Picnic food can encompass anything you like. It totally depends on the style of picnic you’re having. Whether dining al fresco at a table with proper place settings or copping a squat on a fabulous picnic blanket, to my mind the ingredients for a successful picnic are great food and great company. And, even chips and dip can taste fab when you’re with your nearest and dearest of BFFs. I’ve found you some great recipes and ideas for picnic food and hope they inspire you to pack a basket at least once this summer.
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1. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Source: Things I want to eat
Picnic food should look as good as it tastes. Delicious finger food that looks like a gourmet treat. Use bacon as an alternative.
This easy to make and delicious picnic food is a great way to impress your friends and family. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is a classic appetizer that is sure to please. Simply wrap asparagus in prosciutto and bake for 15-20 minutes. For a healthier alternative, you can use turkey bacon instead of prosciutto. Serve this delicious finger food with a dipping sauce of your choice for an extra layer of flavor. This is sure to be a hit at your next picnic!
2. Antipasto Kabobs
Source: Antipasto kabobs
Make antipasto easier to eat on a picnic by threading the tidbits onto kabob sticks.
Antipasto kabobs are a great way to make antipasto easier to eat on a picnic. To make them, simply thread a variety of small antipasto tidbits such as olives, salami, cheeses, peppers, and artichoke hearts onto kabob sticks. This is a great way to enjoy the classic Italian appetizer without having to worry about dishes or utensils. Additionally, the kabobs make it easy to mix and match different antipasto ingredients to create a unique flavor profile. They are also a great way to get creative with presentation.
Frequently asked questions
3. Chicken Cordon Bleu Wraps
Source: Chicken Cordon Bleu Wraps | ...
Wraps are a great alternative to the traditional picnic sandwich - let your imagination go wild with ingredient combos.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Wraps are a great choice for a picnic food that is easy to make and delicious to eat. This wrap is made with a combination of chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy Dijon sauce. It is a flavorful, filling, and healthy meal that can be enjoyed in the great outdoors. The wrap can be made with any type of bread, tortilla, or wrap, and you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy this classic picnic dish with a side of potato chips or a fresh garden salad.
4. Seattle Style Spinach Balls
Source: Battle of the Spinach Balls ...
What a great way to serve spinach.
These Seattle Style Spinach Balls are a delicious and easy to make picnic food. The recipe starts with a base of cooked spinach, garlic, and onion, which is then combined with a mixture of bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and eggs. Once the mixture is combined, it is formed into small balls and then baked in the oven. The result is a savory and flavorful snack that is sure to be a hit with everyone.
The spinach balls are a great way to get your daily dose of leafy greens, as spinach is a good source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and iron. The addition of the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese also adds a nice crunch and savory flavor. Plus, the eggs help to bind the mixture together and make sure the balls stay in shape when baking.
These spinach balls are a great option for a picnic, as they are easy to make ahead of time and can be served warm or cold. You can also make them in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice for an extra flavorful snack. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious picnic food with your family and friends.
5. Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Source: Vietnamese rice paper rolls
Perfect picnic food. Try all sorts of paper roll fillings.
Vietnamese spring rolls are a delicious and easy to make picnic food. They are made with thin sheets of rice paper filled with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, herbs, and proteins like tofu, shrimp, or pork. The rolls are then lightly fried or served cold. They are the perfect finger food for picnics as they can be eaten with your hands and are easy to transport.
Vietnamese spring rolls are a great way to add variety to your picnic menu. You can mix and match the ingredients to create your own unique rolls. For example, you could fill them with shredded carrots, cucumbers, bean sprouts, and herbs like mint and basil. Or you could add grilled pork and shrimp for a protein-packed snack.
The rice paper wrapper is also versatile and can be used to make sweet treats like banana spring rolls. To make them, simply fill the wrapper with sliced bananas, honey, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Then, roll it up and fry it in a pan with a little oil. Serve with a side of ice cream for a delicious dessert.
6. Strawberry Hand Pie
Source: Gourmet Picnic Recipes
Get your pie fix in this easy to handle version.
7. Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll Ups
Source: Lunch Ideas
Don't they look yummy? Who doesn't love ham and cheese?
Ham and cheese crescent roll ups are an easy, delicious, and portable picnic food. This quick and tasty snack requires only a few ingredients and can be prepared in just a few minutes. All you need is some crescent roll dough, sliced ham, and cheese. Simply roll out the dough, layer on the ham and cheese, and roll it up. Bake according to the package instructions and you have the perfect picnic food.
