Planning a summer picnic menu doesn’t have to be hard. With a few simple seasonal recipes and classic picnic food staples, you can put together a delicious spread that everyone will enjoy.
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Food to Take on a Picnic That Everyone Will Love
It finally feels like summer here in the Midwest, and that means more time outside, soaking up the sunshine!
Sunny days are a great reason to grab a blanket, fill a basket, and head outside. And, if you’re wondering what to pack for the perfect picnic menu, I’m sharing all my favorite ideas to make it easy.
Whether you’re heading to the park with your family, packing a basket for two, or hosting a backyard picnic for a neighbors or friends, this list of picnic-friendly recipes has something for every kind of get-together.
From classic sandwiches and summer sides to drinks and sweet treats, here are 15 easy picnic recipes that are perfect for sharing.
Table of Contents
- Food to Take on a Picnic That Everyone Will Love
- What to Consider When Planning a Summer Picnic Menu
- Sandwiches, Wraps, and Handhelds
- Sumer Sides and Salads That Travel Well
- Sweet Picnic Treats
- Easy Picnic Drinks to Pack
- Easy Picnic Food to Buy
- Sample Picnic Menus
- Final Tips for Packing a Great Picnic (+ Free Checklist)
- More Picnic Ideas You’ll Love
- Sunshine, Good Food, and Great Company Await
- Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!
What to Consider When Planning a Summer Picnic Menu
First things first. A great picnic is all about keeping things simple and stress-free. So, when you’re choosing what food to bring, it’s important to think about how well it travels, how easy it is to serve, and how much cleanup is involved.
Because no one wants to deal with lots of prep or extra mess when they’re outside! And these simple picnic food ideas will make your menu planning that much eaiser.
Sandwiches, Wraps, and Handhelds
These are classic picnic foods for a reason. Sandwiches are one of the easiest picnic lunch ideas because they’re easy to pack, simple to eat, and perfect even for the pickiest of eaters.
Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
These slow cooker BBQ chicken sandwiches are perfect not only for picnics but also busy weeknights.
Just pile the shredded chicken onto buns and, if you want to go the Southern route, add a big scoop of creamy coleslaw right on top.
For easy transport, keep the shredded BBQ chicken warm by placing it in an insulated food carrier, and pack the coleslaw separately in a chilled container to keep it crisp.
When you’re ready to eat, assemble the sandwiches on site, and don’t forget to bring along some pickles for that extra tangy crunch!
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
A creamy chicken salad sandwich is one of the best picnic foods around. Serve it on croissants or soft sandwich rolls for an easy meal that’s filling and full of flavor.
Pack up youre pre-made chicken salad in a sturdy container with a lid or you can prep individual sandwiches ahead of time. Either way, it’s a classic that never disappoints.
Cucmber Sandwiches with Cream Cheese
Cool, crisp, and so simple, these cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese are a summertime classic. They come together in minutes and add the perfect fresh bite to your picnic spread.
You can even sprinkle on some dill or chives for a little extra fresh summertime flavor!
And if you’re looking for a few more tasty ideas to tuck into your picnic basket, here are a couple of other sandwich options to try:
- Egg Salad Sandwiches – Rich, creamy, and easy to prep in advance. Just spoon your egg salad mixture onto soft bread or rolls, and keep them chilled until serving. You can even pack the filling separately and assemble the sandwiches at your picnic to keep the bread from getting soggy.
- Turkey and Cheddar Sliders – These mini sandwiches are simple to make and perfect for a picnic. Layer sliced turkey and sharp cheddar cheese on small brioche buns or Hawaiian rolls. You can evne add a bit of Dijon mustard or a thin layer of mayo if you like. Then slide them all back into the bag the rolls came in, seal it with the twist tie, and tuck it in your cooler. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
- Tomato Sandwiches – A true summer favorite. Use thick slices of ripe tomatoes, mayo, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper on soft white bread. You can keep them simple or add a few fresh basil leaves for extra flavor. Then wrap your sandwiches tightly in parchment to help them hold up in your cooler or picnic basket.
Sumer Sides and Salads That Travel Well
Fresh sides are a must for any summer picnic menu, and these are all easy to make ahead and toss in your cooler. From chilled pasta salad to a big bowl of fruit, these simple picnic food ideas are perfect for always a hit.
Creamy Broccoli Salad
Tossed with a sweet dressing and loaded with crispy bacon, raisins, and sunflower seeds, this creamy broccoli salad is one recipe that people ask for again and again!
You can easily whip this summer side up the day before your picnic. Just mix it, cover the bowl, and let it chill in the fridge overnight.
When you’re ready to go, toss it in your cooler. Or for a fun and cute touch, scoop it into single-serve mini jars with spoons. It’s picnic-ready and picture-perfect!
Cucumber Pasta Salad
I have several favorite summer side dishes, but this cucumber and pasta salad recipe is at the top of the list.
It pairs perfectly with all your family’s favorites, and it’s easy to whip up a bowl to share with friends at your picnic or potluck.
The soft penne noodles combined with the crunch of fresh cucumbers and a sweet, tangy dressing are a match made in pasta salad heaven.
Creamy Fruit Salad
Drizzled with a creamy vanilla pudding dressing, this classic recipe for creamy fruit salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish.
You can also mix things up by adding your favorite fresh fruit like, kiwi, green grapes, or even slices of apples.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
When it comes to putting together a picnic menu, I’m all about keeping things quick and easy. And if you’re short on time, this creamy bacon ranch pasta salad comes together with just 15 minutes of prep. Perfect for those last-minute plans!
