Easy Summer Picnic Recipes

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.

A collage of summer picnic recipes: a bowl of couscous salad with vegetables, a picnic basket behind a plate of pastry twists and berries, and a stacked deli meat and cheese sandwich on a cutting board.

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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?

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Caprese Sandwich

This Caprese sandwich! Stuffed with fresh basil and tomatoes, it's simple and delicious.

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Egg Salad on Baguettes for Summer Picnic Recipes

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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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Top view of Brunch Charcuterie Cheese Board

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.

Easy Picnic Cheeseboard

A classic New England shrimp roll on a toasted bun, garnished with chopped herbs and served with lemon wedges and crispy potato chips, delivers the ultimate seafood experience.

New England Shrimp Rolls

These New England Style Shrimp Rolls are a simple summer seafood sandwich made with tender chilled shrimp, a light lemony mayo dressing, and buttery toasted buns. They're easy to make ahead and perfect for warm-weather lunches, dinners, or casual entertaining.

New England Shrimp Rolls

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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. -Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon

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A close-up of a sandwich on a white plate features a soft bun filled with a creamy ham salad mixture, speckled with herbs. Below the filling lies crisp lettuce and vibrant red lettuce. The plate rests on a striped napkin, adding a touch of charm.

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!

Simple Ham Salad

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.

Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Bulgogi Wraps

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PBJ on a Stick

Take the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the go with these skewers. They also make easy snacks. -Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin

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A plate of lettuce wraps filled with seasoned ground meat, sliced radishes, cucumber, green onions, and fresh mint leaves, served with a small dish of red sauce and a side of rice.

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.

Easy Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps Recipe

White bowl of chicken salad on lettuce leaves.

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!

Lighter Chicken Salad in Lettuce Wraps

5 Minute Rainbow Protein Veggie Wraps | 31Daily.com

5 Minute Protein Veggie Wraps

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Cheddar and Onion Scottish Breakfast Sandwich | 31Daily.com

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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Top view of Cowboy Caviar with halved avocados

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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A bowl of German Potato Salad with red, yellow, and purple potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley and pieces of bacon, on a striped cloth.

German Potato Salad Recipe

This easy German Potato Salad recipe is a warm, tangy side dish made with tender potatoes, savory bacon, fresh parsley, and a simple vinegar-mustard dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts, BBQs, Oktoberfest, and holidays.

German Potato Salad Recipe

A picnic setup on grass with two jars of quinoa salad, a bunch of grapes, two spoons, a navy napkin, a book, sunglasses, and a blanket arranged on a wooden tray.

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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A plate of creamy potato salad recipe topped with chopped hard-boiled eggs and green onions, set on a rustic wooden table with a plaid cloth underneath.

Classic Potato Salad

It's grandma's favorite potato salad. Could there be a picnic without potato salad?

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Side view of 3 glasses filled with Fruit Salad and garnished with fresh mint

Easy Fruit Salad

This Fruit Salad with mint dressing is refreshing and delicious for summer dining, garden parties, or when you need to bring a dish!

Easy Fruit Salad

A white plate of strawberry spinach salad with pecans and crumbled cheese sits on a white napkin. Wooden serving utensils rest in the salad, and a small jar of dressing is nearby on a white wooden surface.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Pecans

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A blue plate with white stars holds a vibrant Mexican corn salad with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, black beans, and crumbled cheese. A green napkin and vine tomatoes are in the background.

Easy Mexican Corn Salad

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A wooden bowl filled with White Bean Salad, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and green peppers sits on a wooden board, with a spoon inside and fresh herbs nearby.

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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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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Pasta Salad in a White Bowl with salami and vegetables.

Easy Summer Pasta Salad Recipe

This Mediterranean-inspired Pasta Salad is a favorite with salami, peppers, broccoli, zesty Italian dressing, and Feta cheese.

Easy Summer Pasta Salad Recipe

Easy Pasta Salad with Shredded Carrots

Just like Grandma used to make, this easy summer pasta salad is perfect for cookouts, picnics and patio dining. A nostalgic dish that's just as delicious today as it was those long ago summers.

Easy Pasta Salad with Shredded Carrots

A bowl of orzo salad with cucumber, spinach, yellow peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, and feta cheese sits on a white table alongside wooden spoons, a lemon, and plates-perfect for fans of orzo or farro salad.

Farro Salad with Orzo Recipe

Try this easy-to-make Mediterranean Farro Salad with orzo pasta, fresh veggies, and tangy feta. A delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta salads.

Farro Salad with Orzo Recipe

Four golden-brown blueberry hand pies with a sweet filling are arranged on a wooden board, decorated with fresh blueberries and small daisies, next to a bowl of blueberries and a colorful napkin.

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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Stacked Strawberry Crumble squares stacked with fresh strawberries

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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A close-up of two stacked apple pie slices on a wooden board, reminiscent of classic apple hand pies, surrounded by yellow flowers and fresh apples. The pie crust is golden and flaky, revealing a juicy apple filling.

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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children reaching for chocolate chip cookie bars

Coffee House Vonnie's Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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Texas Cowboy Cookies

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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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Top view of French Apple Pie Tarts with fresh flowers and powdered sugar

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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Very Close Shot of Single Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffin

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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A square Rhubarb Cake topped with crumble and almonds is cut into pieces on parchment paper. A cake server with crumbs rests nearby, and a small bowl of sliced almonds sits in the background.

Rhubarb Cake Recipe

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Picnic Gear

Simple summer picnic on a beach with summer picnic recipes

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!

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