These crescent roll ups can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a main course. They are great for a variety of occasions, from a picnic in the park to a family gathering. They are also ideal for a light lunch or snack, since they are packed with protein and are easy to transport.
Ham and cheese crescent roll ups are a great way to use up leftovers, too. You can substitute any type of cheese or meat you have on hand. You can also add additional ingredients like bacon, peppers, or onions for extra flavor. For a vegetarian option, you can use vegan cheese or omit the meat altogether.
8. Lemon Pasta Salad
Source: Spring BBQ Recipes
Cold pasta salads have been staple picnic fare for like, since forever.
Lemon Pasta Salad is a classic picnic dish, perfect for any outdoor gathering. This cold pasta salad is simple to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. To prepare the dish, simply cook the pasta according to package instructions, then combine with diced vegetables, a light dressing, and lemon juice. The result is a flavorful and refreshing salad that will be a hit at any picnic.
This pasta salad is a great way to add a healthy option to your picnic menu. The vegetables can be tailored to your tastes, and you can choose from a variety of dressings to make it even more flavorful. You can also add protein to the dish by adding cooked chicken, tuna, or beans.
The beauty of this dish is that it can be served cold or at room temperature. This makes it perfect for outdoor events, as it can be prepared ahead of time and served without needing to be reheated. The salad can also be easily transported in an insulated container, making it a convenient addition to any picnic.
9. Easy Caprese Bites
Source: In the kitchen
Change up the simple but delicious Caprese salad by threading the bits onto toothpicks.
Easy Caprese Bites are a great way to enjoy the classic Caprese salad in a fun and easy way. All you need is some mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, fresh basil, and toothpicks to assemble your own bite-sized Caprese salad. This is a great picnic food because it is easy to make and transport. Plus, it's a delicious and healthy snack that everyone can enjoy. You can also get creative and add other ingredients to your Caprese Bites like olives, prosciutto, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
10. Corn Chickpea Salad
Source: Gourmet Picnic Recipes
Get bag on trend by serving picnic food in jars.
11. Apple Crumb Bars
Source: My Kitchen Snippets: Apple Crumble ...
Give the humble apple star treatment.
12. Pressed Picnic Sandwich
Source: Pressed Picnic Sandwich | DonalSkehan.com
Pressed sandwiches are all the rage right now. Nothing worse than making a delicious deep-filled sandwich only to have all the filling fall out when you eat it.
Pressed Picnic Sandwiches are a great way to enjoy a tasty, filling meal without the mess! This sandwich is made by layering ingredients like ham, cheese, and vegetables between two slices of bread. The sandwich is then lightly grilled or heated to press the ingredients together, creating a delicious, easy-to-eat meal.
The great thing about pressed sandwiches is that they are incredibly versatile. You can switch up the fillings to suit your taste, or make a vegetarian version. You can also add condiments like mayonnaise or mustard for extra flavor.
Pressed sandwiches are also incredibly easy to make. All you need is a sandwich press or a large, heavy pan to press the sandwich together. You can also make the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
Pressed Picnic Sandwiches are perfect for picnics, lunch boxes, and outdoor gatherings. They are easy to transport and keep well, making them a great option for al fresco dining. Plus, they are sure to please everyone in the family with their delicious flavor and filling ingredients.
13. Lasagna Cupcakes
Source: Lasagna Cupcakes
Yes! You can eat lasagna at a picnic - when you make it into cupcakes!
14. Basel Tart
Source: The English Kitchen: Basel Tart
What's a picnic without a good tart? This beauty is made with golden onions and gruyere cheese
Basel Tart is a delicious and easy to make picnic food. It's a savory tart made with golden onions and Gruyere cheese, giving it a rich flavor. This tart is a great dish to bring to a picnic, as it can be served warm or cold. The onions are sautéed in butter until they are golden and caramelized, and then mixed with the Gruyere cheese. The mixture is then poured into a pre-baked tart shell and baked until golden. The tart can be served as a main dish or as a side dish. It pairs well with salads and other picnic foods, such as cold cuts and sandwiches. It can also be served as an appetizer or a snack. Basel Tart is a great way to add flavor and variety to any picnic.
15. Crispy Shrimp and Mango Spring Rolls
Source: Crispy Shrimp and Mango Lettuce ...
Shrimp isn't just for the picnic barbecue
These Crispy Shrimp and Mango Spring Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make picnic food. Made with fresh shrimp, mango, and lettuce, these spring rolls make a refreshing and healthy snack. The shrimp adds a nice crunch and the mango adds a sweet and juicy flavor. The lettuce wraps make them easy to transport and serve.
