Spring is in the air, and Summer is not that far behind. Both of those seasons come with the perfect weather for picnics, which are a great opportunity to blow off some steam or make memories with family.
However, you can’t have a good picnic without good food! Luckily, this list has a compilation that is sure to stun any picnic goers you brought along.
Including many recipes for dietary restrictions, your picnic basket will be filled to the brim with tasty food. You can arrive with a full basket, but once the food is served, you will definitely not have any left to take home!
Antipasto Skewers
Fresh and delicious marinated vegetables are skewered with salami and cheese tortellini. It has zesty Italian flavors made easy to eat with a handheld skewer. These Antipasto Skewers are a perfect picnic appetizer!
Get Recipe: Antipasto Skewers
Muffuletta
The muffuletta is a traditional Italian sandwich consisting of deli meat, provolone, and olive bruschetta, all on a wonderful ciabatta. This sandwich is bound to turn heads with a wonderful balance of bold flavors. It is easy to make ahead and packed with flavor!
Get Recipe: Muffuletta
Chickpea Pasta Salad
Perfectly cooked pasta is mixed with chickpeas, ripe tomatoes, feta cheese, and cucumbers. They are all tossed with a tangy lemon-herb vinaigrette. The combination makes a perfect side dish filled with fresh Mediterranean flavors. It’s an excellent vegetarian option for your next picnic!
Get Recipe: Chickpea Pasta Salad
Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad Copycat
This is a homemade version of the amazing salad featured at Chick-fil-A. All the ingredients of the Cobb salad are homemade, with a take on the avocado lime dressing. This salad is easily customizable, so you can add or remove ingredients based on your preference. Have a fan-favorite salad without the wait in line!
Get Recipe: Chick-fil-a Cobb Salad Copycat
Avocado Egg Salad
This is a super creamy take on an egg salad with a decadent addition of avocado! It’s low-carb and filled with protein and healthy fats. It’s also quick and easy to make ahead, and it is perfect as a spread or with crackers!
Get Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad
Chicken Breast Fritters
This is a healthier, homemade take on a chicken nugget. They have a crunchy and cheesy breading that kids will love. It is served with a creamy tzatziki-like dip; however, you can use any condiment you like!
Get Recipe: Chicken Breast Fritters
BBQ Pulled Chicken
Nothing says outdoor fun like BBQ! BBQ chicken is definitely a staple, but it can take a while to grill and really fills the BBQ. This delivers all the flavors of BBQ chicken, but it is super hands-off and made in the crockpot. A super succulent main course to spice up your next gathering!
Get Recipe: BBQ Pulled Chicken
Avocado Tomato Cucumber Salad
Simple flavors, executed to perfection, are always a crowd favorite. This salad achieves that goal perfectly. Using super fresh ingredients that all work so well together makes this salad easy and enjoyable. It is tossed in delicious red wine vinegar and sprinkled with salt pepper and cilantro, a standout summer side dish!
Get Recipe: Avocado Tomato Cucumber Salad
Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches
These sandwiches are authentic Italian, perfect for on-the-go eating. They boast a delicious homemade olive tapenade and many layers of deli meats and cheeses. They will surely fulfill an Italian craving at a picnic. It’s also super easy to substitute your favorites!
Get Recipe: Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is absolutely packed with flavor! It is creamy and dreamy, and it is a perfect main dish! It can also be eaten cold or warm, depending on your preference.
Get Recipe: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
These chicken drumsticks are juicy, succulent, and super smoky! They are dry rubbed in a bold barbecue seasoning and dabbed with zingy apple cider vinegar. They are already fantastic on their own but would also be perfect with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Get Recipe: Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
Vegan Blt Sandwich
This is a twofold, exciting twist on a classic and beloved sandwich. The first twist is that it is completely vegan! The second twist is that this recipe uses soy curls instead of tofu or tempeh. These soy curls are marinated in a smoky and umami-packed marinade, bringing a smoky sensation to the sandwich!
Get Recipe: Vegan BLT Sandwich
Vegan Orzo Pasta Salad With Sunflower Seed Pesto
This is a super versatile vegan salad perfect for all occasions, especially outdoor occasions! It particularly sets itself apart with a vegan sunflower seed pesto. This dish allows you to add whatever other vegetables or toppings you desire! Hot or cold, side or main, this dish can do it all!
Get Recipes: Vegan Orzo Pasta Salad with Sunflower Seed Pesto
Savoury Cheese and Onion Puff Pastry Slices
Cheese is a crowd favorite and almost impossible to get wrong. It is the star of the show in this pastry, which is made with store-bought puff pastry for quickness. The pastry is filled with cream cheese and cheddar for a gooey center and onion for flavor.
Get Recipe: Savoury Cheese and Onion Puff Pastry Slices
Ricotta Bake
It has a few simple ingredients and is very easy to make. Full of cheesy goodness and a little herbiness. This Ricotta Bake will be a conversation piece at any gathering. It’s just so unique!
Get Recipe: Ricotta Bake
Corn Salsa
Every picnic needs a good dip, and this corn salsa will absolutely do the trick! It has a spotlight on corn and is fully rounded out with other fresh and vibrant flavors. This Mexican-inspired salsa will add a go-to dip to your repertoire.
Get Recipe: Corn Salsa
Spinach and Cheese Puff Rolls
With just 5 ingredients, these puff rolls minimize preparation and maximize flavor! Two different types of cheese are a perfect way to hide spinach, so kids will love them. Spinach is packed with nutrition and makes a great balance with the creamy and cheesy flavors.
Get Recipe: Spinach and Cheese Puff Rolls
Red White and Blue Cheesecake
Picnic season is undeniably also the perfect season for berries. This layered dessert makes perfect use of in-season ingredients in a refreshing and tasty dessert. It doesn’t just taste wonderful; it looks amazing as well. It is especially good for any 4th of July festivities!
Get Recipe: Red White and Blue Cheesecake
Better Than Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets
A beautiful brining process makes these nuggets super succulent and juicy! With all the flavor you get from the popular restaurant minus the cost. The use of chicken tenders and no breading or oils make these a super healthy treat.
Get Recipe: Better Than Chick-fil-a Grilled Nuggets
Creamy Cajun Potato Salad
Absolutely stunning Cajun flavor! With creole mustard and Cajun seasoning, this potato salad will absolutely knock your socks off! Green onions, pickles, and hot sauce also contribute to the powerful flavors, which are balanced out with mayo and parsley. It’s a must-try for spice lovers!
Get Recipe: Creamy Cajun Potato Salad
Zesty Italian Pinwheels
These are just like an Italian sandwich, made into pinwheels for ease of eating! Three meats, cheese, and multiple veggies pack these pinwheels to the brim! With a wonderful zesty cream cheese spread, these pinwheels will be gone in the blink of an eye!
Get Recipe: Zesty Italian Pinwheels
Cajun Deviled Eggs With Shrimp
Deviled eggs are already a party favorite, but adding shrimp and cajun seasoning is a surefire way to spice up a classic. It is the same creamy and delectable deviled egg filling with added heat and seasoning. Crowned with a sensationally seared cajun shrimp. This is a cajun twist on a picnic classic!
Get Recipe: Cajun Deviled Eggs with Shrimp
