40+ Easy Picnic Food Ideas

One of the most enjoyable parts of any picnic is the food! Whether you're heading to the park, beach, or your backyard, having easy and delicious food on hand can make your picnic perfect. In this blog post, we’ll share some easy picnic food ideas that are simple to prepare, pack, and enjoy outdoors.

A picnic is a fantastic way to enjoy good food, nature, and great weather. Get your picnic basket ready! With these easy picnic food ideas, you’ll be ready for a stress-free and delicious outing. Whether you're planning a romantic picnic for two or a fun family day out, these best picnic food ideas will make your picnic a memorable one.

For more easy food ideas, check out also these recipe collections: 25 Best Outdoor BBQ Recipes, 25 Easy Mediterranean Fish Recipes, & 10 Easy Recipes with Sundried Tomato Pesto.

1. BREAD, QUICHES, SAVORY PIES

An assortment of flavored breads, scrumptious quiches and delicious savory pies that are perfect for any picnic.

Pesto Focaccia Bread

Pesto Focaccia Bread

This Soft Pesto Focaccia Bread is a delicious twist on the fluffy, airy texture of classic focaccia with the vibrant, herby flavors of fresh basil pesto.

Perfect for serving as an appetizer, side dish, or even a sandwich base, this homemade focaccia bread will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Total Time to make: 2 hours hours 40 minutes minutes

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Ricotta and Spinach Quiche

Ricotta and Spinach Quiche

Torta Pasqualina is a traditional Easter Spinach and Ricotta quiche from Northern Italy, can it can be enjoyed any time of the year.

It has creamy ricotta and spinach filling, with hard-boiled eggs inside and a golden puff pastry crust on top. The recipe has ancient origins but it has been adapted for modern times.

Total Time to make: 1 hour hour

5 from 1 vote

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Bacon Leek Quiche

Bacon Leek Quiche

Experience the deliciousness of bacon leek quiche. A satisfying and flavorful dish that will delight your taste buds.

This savory bacon leek quiche is a deliciously satisfying dish, perfect for any meal. The combination of smoky bacon, tender leeks, and creamy eggs baked in a buttery crust creates a rich, flavorful bite. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it's an ideal addition to your picnic spread.

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Cheesy Soft Pretzels

Cheesy Soft Pretzels

Cheesy Soft Pretzels are homemade soft, buttery and cheesy!

Indulge in these warm, cheesy soft pretzels, perfect for a picnic treat. Easy to make and irresistibly flavorful, they’re a crowd-pleaser that combines the comfort of soft dough with a rich, cheesy twist.

Appetizer or snack, dip in marinara, cheese sauce or mustard.

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Pepperoni Pizza Muffins

Easy Pepperoni Pizza Muffins Kids Can Make

Children will love helping make dinner with this recipe for easy pepperoni pizza muffins that kids can make! Less than 5 minutes of prep!

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Quiche Florentine

Quiche Florentine

This quiche Florentine is hearty, savory and delicious! It is quick and easy. This quiche has a buttery crust and creamy egg custard filling.

Quiche Florentine is a classic French dish that brings together tender spinach, rich cream, and eggs in a flaky, buttery crust. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the fresh spinach flavor to shine, making it a delightful and elegant option for brunch or a light lunch. Serve it warm or cold for a timeless treat.

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Taco Cups

Taco Cups

Taco cups are just what they sound like - cheesy, savory, bite-sized tacos! These miniature taco cups are a fun finger-food version of a classic family dinner.
Taco cups are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, perfect for any gathering. These bite-sized treats feature crispy tortilla shells filled with seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and gooey cheese, all packed into a convenient, easy-to-eat cup. They’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that adds a festive flair to any occasion.

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2. PASTA SALADS

Pasta salads are always a hit and loved by everyone. These pasta salads come in all shapes, flavors, and form, so you can choose your favorite!

Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

The perfect Italian summer dish is a delicious Caprese Pasta Salad with tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Even better if the pasta is coated in creamy Basil Pesto sauce!

