Easy Summer Picnic Recipes
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Celebrate summer with fresh-air feasts and sunshine-filled spreads. Whether you’re heading to the beach, enjoying a backyard get-together, or planning a park picnic, this collection of easy and crowd-pleasing picnic recipes will help you pack the perfect basket.
From no-fuss salads and sandwiches, like this Scottish sandwich or ham salad sandwiches, to picnic dessert recipes and refreshing drinks, these ideas make outdoor dining both delicious and simple.
Summer Picnic Recipes
These picnic recipes are delicious, portable, and perfect for a casual gathering. What are you going to make for your next picnic?
1
www.loveandlemons.com
Caprese Sandwich
“This Caprese sandwich! Stuffed with fresh basil and tomatoes, it's simple and delicious.”
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2
www.countryliving.com
Chicken Finger Sub with Cabbage Slaw
“Amp up your summer sandwiches with fried chicken fingers and zesty cabbage slaw.”
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3
www.southernliving.com
Picnic Recipe: Egg Salad
“It's all the name! This simple, old-school egg salad recipe will fit right in on your picnic spread, whether you put it between two slices of bread or spread it on toasted baguette slices.”
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4
Easy Picnic Cheeseboard
Enjoy a European-style picnic with this selection of simple charcuterie board favorites. Picnics are delicious with fruits, crackers, bread, and cheese. This is a 5-minute cheeseboard everyone will love and perfect for quick picnics.
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5
www.loveandlemons.com
Spinach Hummus Wrap
“This bright hummus wrap is layered with crisp fresh veggies, hemp seeds, and a light spinach hummus – perfect for packing for a healthy picnic!”
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6
www.countryliving.com
Classic Lobster Rolls
Serve these lobster rolls in a toasted, buttered bun with crisp lettuce for the ultimate summer sandwich.
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7
www.tasteofhome.com
Layered Picnic Loaves
“This big sandwich, inspired by one I tried at a New York deli, is a favorite with our football-watching crowd. Made ahead, it's easily carted to any gathering. Kids and adults alike say it's super.”
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8
Simple Ham Salad
A simple ham salad recipe elevated to incredible with the addition of a few unique ingredients. And is utterly delicious. Ready in 10 minutes, it's a salad you'll make all season!
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9
Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Bulgogi Wraps
Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Bulgogi is one of my favorite meals on earth. Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Bulgogi Wraps with cabbage, carrots, and rice is one of my guy's favorite meals on earth. Succulent flavors of South Korean bulgogi, easy to prepare with a slow cooker, a bag of coleslaw, and wrapped in a flour tortilla. Delicious now or freeze for later lunches and dinners.
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10
www.tasteofhome.com
PBJ on a Stick
“Take the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the go with these skewers. They also make easy snacks.”
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11
Easy Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe
These Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for warm weather. Made with seasoned ground beef, fresh pear, garlic, and sesame, they're tucked into butter lettuce cups and topped with crunchy vegetables and gochujang. Light, fresh, and ready in 20 minutes-ideal for easy summer dinners or entertaining.
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12
5 Minute Protein Veggie Wraps
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13
Scottish Breakfast Sandwiches
This easy to make Cheddar and Onion Scottish Breakfast Sandwich with Egg, Ham, Spinach and Whole Grain Mustard is a perfect, Highland kind of morning meal.
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14
www.tasteofhome.com
Chicken Caesar Pitas
“Hand-held and picnic-friendly, these chicken-stuffed pockets pack a double dose of whole grains from brown rice and whole-wheat pitas. The chicken can be made up to 2 days in advance.”
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15
Easy Cowboy Caviar Recipe
This easy Cowboy Caviar, or Texas Caviar, is a fresh and simple dip or side dish that's ready in 15 minutes or less. Utterly delicious, it's perfect for picnics, BBQs, taco Tuesdays, or anytime you're craving flavor-packed, healthier food!
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16
Quinoa Salad Recipe
This Quinoa Salad is a favorite healthy salad, packed with vegetables and herbs, and perfect for lunches, picnics, and sides.
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17
www.countryliving.com
Corn Cobettes With Basil Butter
“The only way to enjoy sweet corn? With plenty of butter, of course!”
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18
www.loveandlemons.com
Summer Picnic Recipe: Easy Pasta Salad
This fresh, easy pasta salad recipe comes together in under 30 minutes! Tossed in a tangy vinaigrette & filled with veggies, it's a sure cookout hit.
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19
www.delish.com
20
www.loveandlemons.com
Cherry Tomato Couscous Salad
“This Israeli couscous salad recipe is packed with raw & roasted cherry tomatoes, feta, chickpeas & herbs. Perfect for a picnic or packing for lunch!”
