200+ Picnic Outdoor Food Ideas To Enjoy

Introduction

You know, after more than fifty years of cooking and hosting picnics in my backyard, I can tell you that the secret to a perfect outdoor meal isn’t fancy decorations or expensive tablecloths. It’s all about the food. Good, easy-to-eat food that tastes fantastic and doesn’t fall apart when you pick it up.

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I’ve seen too many picnics fail because someone showed up with soggy sandwiches or dishes that needed constant attention. That’s not what picnicking is about. You want to spend time with the people you care about, not stuck in a cooler fighting with food that won’t stay fresh. So I’ve spent decades perfecting recipes that travel well, look great, and taste even better when you’re sitting outside under the sun.

In this article, I’m sharing twelve of my favorite picnic recipes that I’ve perfected over the years. These aren’t complicated dishes that need fancy equipment or cooking skills you don’t have. They’re simple, delicious, and most importantly, they’re portable. Whether you’re heading to the park, the beach, or just your backyard, these recipes will make your picnic something people remember.

Quick Glance: Your Picnic Menu at a Glance

The Main Recipes

Fried Chicken Sliders

I make these sliders every single time I throw a picnic, and honestly, they disappear faster than I can keep up. There’s something about fried chicken on a little slider bun that just makes people happy. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to impress.

The beauty of sliders is that they’re the perfect size for a picnic. You can eat them with one hand, and they don’t make a huge mess like regular sandwiches do. Plus, they look nice on a plate, which means your guests feel like they’re getting something special, not just leftovers.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Oil for frying
• 12 slider buns
• Lettuce, tomato, and mayo for serving

How to Make It

• Cut your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin pieces
• Mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow bowl
• Dip each chicken piece in the beaten egg, then roll it in the flour mixture
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
• Fry the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown
• Place on paper towels to cool
• Toast your slider buns lightly
• Build each slider with chicken, lettuce, tomato, and mayo
• Wrap them individually in foil for easy transport

Italian Pasta Salad

This is one of those dishes that I actually make the night before the picnic because it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge. The flavors have time to blend together, and everything gets nice and cozy with the dressing. I’ve been making this same recipe for about thirty years, and my family begs me to bring it to every gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini works best)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella balls (fresh if possible)
• 1 cup Italian olives
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought is fine)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and let it cool completely
• Add the cooled pasta to a large bowl
• Toss in the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, mozzarella, olives, and red onion
• Pour the Italian dressing over everything and stir gently
• Add the fresh basil and season with salt and pepper
• Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before your picnic
• Give it a quick stir before packing it in your cooler

Turkey Club Sandwiches

Listen, I grew up making club sandwiches, and I’ve never looked back. These triple-layered beauties are hearty and filling, and they’re one of my go-to recipes when I need to feed a bunch of people without spending hours in the kitchen.

The trick here is to not skimp on the filling. You want each bite to have plenty of flavor and texture. That’s what makes them memorable.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf sliced bread (12 slices)
• 1 pound sliced turkey breast
• 8 slices cheese
• 8 slices tomato
• Lettuce leaves
• 4 slices cooked bacon (optional alternative to traditional meat)
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard (optional)
• Toothpicks for holding them together

How to Make It

• Toast your bread lightly so it holds up better to the fillings
• Spread mayo on the first slice of bread
• Layer turkey, cheese, and lettuce on the first slice
• Place a second slice of bread on top and spread with mayo again
• Add tomato and lettuce on this middle layer
• Top with the third slice of bread
• Secure with toothpicks through all three layers
• Cut diagonally into triangles
• Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper for easy handling at your picnic

BBQ Chicken Wings

I’ve been making BBQ chicken wings since my kids were little, and they’re still the first things to disappear at any gathering. There’s something about sticky, saucy wings that makes people forget their manners.

