34 Fun Picnic Food Ideas To Make (For Summer and Fall Recipes)

★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews

It’s picnic time! Your blanket is prepared, your cooler is ready, and you can’t wait to get outside. All you need now is some good picnic food to bring with you.

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The best picnic food ideas, in my opinion, are not only delicious but also simple.

They’re dishes that you can prepare ahead of time and know will taste great when you’re ready to eat. They’re simple to pack in a cooler or a bag, and they only require a few utensils to serve. What, no utensils? Better yet!

If you’re looking forward to packing a picnic and heading outside, take a look at the 35 easy picnic food ideas listed below. There’s something for everyone, from sandwiches and wraps to salads, side dishes, and desserts. Have a wonderful picnic!

PICNIC FOOD IDEAS FOR COUPLE

1. LEMON BROWNIES

Until now, I had never been a big fan of lemon. These are always a hit at the never-ending potluck at the emergency room where I work. I’ve been meaning to post these for over a year. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

2. CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE COOKIES

For the true chocoholic, a very dark, rich chocolate cookie. This recipe calls for a small amount of flour, resulting in dense, fudge-like cookies. These cookies can be stored in the freezer for a long time (but you may have a hard time waiting for them to thaw before you eat them).

3. MENDOCINO CHICKEN SALAD

This smoked chicken salad with almonds and fresh basil is delicious. Fabulous. Recognize that everything in this salad contributes to its overall flavor, including the smokiness of the chicken, the sweetness of the grape juice bombs, and the crunchiness of the almonds and celery, to name a few.

4. BACON AND CORN PASTA SALAD

They are simple to make and transport. Depending on your cooking style, the ingredients for bacon and corn pasta salad may vary. Adding orzo, fresh kernels, mustard, honey, and vinegar, on the other hand, takes the meal to a whole new level.

Alternative Video: Quick and Easy Recipes To Pack For Picnic

Quick and Easy Recipes To Pack For Picnic

5. ROASTED BUTTERNUT AND THYME SAGE

For a romantic picnic with your spouse, combine thyme and sage flavors with roasted butternut. To make this meal even more delicious, sprinkle some feta cheese on top.

6. SKILLET SPINACH

Skillet Spinach is a delectable meal for any romantic picnic. When eaten with sliced country bread, this dip has an incredible flavor.

PICNIC FOOD IDEAS FOR KIDS

7. POPEYES BUTTERMILK BISCUITS

These buttery, flaky biscuits go well with fried chicken. Make your own homemade buttermilk biscuits instead of going to Popeyes.

8. BLT PASTA SALAD

Who says salad has to be monotonous? This vibrant pasta salad comes together in under 15 minutes and makes an exciting side dish.

9. HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD

This bright, summer salad is beautiful to look at and delicious to eat. For a delectable meal, top it with herbs, onions, and a balsamic dressing.

10. CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH

This creamy chicken salad filling is a delicious sandwich filling that can also be used as a cracker spread. There isn’t a better way to use up leftover chicken.

11. MACARONS

These adorable, brightly colored desserts are the ideal sweet treat for a picnic. Best of all, even novices can make this classic French dessert.

PICNIC FOOD IDEAS FOR FAMILY

12. CAPRESE SANDWICH

This Caprese sandwich proves that good picnic food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s bursting with flavor and texture thanks to juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil.

13. CHICKPEA SALAD SANDWICH

Instead of chicken salad, try chickpea salad! This creamy vegan sandwich filling complements the crisp veggies and soft baguette perfectly.

14. TOMATO, BASIL, AND ARTICHOKE PICNIC SANDWICH

This is a rare sandwich that actually improves with age. Make it the day before your picnic, or even the night before, so the tomato and artichoke juices can mingle before you eat.

15. BEST EGG SALAD

I mean it when I say “best.” This egg salad is fresher and more flavorful than any other version I’ve tried, thanks to Dijon mustard, lemon, capers, chives, and dill. If you don’t eat eggs, you can replace them with crumbled tofu to make it vegan.

16. VEGAN PASTA SALAD

This vegan pasta salad rivals any I’ve had with meat or dairy. The creamy, no-mayo dressing is rich and tangy, with briny artichoke hearts and olives.

