42 Easy Picnic Foods for Stress-Free Outdoor Fun

We know that picnic foods might be hard to find inspiration for, and that is why we prepared a long list of easy picnic foods one can make beforehand and bring with them on their outdoor adventure. We have recipes for sandwiches, wraps, salads, and even more. This is the reason why we can’t wait for picnic season—because our blankets are ready, and our coolers are prepared for the food we have in store for you. Now, hang tight and make sure to skim through all of the ideas for easy picnic recipes we have!

9 Practical + Easy Picnic Foods To Try

1. Vegetarian Wraps

One of the easiest picnic foods for your picnic basket is vegetarian wraps. We love them because you can cater them to your needs. All you need is to combine pre-heated tortillas with a vegetable mix. We also love incorporating a dip into this recipe, but the vegetable mix is what makes or breaks it. We fill them with vegetables like green onions, peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower.

2. Rice and Egg Salad

Rice and egg salad is another of our favorite easy picnic recipes, which we use all the time. To prepare it, we make curried rice on the side, and while the rice is cooking on the stove, we prepare eggs and combine them with some delicious cucumbers and carrots.

3. Picnic Pie

Picnic pie is a pastry that is quickly prepared. All you need to do is layer your pie base, add layers of eggs, vegetables, feta cheese, and then top it off with another layer of pie crust. We place it in the oven and then, while on our picnic, we eat it cold because this gives it some extra flavor.

4. Sausage Rolls

Sausage rolls are a great option if you love a chicken and bacon combination. We love pairing the sausage with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs like basil. We prepare them by placing pie crust on the bottom, adding our sausage mix in the middle, and rolling it up.

5. Swirls

We love this pastry because it can be eaten on the go. We combine it with cheese and pesto, and it’s quite easy to make. Simply roll up the pastry, place your cheese and pesto inside, cut the roll into pieces, and place them on their sides.

6. Zucchini and Cheese Muffins

These muffins are perfect for picnics. They are a delicious combination of fresh zucchini and cheese. Grate the zucchini, mix it with cheese, and blend in your favorite seasonings. Bake them until golden.

7. Veggie Noodle Cups

Cold veggie noodle cups are perfect if you love using spiralized vegetables like zucchini and carrot. Try mixing them with a flavorful dressing, and serving them in individual cups.

8. Herb and Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks

These herbs and cheese stuffed breadsticks are made quickly by stuffing soft breadsticks with a blend of herbs and cheese. We then bake them until golden and crispy. 

9. Savory Puff Pastry Rolls

Savory puff pastry rolls are a quick and satisfying picnic food. Simply roll out the puff pastry, add your choice of savory fillings like spinach, cheese, and herbs, then roll them up and bake. 

10 Finger Foods and Snacks For Picnics

1. Yogurt Dip

If you love refreshing dips that you can pair with pita bread, tortillas, or crackers, this is a great idea! It is extremely refreshing because it combines yogurt, cucumber, dill pickles (if you have any lying around), and mint. You can also add ginger, a tad of olive oil, and garlic. To prepare it, mix together all of the ingredients in the yogurt base.

2. Red Pepper Dip

Also known as ajvar, this is a perfect spread to use while picnicking because it does not need refrigeration. All you need to do is roast your peppers in the oven and then grind them up into bigger pieces. It’s ready for your picnic adventure!

3. Hummus

One of the most popular picnic dips is hummus. We love combining it with roasted vegetables or pita bread, and we prepare it quickly in just 10 minutes. All you need to do is blend chickpeas and tahini, then add any spices you prefer. Voila! The recipe is prepared.

4. Tzatziki

Another extra cooling mix that is based on yogurt is tzatziki. We love it because it gives us that Greek touch to our picnic. It’s perfect for summer snacks and pairs well with pita bread and toast. To prepare it, mix mint, garlic, and salt with a yogurt base.

5. Baba Ganoush

Another very popular spread that has a consistency similar to hummus is baba ganoush. This is a Middle Eastern-style dip that pairs beautifully with pita bread and vegetables. To prepare it, you will need to roast aubergines and mash them. Then mix in tahini sauce, lemon juice, and parsley to get the traditional dip.

6. Bean Dip

If you love a vegan-style dip, bean dip is the one to opt for! It mixes together processed beans with avocado, garlic, lemon, and any spices you prefer. We love to eat this dip with crackers.

7. Cucumber Sushi Rolls

Cucumber sushi rolls are made by filling thin cucumber slices with rice, avocado, and a touch of soy sauce. Then roll them up for a fresh and flavorful bite. 

8. Sweet Potato Chips

Sweet potato chips are a crispy snack. We love them because they are both healthy and satisfying. Make them by simply slicing sweet potatoes thin, season them with your favorite spices, and bake until crisp. 

9. Mini Cheese and Herb Scones

Mini cheese and herb scones are savory treats. We like them filled with a delightful blend of cheese and fresh herbs. They’re quick to make and easy to grab on the go, even if you’re not preparing for picknicking.

10. Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Stuffed cherry tomatoes are a simple yet elegant snack. We prepare them by stuffing each tomato with a creamy mixture of cheese, herbs, and spices.

