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Picnic season is here, and there’s nothing better than enjoying a meal outdoors with family and friends. To make planning your picnic easy, I’ve rounded up over 55 picnic food ideas that are easy to prepare, transport, and, most importantly, so good! From classic sandwiches and salads to snacks, finger foods, and sweet treats, this list has something for everyone.
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I’ve personally tested and loved each of these recipes, making sure they’re not only tasty but also practical for an outdoor setting. Many of these dishes can be made ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying the picnic and less time prepping. So grab your picnic basket, pack your favorite blanket, and get ready to enjoy some fantastic food under the open sky!
What are Picnic Foods?
- Portable, easy-to-eat foods. Think of your favorite flavors that can be wrapped up into individual serving sizes and kept well during transport. Some common picnic foods include sandwiches, wraps, veggie sticks, and potato salads.
- Refreshing and seasonal produce. Maximize the summer’s bounty by including lots of seasonal fruits and vegetables like watermelon, grapes, strawberries, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Prep them at home to have easy picnic finger foods ready to eat.
- Simple yet satisfying meals. Make sure your picnic foods list has lots of hearty meals that will keep everyone full. Some healthy picnic foods that fit this bill are macaroni salads, sandwiches, and even vegetarian picnic foods with hearty plant-based protein like beans and quinoa.
- Have a variety of foods. Make sure you have a well-rounded picnic spread full of different flavors, textures, and colors. This has an impressive visual appeal and makes a more nutrient-balanced meal overall.
Tips for Making Picnic Foods
- Choose equipment carefully. Make sure your cooler doesn’t have any leaks and you have the proper containers to transport your food.
- Prep ahead of time. To minimize stress on picnic day, prepare as much food as possible in advance. This includes washing, drying, cutting fruits and vegetables, and making salad dressings and dips.
- Keep components separate. Avoid soggy salads and sandwiches by keeping crunchy components such as dressings, toppings, and fillings in separate containers or small zip-top bags.
- Consider making individual servings. Make picnic prep easy by choosing picnic basket foods that can easily be divided. If needed, cut and package them at home so they’re ready in easy-to-grab individual serving sizes.
- Stay well hydrated. Bring plenty of drinks (better yet, freeze them if they’re in freezer-safe containers) to keep you and your picnic guests well-hydrated.
- Bring extras. Always pack extra napkins, paper plates, utensils, and wet wipes for easy cleanup. Don’t forget to bring a picnic blanket or camping chairs for comfortable seating. Throw in a bottle of hand sanitizer to clean those hands before digging into your picnic basket foods.
How to Plan a Menu for a Picnic
- Decide how many people to accommodate. Your menu will largely depend on whether you’re just feeding your family or a large group of people.
- Pack a variety of foods. Include lots of flavors, textures, and colors in your picnic spread. Mix and match sweet and savory for a well-rounded meal.
- Consider diet restrictions. Be sure to take into account any dietary restrictions or preferences of your picnic guests. This is especially important when you are considering picnic food ideas for large groups. Offer plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian picnic foods.
- Choose hearty salads. Save the leafy salads for another occasion and go with heartier salads that keep well over time and are deliciously satisfying.
- Go heavy on fresh veggies. Just because you’re skipping the green salads doesn’t mean you can’t add veggies to your picnic foods list. In fact, a crudite platter or cut veggies like celery and carrots are some of the most perfect summer picnic foods and a must-have.
Best Picnic Food Recipes
Now that you’re convinced you want to eat outdoors more, here comes the fun part—actually choosing your summer picnic foods. This roundup covers everything: from picnic finger foods to easy-to-transport salads and vegetarian bites and sweet, healthy picnic foods to end the day with. There are also lots of picnic food ideas for large groups, so there’s something for everyone here.
Snacky Picnic Basket Foods
Get ready for a fun-filled picnic with these tasty, bite-sized treats! Perfect for sharing and easy to pack, you can make these picnic snack recipes ahead of time! From savory to sweet, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy under the sun.
Snack
Apple Chips
Simple to make with only two ingredients, these apple chips are a delicious and healthy fruit snack; Air fryer and oven instructions included
20 minutes
Snack, Snacks
How to Make Fruit Leather
Make your own fruit leather aka fruit roll-ups at home. This recipe is simple to follow and doesn't require a whole bunch of ingredients.
6 hours 5 minutes
Snack
Honey Roasted Cashews
Make your own snack mix with this heart-healthy filling homemade Honey Roasted Cashews recipe. It only needs 6 simple ingredients and 20 minutes.
20 minutes
Snack
Oven Baked Potato Chips
Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients, these oven baked potato chips are perfectly crunch and loaded with flavor.
30 minutes
Snack
No Bake Energy Bites
These healthy No Bake Energy Bites are made with only six ingredients & no special equipment- they are full of wholesome good-for-you energizing superfoods!