This dish is the perfect summer recipe to eat with your friends or family and it's fantastic either warm or cold!

Total Time to make: 15 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

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Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

This Mediterranean couscous salad is a refreshing cold salad that's perfect for a summer Italian dinner.

Packed with Mediterranean veggies and tossed in a zesty lemon dressing with fresh herbs, it makes for a delicious and filling vegetarian meal.

Total Time to make: 20 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

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Grilled Vegetables Farro Salad

Grilled Vegetables Farro Salad

A healthy and vegetarian Farro salad with grilled vegetables, perfect for a summer lunch or picnic in the park, or as a side for a barbecue. It's rich in fibers and full of vegetables.

You can also meal prep it and make it in advance. A delicious summer farro salad to be enjoyed with friends and family.

Total Time to make: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

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Spinach Orzo Pasta Salad

Spinach Orzo Pasta Salad

This easy and delicious spinach orzo pasta is dressed in a lemon and basil olive oil and served with roasted cherry tomatoes. Easy to make with simple ingredients.

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Bacon Tomato Pasta Salad

Bacon Tomato Pasta Salad

This bacon tomato pasta salad is ideal for picnics, backyard BBQs, and potlucks. It’s the perfect summer side dish for nearly any meal!

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Caesar Pasta Salad

Caesar Pasta Salad

Caesar Pasta Salad with a homemade Caesar dressing combines traditional Caesar salad and summer macaroni salad into one picnic side dish.

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Couscous Salad with Lemon Dressing

Easy Couscous Salad with Lemon Dressing

This quick and easy couscous salad recipe is fresh, healthy and deliciously addictive. The bright lemon dressing is made from only 4 simple ingredients.

It's a simple yet satisfying salad that's ideal for warm days or when you need something fast and delicious.

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Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is so tasty and quick to make. #italian #pastasalad #pasta #salad

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3. SANDWICHES AND WRAPS

Sandwiches and wraps are classic picnic foods for a reason—they're easy to make, portable, and can be customized to suit everyone’s taste.

Muffuletta Sandwich

Muffuletta-An Easy Picnic Sandwich Recipe

Muffuletta pressed Italian American recipe with olive salad spread. Make-ahead, easy, delicious and known as a picnic sandwich.

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Salami, Mozzarella and Eggplant Ciabatta Sandwich

Salami, Mozzarella and Eggplant Ciabatta Sandwich

This family-size ciabatta sandwich filled with salami, mozzarella and marinated eggplant is the perfect summer lunch recipe.

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Chicken Cutlet Sandwich

Mom’s Chicken Cutlet Sandwich

Chicken Cutlet Sandwich is an amazing combo of cutlets, broccoli rabe, fresh mozzarella, pesto and roasted peppers or tomatoes stacked proudly on Italian bread.

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Easy Chicken Wrap

Easy Chicken Wrap - Quick Lunch / Dinner Idea

This easy chicken wrap is so versatile. If you are going to use store-bought tortillas for this wrap, then it takes just 20 minutes from start to end.

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Italian Sub Sandwich

Italian Sub Sandwich

Classic Italian Sub Sandwich with traditional Italian meats, provolone cheese, fresh veggies, and zesty condiments on a sub sandwich roll.

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Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches

Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches (Chicken Salad Veronique)

Stuffed with a French-inspired grape and tarragon chicken salad, these Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches are a perfect summer picnic meal.

Imagine buttery croissants generously filled with a delightful chicken salad featuring juicy grapes, crisp celery, fragrant tarragon, and crunchy walnuts. These sandwiches are not only easy to make ahead but also stay wonderfully fresh and delicious.

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Chopped Italian Sandwich

Chopped Italian Sandwich

This chopped Italian sandwich is easy to make ahead of time with your favorite meats, cheese, and jarred vegetables. Great for a tailgate or potluck party.