These are best served warm but taste great at room temperature too, which makes them perfect for picnics. I usually make them the morning of and pack them in a container that keeps them from getting too cold.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds chicken wings
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees
• Place chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with foil
• Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder
• Bake for 25 minutes
• While they’re cooking, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce in a bowl
• After 25 minutes, brush the sauce generously over the wings
• Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the wings are sticky and cooked through
• Let them cool slightly before packing them for your picnic

Caprese Sandwich

This is actually my favorite sandwich to make when tomatoes are at their best. I grow tomatoes in my garden, and when they’re fresh and ripe, this sandwich is absolutely perfect. It’s simple, elegant, and tastes like summer.

Ingredients

• 4 ciabatta rolls
• 8 slices fresh mozzarella
• 8 slices ripe tomato
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It

• Slice your ciabatta rolls in half
• Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Layer mozzarella, tomato, and basil on the bottom half of each roll
• Season with salt and pepper
• Top with the other half of the roll
• Wrap individually in parchment and pack in your cooler

Veggie Wraps

I make these when I want something that feels light but still fills you up. They’re great for people who eat vegetarian, and honestly, everyone else loves them too. I’ve been making veggie wraps for years, and I’ve perfected what works and what doesn’t.

Ingredients

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups hummus
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

How to Make It

• Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface
• Spread a thick layer of hummus on each one
• Layer the greens, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, avocado, and onion
• Roll up tightly, making sure the filling stays in place
• Wrap each wrap in foil and refrigerate until your picnic
• You can pack them in a plastic container to prevent them from getting squished

Chicken Caesar Wrap

This wrap is basically a deconstructed Caesar salad wrapped up in a tortilla, and it’s one of my favorite things to eat on a warm day. The chicken, dressing, and greens come together perfectly.

Ingredients

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

How to Make It

• Warm the tortillas slightly to make them easier to roll
• Lay each tortilla flat and spread with Caesar dressing
• Layer the shredded chicken, lettuce, and parmesan on each one
• Roll tightly and wrap in foil
• Keep in your cooler until ready to eat
• Pack lemon wedges on the side

Tuna Salad Croissants

I’ve been making tuna salad since I was a teenager, and I still make it the same way. There’s something about a good tuna salad on a buttery croissant that just feels right, especially at a picnic.

Ingredients

• Two 5-ounce cans tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 2 tablespoons diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 croissants
• Lettuce leaves

How to Make It

• Mix the drained tuna, mayo, celery, and red onion in a bowl
• Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper
• Stir well until everything is combined
• Split your croissants in half
• Layer lettuce on the bottom half
• Spoon tuna salad on top of the lettuce
• Top with the other half of the croissant
• Wrap in foil and pack in your cooler

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

These pinwheels are adorable, easy to make, and people go crazy for them. I’ve been making these for party appetizers for decades, and I always make double what I think I need because they disappear so fast.

Ingredients

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 slices deli ham (or similar)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make It

• Lay out your tortillas
• Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over each one
• Layer ham slices, cheddar cheese, roasted peppers, and parsley
• Roll each tortilla tightly and slice into one-inch pinwheels
• Secure each pinwheel with a toothpick if needed
• Pack in a container and refrigerate until your picnic
• They travel really well and look fancy on a plate

Chicken Quesadilla Slices

I make these quesadillas the morning of the picnic and slice them into pieces. They’re hearty, they travel well, and they taste good hot or at room temperature. This is one of those recipes that works for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 large flour tortillas
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 cup corn
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salsa and sour cream for serving

How to Make It

• Mix the shredded chicken, one cup of cheese, bell pepper, onion, and corn in a bowl
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
• Place one tortilla in the pan and add a portion of the filling
• Sprinkle with more cheese
• Top with another tortilla and cook until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per side
• Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling
• Let cool, then cut each quesadilla into triangles
• Pack in a container with salsa and sour cream on the side

Loaded Nachos

This is more of an appetizer or snack that people can graze on while chatting. I make these for picnics where we’re hanging out for a while and people want something to munch on between main courses. The key is making sure you pack everything separately so nothing gets soggy.