45 minutes
Snack
Air Fryer Popcorn
Just 3 ingredients and under 10 minutes, and you'll have a bowl full of crunchy puffy Air Fryer Popcorn perfect for snacking on!
10 minutes
Appetizer, Snack
Baked Kale Chips
Baked kale chips are a great healthy Whole30 substitute for potato chips with less calories, less carbs and less fat. Pair them with my vegan dipping sauce!
17 minutes
Picnic Finger Foods
When packing for a picnic, opt for easy-to-make and eat finger foods. These tasty bites are perfect for grazing while enjoying various activities. Everyone will love the mix of full-flavored and cool, creamy recipes, perfect for a warm day.
Appetizer
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Check out this vegetarian healthy-ish Buffalo Cauliflower Bites made with a few simple ingredients and paired with ranch dressing – perfect for game day!
50 minutes
Snack
Cheese & Fruit Snack Box
These Starbucks Copycat cheese and fruit snack boxes take minutes to prep and are perfect for school & work. Healthy and easy to make your own
10 minutes
Sandwich
Cucumber Sandwich
These easy to make cucumber sandwiches are made with Greek yogurt and no mayo for a wonderfully fresh and tasty snack or lunch.
10 minutes
Appetizer, Snack
Homemade Pita Chips
All you need is 3 ingredients to make my homemade pita chips recipe – perfectly baked in the oven and seasoned wonderfully – you won't miss the bagged kind!
20 minutes
Appetizer, Snack
Stuffed Dates – 4 Ways
Simple, quick and easy to make, these stuffed dates make a great appetizer or snack, Choose from sweet or savory fillings everyone will love.
15 minutes
Appetizer
Bean and Cheese Quesadillas
Bean and Cheese Quesadillas are so easy to throw together with mini tortillas, beans, cheese and veggies- perfect game day snack or appetizer
7 minutes
Dips, Snacks
Homemade Ranch Dip
Homemade Ranch Dip made with Greek yogurt, dill and chives is perfect for dipping carrots, cucumbers or chips – healthier than store-bought!
5 minutes
Appetizer, Sandwich
Pinwheel Sandwiches – 4 ways
Looking for lunch ideas? These pinwheel sandwich recipes are easy to make and have some untraditional fillings that are sure to be a hit.
10 minutes
Appetizer
Pizza Quinoa Bites
Pizza quinoa bites are a vegetarian protein-packed snack/appetizer that you can feel good about – made with quinoa, cheese and your favorite pizza toppings
35 minutes
Snack
Easy Soft Pretzels
Easy Soft Pretzels are soft, chewy and served with a tangy mustard dipping sauce. Follow my step-by-step instructions for the best homemade pretzels!
1 hour 5 minutes
Best Picnic Salads
No picnic is complete without a cool, veggie-packed salad. From pasta salads to chicken salads, you can’t go wrong with the delicious options below!
Salads
Tahini Pasta Salad
Packed with fresh veggies, chickpeas, and healthy fats, this tahini pasta salad is delicious, filling, and easy to make!
1 hour 20 minutes
Salads
Asian Chicken Salad
This Asian Chicken Salad is made with two types of cabbages, lots of vegetables, and shredded chicken tossed in a flavorful peanut dressing.
25 minutes
Entree, Salad
Tuna Nicoise Salad
This fresh and vibrant salad is packed full of nutritious veggies and healthy proteins, making it the perfect lighter meal or hearty side.
50 minutes
Salad
Waldorf Salad
This Waldorf Salad recipe combines tender chicken, crisp apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect on a bed of greens!
15 minutes
Salad, Side Dish
Macaroni Egg Salad
Simple and easy to make, this no mayo macaroni egg salad is made with yogurt for a lighter and healthier summer side dish that's still creamy
27 minutes
Salad, Side, Side Dish
Greek Orzo Salad
Love orzo pasta? You're going to love this Mediterranean Greek Orzo Salad! Made with fresh ingredients, feta, and a lemon vinaigrette you can't go wrong!
17 minutes
Lunch, Salads
Yogurt Chicken Salad
This creamy yogurt chicken salad with apples and celery is mayo-free & delicious! If you prefer a tangy chicken salad this recipe is perfect for you!
10 minutes
Main Course
Asian Noodle Salad
This bright and colorful Asian Noodle Salad is a gluten-free vegan meal that’s filled with fresh vegetables and tossed in a spicy creamy nutty dressing
25 minutes
Vegetarian Picnic Foods
Enjoy a selection of delicious vegetarian picnic foods! From refreshing salads and hearty sandwiches to tasty bites, these easy-to-make options are perfect for a light and satisfying outdoor meal.
Salad
Vegan Macaroni Salad
Vegan Macaroni Salad with a creamy, tangy vegan mayo dressing tossed with crunchy veggies. Add in some beans for extra protein and you're good to go!
