Simple Picnic Recipes to Prepare for Your Next Family Outing
As the weather grows warmer and the days grow longer, chances are you have one big goal in mind: Spending as much time outdoors as possible. And while there are tons of warm-weather activities that'll get you outside and moving, nothing quite beats a leisurely picnic on a sunny day. Of course, preparing for a picnic always brings up the difficult decision of what kind of snacks to pack in your basket. Yes, you can get by with a baguette and some cheese, but quick and easy picnic food ideas don't have to be limited to simple grab-and-go snacks.
When it comes to your spread, the best picnic ideas tend to be quick, simple, and easy to serve cold, since you'll be taking it on the go. Luckily, from sandwich recipes to easy summer salads, there are plenty of picnic food ideas that fit the bill. Maybe you're looking for some tasty appetizers to snack on while you lounge. Perhaps you want to whip up a fresh pasta salad that everyone can share. Whatever the case, you're sure to find some inspiration among these easy picnic basket recipes, all of which take 30 minutes or less to prepare, so you can be on the road in no time.
Pressed Grilled Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Flavor-packed chicken salad makes the perfect picnic sandwiches when stacked on hearty bread.
Get the Pressed Grilled Chicken Salad Sandwiches recipe.
Summer Bean, Corn, and Radish Salad
Your favorite summer veggies team up to make this picnic-worthy salad.
Get the Summer Bean, Corn, and Radish Salad recipe.
Beet Crostini
For an unexpected picnic appetizer that's sure to impress, top toast with horseradish-infused crème fraîche and beets.
Get the Beet Crostini recipe.
Orecchiette with White Beans and Spinach
You can whip up this one-pan white bean and spinach pasta dish in just 20 minutes.
Get the Orecchiette with White Beans and Spinach recipe.
Ham and Pickle Baguette
The classic ham sandwich gets a makeover when you add sliced pickles mixed with butter for a little saltiness.
Get the Ham and Pickle Baguette recipe.
Fresh Corn and Chickpea Salad
You can add a tasty crunch of flavor to your picnic spread with this refreshing summer salad.
Get the Fresh Corn and Chickpea Salad recipe.
Lentil Hummus
The only downside to this heart-healthy hummus: It's going to be gone before you know it.
Get the Lentil Hummus recipe.
Pasta with Garlicky Swiss Chard and Corn
This flavorful summer pasta only takes 20 minutes to make, and it's sure to earn you rave reviews.
Get the Pasta with Garlicky Swiss Chard and Corn recipe.
Turkey, Brie, Bacon, and Cranberry Sandwich
You can't beat a turkey sandwich filled with tart cranberry, crisp bacon, and tangy brie cheese (especially since it only takes 10 minutes to make!).
Get the Turkey, Brie, Bacon, and Cranberry Sandwich recipe.
Tomato-Basil Pasta Salad
Everyone will love the large chunks of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and tangy red onion in this refreshing pasta salad.
Get the Tomato-Basil Pasta Salad recipe.
Fresh Corn, Tomato, Herb, and Israeli Couscous Salad
Pasta salad is a tasty way to showcase summer veggies, and this quick-and-easy recipe only takes 20 minutes to put together.
Get the Fresh Corn, Tomato, Herb, and Israeli Couscous Salad recipe.
Greek Turkey Burgers
For heart-healthy burgers you can whip up in just 20 minutes, these Greek turkey burgers are the way to go.
Get the Greek Turkey Burgers recipe.
Ham and Pimiento Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Kids and adults alike will go wild for this pimiento-stuffed grilled cheese sandwich.
Get the Ham and Pimiento Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe.
Salami-Wrapped Melon with Basil
Salami and melon may seem like an odd combination to you, but don't knock this easy kabob recipe until you try it.
Get the Salami-Wrapped Melon with Basil recipe.
Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad
With toasted hazelnuts, green apples, thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, and just a hint of lemon juice, this salad is sure to be a hit at your picnic.
Get the Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad recipe.
Chicago-Style Chicken Dogs
These chicken hot dogs are overflowing with delicious veggies (and they're so easy to make).
Get the Chicago-Style Chicken Dogs recipe.
Pasta With Walnut Pesto and Peas
The best thing about this nutty, citrusy pasta dish: It tastes just as good cold as it does hot.
Get the Pasta With Walnut Pesto and Peas recipe.
Spicy Deviled Eggs
Cook up some hard boiled eggs a day or two in advance, then assemble these spicy deviled eggs a few hours before you eat.
Get the Spicy Deviled Eggs recipe.
Spinach, Potato, and Corn Salad
Fresh and filling, this perfect picnic salad can serve as a starter or as the main meal.
Get the Spinach, Potato, and Corn Salad recipe.
Crunchy Turkey Salad with Oranges
This colorful salad (which is made with oranges, carrots, chow mien noodles, and cabbage) can be made with shredded turkey breast or rotisserie chicken.
Get the Crunchy Turkey Salad with Oranges recipe.
Ham and Brie Quesadilla
Put a new spin on your go-to ham and cheese sandwich by stuffing your ingredients into a whole wheat tortilla.
Get the Ham and Brie Quesadilla recipe.
Smoked Salmon Bites
Believe it or not, potato chips serve as the base for this playful picnic appetizer.
