16 picnic recipes that make eating outside even better
Packing for a picnic doesn’t have to be complicated when you have a few reliable recipes on hand. The best options are easy to prep ahead and hold up well while you’re out enjoying the day. Think simple dishes that travel well, are easy to serve, and don’t need much fuss once you arrive. These picnic ideas help you spend less time packing and more time relaxing outside.
Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches
Indulge in authentic Italian flavors with these perfect pressed Italian picnic sandwiches. Wonderful for summer outings or a delicious lunch.
Get the Recipe: Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches
Muffaletta Sandwich
A well-made muffaletta sandwich with olive spread, deli meats and cheese is one of life’s culinary delights, boasting so much vibrant flavor.
Get the Recipe: Muffaletta Sandwich
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This creamy bacon ranch pasta salad is packed with flavor, crunchy veggies and smoky bacon. Perfect for potlucks, picnics or a light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
State Fair Lemonade
Enjoy all the fun of the fair, or at least the fantastic flavor of the fair, with this easy 5-minute state fair lemonade recipe.
Get the Recipe: State Fair Lemonade
Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad
This watermelon feta cucumber salad is so crisp and refreshing with a honey lemon dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts, lunches or picnics.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad
Chopped Italian Sandwich
This chopped Italian sandwich recipe combines chopped savory cured meats, provolone, and pepperoncini and is served in Italian sub rolls.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Italian Sandwich
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Pesto tortellini pasta salad is tossed with fresh veggies and bold basil pesto. A quick and easy recipe for potlucks, picnics or lunches.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Strawberry Lemonade Bars
Bright, tangy, and totally irresistible—these strawberry lemonade bars are the ultimate sweet and zesty treat!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Bars
Italian Rice Salad
Bright, zesty, and packed with veggies, italian rice salad – insalata di riso is your perfect chilled dish for picnics or light summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Italian Rice Salad
Orzo Salad
This fresh and easy orzo salad features vegetables, feta, olives and herbs tossed in lemon vinaigrette. A perfect side or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Salad
Carmelitas
Carmelitas are sweet, rich little bars made with oats, brown sugar, vanilla, and caramels. They’re prepared in layers and are so delicious.
Get the Recipe: Carmelitas
Tropical Trail Mix
Blending yogurt clusters with roasted nuts and various dried exotic fruits, this tropical trail mix is always a delicious experience!
Get the Recipe: Tropical Trail Mix
Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich
Tender chicken pairs with peas, almonds, celery, and a creamy mayo-based dressing. Serve it in soft white bread for a great lunch or snack.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
This Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe is a game changer! I have for you the same crunchy buttermilk coating you all know and love minus the excess grease.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Scotch Eggs
This Scotch Egg Recipe is a fun easy pub snack that is full of flavor, easy to make and is the perfect fun appetizer to serve at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Scotch Eggs
Potato Salad With Bacon
This potato salad with bacon is ready in just 30 minutes! It’s a vinegar potato salad the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad With Bacon