20 minutes
Salad, Side Dish
Mediterranean Potato Salad
This Mediterranean Potato Salad is a refreshing salad filled with tender potatoes, fresh herbs, onions and a simple citrusy dressing- perfect for the summer
25 minutes
Sandwich
Vegetarian Avocado Sandwich
Ready to serve in minutes, this vegetarian avocado sandwich is fresh, healthy and extra tasty! Perfect for a quick lunch during a busy day!
10 minutes
Lunch, Sandwich
Hummus Veggie Sandwich
This delicious humus veggie sandwich is quick and easy to make and perfect for lunch on the go. Loaded with fresh vegetables, it's bold, vibrant and easily customizable.
10 minutes
Lunch, Salad
Chickpea ‘Tuna’ Salad
Delicious chickpea 'tuna' salad recipe with healthy ingredients like Greek yogurt, fresh vegetables and herbs, and chickpeas. It's a quick lunch and a delicious change from a traditional fish or chicken salad.
10 minutes
Entree
Crispy Falafel Recipe
This authentic crispy falafel recipe is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with chickpeas, herbs, onion & spices – vegan, gluten-free, protein-rich
30 minutes
Appetizer, Entree
Quinoa Patties
When you're looking for ways to use leftover quinoa, try these easy tasty vegetarian quinoa patties! Super simple to make and so good!
20 minutes
Picnic Food Ideas for Large Groups
Pastas, Salad, Side, Side Dish
Sun-dried Tomato Pasta Salad
Sun-dried Tomato Pasta Salad is quick & simple to make with just a few pantry staple ingredients. It's great for meal prep & bursting with flavor!
30 minutes
Dinner, Entree
West African Beef Kabobs (Suya)
West African Beef Kabobs are a popular Nigerian street food recipe also known as Suya. They are skewered juicy spicy meat made with a peanut butter sauce!
45 minutes
Dips
Peach Salsa
This homemade peach salsa hits the spot on hot summer days. Serve with fish or chicken, or simply scoop up with tortilla chips—yum!
15 minutes
Appetizer, Dips, Snacks
Cucumber Bites
Cucumber Bites topped with whipped feta and fresh dill, making them a fun and fancy finger food appetizer for parties.
10 minutes
Side Dish
Cheese Fatayer
Cheese Fatayer is a delicious Lebanese pastry perfect for dinner, savory breakfast, or brunch, offering irresistible flavor and comfort in every bite.
2 hours 10 minutes
Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Red Kidney Bean Salad
Red Kidney Bean salad is a flavorful meal or side made with lentils, beans, chickpeas, and vegetables, tossed in a light and tangy dressing.
30 minutes
Side Dish
Mustard Potato Salad
Creamy and tangy, this Mustard Potato Salad is loaded with chunky potatoes and crispy veggies. It's egg and mayo-free yet still creamy with Greek yogurt.
25 minutes
Side Dish
Cheese Manakeesh
Cheese manakeesh is a Lebanese flatbread topped with gooey cheese that's hard to resist. Learn how to make this delicious recipe at home!
2 hours
Salads
Kale Tabbouleh Salad
Kale Tabbouleh Salad is a modern twist on the traditional Middle Eastern recipe, using kale instead of parsley along with tomatoes, bulgur, mint, lemon and olive oil
20 minutes
Healthy Picnic Foods
Salads, Side Dish
Mediterranean Rice Salad
This Mediterranean Rice Salad is a great way to bulk up a salad or use leftover rice – easily customizable and ready in minutes!
15 minutes
Main Course
Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl
Chipotle-inspired, this Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl is bursting with color, flavor, and nutrients. It's a chicken bowl recipe that is easily customizable!
2 hours 50 minutes
Main Course
Oven Roasted Chickpea Shawarma
Oven roasted chickpea shawarma is dairy-free and full of plant-based protein. Prepped and roasted in one pan, it's an easy weeknight dinner!
45 minutes
Salads
Healthy Egg Salad
My recipe for Healthy Egg Salad is light, creamy and perfect for lunches or meal prep I make it healthier by replacing the mayo with Greek yogurt and by pairing it with low-carb serving options. It's fast, full of flavor and filling!
15 minutes
Main Course
Grain Bowls – 3 Ways
Grain bowls are a healthy and nutritious meal that are perfect for meal prep and quick and easy dinners. Simple to make and loaded with fresh ingredients.
30 minutes
Salad, Side Dish
Bulgur Chickpea Salad
This vegan bulgur chickpea salad is full of flavors from the Mediterranean. Simple to make and no cooking required, it's hearty, healthy and filling.
20 minutes
Appetizer
Vegetable Spring Rolls
These Vegetable Spring Rolls are full of colorful veggies rolled up in Vietnamese rice paper and served with a creamy peanut sauce for a fun appetizer idea!
