Sandwiches, snacks, and even drinks!
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Enjoying the great outdoors is nice, but having a meal outdoors is even better! Imagine sitting on a cute, checkered blanket, snacking on Ree Drummond's watermelon salad while taking in the sunshine. Sounds like the perfect afternoon! Whether you’re packing up a basket for a picnic in the park or filling the cooler for an outing on the beach, this list of picnic food ideas is perfect for any outdoor occasion. When it comes to picnic foods, simplicity and portability are key. Start with classic sandwiches and pair them with crowd-pleasing picnic sides, like pasta salads and potato salads. Or opt for finger-friendly foods, like fried chicken tenders and chef's salad on a stick. You also can't forget sweet spring and summer drinks!
Of course, it's important to remember that picnicking requires a bit of planning. First, you need spring or summer recipes that can handle the heat. But you'll also want to have reliable food containers to make your picnic easy to transport. If you've got a group, consider a drink dispenser, too. Another thing to remember when packing a picnic: convenience. Skip fussy recipes or anything that requires a steak knife and stick to the simple stuff instead. That's why we've included plenty of salads and even empanadas—which are great for eating with your hands! To make your picnic even more perfect, try a make-ahead dessert, like lemon crinkle cookies or blondies, that are easy to serve. All that's left to do is pack the picnic blanket and you're ready to go!
1
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
The best picnic food is uncomplicated—and these pinwheels are here to prove it! Store-bought crescent roll dough makes for an easy, buttery roll-up sandwich filled with sweet and salty ham as well as gooey cheese.
Get the Ham and Cheese Pinwheels recipe.
2
Feta Pasta
It went viral for a reason! Feta pasta is bursting with flavor thanks to fresh tomatoes, feta, cream cheese, basil, and roasted red peppers. The dish can be made in under an hour, too!
Get the Feta Pasta recipe.
3
Lemon Shortbread Cookies
These springtime shortbread cookies are a delicious (and portable) picnic treat that will melt in your mouth. Infused with bright bursts of lemon zest and juice, then finished with a sweet-tart lemon glaze, each bite will delight everyone.
Get the Lemon Shortbread Cookies recipe.
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4
Asparagus Quiche
Both the taste and look of this quiche are so vibrant! It has a crisp crust and creamy filling of springy greens like asparagus, green onion, and fresh dill along with salty crumbled feta.
Get the Asparagus Quiche recipe.
5
Lavender Lemonade
There's hardly anything more refreshing than a glass of lavender lemonade! You can make this one using a simple syrup that's infused with dried culinary lavender flowers. Combine that with freshly squeezed lemons and sprigs of mint for a classic seasonal sip. You could even add a splash of vodka to transform it into a cocktail!
Get the Lavender Lemonade recipe.
6
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Here's a fun twist on Caesar salad that's great for making ahead! It's hearty and flavorful, and perfect for an afternoon lunch. Just be sure to pack the croutons and lettuce in separate containers on the side so they stay extra crunchy!
Get the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe.
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7
Tea Sandwiches
These adorable bite-sized sandwiches are great for snacking on throughout the day. If the weather is warm, try serving them up with iced tea for a change!
Get the Tea Sandwiches recipe.
8
Chickpea Salad
This zippy, colorful salad is the perfect candidate for making ahead. The chickpeas and veggies will actually marinate in the dressing so it can keep for up to two days in the fridge.
Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.
9
Blueberry Bars
Give your picnic a welcome touch of sweetness with these bright berry bars topped with a tender streusel crumb. You'll be glad you thought to stash them in your basket or food containers.
Get the Blueberry Bars recipe.
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10
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Fried chicken is a classic picnic food dish, but this variation is even easier to eat with your hands. And it's made in an air fryer so it's healthier, too.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe.
11
Corn Salad
Fresh sweet corn gets a spicy kick with this salad that's tossed with jalapeño peppers and a creamy chipotle dressing. It's a fun side dish for any main course.
Get the Corn Salad recipe.
12
Pesto Chicken Salad Croissants
It doesn't take much effort to pull this recipe off. After all, it uses two supermarket shortcuts: rotisserie chicken and store-bought pesto!
Get Ree's Pesto Chicken Salad Croissants recipe.
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13
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and chunks of cheddar cheese make this pasta salad the star of any potluck or picnic. The best part is—it takes less than 30 minutes to make!
Get the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe.
14
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are the perfect snack for potlucks and picnics, alike. But remember that once you take them out of the fridge, you should serve them within two hours.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
15
Italian Sandwich
There are so many reasons to love this over-the-top sandwich. Not only is it loaded with meats and cheese, but it can also be made ahead, wrapped in plastic wrap, and served the next day!
Get the Italian Sandwich recipe.
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16
Red Potato Salad
This creamy potato salad is loaded with texture and flavor thanks to crunchy celery, bits of crispy bacon, and fresh dill. Serve it alongside side any sandwich or slider.
Get the Red Potato Salad recipe.
17
BLT Pasta Salad
It wouldn't be a picnic without pasta salad. And this one is a huge hit with everyone who tries it. After all, it's hard not to love a dish that includes both ranch and bacon!
Get the BLT Pasta Salad recipe.
18
Chicken Empanadas
Empanadas are great for picnics because they're essentially like little savory hand pies. Pack the green herby sauce in a separate container for dipping!
Get the Chicken Empanadas recipe.
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19
Egg Salad
This is a simple recipe for classic egg salad. But really you can't go wrong if you want to make it your own. Add celery, bell peppers, herbs, and spices.
Get the Egg Salad recipe.
20
Strawberry Lemonade
Making a big batch of lemonade is one of Ree Drummond’s favorite summertime rituals. Switch things up by adding sweet strawberries to the tart mix and you'll have a drink that's perfect for a picnic. To pack it, use a big mason jar with a lid.
Get the Strawberry Lemonade recipe.
