOBS

These fruit and cheese kabobs will be your new favorite snack to bring to a picnic. Not only do they taste delicious, but they are also mess-free and easy to eat while keeping all of the activities going.

Fruit and Cheese Kabobs | My Baking Addiction
Sweet strawberries and juicy grapes blend harmoniously with cubes of Colby-Jack Cheese to create simple Fruit and Cheese Kabobs.
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9. ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

You can’t go wrong by adding this Italian pasta salad to your picnic basket. The classic flavor combination will be a hit all around.

Italian Pasta Salad
Italian pasta salad is loaded with flavorful ingredients, tossed in a tangy dressing, and a cinch to make!
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10. HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD

Heirloom tomatoes are at their peak during picnic season, so it’s pretty much a requirement to bring them along in some dishes. This simple salad highlights the tomatoes in the best way possible.

Heirloom Tomato Salad
This simply dressed salad is the perfect summer side.
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11. BROCCOLI SALAD

Broccoli might not be a fan favorite with your little ones, but when they see this salad, they will have a hard time saying no. The veggies are mixed in cheddar cheese and bacon making it a must-have on their plate.

broccoli salad with dressing, cheese, and bacon bits in a white bowl.
Broccoli Salad
This Broccoli Salad recipe is an amazing addition to your summer salad menu! Raw, crunchy broccoli, lots of salty bacon and cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing will make this one a family favorite!
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FAMILY PICNIC FOOD IDEAS THAT EVERYONE WILL LOVE

12. WATERMELON, TOMATO, AND FETA SALAD

Give your salad a summer refresh with watermelon, tomato, and feta. The classic combination will be super refreshing on a hot day.

Watermelon, Tomato, and Feta Salad
Sweeten up your summer dinners with this refreshing side dish.
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13. BOW TIE PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Looking for something quick and easy to bring to a picnic? Look no further than this bow tie pasta. Everyone will be going back for seconds and thirds.

Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe
This easy bow tie pasta salad recipe is quick and pleases everyone! It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics or as a side dish to any weeknight meal.
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14. QUICK & EASY VEGETABLE RICE PAPER ROLLS 

Impress your eyes and your tastebuds all at the same time with these simple vegetable rice paper rolls. The beautiful roll-ups give a whole new meaning to picnic food.

Quick & Easy Vegetable Rice Paper Rolls – Little Broken
Make these quick and easy vegetable rice paper rolls with spicy-sweet peanut sauce. See step by step on how to make these in advance.
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15. PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY BARS

Take the classic PB&J sandwich and bring it into dessert with these peanut butter and jelly bars. The classic combination makes a smooth transition into dessert. Plus, they travel well making them excellent for a picnic treat.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are the perfect dessert to hold and eat! Fast, simple, and full of that classic PB&J taste!
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16. WATERMELON RICE KRISPIES TREATS

Watermelon in the summer is a must, especially when it comes to a picnic. However, this watermelon might not be the one you are thinking of. This play on rice Krispie treats and watermelon will delight you in the best possible way.

Watermelon Rice Krispies Treats + Recipe Video
These Watermelon Rice Krispies Treats are fun for kids of all ages! Every Memorial Day weekend the girls like to hold a Bake Sale at camp. We are on our third annual Memorial Day Bake
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17. TURKEY & CHEESE RANCH PINWHEEL RECIPE

Looking for simple picnic food that everyone will approve of? Go with these turkey and cheese ranch pinwheel wraps. The roll-ups add in a creamy ranch dressing making the classic combination of flavors even better.

Turkey and Cheese Pinwheel Recipe
Turkey & Cheese Ranch Pinwheel Recipe
This Turkey & Cheese Pinwheel Recipe is the ultimate party food! Loaded with turkey, provolone cheese, veggies and creamy avocado ranch dressing, these easy roll-ups are guaranteed to become your new favorite appetizer recipe.
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18. CAPRESE SKEWERS

I know what you’re thinking. A Caprese salad is just too messy for a picnic. Luckily, this nifty recipe takes the mouthwatering salad and places it on a skewer, making it simple and easy to enjoy outside.

