29 Fresh Picnic Recipe Ideas
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on May 5, 2025
I propose a picnic this weekend! Weather permitting, we’ll find a nice spot in the shade at the park. From spring through summer, there’s nothing better than a picnic in good company.
The picnic food suggestions below include appetizers and snacks, sandwiches, and many salad options. If it’s just a picnic for two, I keep my picnic menu simple, perhaps with a couple of types of cheese, crackers, prepared fruit and a deliciously hearty salad or two. Picnics should be easy—you can always grab options from the prepared section of the grocery store and head to the park!
I also try to pack light for picnics, literally. You can probably get by with utensils and plates you already have, but here are my favorite picnic plates, wine glasses (don’t forget a wine opener) and picnic blanket. To be extra cute, pack your food in a picnic basket (a tote works, too).
To finish the meal with a sweet treat, try these Peanut Butter Oat Cookies. Have a great weekend!
Table of Contents
Picnic Appetizers & Snacks
These portable appetizers are sure to delight. If you’re preparing a cheese board, plan to assemble it upon arrival. For the dips, bring pita chips or crackers, or sliced raw veggies like cucumber, carrot sticks and bell pepper.
Picnic Sandwiches
You really can’t beat these vegetarian sandwiches. The hummus sandwich is vegan and dairy-free.
Classic Picnic Salads & Slaws
Because why not? These are perhaps the most expected salads to find at picnics and some of my favorites. Serve these with heartier options, like a sandwich, another salad or a generous appetizer.
- Cauliflower Salad
- Favorite Broccoli Salad
- French Carrot Salad
- Herbed Potato Salad
- Simple Healthy Slaw
- Tabbouleh
Pasta Salads
These bright and bold pasta salads are all mayo-free! Pick your favorite:
- Arugula Pasta Salad with Goat Cheese
- Colorful Veggie Sesame Noodles
- Orange Orzo Salad with Almonds, Feta and Olives
- Pesto Pasta Salad
- Summertime Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Corn and Jalapeño Pesto
Bean Salads
Thanks to the beans, these salads are fresh and filling. They develop more flavor if you let them rest in the fridge for a few hours before packing up.
- Chickpea Salad with Carrots and Dill
- Chimichurri Chickpeas
- Fresh Black Bean Salad
- Greek Lentil Salad
- Mediterranean Bean Salad
Whole Grain Salads
These wholesome salads feature wild rice, quinoa and farro.
- Arugula and Wild Rice Salad with Zippy Lemon Dressing
- Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad
- Favorite Quinoa Salad
- Mason Jar Chickpea, Farro and Greens Salad
- Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach and Quinoa Salad
More resources you might appreciate: 23 healthy make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You might also like my monthly seasonal produce guides.
Kate,
I have been looking at recipes for hand pies and empanadas, but have not made any except for some little empanadas years ago that were dry and not tasty. Right now I have been looking at a recipe for Guyanese Gojas (Fried Coconut Turnovers). The problem with the recipe is that it calls for sweetened shredded coconut. I would like to replace the traditional grocery store coconut version with something free of chemicals, and have been looking at recipes for a DIY version and later will go to the natural food stores and see what is there.
Bob’s Red Mill has a dried unsweetened shredded coconut that could possibly be sweetened, and I will be looking in the freezers for a fresher shredded coconut.
Your recipes always look good and if you like these ideas I am sure you would come up with some good ones!
I broke the spindle on my old Cuisinart while trying to shred fresh coconut for pie, so be careful if trying anything like that!
Hi Cristina! Thank you for your request. I will add it to my list, although I can’t make any promises.
Hi. We go camping for days sometimes and are looking for healthy alternatives to many of the camping foods. Fruit,boiled eggs, nuts, some veggies are things we have thought of….but have you thought of putting together a camping menu? Even one that would require us to prep at home but be able to keep in a cooler for a few days would help.
Hi Kris, thank you for your comment! I can’t make any promises, but I will take the suggestion down in my request list.
Me too!
Ohhh I would be interested in this too
Anxious to try healthy slaw recipe, but
Have to go easy on seeds. What other crunchy ingredients would you recommend? Made your homemade instant oatmeal and applesauce yesterday! Love your cookbook, too!
Hi Jennifer! The slaw would be nice without the seeds, too. If you can do nuts, chopped toasted almonds would be a nice accent. They’ll soften up with time, so I’d keep them on the side until serving.
Thanks for this suggestion! I wanted to try the Peanut Butter Oatmeal cookies, but the 2+ cups of sugar is excessive for our diet. Is this amount correct?
I use so many of your recipes, but regret this one will have to be skipped.
Hi Jennifer, that is correct—the recipe yields quite a lot of cookies and uses coconut sugar instead of plain sugar. I have other cookie recipes that call for less sugar!
Love your creative recipes!!!
Dearest Kate!
Thank you for sharing! I am loving your beautiful healthy food!
You bring much kindness to the world!
Thank you again! And Blessings for Cookie and her new adventure!
Sincerely, Cecilia
Please caution readers about the dangers of a mandolin. The first, and only, time I used mine, I nicked a finger. It could have been worse. The pusher seemed a nuisance, but I have a pair and a half of cut-free gloves. One glove is enough for the hand that does the pushing. I once had a colleague in a restaurant who cut off his thumb when prepping with the meat slicer. We were always in a hurry and didn’t take time with precautions, such as the hand guard on the meat slicer. Please, a glove is mandatory and easily available online. Thank you!
I love your style! It’s always a treat to receive a new recipe from you. All the recipes that I have tried have been wonderful. Thank you!