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A good summer picnic calls for food that’s easy to pack, holds up in the heat, and tastes just as good outdoors. These picnic-friendly recipes are light, fresh, and simple to prep.
From sandwiches to salads and bite-sized treats, these ideas are perfect for lounging on a blanket or snacking under a shady tree.
1. Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta
Fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, crumbled feta, and sliced almonds tossed with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. It’s sweet, salty, and super refreshing on a warm day.
Olivia’s Tip
Pack the dressing separately and add just before serving to keep the greens from wilting.
Get the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta recipe.
2. Caprese Pasta Salad
Cooked pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil, all dressed in olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar. It’s a cool, satisfying side that holds up well outdoors.
Olivia’s Tip
Use short pasta like rotini or penne so it doesn’t fall apart in the container.
Get the Caprese Pasta Salad recipe.
3. Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches
Stack deli turkey, cheddar, lettuce, and mustard or mayo on soft sandwich rolls. Wrap individually for easy picnic handling and less mess.
Olivia’s Tip
Spread a thin layer of butter inside the bread to keep it from going soggy in the cooler.
Get the Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches recipe.
4. Deviled Eggs
Creamy, tangy deviled eggs are a classic finger food for summer. Make them ahead and chill until ready to serve.
Olivia’s Tip
Use a deviled egg container or cupcake liners in a covered tray to keep them from tipping over.
5. Watermelon Feta Skewers
Alternate cubes of watermelon and feta on small skewers and sprinkle with mint. Sweet, salty, and totally refreshing.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill them in the cooler for at least an hour before heading out—they taste better cold.
Get the Watermelon Feta Skewers recipe.
6. Hummus with Veggie Sticks
Scoop hummus into small jars and add sliced carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers upright inside. Easy to hold and dip.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a lemon wedge or sprinkle of paprika on top of the hummus for a little flair.
Get the Hummus with Veggie Sticks recipe.
7. Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Chopped chicken tossed with mayo, celery, and seasoning, then served in croissants or soft rolls. Light, filling, and always a hit.
Olivia’s Tip
Line the bread with lettuce to keep the sandwich from getting soggy.
Get the Chicken Salad Sandwiches recipe.
8. Cheese and Cracker Snack Boxes
Pack cubes of cheddar, gouda, or your favorite cheeses with crackers, grapes, and nuts. A simple no-cook lunch that’s easy to mix and match.
Olivia’s Tip
Use a sectioned container or bento box to keep everything crisp and neat.
Get the Cheese and Cracker Snack Boxes recipe.
9. Mini Quiches
Bite-sized egg quiches with veggies, cheese, or bacon. Serve cold or at room temp—they travel well and taste great either way.
Olivia’s Tip
Make them in muffin tins so they’re the perfect picnic size and easy to portion.
10. Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Soft white or wheat bread with a layer of herbed cream cheese and thin cucumber slices. Light, cool, and ideal for a picnic tea-style lunch.
Olivia’s Tip
Pat the cucumbers dry first so the sandwiches don’t turn soggy.
Get the Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches recipe.
11. Fruit Salad with Mint and Lime
A mix of berries, melon, and citrus tossed in lime juice and chopped mint. It’s juicy, hydrating, and naturally sweet.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill the fruit salad in a lidded bowl with ice packs underneath to keep it cold on hot days.
Get the Fruit Salad with Mint and Lime recipe.
12. Italian Pinwheels
Wrap deli meats, provolone, and lettuce in tortillas with a bit of Italian dressing, then slice into bite-sized rounds.
Olivia’s Tip
Roll tightly and wrap in foil before slicing to keep the pinwheels clean and intact.
Get the Italian Pinwheels recipe.
13. Cold Fried Chicken
Fried chicken that’s been chilled and packed for the picnic is a Southern staple. Still crispy, still flavorful, and totally satisfying.
Olivia’s Tip
Line your container with paper towels to absorb moisture and keep the crust crisp.
Get the Cold Fried Chicken recipe.
14. Lemon Bars
Tangy, sweet, and sturdy, lemon bars are perfect for packing and don’t melt in the heat like frosting-heavy desserts.
Olivia’s Tip
Cut into small squares and use wax paper between layers if stacking in a container.
15. Pita Pockets with Tuna or Egg Salad
Stuff pita pockets with tuna or egg salad and greens for a handheld, protein-packed lunch. Easy to prep and mess-free to eat.
Olivia’s Tip
Wrap each pocket individually in parchment so they’re grab-and-go ready.
Get the Pita Pockets with Tuna or Egg Salad recipe.
16. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Sweet strawberries dipped in melted chocolate and chilled until firm. They feel fancy but are super simple to make ahead.
Olivia’s Tip
Use a cooler with a cold pack and line your container with parchment to avoid melting.