Caprese Skewers – Love and Lemons
These Caprese skewers are a fun, fresh party appetizer! They’re made with cherry tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and an easy balsamic glaze.
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19. EGG SALAD RECIPE

You can’t go wrong when it comes to egg salad. The simple dish travels well and can be eaten on its own or sandwiched in between two slices of bread making it the ultimate picnic food.

Egg Salad Recipe
This easy egg salad recipe is the perfect way to use up hard-boiled eggs!
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20. TURKEY, GOUDA & APPLE TEA SANDWICHES

These turkey, gouda, and apple tea sandwiches are just the right size to bring along for a picnic. The mini sandwiches are so tasty, they are going to be a recipe that you will want to make long after picnic season is over.

Turkey, Gouda & Apple Tea Sandwiches
These fun mini sandwiches are a tasty addition to any fall function. The cranberry mayo lends a unique flavor twist, and the apples add crunch. These sammies will be the life of the party! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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21. BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD

Love bacon? How about ranch? Pasta salad too? Then you’ve come to the right place. This bacon ranch pasta salad will keep surprising you, bite after bite. Plus, it is super easy to transport to a picnic.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Bacon ranch pasta salad is the type of dish that will disappear at a potluck or backyard barbecue!
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22. PBJ ON A STICK

Have a lot of little ones joining you at your picnic? Then you are going to want to make PB&J on a stick. The clever method of eating the sandwich on a skewer takes out the mess that typically comes with kids eating a sandwich on the go. Plus, adults will love them too.

PBJ on a Stick
Take the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the go with these skewers. They also make easy snacks. —Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin
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23. GRILLED BBQ CHICKEN

Your picnic doesn’t have to be all salads and sandwiches. Add some grilled barbeque chicken into the mix. Use your favorite BBQ sauce to coat the chicken for a mouthwatering flavor through and through.

grilled BBQ chicken
Grilled BBQ Chicken
This easy grilled BBQ chicken recipe is an easy way to grill chicken. This barbecue chicken recipe results in tasty and juicy chicken every time! Use your favorite bbq sauce and let that the flavor of the grill come through!
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24. STRAWBERRY WATERMELON LEMONADE

With all of the food around, you are sure to get thirsty. Bring along a pitcher of strawberry watermelon lemonade for a super refreshing drink.

Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade
The nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
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25. DILL PICKLE PASTA SALAD

Want to spice up your typical pasta salad? Add this dill pickle pasta salad to your picnic food spread. The dill pickles are the addition you never knew you needed to your pasta salad. They add in a bright and tangy flavor and an irresistible crunch.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad gives traditional pasta salad an upgrade by adding crunchy pickles, fresh dill, and tangy pickle juice! 
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26. MUDDY BUDDY

Snack lovers will fall in love with these muddy buddies. The 6-ingredient snack is super addicting, so you might as well double or even triple the recipe for the picnic.

easy muddy buddies
Muddy Buddy
Muddy Buddies are a simple 6-ingredient snack that takes no baking at all. Also known as "puppy chow",  this will have everyone grabbing handfuls!
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27. NO-BAKE S’MORES BARS

S’mores get a quick remix in these no-bake dessert bars. The simple recipe takes everything you love about the gooey creation and smashes it together to make one delectable bite.

Pull out a few ingredients from your pantry and you'll have a quick and easy delicious dessert in just minutes with these 4-Ingredient S'mores Dessert Bars!
No-Bake S’Mores Bars
S'Mores Bars made with only 4-ingredients – Golden Grahams cereal, Hershey chocolate bars, marshmallows, and butter! It's the EASIEST no-bake dessert bar recipe ever!
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MORE PICNIC FOODS TO ENJOY

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

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