52 Fun Picnic Food Ideas That Are so Good You'll Never Eat Inside Again
We swear these delicious (and portable!) snacks, sides, and mains taste better al fresco.
Warmer weather and sunnier skies have us dreaming about beach days, backyard hangouts (with delicious barbecue side dishes, of course!), and plenty of picnic food ideas. And we’re not talking about your typical al fresco fare — we’ve rounded up picnic food ideas that'll please kids and adults — colorful vegetarian recipes as well as hearty meat lovers' eats. It’s the perfect time of year to pack a wicker basket, break out a checkered blanket, and head to your favorite patch of grass (the backyard counts!) to soak up some sun.
So what food do you bring to a picnic? The key to great picnic food is an array of sides, snacks, or apps that don’t have to be served at a particular temperature — nothing ruins a day in the park faster than your steaming meatball sub melting the ice cream it was packed with. Room temperature food is best, or options that can sit for a bit without losing flavor. Some of the recipes we recommend, like grain salads or hearty baguette sandwiches, actually get better as they sit and the flavors meld. Bonus points for easy make-ahead meals that you can prep the day before— which means more time outside and less time in the kitchen. And brownie points for anyone who brings dessert— because there’s nothing better than ending a serene day with a little something sweet.
Lemon Orzo Salad
Switch up your typical picnic pasta salad and try orzo instead! The tiny Italian pasta shines with lemon, zucchini, fresh herbs, and Parmesan.
Chocolate Chip Blondies
Every picnic needs dessert! Try sliceable, shareable blondies loaded with chocolate chips.
Herby Red Potato Salad
Bring this dreamy, creamy red potato salad to your next picnic and it might just outshine the main grilling recipes on the table.
Best Ever Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Everyone at the picnic will thank you for bringing this fan-favorite app. We lightened up this version with fresh herbs and walnuts.
Grilled Haloumi
Haloumi is a semi-soft cheese, similar to feta, with a springy texture and briny flavor. Paired with lemony grilled vegetables and fluffy cous cous, this recipe makes a tasty vegetarian main.
Cowboy Caviar
Made with black-eyed peas, chopped veggies, creamy avocado, and fresh lime, this easy dip is the zingy side dish your picnic needs. Bring on the chips!
Summer Rolls
Picnic food should be finger food, so why not serve apps for dinner? These vegan rolls have plenty of color and crunch to be a satisfying main.
Get the recipe for Summer Rolls »
RELATED: 51 Easy Appetizers and Snacks to Get the Party Started
Greek Salad
Our version of this classic salad doesn't shy from big flavor (or lots of capers). We balance out all that brine with a pinch of confectioner's sugar.
Avocado and Tuna Salad Wraps
The tuna salad sandwich gets a serious upgrade with fresh avocado, mixed greens, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon, all on a portable wrap.
Get the recipe for Avocado and Tuna Salad Wraps »
RELATED: 30 Wrap Recipes to Bring Your Lunch Game to the Next Level
Sesame Cucumber Salad
This cool and crunchy salad, loaded with sesame, ginger, and soy sauce, makes a fresh alternative to your typical lettuce-laden salad. Plus, it won't wilt on hot summer afternoons!
Get the recipe for Sesame Cucumber Salad »
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Easy Red Salsa
Whether you're hosting a Cinco de Mayo picnic or you're just a chips and salsa superfan, this quick version will wow your fam with fiery, fresh flavor.
Get the recipe for Easy Red Salsa »
RELATED: 28 Amazing Cinco de Mayo Recipes That Will Bring on the Fiesta
Salami, Mozzarella, and Olive Tapenade Wraps
This charcuterie board-turned-sandwich means you can pack your favorite meats & cheese for a tasty picnic lunch.
Get the recipe for Salami, Mozzarella, and Olive Tapenade Wraps »
Best Ever Deviled Eggs
Indoors or out, this old-school app is always a favorite. Just make sure you keep 'em chilled if you're picnic-ing on a hot day.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Homemade hummus is as easy as one blender, a few ingredients, and plenty of fresh veggies for dipping. Roasted red peppers give this version a colorful twist.
Harissa Sirloin With Couscous Salad
For a heartier packed meal, this steak salad with couscous, carrots, and arugula will fill you up without weighing down your picnic basket.
Vegan Queso
This vegan queso gets its creamy, dreaminess from blended cashews. You won't believe it's not dairy!
Get the recipe for Vegan Queso »
RELATED: 54 Vegan Recipes so Good, You'll Forget About Meat and Cheese
Salmon With Grapefruit and Lentil Salad
Flake the salmon into pieces to pack this dinner to-go. This is also a great make-ahead option: Lentils are hearty enough to hang out 'til lunchtime and not get soggy!
Get the recipe for Salmon with Grapefruit and Lentil Salad »
RELATED: 24 Best Make-Ahead Meals to Fill up Your Fridge and Freezer
French Onion Dip
Ditch the soup mix — this crowd-favorite creamy dip gets even better flavor from rich caramelized onions and a splash of dry sherry.
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad With Tahini Vinaigrette
Roasted butternut squash gives this vegetarian recipe heft, while creamy tahini gives it richness. Top tip: you can use any kind of squash you like in this recipe, delicata or acorn are also great options!
Get the recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash Salad With Tahini Vinaigrette »
RELATED: 29 Irresistible Butternut Squash Recipes You Need to Make
Buffalo Chicken Dip
There's no easier way to please a crowd than with this warm, gooey dip. We use rotisserie chicken so it's a cinch to put together in time for the picnic.
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