15 minutes
Easy Picnic Sweets and Treats
It’s always a delicious surprise to include something sweet in your picnic spread. It will keep the kids happy, and you can include a variety of options for larger crowds. Best of all, these sweet treats can all be made ahead of time and packed quickly.
Dessert, Snacks
Healthy Rice Krispie Treats
Healthy Rice Krispie Treats skip the marshmallows by using almond butter, honey, and brown rice cereal. They're light, crispy, and so good!
50 minutes
Dessert
Date Snickers
These 4 ingredient Date Snickers "bars" are made with Medjool dates, peanut butter, nuts, and dark chocolate. Satisfy your sweet tooth with dates!
30 minutes
Snack
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dip
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Dip is made with only five ingredients in just 5 minutes. It's easy, healthy and great for dipping with fruits
5 minutes
Dessert
Trail Mix Cookies
These chunky Trail Mix Cookies are made rolled oats and loaded with peanuts, raisins, sunflower seeds and chocolate chips; vegan & delicious!
25 minutes
Dessert
Greek Yogurt Brownies
Made with no oil and less butter, these Greek yogurt brownies are a tasty and healthier alternative. Simple to make and just as delicious!
40 minutes
Dessert, Snack
Strawberry Oat Bars
Simple to make, these strawberry oat bars are all kinds of tasty! Made with fresh strawberries, they are a perfect treat to make this summer!
1 hour
How To Keep Food Chilled
- Insulated coolers: Use a good quality cooler to keep food chilled. Fill it with ice packs or ice to keep food cold for longer periods. You may also want to use insulated bags or lunch boxes for smaller items to provide additional insulation.
- Freeze drinks: Freeze beverages such as water bottles or juice boxes and use them both as refreshments and cooling elements for your food. They’ll keep the cooler cold as they thaw and you don’t have to waste that limited space with ice packs.
- Layer strategically: Alternate layers of ice packs or frozen items with your food items in the cooler. This helps distribute the cold evenly and maintains a consistent temperature. Similarly, place sturdier items at the bottom of the cooler and more delicate foods on the top to prevent crushing.
- Chill ahead: Refrigerate perishable foods overnight before packing them into the cooler. Chilled foods will stay cold longer when they start out cold.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Keep the cooler in the shade to avoid direct sunlight, which can quickly melt the ice and warm the food. Also, keep the cooler closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.
How To Store Picnic Foods Properly
- Use airtight containers. Pack your picnic foods in sealed containers to keep them fresh and prevent leaks. This is especially important during transportation and when you’re packing up the cooler.
- Keep cold foods cold. Use a cooler with ice or ice packs to keep perishable foods like sandwiches, salads, and dips chilled as much as possible. After serving, put your food back on ice to prevent it from sitting out in the sun all day.
- Wrap sandwiches securely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh and prevent them from getting soggy. You can also use sandwich containers to protect them during transport.
- Store salad components separately. Some salads benefit from the dressing being stored separately from the rest of the salad. Similarly, keep crunchy toppings and add-ins like croutons and nuts separate and add to salad last to maintain texture.
- Use insulated bags for other foods. Store non-perishable snacky picnic basket foods like chips and nuts in insulated bags to keep the warm heat out. They don’t need to be chilled but will taste better when they are kept at moderate temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are safe foods to add to a picnic basket?
Fresh, firm vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and celery, and fruit like grapes, apples, and stone fruits are good options for your picnic basket. Nuts, seeds, and dry snack-type picnic finger foods are excellent. Make sure anything perishable is properly stored in a chilled cooler. And avoid foods that will wilt, melt, or spoil easily in the heat.
What summer picnic foods last a long time without refrigeration?
Choose shelf-stable snacks that are convenient and perfect for outdoors. This includes dried fruit, nuts and seeds, granola bars, and jerky as they don’t require refrigeration. If you don’t have access to a cooler, avoid perishable foods like creamy salads made with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and meats that can spoil quickly in the heat.
What to bring to a picnic with friends?
Some of the easiest picnic foods that feed a crowd are those that you can make in large batches. This includes macaroni and pasta salads, dishes with beans and legumes, and picnic finger foods like pita chips with dip.
Whether you’re looking for healthy picnic foods for your immediate family or wondering what to bring to a picnic with friends and a large crowd, I hope this collection inspires you to enjoy delicious food outdoors more. Food just tastes better when out in nature, and these simple and tasty ideas make that experience more enjoyable.
For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Easy Muffin Recipes, Delicious Packed Lunch Ideas, Non-Boring Salad Recipes, and Easy No-Bake Summer Desserts.
If you found this recipe roundup for Picnic Food Recipes helpful or if you try any recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipes! It helps others who are thinking of trying out this tutorial and we would love to hear about your experience. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