Ingredients

• 1 large bag tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 pound cooked ground chicken
• 1 cup black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn
• 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for serving

How to Make It

• Pack the tortilla chips in a sealed container
• In separate containers, pack the cheese, chicken, beans, corn, jalapeños, tomatoes, onion, and lettuce
• At the picnic, layer chips on a plate or in a dish
• Top with cheese, chicken, beans, corn, and other toppings
• Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side

Stuffed Mini Peppers

These little peppers are one of my favorite things to bring to a picnic because they look impressive but are actually really simple to make. I’ve been making them for years, and everyone always asks me for the recipe.

Ingredients

• 12 mini bell peppers (or regular peppers cut in half)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It

• Cut the peppers in half and remove the seeds
• Mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic
• Season with salt and pepper
• Spoon the filling into each pepper half
• Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes
• Let cool completely before packing
• They travel really well and taste great at room temperature

205 Picnic Food Ideas

Picnic Food Ideas

• Fried Chicken Sliders
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Turkey Club Sandwiches
• BBQ Chicken Wings
• Caprese Sandwich
• Veggie Wraps
• Chicken Caesar Wrap
• Tuna Salad Croissants
• Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
• Chicken Quesadilla Slices
• Loaded Nachos
• Stuffed Mini Peppers
• Sausage Rolls
• Baked Empanadas
• Chicken Shawarma Wraps
• Egg Salad Sandwiches
• Pesto Pasta Salad
• Mini Burger Sliders
• Spinach and Feta Puffs
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Aesthetic Picnic Food Ideas

• Fruit Tarts
• Strawberry Tea Sandwiches
• Macaron Platter
• Croissant Sandwich Board
• Mini Cheesecakes
• Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
• Prosciutto and Melon Skewers
• Berry Parfaits
• Floral Sugar Cookies
• Heart Shaped Sandwiches
• Caprese Skewers
• Mini Pancake Stacks
• Gourmet Cheese Board
• Lemon Bars
• Fruit Galette
• Pastel Cupcakes
• Pink Lemonade Cookies
• Raspberry Cream Puffs
• Honey Brie Crostini
• Decorative Charcuterie Cups

Picnic Food Ideas For Kids

• Mini Pizza Bites
• Peanut Butter Roll Ups
• Rainbow Fruit Skewers
• Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Mini Corn Dogs
• Sprinkle Donuts
• Cheese and Crackers Box
• Nutella Sandwich Bites
• Teddy Bear Pancakes
• Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
• Mini Hot Dog Sliders
• Chicken Nuggets
• Waffle Sticks
• Yogurt Pouches
• Mini Croissant Sandwiches
• Fruit Cups
• Ham and Cheese Sliders
• Chocolate Brownie Bites
• Mini Cupcakes
• Popcorn Snack Mix

Picnic Food Ideas For Friends Group

• Loaded Taco Board
• BBQ Drumsticks
• Chicken Alfredo Pasta Salad
• Sub Sandwich Platter
• Buffalo Chicken Sliders
• Jalapeño Poppers
• Giant Party Nachos
• Garlic Breadsticks
• BBQ Ribs
• Chicken Satay Skewers
• Shrimp Tacos
• Mediterranean Mezze Platter
• Fried Mozzarella Sticks
• Spicy Chicken Wraps
• Club Sandwich Platter
• Potato Wedges
• Sloppy Joe Sliders
• Cheesy Bread Rolls
• Grilled Sausage Buns
• Party Style Pasta Bake

Simple Picnic Food Ideas

• Classic Ham Sandwich
• Cheese Sandwich
• Egg Mayo Sandwich
• Chicken Salad Wrap
• Plain Croissants
• Salted Pretzels
• Boiled Eggs
• Butter Cookies
• Plain Muffins
• Fruit Salad
• Baked Chips
• Crackers and Cheese
• Peanut Butter Sandwich
• Jam Sandwich
• Chocolate Bar Bites
• Plain Cupcakes
• Sausage Sandwich
• Veggie Sticks with Dip
• Banana Bread Slices
• Simple Pasta Salad