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21
Lighter Chicken Salad in Lettuce Wraps
An easy, lightened-up version of classic chicken salad made even healthier in lettuce wraps. It's a delicious, low-carb meal that is perfect for the season and ready in minutes!
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22
www.tasteofhome.com
Pasta Salad in a Jar
“If you're planning a picnic, make this pasta a day ahead. For my husband's lunch at work, I sometimes tie a plastic fork on the jar.”
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23
Classic Potato Salad
It's grandma's favorite potato salad. Could there be a picnic without potato salad?
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24
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Pecans
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25
Easy Mexican Corn Salad
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26
10 Minute Make Ahead White Bean Salad with a Quick Vinaigrette
If you have 10 minutes, this White Bean Salad is for you. Packed with healthy protein, this creamy salad is filled with fresh vegetables and herbs. And then dressed in a deliciously simple vinaigrette.
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27
Quick and Easy Rosemary Spiced Cashews
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28
Easy Berry Pinwheel Pastries
These Pinwheel Pastries are an ultimate favorite summer dessert. Each puff pastry pinwheel is filled with delicious lemon cream cheese and topped with jam and fresh berries.
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29
Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
These Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are the perfect way to celebrate zucchini season. Rich and dense and chocolaty muffins are so delicious, you'll want to make a double batch!
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30
Spiced Blueberry Hand Pies Recipe
Old-fashioned and just sweet enough, these Spiced Blueberry Hand Pies wrap juicy summer berries and warm spices into a golden, flaky crust. A nostalgic treat that's as perfect for picnics as it is for cozy afternoon teas.
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31
Apple Hand Pies (Oven and Air Fryer) Recipe
Make easy homemade apple hand pies with a delicious cinnamon apple filling in the oven or air fryer. A scrumptious treat for any occasion.
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32
Rhubarb Cake Recipe
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33
Easy Apple Hand Pies
This French Apple Hand Pies recipe is a super easy, delicious adaptation of French Apple Pie. And are reminiscent of a favorite boulangerie. Simple and sweet, perfect with a cup of tea.
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34
Homemade Oreo Brownies
Homemade Fudgy Oreo Brownies are the ultimate in chocolatey, rich, and thick fudgy brownie decadence. A simple recipe that delivers chocolate paradise.
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35
Strawberry Crumble Bars
These simple Strawberry Crumble Bars are deliciously summery with sweet fresh strawberries and an irresistible crumble topping. Perfect for backyard summer BBQ, picnics, or when you're craving a sweet treat.
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36
Coffee House Vonnie’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
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37
Texas Cowboy Cookies
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38
Peanut Butter Cookies
Simple Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate in comfort, a classic chewy and cakey cookie with the addictive peanut butter flavor we love.
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Picnic Gear
Here are a few ideas for picnic gear that will last throughout the entire season. Some I own, and some are on the wish list.
- Willow Picnic Basket with Lid: For romantic, small picnics, this basket is lined with lace and is rather perfect for summer picnics.
- Extra Large Picnic Blanket: Whether you’re off to the beach or a local park, this extra-large blue and white striped picnic blanket is water-resistant and sandproof and rolls into an easy-to-carry blanket.
- Coleman Power Chill Cooler: This portable, electric cooler keeps food warm and cold. It’s one I purchased early this season. It’s large but perfect for road trips, picnics, and camping. Plug it into your car or a portable battery.
- Shop your house for wicker baskets, hand-me-down vintage blankets, and even charming quilts that can be washed. All help make the perfect picnic!
How to Pack the Perfect Picnic
Planning a picnic doesn't have to be complicated. With a little prep and a few smart packing tips, your meal can be as enjoyable to transport as it is to eat. Here are some ideas to help make your outing a breeze:
- Use a sturdy cooler or insulated basket to keep perishables fresh
- Pack foods in reusable containers with tight lids to prevent spills
- Bring plenty of napkins, hand wipes, and trash bags for cleanup
- Freeze water bottles or juice boxes to act as extra ice packs
- Don't forget the essentials: plates, utensils, a blanket, and sunscreen
Reader Favorites for Summer Picnics
Our readers love these easy summer picnic ideas:
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed salad that holds up well without refrigeration
- Easy Classic Potato Salad: A timeless favorite, always welcome at any gathering
- Lemon Trifle in a Jar: A make-ahead dessert that's picnic-perfect and delightfully portable
- Southern Sweet Tea: A refreshing must-have for sunny days
- Picnic Chocolate Cake: For me, a picnic isn’t a picnic without an easy single layer chocolate cake!