9 Easy Picnic Foods: Salads and Light Meals

1. Polenta Bites

We love polenta bites because they are extra easy to prepare. All you need to do to make this easy picnic food recipe is to prepare polenta by combining polenta flour with milk and water and stirring it. When the polenta is done, evenly cover an oven pan and dry out the polenta bites.

2. Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a favorite among easy picnic recipes. All you need to do is combine pre-made pasta with fresh salad ingredients such as green salad, cabbage, onions, carrots, and cucumbers. Eat it cold while picnicking.

3. Homemade Kebabs

We love this combination because it gives us a very healthy option for kebabs we can make at home. We combine crispy fried chicken with an avocado dip and a salad in between. We place all of it in a very airy flatbread, reminding us of a sandwich our grandma used to make.

4. Summer Salad

When we say summer, we think of colors—that is truly what this salad is all about! We combine all the summer vegetables we can find into a salad and bring it with us to our picnic spot. You can use everything from tomatoes, avocados, spinach, mango, and cucumber, and top it with a pesto dressing. If you’re lucky enough, add some feta to it all.

5. Chickpea Salad

Another idea for an easy picnic food salad option is chickpea salad, which we love because it gives us enough protein to top off our picnic with a hike. We combine canned chickpeas with grilled onions and aubergines, as well as bell peppers, cut up with some feta.

6. Quinoa and Kale Salad

To prepare this dish, we combine nutrient-rich quinoa with fresh kale. You can toss in some vegetables, and drizzle with olive oil or other dressing. It’s easy to make ahead!

7. Orzo Salad

Mediterranean orzo salad is made with cooked orzo and cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and tomatoes. Most people dress it with olive oil and lemon juice. 

8. Lentil and Roasted Veggie Bowl

These quick and delicious options are a healthy option for picnics. Mix lentils with roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots. After thoroughly mixing, add a sprinkle of herbs and a drizzle of dressing.

9. Cold Sesame Noodle Salad

This is an Asian-inspired dish and one of our favorite easy picnic foods. To prepare it, mix cooked noodles with a savory sesame dressing. You can even add cucumbers and carrots, and top it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for the looks.

Easy Picnic Recipes: 7 Quick Desserts

1. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Who doesn’t love an easy picnic food dessert option to top it all off after spending your afternoon outdoors? This is why we believe that chocolate-dipped strawberries are the way to go. They combine both fruit and some dark chocolatey decadence. Just drizzle the strawberries in dark chocolate and refrigerate.

2. Trail Mix

Another very easy-to-make but delicious option is trail mix. Of course, it is known as a hiking dessert, but we believe it is a perfect way to top off your picnic. Combine a seed mix like walnuts, apricot seeds, granola, raisins, cranberries, ginger, banana chips, and anything else that comes to mind.

3. Brownies

Brownies are another staple of picnic culture because you really can’t imagine any outing without a decadent brownie. To prepare it, mix the brownie batter and bake for around 20 minutes. Store in an airtight container and enjoy while on the picnic!

4. Lemon Bars

We love lemon bars because they’re refreshing and citrusy. To prepare them, simply bake a zesty lemon filling and refrigerate until cool.

5. Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Peanut butter energy bites are a quick and satisfying snack. We mix together creamy peanut butter, oats, honey, and a touch of chocolate chips. After that, we roll them into bite-sized balls.

6. Mini Fruit Tarts

These bite-sized treats give us a shell filled with creamy custard. They’re simple to make, just make your own tart shell or buy pre-made. Fill the shells with jello, fruits, molasses, or custard. You can even combine all four and chill in fridge until solid. 

7. Coconut Macaroons

These might sound intricate but we make macaroons quite effortlessly. All you have to do is mix shredded coconut with egg whites and a touch of sugar, then bake them until golden brown. 

7 Drinks and Beverages To Bring With You

1. Fruit Punch

In the spring or summer heat, while you are picnicking in the sun, make sure to stay hydrated. That is why we recommend bringing some punch with you. Combine honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon chunks and place them in a cooler to minimize heating.

2. Iced Tea

Another great option is iced tea. We combine citruses like oranges and lemons with mint leaves, which are sure to leave an impression. Mix in some honey and place it in a cooler to keep it cold.

3. Lemonade

Another staple we would definitely recommend is lemonade. We make it by squeezing lemons, but you can also combine lemons, blackberries, and mint to make a blackberry lemonade. We love to serve it with sparkling water.

4. Cucumber-Mint Cooler

This is the ultimate refreshing drink for hot days. We make it by combining fresh cucumber with cool mint leaves, then add a splash of lime and a touch of sweetness. 

5. Peach Iced Green Tea

This tea is a light and fruity drink. We brew green tea, then infuse it with fresh peach slices and a hint of honey. This gives the naturally sweet taste. 

6. Strawberry Basil Lemonade

This is what we call a twist on the classic lemonade. To make it, blend fresh strawberries with basil and mix it with lemon juice.

7. Hibiscus and Berry Infusion

We love ourselves a tart and fruity beverage. The best part? It is rich in antioxidants. Quickly steep hibiscus flowers with a blend of berries like blueberries and raspberries dipped in chilled water, and your drink is done.

We Hope You Enjoyed Our Easy Picnic Foods

Where’s your blanket? It’s ready. The cooler is out and prepared, but most importantly, the weather is nice. All you need now is easy picnic foods, which we prepared for you. These easy picnic recipes are perfect and delicious ideas that are simple to make.