Easy Picnic Food Ideas

• Chicken Wraps
• Pasta Salad Cups
• Turkey Pinwheels
• Pizza Slices
• Chicken Tenders
• Ready Made Sandwiches
• Muffin Cups
• Bagel Sandwiches
• Chicken Caesar Salad Cups
• Mini Burritos
• Deviled Eggs
• Stuffed Croissants
• Egg Muffins
• Fried Rice Cups
• Spring Rolls
• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Chicken Pita Pockets
• Veggie Quesadillas
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Mini Brownies

Picnic Food Ideas For Two

• Romantic Charcuterie Board
• Chocolate Fondue Box
• Stuffed Strawberries
• Brie and Jam Sandwich
• Chocolate Croissants
• Smoked Salmon Bagels
• Lemon Tart Slices
• Mac and Cheese Cups
• Prosciutto Sandwich
• Caprese Salad Bowl
• Chocolate Truffles
• Fruit and Cheese Box
• Chicken Panini
• Cream Cheese Pastries
• Gourmet Wraps
• Fruit Tartlets
• Mini Sushi Rolls
• Shrimp Cocktail Cups
• Red Velvet Cupcakes
• Chocolate Covered Nuts

Healthy Picnic Food Ideas

• Grilled Chicken Salad
• Quinoa Salad
• Avocado Toast
• Fresh Fruit Platter
• Greek Yogurt Parfait
• Veggie Wrap
• Hummus and Pita
• Kale Salad
• Chia Pudding
• Oatmeal Cups
• Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
• Zucchini Fritters
• Egg White Muffins
• Detox Smoothie Jars
• Almond Butter Sandwich
• Protein Energy Balls
• Cucumber Sandwiches
• Turkey Lettuce Wraps
• Cottage Cheese Bowl
• Fresh Fruit Smoothies

Picnic Food Ideas For Breakfast

• Pancake Stacks
• French Toast Sticks
• Croissant Sandwiches
• Breakfast Burritos
• Egg and Cheese Muffins
• Blueberry Muffins
• Banana Pancakes
• Waffle Sandwiches
• Cinnamon Rolls
• Breakfast Bagels
• Chocolate Chip Pancakes
• Sausage Breakfast Wrap
• Strawberry Crepes
• Overnight Oats Jars
• Breakfast Sliders
• Breakfast Quesadilla
• Apple Cinnamon Muffins
• Breakfast Parfaits
• Egg Croissant
• Granola Bars

Picnic Food Ideas For Family

• Fried Chicken Bucket
• Large Pasta Salad Bowl
• BBQ Sandwiches
• Family Size Quiche
• Baked Mac and Cheese
• Chicken Fajita Tray
• Sandwich Platter
• Big Charcuterie Board
• Sheet Pan Pizza
• Chicken Pot Pie Slices
• Lasagna Squares
• Garlic Bread Loaf
• Big Taco Tray
• Sausage Bake
• Roast Chicken Pieces
• Cornbread Squares
• Potato Salad Bowl
• Grilled Veggie Platter
• Meatball Subs
• Large Brownie Tray

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep food cold at a picnic?

I always bring two coolers. One for drinks and one for food. I pack ice on the bottom and wrap everything individually so nothing gets soggy.

Can I make these recipes the night before?

Most of them can. Salads, wraps, and sandwiches are even better when made a day ahead. Wings and quesadillas can be made in the morning.

What should I pack to serve these foods?

Bring plates, napkins, utensils, and wet wipes. I always pack way more napkins than I think I need.

How long can food sit out at a picnic?

Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Don’t leave anything out for more than two hours, especially in warm weather.

What if I don’t have all the ingredients?

Get creative. Most of these recipes are flexible. Use what you have on hand and swap ingredients that work with what you like.

Conclusion

After all these years of picnicking, I’ve learned that the best picnics aren’t about fancy presentation or complicated recipes. They’re about good food that tastes delicious and brings people together. These twelve recipes are my tried-and-true favorites that have made countless picnics successful.

Pick a few of these recipes and start with those. You can always add more to your picnic rotation as you get comfortable. The most important thing is to have fun with it and enjoy the time you spend with the people you care about. That’s what picnicking is really all about.