Having fun in the fresh air is a wonderful thing to do, but eating a meal outside is much more enjoyable. Imagine yourself soaking up the rays of the sun while sitting on a cosy blanket with a charming chequered pattern and nibbling on Ree Drummond’s watermelon salad.
It sounds like the ideal way to spend the afternoon! This list of food ideas for picnics is ideal for any occasion that takes place outside, whether you are filling the cooler for an outing on the beach or packing a basket to take with you to a park for a picnic. When it comes to dishes suitable for picnics, ease of preparation and portability are of the utmost importance.
What Food Do You Bring To A Picnic?
When planning a picnic, it’s a good idea to bring a variety of food that is easy to transport and enjoyable to eat outdoors. Here are some classic picnic food ideas:
1. Sandwiches And Wraps
Sandwiches and wraps are perfect for picnics because they are portable and can be customized to suit different tastes. Here are some ideas for sandwich and wrap fillings:
- Turkey and Cranberry Wrap: Spread cranberry sauce on a tortilla or wrap, then layer sliced turkey, lettuce, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Roll it up tightly and slice it into bite-sized portions.
- Caprese Sandwich: Layer fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, and basil leaves on a baguette or ciabatta bread. Drizzle with balsamic glaze or olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Classic Club Sandwich: Layer slices of roasted turkey, ham, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise between layers of toasted bread. Secure with toothpicks and cut into quarters.
- Veggie Hummus Wrap: Spread hummus on a tortilla or wrap and top with sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, shredded carrots, spinach, and sprouts. You can also add feta cheese or avocado for extra flavour.
- Chicken Caesar Wrap: Toss grilled chicken slices with Caesar dressing, then add shredded romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons. Wrap it up in a tortilla and enjoy.
- BLT Sandwich: Layer crispy bacon, lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and mayonnaise between toasted bread slices. You can also add avocado or a fried egg for variation.
- Greek Chicken Wrap: Combine grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce in a wrap. Wrap it tightly and slice it into portions.
Remember to wrap your sandwiches or wraps tightly in foil or cling wrap to keep them fresh. Pack them in an airtight container or ziplock bag until it’s time to enjoy your picnic.
2. Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruits are a wonderful addition to any picnic. They provide a refreshing and healthy option for snacking. Here are some popular fresh fruits that are great for picnics:
- Grapes: Choose seedless grapes, such as green, red, or black varieties. Wash them beforehand and pack them in a container for easy snacking.
- Berries: Pack a mix of berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. They are bite-sized and packed with antioxidants.
- Watermelon Slices: Cut up watermelon into convenient slices or cubes that are easy to pick up and eat. Make sure to bring a napkin for juice drips!
- Citrus Fruits: Oranges, mandarins, and clementines are excellent picnic fruits. They come pre-packaged in their natural protective peel, making them convenient to eat.
- Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple chunks are sweet, juicy, and full of tropical flavour. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy consumption.
- Apple Slices: Slice up apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, and pack them in a container with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Bananas: Bananas are a convenient and portable fruit. They come in their natural packaging and are a good source of energy.
- Kiwi Slices: Peel and slice kiwis before packing them. They add a tangy and refreshing flavour to your picnic spread.
Remember to pack your fruits in a container or resealable bags to keep them fresh and prevent them from getting squished. It’s also a good idea to bring wet wipes or a hand sanitiser for clean and easy fruit snacking.
3. Salad
Salads are versatile and refreshing, and provide a healthy option for picnics. Here’s a recipe for a hearty salad with a variety of vegetables:
Ingredients:
- Mixed salad greens (such as lettuce, spinach, or arugula)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, sliced
- Bell peppers (any colour), thinly sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: Avocado, diced
- Optional: Olives
- Optional: Feta cheese, crumbled
- Your choice of salad dressing (such as balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or lemon herb)
Instructions:
- Start by washing and drying the salad greens thoroughly. Tear or chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, bell peppers, red onion, and any optional ingredients you prefer, such as diced avocado, olives, or crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss the salad gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- To keep the salad fresh, pack the dressing separately in a small container or jar. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy during transport.
- Once you arrive at your picnic spot, drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss it again to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Serve the salad in individual bowls or plates, or you can even use disposable cups or jars for a portable option.
Remember to keep the salad chilled during transportation. You can place the salad bowl in a cooler with ice packs or wrap it in a chilled bag to maintain freshness. Enjoy your refreshing and nutritious salad at the picnic!
4. Cheese And Crackers
Cheese and crackers are a classic combination that makes for a delicious and satisfying picnic snack. Here’s how you can create a cheese and crackers spread:
- Cheese Selection: Choose a variety of cheeses to provide different flavours and textures. Consider options such as cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, Brie, blue cheese, or goat cheese. You can also opt for pre-sliced or cubed cheese for convenience.