17. RAINBOW ORZO SALAD

Rainbow pasta salad — Rainbow Pasta Salad

The mango adds an unexpected sweetness to this vibrant pasta salad. To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute quinoa or brown rice for the orzo, or use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

PICNIC FOOD IDEAS NOT SANDWICHES

18. AVOCADO SUMMER ROLLS

These peach, herb, and avocado-filled rolls are delicious on their own, but pack the coconut-basil dipping sauce as well. They are truly exceptional due to their unique, unexpected flavor.

19. FRESH SPRING ROLLS

How do you eat peanut noodles if you don’t have any utensils? Put them in spring rolls! Again, dipping sauce will only improve these guys.

20. SPINACH HUMMUS WRAP

This hummus wrap is perfect for a picnic. Spread the hummus on a tortilla, then pile on the veggie fillings and roll it up. This wrap stays fresh for hours because the vegetables are crisp rather than watery. It’ll be delicious whenever you eat it!

21. CHICKPEA SHAWARMA WRAPS

Once you’ve made these chickpea shawarma wraps, they’ll be a permanent fixture on your picnic menu. They’re bursting with flavor thanks to pickled red onions, spicy zhoug, and tangy yogurt sauce.

22. QUINOA VEGGIE WRAP

Vegan Quinoa and Black Bean Wrap with Hummus

I’d happily eat any wrap stuffed with quinoa and fresh veggies, but the addition of kale pesto elevates this one.

23. CHICKPEA SALAD LETTUCE WRAPS

I recommend packing the chickpea filling, pickled onions, sauce, and lettuce leaves separately rather than assembling the wraps ahead of time. The lettuce will stay nice and crisp this way, and you’ll be able to customize your wraps when you eat.

PICNIC FINGER FOOD IDEAS

These Oreo cookie truffles are the perfect sweet treat for your picnic’s chocolate lovers. These mini desserts appear to be very elaborate, but they are made with only three ingredients.

25. RITZ CRACKER APPETIZERS

Ritz crackers are a simple and adaptable ingredient that can be used to make a wide range of appetizers. At your next picnic, serve these savory and sweet hors d’oeuvres.

26. BAKE MANGO HABANERO WINGS

Crispy wings that are spicy, sweet, and full of flavor. Nothing could be more ideal for a picnic or a social gathering with friends.

27. BLUEBERRY SCONES

You won’t be able to stop yourself from devouring these fruity, flaky scones. For a delectable bite-size treat, drizzle with a creamy vanilla glaze.

28. AIR FRYER PIZZA ROLLS

These pizza rolls are made entirely from scratch and will undoubtedly be a hit at your picnic. In less than ten minutes, you can make them in the air fryer.

PICNIC FOOD IDEAS FOR LARGE GROUP

29. SALMON PICNIC PLATTER

The perfect al fresco sharer for friends is a combination of cooked and smoked salmon, hot-smoked salmon, stuffed eggs and cucumber, yogurt and dill salad.

30. PUFF PASTRY PIZZAS

Have a good time making these puff pastry pizzas with your kids. Make small pieces of any vegetables you have on hand and let everyone choose their own toppings.

31. SWEET POTATO, SPINACH AND FETA TORTILLA

Make this tortilla the night before for a quick and easy family picnic lunch. It has a lot of flavor thanks to the sweet potato, spinach, and feta.

32. STUFFED RAINBOW BAGUETTE

To make this vegetarian rainbow sandwich, fill a baguette with hummus, pesto, and colorful vegetables like beetroot, red pepper, carrot, and green leaves.

33. MINI CHEESE AND ONION PASTIES

Make these mini cheese and onion pasties for a picnic with the family. If you don’t plan on eating all 12, they freeze well and can be cooked right from the freezer.

34. RASPBERRY HONEY FLAPJACKS

Only five ingredients are required to make these simple raspberry honey flapjacks. Serve with a cup of coffee for a quick mid-morning pick-me-up, or freeze for later.

