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