Get the Smoked Salmon Bites recipe.
Chile-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella
This refreshing salad comes together with just a handful of ingredients.
Get the Chile-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella recipe.
Veggie Focaccia
If you're looking for a light lunch sandwich, then you can't beat this tasty, vegetarian-friendly option.
Get the Veggie Focaccia recipe.
Whipped Feta with Cucumber
This herby, cheesy spread tastes so good when paired with cool cucumber slices.
Get the Whipped Feta with Cucumber recipe.
Corn on the Cob with Parsley Butter
Add another flavor dimension to corn on the cob with homemade parsley butter.
Get the Corn on the Cob with Parsley Butter recipe.
Mediterranean Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Flavors of the Mediterranean — mint, Kalamata olives, cucumber, and garlic — come together to upgrade rotisserie chicken.
Get the Mediterranean Chicken Salad Sandwiches recipe.
Beet and Feta Dip
In a hummus rut? Try this amazing spread instead.
Get the Beet and Feta Dip recipe.
Spinach, Chickpea, and Chicken Pitas
To give your picnic some Mediterranean flair, you can put together these easy pita sandwiches with a side of creamy Greek yogurt.
Get the Spinach, Chickpea, and Chicken Pitas recipe.
Peach Caprese Salad
Give a typical caprese new life with the addition of fresh peaches or nectarines.
Get the Peach Caprese Salad recipe.
Tuna and Chickpea Lettuce Cups
Serve these tasty tuna lettuce cups with chopped olives and feta for a fresh and healthy snack.
Get the Tuna and Chickpea Lettuce Cups recipe.
Frozen Tropical Fruit Kebabs
What could be more refreshing than mango and pineapple chunks drizzled with melted white chocolate?
Get the Frozen Tropical Fruit Kebabs recipe.
Pear and Gouda Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Tart and fresh, this pear and gouda grilled cheese would be perfect for spring or summer picnics.
Get the Pear and Gouda Grilled Cheese recipe.
Lemony Pasta Salad with Green Beans and Arugula
This spring salad combines fresh green beans and arugula with a sprinkling of feta cheese.
Get the Lemony Pasta Salad with Green Beans and Arugula recipe.
Pimento Cheese Spread
Make sure you bring plenty of crackers along to your picnic to complement this cheesy, spicy dip.
Get the Pimento Cheese Spread recipe.
Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad
This light and crunchy salad takes just minutes to put together, and it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Sugar Snap Pea and Radish Salad recipe.
Pepperoni, Spinach, and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
This sandwich is basically pizza in grilled cheese form, so kids won't even protest about the addition of spinach.
Get the Pepperoni, Spinach, and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese recipe.
Peach, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Salad
Packed with fresh peaches, toasted walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese, this nutty summer salad is the ideal picnic side dish.
Get the Peach, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Salad recipe.
Marinated Tomato Pasta Salad
No picnic is complete without a pasta salad, and this summery side is fast, easy, and fresh.
Get the Marinated Tomato Pasta Salad recipe.
Creamy Chicken-and-Broccoli Pesto Bow Ties
Toasted pecans add an unexpected crunchiness to this creamy pasta dish.
Get the Creamy Chicken-and-Broccoli Pesto Bow Ties recipe.
Guacamole
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't love snacking on tortilla chips and guacamole.
Get the Guacamole recipe.
Ham Biscuits
If you want to make this finger sandwich recipe even easier, Grab some pre-made biscuits rather than making your own from scratch.
Get the Ham Biscuits recipe.
Creamy Blue Cheese Slaw
Give crunchy slaw a creamy upgrade with the help of some rich blue cheese.
Get the Creamy Blue Cheese Slaw recipe.
Avocado and Ham Sandwiches
Avocado and ham make a surprisingly tasty combination when stuck between two loaves of ficelle with Dijon mustard.
Get the Avocado and Ham Sandwiches recipe.
BLT Pasta Salad
This hearty dish features all the components of the beloved sandwich, in pasta form.
Get the BLT Pasta Salad recipe.
White Bean and Tuna Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
This protein-packed salad is as easy to transport to your picnic as it is to make.
Get the White Bean and Tuna Salad with Basil Vinaigrette recipe.
Avocado, Cheddar, and Sprouts Pockets with Tangy Lime Mayo
Tangy lime mayo packs all the flavor you'll need in this meat-free pocket.
Get the Avocado, Cheddar, and Sprouts Pockets recipe.
Tomato and Watermelon Salad
Basil and salty feta perfectly complement this fruit salad, which can work as a side dish or a whole meal.
Get the Tomato and Watermelon Salad recipe.
Creamy Corn Pasta with Bacon and Scallions
You can make this colorful picnic pasta dish even tastier by adding some hot sauce on top.
Get the Creamy Corn Pasta with Bacon and Scallions recipe.
Cheesy Chicken Sandwiches
Loaded up with fresh veggies, this chicken cutlet sandwich is yummy and healthy.
Get the Cheesy Chicken Sandwiches recipe.
Strawberry and Snickers Sticks
Need an easy, no-bake picnic dessert? These candy and fruit kebabs are calling your name.
Get the Strawberry and Snickers Sticks recipe.
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