Mini Cheese and Onion Pastries (Picnic Food Ideas)

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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5 from 1 reviews

Author: Hazel Roddy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 64 pastries 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These Mini Cheese and Onion Pastries are a no-fuss appetizer or snack that require only four ingredients and 15 minutes to prepare. Sharp cheddar cheese and sliced green onion are arranged in the center of a flaky pastry bundle dusted with dill.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup green onions thinly sliced
2 8-ounce cans refrigerated crescent rolls
olive oil
1 tablespoon dried dill

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the cheese and onions.
Divide the crescent roll dough into 16 triangles, then cut each triangle in half diagonally.
Place a rounded teaspoon of the cheese and onion mixture in the center of each triangle and bring the dough corners to the center over the filling, overlapping the ends.
Sprinkle dill over the top of each pastry and place on a silicone mat or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Notes

I highly recommend using a Butter Puff Pastry because it is of higher quality and will give the pasties a better flavor and texture. Save your scraps of pastry and use them to top pies or tarts.

Prior to baking, we use an egg to egg wash the pasties. If you have an extra egg white or yolk, you can substitute it for a whole egg.

Allow the pasties to cool completely before freezing. Place in a sealed container with a layer of cling film or parchment to keep the layers separate.

Category: Appetizer
Method: None
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 148kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 93mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 17mg

Keywords: mini cheese and onion pastries recipe, picnic food ideas, mini cheese and onion pastries, picnic food

Frequently Asked Questions

What food do you bring to a picnic?

Sandwiches, pies, Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, and chicken drumsticks are all traditional picnic foods for a reason: they’re all finger foods that travel well. For a mouthwatering bite, layer a picnic baguette with salami, spinach, basil, pesto, and mozzarella, or make a colorful veggie rainbow sandwich.

What do you serve at a summer picnic?

Tortilla Bites with Cream Cheese
Sandwich with chicken salad.
Kebabs of Fruit and Cheese
Sandwich with Fried Tomatoes
Strawberry Lemonade Sparkling.
Taco Dip with Seven Layers
Pretzels shaped like ladybugs.
Rice Paper Rolls with Vegetables

What should I pack for a picnic for 2?

You’ll need a large picnic blanket; choose something soft in colors you like. Add matching napkins and, for a romantic touch, a vase or pitcher full of fresh wildflowers. 3. Bring a cooler or ice packs to keep perishable items cool and to chill your wine or other beverages.

How can I make a picnic special?

8 Ingenious Ideas for a Perfect Picnic:
Choose the best location.
Pack correctly.
Don’t forget to provide a place for your food to rest.
Choose the appropriate blanket.
Create some shade.
Throw pillows should be packed.
Food can be transported in Mason jars.
Don’t forget to bring a cutting board.

What should I pack for a kids picnic?

Snacks for On-the-Go:
Cheese on a string
Eggs hard boiled
Edamame.
Trail mix made from unsalted nuts, popcorn, and coconut shavings.
Tea sandwiches in child-sized portions.
Crunchy vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers.
Fruits that are in season, such as peaches, watermelon, and blackberries.
Caterpillars with peanut butter and bananas.

What should I put in my picnic basket?

8 Items to Include in Your Picnic Basket:
Water in frozen bottles.
Bottle opener/corkscrew
Wipes that are wet.
Season with salt and pepper.
Towels on paper
A dish.
Spoons for serving
Knife that folds.

How do you make a romantic picnic?

Replace the apples with fresh cherries, figs, or grapes. Replace the chips with a bowl of popcorn or a baguette. Replace the water and soda with wine or sparkling wine. Replace the cookies with a fancy bar of dark chocolate.

What is the number one picnic food?

Chicken fried. You’d be hard pressed to find a better picnic food than fried chicken.

What do you bring to a healthy picnic?

Dietitians Recommend Healthy Foods to Bring to Picnics:
Appetizers include fresh produce and dips.
Hummus.
Cheese on whole grain crackers
Sandwiches made with whole grain bread.
Balls of energy.
Kebabs made from fruits.
Apple slices topped with nut butter
Salad with pasta.

Can you bring pasta to a picnic?

Mayonnaise-dressed potato, pasta, and tuna salad kept at room temperature can ruin the party. These salads must be kept cold — at 41 degrees or lower — or they will make picnickers sick.