The recipe is simple and requires only a few ingredients. The shrimp is cooked in a pan with a bit of oil and seasoned with salt and pepper. The mango is diced and added to the pan, and the lettuce leaves are used to wrap everything up. The rolls can be served as-is or with a dipping sauce such as hoisin or sweet chili sauce.
These spring rolls can be enjoyed as a light snack or paired with other picnic favorites such as potato salad, coleslaw, or sandwiches. They are a great option for vegetarians, as the shrimp can easily be replaced with tofu. For a heartier meal, the rolls can be served with a side of rice or noodles.
16. S'more Squares
Source: weelife: Picnic Food: S'more Squares
S'mores gets a picnic makeover.
17. Spinach and Orzo Salad
Source: Pack a perfect picnic
A refreshing change to pasta or rice salad. Or is it? Orzo is a rice shaped pasta. Oh well! It's delicious anyway.
18. Rhubarb Pie in a Jar
Source: Recipe Roundup: 10 Easy Upgrades ...
Oh yes! Pies in jars. I'll have me some of that.
19. Eggplants and Zucchini Rolls
Source: Summer Picnic Ideas | Picnic ...
Two fabulously healthy (and scrummy) vegetables served in an oh so cute way.
Eggplants and Zucchini Rolls are a great option for a summer picnic. They are easy to make and require minimal preparation. Both vegetables are healthy and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Eggplants are a great source of dietary fiber, potassium, manganese, and vitamin B6. Zucchini is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and magnesium. To make the rolls, slice the eggplants and zucchini lengthwise into thin strips. Place the strips on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked. Roll the strips together and serve with your favorite dip. Enjoy this delicious and healthy snack at your next picnic!
20. Empanadas
Source: Picnic's Anytime
Empanadas are easy to handle and pack a powerful punch of flavor in every bite.
21. Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Source: Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Spicy ...
Can you really have a picnic without some juicy, yummy chicken?
22. Trifle in a Mason Jar
Source: HOW TO: Trifle in a ...
As a Brit I am sooo in love with this. I love trifle and putting it in a jar means I can enjoy it anywhere.
23. Broccoli and Gouda Muffins
Source: Top Healthy Memorial Day Picnic ...
Savory muffins are ideal for munching on at picnics.
These Broccoli and Gouda Muffins are an excellent addition to any picnic menu. They are savory and flavorful, and are sure to be a hit with everyone. Made with simple ingredients like shredded Gouda cheese, fresh broccoli, and buttermilk, these muffins are not only delicious but also healthy. The Gouda cheese adds a creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavor, while the broccoli adds a crunchy texture and a mild flavor. Combined with the buttermilk, these ingredients create a light and fluffy muffin with an incredible taste.
These Broccoli and Gouda Muffins can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish. They can also be served as a snack or even as a light meal. They are easy to make, and can be prepared in advance, making them an ideal picnic food. To make them even more delicious, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
24. Grilled Potato Salad
Source: 11 Foods You Never Thought ...
Grilled potato salad? Don't knock it 'til you try it.
25. Rainbow Salad in a Glass
Source: 9 Best DIY Picnic Food ...
Colorful food is so much more attractive. Build this in layers of all your favorite colors.
26. Picnic Loaf
Source: Perfect picnic food
This is so easy to make. Buy a gorgeous huge loaf and cram it with your favorite sandwich ingredients the day before the picnic. Wrap it up and weigh it down. Leave in ridge overnight. Carve it up in great chunks when ready to eat.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and flavor. Think of it as a sandwich crafted for a crowd, where layers of meats, cheeses, spreads, and veggies meld together in a harmonious medley. Choose a bread with a sturdy crust to hold up to the fillings. Sourdough, ciabatta, or a round artisan loaf will do nicely. Try spreading a layer of pesto or olive tapenade before layering in ingredients. Roasted vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, and a mix of provolone and mozzarella can create a delightful vegetarian option that's just as satisfying.
27. Watermelon, Grape, Feta & Mint Salad
Source: Blogger
The best picnic salads are fresh, fruity and refreshing. And, of course, healthy and delicious.
28. Rhubarb Slaw
Source: Gourmet Picnic Recipes
Add some rhubarb to your slaw for a tart upgrade.
29. Bacon Colby Jack Sliders
Source: Bacon Colby Jack Sliders
When sliders become picnic food.
