Summer is a great time to dine al fresco, and a picnic is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while enjoying delicious food with friends and family. The best thing about a picnic is that it’s low maintenance and easy to pack and carry, perfect for hiking, walking, or outdoor events like concerts or theaters. Here in Vermont, we are lucky to have so many opportunities to pack a picnic and enjoy a meal while listening to music or watching a play. It’s also nice to hike to beautiful destinations and enjoy a picnic overlooking the green hills or the pretty town of Woodstock. No matter where you live, you can have a picnic on the roof, in the park, on the grass or on the mountain. Get creative and make it an adventure.
Picnic food should be easy to make, transport and enjoy outdoors with little maintenance and cleanup. This is an important thing to keep in mind when preparing a picnic. Make sure your packaged items are tightly sealed, kept cool (if needed), and easy to transport. Super wet ingredients can become messy and unmanageable. So sandwiches, salads, cheeses, charcuterie, crackers and bars are a simple, easy and delicious picnic.
The picnic recipes I’m sharing today will make your trips more fun and delicious – your outdoor adventures await. You also don’t have to take risks. Having a picnic in your backyard is just as fun! Feel free to share any favorite picnic friendly recipes in the comments.
Picnic Tips
There’s nothing worse than climbing a mountain, unpacking your bag and realizing you forgot the key items for your picnic. Here are some tips to make sure you don’t forget any essentials and enjoy your picnic.
- Use a picnic bag/basket like this Oniva Picnic Cooler Backpack
- Cutlery, plates, cups and napkins (use plastic or paper so they’re easy to use and handle after disposal or try this Eco-friendly suit)
- Wine/corkscrews if you are bringing drinks
- Plates, bowls, spoons/knives for spreading cheese or dipping sauces
- Sitting on a blanket (we like ours Little Unicorn BlanketIt’s easy to clean up and wipes off the mess easily)
Picnic Friendly Recipes
Easy Picnic Food Ideas from Love and Lemons
Love & Lemons rounds up 51 easy picnic food ideas.
Some of our favorite easy picnic food ideas for sandwiches, salads, and sides include: Caprese Sandwich (Mozzarella and Tomato Sandwich), Chickpea Salad Sandwich (Skip the chicken salad and try this!) The best egg salad sandwich, Avocado Summer Rolls, fresh spring rolls, Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad, Watermelon Salad with Feta is a great fruit salad option, Greek Salad, The best deviled eggs and The Ultimate Rough Platter.
try to include The best hummus and The best pesto. Try it with your favorite store-bought crackers, homemade bread, or cornflakes.
Try these delicious, rich desserts The Best Homemade Brownies, Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies or sweet and perfect sour Lemon Cookies.
Picnic recipes aren’t all about delicious chips and dips.
This round from Delicious is another great compilation of recipes that will take your picnic to the next level. Blue Cheese and Honeycomb Flaxseed Crisps Make a perfect app to start your picnic. Mustard Tarragon Chicken Wraps with Iceberg Radishes looks like a delicious meal, don’t forget these Peanut Butter, Oatmeal and Jam Bars for dessert!
Summer Picnic Food Ideas for Warm Weather Days from Country Living
Country Living’s Picnic Food Offers a wide variety of recipes.This Barley Pasta Salad Including bell peppers, kale, parmesan and feta cheese would make a wonderful side. Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken and this Asparagus and Parmesan Salad Will pair well together too.Quiche is always a great travel meal that feels a little fancy and especially for a picnic – try this Asparagus Quiche. These The Best Cookie Jack and Pretzel Bites Looks like something the whole family will love!
The Best Summer Picnic Recipes Cooked by The New York Times
The New York Times Cooking compiled their favorite picnic-friendly recipes.This Cold Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Butter Looks so delicious and served cold is perfect for a picnic!These pig in blanket Looking for kid-friendly picnic fun, or hey, maybe just adults!As a side dish, this Lemongrass Macaroni Salad would be a nice addition.If you want to pack a fun cocktail – these Watermelon Margarita Looks super refreshing and delicious.with these Salted Margarita Bars Delicious dessert.
BBC Gourmet Picnic Recipes
BBC Food also has plenty of picnic recipes. There are many delicious recipes to choose from including Salmon Picnic Platter Served with cucumber, deviled eggs, smoked salmon, yogurt and dill salad. Caramelized Onion Thyme Sausage Rolls Looks like an easy travel and equally delicious option for a picnic.A perfect side dish could include this Healthy Potato Salad Recipe Lots of delicious herbs.for dessert these Peanut Butter Cookie Cups It doesn’t look real.
Picnics are a fun way to experience nature, dine al fresco, and spend time with family and friends. Enjoy an outdoor picnic this summer and try any of these recipes to make it tastier and easier. Happy picnic!
Let us know your favorite picnic recipes in the comments below.
Disclosure: If you purchase something through a link on this blog, we may receive an affiliate commission. We only offer products that we personally recommend. Thanks for your support.