- Crackers and Breadsticks: Pack a selection of crackers or breadsticks that pair well with cheese. Opt for options like water crackers, whole wheat crackers, multigrain crackers, or even flavoured varieties like rosemary or sesame crackers. Breadsticks or grissini are also great choices.
- Accompaniments: Enhance your cheese and crackers spread with complementary accompaniments. Consider adding some sliced fresh fruits like grapes or apple slices, dried fruits such as apricots or figs, or a handful of mixed nuts for added texture and flavour.
- Presentation: Arrange the cheeses on a serving platter or a cheese board. You can cut some of the cheeses into bite-sized cubes or slices to make them easier to handle. Place the crackers or breadsticks alongside the cheese. If you have small bowls, you can use them to hold the accompaniments like fruits or nuts.
- Optional Extras: To add some variety, you can also include spreads or condiments like chutneys, honey, or mustard. These can be served in small bowls or jars alongside the cheese and crackers.
- Serving: When it’s time to enjoy your picnic, invite your guests to help themselves to the assortment of cheeses, crackers, and accompaniments. They can create their combinations and experiment with different flavours.
Remember to pack your cheese and crackers in a way that keeps them fresh. You can use airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent the crackers from getting stale and to maintain the cheese’s quality. Enjoy the wonderful flavours and textures of your cheese and crackers spread during your picnic!
5. Finger Foods
Finger foods are perfect for picnics as they are easy to eat and require no utensils. Here are some ideas for delicious and portable finger foods:
- Vegetable Sticks with Dip: Pack a variety of vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber. Pair them with a flavorful dip such as hummus, ranch dressing, or tzatziki.
- Mini Quiches: Prepare mini quiches ahead of time and pack them for the picnic. You can make them with various fillings like spinach and feta, mushroom and cheese, or bacon and cheddar. They are tasty and easy to eat with your hands.
- Chicken Skewers: Marinate bite-sized chicken pieces in your favourite seasoning or sauce and thread them onto skewers. Grill or bake them ahead of time and serve them cold or at room temperature during the picnic.
- Cheese Cubes: Cut different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack, into bite-sized cubes. Pack them in a container or skewer them with toothpicks for easy snacking.
- Mini Sandwiches: Prepare mini sandwiches with a variety of fillings like ham and cheese, turkey and cranberry sauce, or cucumber and cream cheese. Cut them into small, bite-sized portions for convenience.
- Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes: Hollow out cherry tomatoes and fill them with your choice of fillings like tuna salad, egg salad, or herbed cream cheese. They are delightful and mess-free finger foods.
- Mini Meatballs: Make bite-sized meatballs using ground beef, chicken, or turkey. Season them with herbs and spices, bake or fry them, and pack them in a container with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- Mini Pita Pockets: Fill mini pita pockets with your favourite ingredients like sliced deli meats, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Cut them into smaller portions for easy handling.
Remember to pack your finger foods in containers that keep them fresh and secure. Use resealable bags, small containers, or compartments in a food container to prevent mixing or crushing. Enjoy these tasty finger foods during your picnic!
6. Chips And Dips
Chips and dips are a classic combination and perfect for picnics. Here’s how you can prepare and pack them for your outdoor outing:
- Tortilla Chips: Pack a bag of tortilla chips, which are sturdy and great for dipping. You can find various flavours like plain, salted, or seasoned.
- Potato Chips: Bring along a bag of your favourite potato chips. Choose from classic flavours like plain, salted, or opt for flavoured varieties like barbecue, sour cream and onion, or jalapeno.
- Pita Chips: Include pita chips as an alternative option. You can buy pre-packaged pita chips or make your own by toasting pita bread and cutting it into chip-sized pieces.
- Salsa: Pack a container of salsa to enjoy with your chips. You can find a variety of salsas, such as tomato-based salsas like mild, medium, or hot, or even fruit-based salsas for a unique twist.
- Guacamole: Prepare some fresh guacamole or buy pre-made guacamole cups for convenience. Guacamole is a creamy and flavorful dip made with mashed avocados, lime juice, onions, tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Sour Cream or Onion Dip: For a classic option, bring along sour cream or onion dip. You can make your dip or choose store-bought varieties for convenience.
- Queso Dip: If you enjoy cheesy dips, consider packing a container of queso dip. Queso dip is a creamy, melted cheese dip that pairs well with tortilla chips.
- Hummus: Include a container of hummus, a delicious and healthy dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Hummus goes well with pita chips or tortilla chips.