These mini burgers are a scrumptious treat packed with flavor. Bacon adds a smoky touch, while Colby Jack cheese melts perfectly, creating a creamy contrast. A delightful combination that is both easy to assemble and portable, making them ideal for outdoor dining. Their size is perfect for snacking, and they're sure to be a crowd-pleaser among guests of all ages. Serve them hot off the grill, or prepare ahead and simply reheat at your picnic site for a warm, cheesy delight. Pair with miniature pickles and a dollop of barbecue sauce for a truly gourmet bite.
30. Roasted Peppers
Source: Healthy picnic food ideas: roasted ...
There are so many recipes for stuffed roasted peppers and so many of them work cold.
31. Deviled Eggs
Source: stayathomefoodie.com
Don't just boil your eggs. Devil them!
32. Pulled Pork & Red Wine Caramelized Onion Sandwich
Source: I Just Love My Apron: ...
Here's a gourmet sandwich that will have your picnic guests smacking their lips.
This mouthwatering creation layers succulent, slow-cooked pork with the sweet tang of red wine caramelized onions, all nestled between slices of artisan bread. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors, beautifully blending the richness of the pork with the deep, mellow sweetness of the onions. Perfect for an outdoor feast, this sandwich can be prepared ahead of time, wrapped up, and packed into your picnic basket, ready to impress and satisfy hungry friends and family under the open sky.
33. Tangy Pasta Salad with Spinach
Source: Tangy Pasta Salad with Spinach ...
We all need a good, healthy and great tasting pasta salad in our repertoire of picnic recipes.
34. Ricotta Spread
Source: Over the Crescent Moon: Italian ...
An interesting alternative to meat pates.
35. Apple Canapés
Source: english-food-spotlight.com
Here's a different way to serve up apples.
36. Crepes
Source: SteamCircus.com - Timeline Photos | ...
Such an easy dessert to make and serve. Who doesn't love crepes and fruit?
37. Salmon & Quinoa Salad
Source: Tartelette: An Impromptu Picnic: Salmon ...
Make the most of nutty, healthy quinoa by teaming it with delicious salmon. Quite a feast.
38. Tri-Tomato Salad
Source: Gourmet Picnic Recipes
Get lots of lovely lycopene from eating tomatoes galore. It's so easy to make. It looks fab. It tastes fab.
39. Watermelon Salsa
Source: go.tipjunkie.com
So delicious. So pretty.
This watermelon salsa will surely be a hit at your next picnic with its vibrant colors and refreshing taste. It's one of those quirky twists on a classic that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It combines the crisp sweetness of watermelon with traditional salsa ingredients like onions, cilantro, and a hint of lime to give it a unique summery flair. Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips for an appetizing snack or as a zesty compliment to grilled chicken or fish. It's the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of summer!
40. Berry and Chocolate Friands
Source: Perfect picnic food
Dessert anyone?
Berry and Chocolate Friands are a delightful treat that encapsulate the joy of indulgence and the freshness of fruit. These small French-inspired cakes are made with almond flour which gives them a gorgeous, moist texture, and when combined with tart berries and rich chocolate, the result is truly sublime. Whether you use raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, the fruity zing cuts through the sweetness and creates a harmonious balance. Best of all, they are wonderfully portable, making them an elegant addition to any picnic basket. Who could resist such a sophisticated yet comforting dessert?
41. Rice Cake Spicy California Roll
Source: Open-faced spicy California roll recipe ...
You can even dress up rice cakes for a picnic.
42. Ladybug Canapés
Source: Rindy Mae: Ladybug Crostini
Now these are ladybugs I wouldn’t; mind invading my picnic.
43. Mayo-Free Creamy and Healthy Potato Salad
Source: 6 Picnic Food Favorites Get ...
It's still creamy, it's still yummy; it's a yummy, scrummy, creamy, no-mayo potato salad.
44. Chilled Pea and Coriander Soup Recipe
Source: Chilled pea and coriander soup
I always thought soup was too much hassle as a picnic food but with this new fashion for food in jars, I think chilled soups are a great option.
45. Cannolli Filled Strawberries
Source: allyummyrecipes.com
Can you have a picnic without strawberries?
46. Piggies in Blankets
Source: Healthy Pigs in a Blanket ...
Each one is only 55 calories. Pop a few!
47. Roast Pumpkin, Zucchini, Capsicum and Feta Crustless Quiche
Source: Perfect picnic food
This sounds so cordon blue. Impress your friends!
Did you get some great ideas? If you’ve got a favorite picnic food recipe please share.