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Picnics are a wonderful way to spend time outdoors while enjoying tasty food and good company. The best picnic lunches are easy to transport, simple to serve, and delicious eaten cold or at room temperature.
Packing a variety of dishes helps keep everyone satisfied, from kids to adults.
Whether you prefer fresh sandwiches, crunchy salads, or simple snacks, these 16 yummy picnic lunch ideas are perfect for your next outdoor adventure.
They’re convenient to prepare ahead of time, tasty enough to please any crowd, and will help create a relaxing, enjoyable picnic experience.
1. Chicken Caesar Wraps
Fill wraps with grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Roll tightly and slice in half. These wraps offer satisfying flavor, are easy to transport, and deliciously eaten cold at a picnic.
Get the Chicken Caesar Wraps recipe.
2. Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Mix diced cooked chicken, mayo, celery, grapes, and chopped nuts, then spread onto soft bread or croissants. Wrap them individually to keep them fresh and mess-free. These sandwiches offer a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors.
Get the Chicken Salad Sandwiches recipe.
3. Classic Pasta Salad
Toss cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese cubes. Coat lightly in Italian dressing and chill. The salad is filling, flavorful, and holds up perfectly during travel.
Get the Classic Pasta Salad recipe.
4. Ham & Swiss Sliders
Layer sliced ham and Swiss cheese onto slider buns brushed with mustard and melted butter. Bake until golden, then wrap and pack. They’re savory, warm, and ideal for easy handheld eating outdoors.
Get the Ham & Swiss Sliders recipe.
5. Fruit Salad Cups
Combine bite-sized pieces of fresh fruits like strawberries, grapes, pineapple, watermelon, and blueberries in portable cups or jars. Drizzle lightly with honey or lemon juice for extra freshness. This refreshing snack adds sweetness and color to your picnic.
Get the Fruit Salad Cups recipe.
6. Veggie & Hummus Platter
Arrange fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, cucumber slices, and bell peppers around a container of hummus. The crunchy veggies paired with creamy hummus make for an easy, healthy snack everyone can share.
Get the Veggie & Hummus Platter recipe.
7. Turkey & Cheese Pinwheels
Spread tortillas with cream cheese or mustard, then layer sliced turkey, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Roll tightly and slice into bite-sized rounds. These compact pinwheels are delicious, easy to handle, and perfect for picnic baskets.
Get the Turkey & Cheese Pinwheels recipe.
8. Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Mix cooked couscous with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Dress lightly with lemon juice and olive oil. It’s a satisfying, nutritious, and flavorful dish that’s ideal to eat cold.
Get the Mediterranean Couscous Salad recipe.
9. BLT Wraps
Fill whole-grain tortillas with crispy bacon, lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a spread of mayo or avocado. Roll up tightly, wrap individually, and slice in half. These wraps deliver classic flavors in an easy-to-eat format.
10. Deviled Eggs
Slice hard-boiled eggs, and fill the whites with creamy yolks blended with mayo, mustard, salt, and paprika. Top with fresh herbs or crispy bacon bits. This classic picnic snack is protein-packed and simple to prepare.
11. Italian Sub Sandwiches
Layer sliced salami, ham, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on crusty rolls drizzled lightly with Italian dressing. Wrap tightly and pack. These hearty sandwiches stay fresh, filling, and flavorful during your outing.
Get the Italian Sub Sandwiches recipe.
12. Cheese & Crackers Tray
Arrange slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, gouda), whole-grain crackers, grapes, nuts, and dried fruit on a platter. Easy to transport and quick to assemble, this tray provides something delicious for everyone.
Get the Cheese and Crackers Tray recipe.
13. Chickpea Salad Wraps
Combine mashed chickpeas with diced celery, onion, mayo, or Greek yogurt, and seasoning. Spread onto tortillas with crisp lettuce, roll tightly, and wrap individually. A vegetarian option that’s flavorful, filling, and convenient to eat.
Get the Chickpea Salad Wraps recipe.
14. Mini Caprese Skewers
Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto small skewers. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Easy to pack, these skewers deliver a tasty and colorful bite-sized treat for your picnic.
Get the Mini Caprese Skewers recipe.
15. Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwiches
Spread whole-grain bread with peanut butter, layer sliced bananas, and lightly drizzle with honey. Wrap individually. This comforting and kid-friendly sandwich is nutritious, and sweet, and travels well without refrigeration.
16. Antipasto Pasta Salad
Mix cooked pasta with sliced pepperoni, salami, mozzarella, olives, cherry tomatoes, and peppers. Dress with Italian vinaigrette, chill, and pack. It’s filling, tasty, and perfect for an outdoor lunch.