Remember to pack the chips and dips in separate containers to keep them fresh and prevent the chips from becoming soggy. Place the containers in a cooler or insulated bag with ice packs to maintain their cool temperature. Enjoy your chips and dips during your picnic!
7. Beverages
Beverages are an essential part of any picnic. Here’s what you can consider for a refreshing drink selection:
- Chilled Water: Water is always a must-have for staying hydrated during a picnic. Bring a cooler filled with chilled water bottles or a large container of ice-cold water to keep everyone refreshed.
- Soda: Pack a variety of sodas to cater to different preferences. Choose popular flavours like cola, lemon-lime, or ginger ale. Make sure to keep them chilled in a cooler or insulated bag.
- Fruit Juices: Bring along individual fruit juice boxes or bottles for a fruity and refreshing option. Consider flavours like orange juice, apple juice, or mixed fruit blends.
- Iced Tea: Prepare a batch of iced tea in advance and store it in a thermos or insulated container. You can make traditional black tea, flavoured tea, or herbal infusions like chamomile or mint tea.
- Lemonade: Make a homemade batch of lemonade or bring pre-packaged lemonade bottles. Add slices of fresh lemons or other fruits like berries or mint leaves for a flavorful twist.
- Cold Coffee: If you enjoy coffee, bring a thermos filled with chilled coffee or iced coffee. You can add milk, cream, sugar, or flavoured syrups according to personal preferences.
- Hot Beverage: If you prefer hot drinks, bring a thermos with your favourite hot beverage such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. It’s perfect for cooler weather or for those who prefer a warm drink.
Remember to pack your beverages in a cooler with ice packs or in an insulated bag to keep them cool. Also, bring cups, glasses, or reusable water bottles for serving the drinks. Enjoy your refreshing beverages during your picnic!
8. Desserts
Desserts are a delightful way to end a picnic on a sweet note. Here are some scrumptious dessert ideas to consider:
- Cookies: Pack a variety of cookies such as chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or sugar cookies. You can also include sandwich cookies like Oreos or homemade cookie bars for a delicious treat.
- Brownies: Bake a batch of fudgy brownies and cut them into squares or bring along individually wrapped brownie bites. You can also try different variations like blondies or chocolate chip brownies.
- Fruit Tarts: Prepare mini fruit tarts filled with creamy custard or pastry cream and topped with fresh fruits like berries, sliced peaches, or kiwi. These bite-sized treats are both visually appealing and tasty.
- Cupcakes: Bake some cupcakes and bring them along for a portable dessert option. Decorate them with frosting and sprinkles for added flair. You can choose flavours like vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet.
- Popsicles: Prepare homemade popsicles using fresh fruits, yogurt, or fruit juices. Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds or use disposable cups with popsicle sticks. Freeze them in advance and pack them in a cooler for a refreshing and cool treat.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Make mini cheesecakes in individual portions. You can create a variety of flavours like classic New York-style, strawberry, or chocolate. Pack them in containers for easy transport.
- Sliced Fresh Fruit: For a lighter dessert option, pack a platter or container with a selection of sliced fresh fruits such as watermelon, pineapple, berries, or melon. They are a refreshing and healthy choice.
- Dessert Bars: Bring along dessert bars like lemon bars, apple crumble bars, or caramel pecan bars. They are easy to eat and transport.
Remember to pack your desserts in containers that will keep them fresh and intact during transportation. You can use airtight containers, ziplock bags, or individual cupcake holders as needed. Enjoy the delectable desserts at your picnic!
Conclusion
In conclusion, planning a picnic with a variety of delicious and portable food options is key to ensuring a delightful outdoor dining experience. Consider including a range of items such as sandwiches and wraps, fresh fruits, salads, cheese and crackers, finger foods, chips and dips, beverages, and delectable desserts.
Sandwiches and wraps offer versatility with different fillings to cater to various preferences. Fresh fruits provide a refreshing and healthy snack option, while salads offer a light and nutritious choice. Cheese and crackers are a classic combination that never fails to satisfy. Finger foods like vegetable sticks with dip, mini quiches, chicken skewers, or cheese cubes are easy to handle and enjoy on the go.
Chips and dips add a flavorful and crunchy element to the spread. Beverages such as chilled water, soda, fruit juices, and hot or cold beverages provide refreshments for all.
Lastly, desserts add a sweet ending to the picnic experience, with options like cookies, brownies, fruit tarts, or cupcakes to satisfy the sweet tooth.
Remember to pack your picnic foods properly to maintain freshness and safety. Use insulated containers, coolers with ice packs, or thermoses as needed to ensure the food stays at the desired temperature. Enjoy your picnic feast in a scenic outdoor setting and create wonderful memories with friends and loved ones.
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