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Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwich

Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches

Pressed Italian picnic sandwiches aren’t just for picnics. Yes, they are great for summer picnics because they travel well, but they’re also amazing for lunch when you want to treat your tastebuds to an authentic taste of Italy.

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Caprese Sandwich with Truffle Salt

Caprese Sandwich with Truffle Salt

Caprese Sandwich with Truffle Salt is a show-stopping panino that’s perfect for picnics and only requires five simple ingredients.

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Bagel BLT Sandwich

Best Ever Bagel BLT Sandwich

This bagel BLT is the ultimate comfort food packed with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, and creamy hummus on a toasted everything bagel. It’s a satisfying, light treat that’s perfect for any meal of the day!

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4. FRESH SALADS

Salads are a light and refreshing choice for a picnic. The key is to choose ingredients that won’t wilt easily and pack the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh.

Tuna Potato Salad

Tuna Potato Salad (No Mayo)

This Tuna Potato Salad is a perfectly balanced and flavorful salad for a cold lunch or picnic. It has no mayo, but a light and tangy herby salad dressing infused with dill and lemon juice.

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Potato and Green Bean Salad with Corn Vinaigrette

Potato and Green Bean Salad with Corn Vinaigrette

This Potato and Green Bean Salad with Corn Vinaigrette is everything right about summer! Classic summer vegetables with a next-level dressing!

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Chickpea Avocado Salad

Chickpea Avocado Salad

Chickpea Avocado Salad is a fresh and healthy salad filled with tender chickpeas, red bell pepper, and creamy avocado with fresh lime juice and cilantro. This wholesome recipe is perfect for a light lunch, vegetarian side, or meal prepping!

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Tuscan Cannellini Bean Salad

Tuscan Cannellini Bean Salad

This Tuscan Cannellini Bean Salad is full of plant protein from white beans and is bursting with Italian flavors. The perfect meal prep recipe

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Chipotle Coleslaw

Chipotle Coleslaw Recipe

You’ll love our creamy chipotle coleslaw recipe! This easy side dish combines smoky chipotle peppers with creamy cabbage for a flavor-packed sensation. Perfect for grilling sessions, BBQs, or as a refreshing addition to any meal.

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French Potato Salad With Green Beans

Elegant French Potato Salad With Green Beans

This French Potato Salad is a wonderful alternative to mayonnaise-based potato salad.
The flavors of fresh herbs and Dijon mustard bring a sophisticated depth, making it an ideal accompaniment for any gourmet meal.

Perfect served warm or at room temperature, this salad adds a touch of French elegance to your table.

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Mushroom Salad with Lemon Maple Vinaigrette

The Ultimate Mushroom Salad with Lemon Maple Vinaigrette

If you’re a mushroom lover looking for a versatile dish, this mushroom salad with lemon maple vinaigrette is a fantastic choice.

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Mango Cucumber Salad With Avocado and Fresh Mint

Mango Cucumber Salad With Avocado and Fresh Mint

If you’re a fan of vibrant summer salads, you’re in for a treat with our Mango Cucumber Salad, your go-to salad for BBQs and sunny gatherings.

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Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with Tahini Dressing

Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with Tahini Dressing

This easy raw brussels sprouts salad is made with shaved brussels sprouts and carrots, fruit and an easy tahini dressing. This salad packs and stores well and is perfect for meal prep!

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Chili Lime Quinoa Salad with Kale & Roasted Chickpeas

Chili Lime Quinoa Salad with Kale & Roasted Chickpeas

This crowd-pleasing Quinoa Salad with massaged kale, roasted Chickpeas and a homemade Chili Lime Dressing is the perfect make-ahead meal or potluck side!

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German Potato Salad with Cucumber

German Potato Salad with Cucumber

German Potato Salad with Cucumber is a textured, healthier version with onions, mustard, vinegar, oil, and chives. Ideal for snacks, sides, or potlucks.
The addition of fresh dill and onions adds a burst of flavor, while the cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch. This salad is perfect served warm or cold, making it a versatile and tasty side dish for any occasion.

