Make memories and embrace the season with these Summer Picnic Recipes you’ll want to try for your next alfresco meal. Plus, keep reading to the bottom of this post for some amazing picnic gear finds!

Summer Picnic

Hamburgers, hot dogs and salads galore,
Swinging on tree limbs until you are sore,
Bicycles, pickles, french fries and pie,
A nap on a blanket for the young and less spry.
Swim in the river, rowboat on the lake,
Fireworks at sundown, if you’re still awake.
Mosquitos in full flight send us astray,
Back home to bed at the end of the day.

— Patricia McAdams

Summer picnics forever live in the memory of the young and the old. Nothing quite connects us to a season of fun quite like a picnic. We’ve compiled some recipes for your summer of picnics.

Summer Picnic Recipes

Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken

“Finish in the oven to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken and a golden crust.”
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Picnic-Ready Italian Heros

“Visit an Italian deli and splurge on the cold cuts, but hit the supermarket for everything else, including the not-too-crusty rolls that are usually loaded into bins in the bakery section.”
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Tomato Basil Pie with Garlic Butter Crumb Crust

Summertime requires fresh, delicious treats that look pretty, taste incredible– and are easy to make. This pie is all of that… and more. And a perfect picnic recipe to make all summer long.
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Pan Bagnat with Fennel

“This sandwich gets better and better the longer it sits (okay, to a point); assemble it after breakfast and eat it when you’ve worked up an appetite.”
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White Bean Olive Salad

“White Bean and Olive Salad is a healthy and savory explosion of flavors, textures, and fresh herbs. Perfect for picnics and warm summer evenings. Or as a base for grilled fish, chops, or chicken.”
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Mojito Watermelon

“This spiced up watermelon makes everyone’s favorite summer treat even better.”
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5-Bean Summer Salad

“This colorful salad will provide a hearty, varied option for any summer party.”

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White Bean Tapenade

“This textured spread is great served with cured meats. If you wind up with leftovers, use it on sandwiches.”
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Summer Quinoa Salad Jars with Lemon Dill Dressing

“It’s lunch in literally two shakes: shake the jar out, and toss it all up.”
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Chile-Lime Corn Wheels

“Serve these zesty corn-on-the-cob rounds to tide over hungry guests.”
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Tomato-Manchego Tartlets

“These miniature tarts make the perfect savory snack to enjoy on your porch.”
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Avocado Ham Sandwich

“Let the mild, nutty flavor of avocados stand in for Swiss cheese in a classic ham sandwich.”
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Easy Mexican Corn Salad

A quick and easy Mexican Corn Salad will be a favorite side all summer long. It’s healthy, a simplified version of elotes, robust with the warm and spicy flavors of cumin and red pepper. Serve warm or cold, it’s simply delicious. And perfect for your picnic recipes list.
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Corn and Chickpea Salad

“Grilled corn is a summertime favorite. Here it’s added to fresh vegetables and topped with a citrus-herb dressing for a delicious, light salad.”
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Strawberry Hand Pies

“These are the best pies for a picnic,” says Patti Davis of New York City. “No fork required!”

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Pineapple Cooler

“Floral-scented herbs, such as lavender and lemon verbena, add subtle depth to fruit ades and iced tea.”
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Classic Coleslaw with Buttermilk

“A classic coleslaw is a must at any big summer party or occasion, and this easy version dressed with buttermilk is just the ticket.”
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Ginger Iced Tea

“Tall glasses of sweet ginger tea are topped off with sparkling moscato.”
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Vonnies)

A decadent cookie that’s quick to fix, super easy to make. And… chewy, buttery, deliciously chocolatey and incredibly delicious.
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Quick Fix Dark Chocolate Espresso Brownies

Every picnic needs a little chocolate. And these are easy and delicious!
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Perfect Summer Picnic Recipes and Gear