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5. EASY DESSERTS

No picnic is complete without a sweet treat! Here are some easy-to-pack desserts.

Strawberry Tiramisù

Strawberry Tiramisù

Strawberry Tiramisù is a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert. It combines layers of ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and juicy strawberries, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

It's also a perfect kid-friendly dessert, as it contains no coffee or alcohol.

Total Time to make: 50 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

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Raspberry Ricotta Cake with Chocolate Chunks

Raspberry Ricotta Cake with Chocolate Chunks

A soft ricotta cake with chocolate chunks and topped with sweet raspberries, perfect for enjoying for breakfast with a Cappuccino.

It's moist and delicious, an easy recipe to get on the table as a homemade cake for your family to enjoy.

Total Time to make: 1 hour hour

5 from 2 votes

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No Bake Cheesecake Mousse Cups

No Bake Cheesecake Mousse Cups Recipe

No bake cheesecake mousse cups are so easy! If you love no gelatin mousse cheesecake recipes or cheesecake mousse pie, you’ll love these!

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Sourdough Lemon Cake

Sourdough Lemon Cake

Sourdough Lemon Cake is a summery quick bread made with butter and eggs. The sourdough discard adds a delicious tangy taste to this recipe.

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Double Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

Double Chocolate Coconut Macaroons Recipe

If you love chocolate and coconut, these crunchy chocolate coconut macaroons might be your thing. Low-carb and keto approved, ... and healthy!

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White Chocolate Raspberry Blondies

White Chocolate Raspberry Blondies

Indulge in these deliciously moist and flavorful white chocolate raspberry blondies. This easy recipe uses frozen raspberries to create the sweet treat!

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Easy Sweet & Salty Strawberry Popcorn

Easy Sweet & Salty Strawberry Popcorn recipe

Are you ready to add a dash of romance to your movie nights? Introducing the Easy Sweet & Salty Strawberry Popcorn!

It’s a flavor-packed combination that perfectly balances the sweetness of strawberries with the satisfying crunch of homemade popcorn.

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Homemade Blueberry Pop Tarts

Homemade Blueberry Pop Tarts

When you need a mess-free dessert, these homemade blueberry pop tarts will wow everyone! They’re sweet hand pies with plump berries wrapped in a flaky crust made from refrigerated pie crust.

This fruit pastry recipe doesn’t get any easier and is perfect from Memorial Day to Labor Day!

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Banana Date Oat Muffins

Banana Date Oat Muffins

Healthy and hearty banana date oat muffins made with oatmeal, banana, dates, cinnamon an brown sugar. A quick and easy breakfast.

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6. DRINKS TO KEEP YOU COOL

Don’t forget to pack something to drink!

Hugo Spritz

Hugo Spritz

This Hugo Spritz or St-Germain Spritz, is a sweet and refreshing cocktail, perfect for summer!

Hugo is a classic drink made with elderflower liqueur, known as St-Germain.

Total Time to make: 5 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

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Cucumber Lemonade Mocktail

Cucumber Lemonade Mocktail

This nonalcoholic Cucumber Lemonade Mocktail is refreshing and hydrating. It’s super easy to mix up at home and perfect for hot summer days.

Why cucumber and lemon, you ask? Imagine the crispest, most refreshing cucumber slices diving into a pool of zesty, tangy lemon juice. It’s like sending your taste buds on a spa day – rejuvenating, invigorating, and utterly relaxing.

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Homemade Blueberry Lemonade

Refreshing Homemade Blueberry Lemonade Recipe with Blueberry Simple Syrup

Try this Homemade Blueberry Lemonade Recipe with blueberry syrup. It’s so refreshing, sweet, and tangy! Made with only 4 simple ingredients!

This recipe contains no alcohol, but you may add it if desired. The ingredients can be easily adjusted based on personal taste, so the proportions are flexible. Who can say no to a tart, sweet, blueberry vodka lemonade that will refresh you on the hottest of days!

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