It’s one of those recipes everyone goes back for, so don’t be surprised if the bowl’s empty before you even finish unpacking the rest of your picnic foods.
And if you’re looking for a few more simple sides to pair with your sandwiches, here are some favorites that are easy to prep ahead and travel well:
- Potato Salad – A good potato salad never goes out of style. Use red potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing with just a hint of tang. It pairs well with just about anything.
- Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad – A true summer classic that gets better as it chills made with fresh sliced cucumbers and juicy tomatoes mixed with red onions and tossed in a vinegar-based dressing.
Sweet Picnic Treats
No picnic menu is complete without something sweet. These easy recipes are made to travel and simple to share.
Strawberry Peach Crisp
This old-fashioned strawberry peach crisp is summer in dessert form! Topped with a buttery oat crumble that gets golden and bubbly in the oven, it’s the kind of nostalgic treat that tastes just like something Grandma would make.
To make it picnic-ready, bake the crisp in a disposable foil pan or a lidded baking dish. Let it cool slightly, then cover it tightly and wrap it in a towel to help keep it warm.
Or, if you’re bringing it chilled, pack it in a cooler and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream.
Triple Berry Crisp
This easy cast iron triple berry crisp is a summer dessert dream come true. Loaded with fresh blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, it’s baked until the fruit is bubbling and the oat crumble topping is golden and crisp.
The result is a sweet summer treat that’s perfect for any gathering.
No Bake Lemon Bars in a Jar
These no-bake lemon bars in a jar are a simple, low-carb treat that’s picnic-perfect. With a buttery almond flour crust, tangy homemade lemon curd, and a dollop of whipped cream, they’re layered into individual jars for easy serving and portion control.
Pack them in a cooler, and they’ll be ready to enjoy whenever you are.
Summer Berry Trifle in a Jar
This no-bake summer berry trifle is as easy as it is delicious. With layers of fluffy angel food cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and fresh strawberries and blueberries, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Assemble it in individual mason jars for a fun, portable dessert that’s perfect for picnics or backyard gatherings.
Gooey S’mores Cookie Bars
Part classic campfire classic and part cookies, these s’mores cookie bars are a match made in dessert heaven!
Made with graham cracker dough, marshmallow creme, and chocolate chips, they’re so good I promise you won’t be able to eat just one!
Fresh Fruit with Creamy Dip
This creamy fruit dip is one of those easy recipes you’ll find yourself making on repeat. It’s light, fluffy, and comes together in just a few minutes with cream cheese, whipped cream, and a hint of vanilla.
Pack it in a small container and bring along your favorite fresh fruit for dipping like strawberries, grapes, apple slices, or whatever you love most.
TIP: Worried about your apples turning brown before you even get to the picnic blanket? Just give the slices a quick toss in a little lemon juice solution. The acidity slows down browning and keeps your fruit looking fresh and snack-ready.
And if you’re still looking for more ideas to round out your picnic menu and satisfy your sweet tooth, here are a few more simple dessert recipes to try:
- Snickers Salad – This fun and creamy dessert combines chopped Snickers bars, apples, whipped topping, and a bit of pudding mix for a nostalgic Midwest dessert that’s easy to whip up.
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars – Rich, chewy, and loaded with peanut butter flavor, these no-bake bars are easy to pack and hold up well in a cooler, making them perfect for a picnic treat.
Easy Picnic Drinks to Pack
When your planning your picnic menu, don’t forget about something cool and refreshing to sip on. These easy drinks are perfect for keeping everyone hydrated and happy.
Lemonade Iced Tea
This simple lemonade iced tea is the ultimate summer refresher. Cool, citrusy, and just the right balance of sweet and tart.
Made with freshly brewed black tea and lemonade, it comes together in just minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
It’s a non-alcoholic drink, but you can easily turn it into a cocktail with a splash of vodka or bourbon if you’re feeling festive.
Citrus Rosemary Cocktail
This citrus rosemary cocktail is a refreshing blend of lemon juice, rosemary-infused simple syrup, vodka, and a splash of club soda or Topo Chico.
Simply mix it up and pour into a chilled carafe or flip-top glass bottle for easy transport. When you’re ready to serve, just give it a gentle shake, pour over ice, and enjoy!
Here are a few other drink recipes that travel well and taste even better when chilled:
- Iced Tea with Fresh Mint – Brew your favorite black or green tea and let it chill with a handful of mint leaves for a light and flavorful sip.
- Fruit-Infused Water – Add slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries to an insulated thermos filled with cold water for a no-sugar option that still feels special.
TIP: Chill drinks ahead of time and pack them with ice or frozen water bottles to keep them cool until you’re ready to eat.
Easy Picnic Food to Buy
Let’s be honest. We all have those days when cooking from scratch just isn’t in the cards. Maybe you’re short on time or just not in the mood to turn on the oven…trust me, I’ve been there!
If that sounds like you, there are plenty of easy picnic foods to buy that still feel fun and a little special, without any of the prep work.
If you’re going the grab-and-go route, here are some simple picnic food ideas for family gatherings or quick date-day lunches.
- Store-bought wraps or pinwheels
- Mini sandwiches or snack trays
- Cheese cubes and grapes
- Deli pasta or potato salad
- Fresh bakery cookies or pastries
- Sparkling water, lemonade, or iced tea in cans or bottles
- Mini juice boxes for kids
Sample Picnic Menus
Now that I’ve shared some of my favorite picnic recipes, let’s talk about how to pull it all together.
If you need a little help planning, here are a few sample menus based on the kind of picnic you’re planning. Just mix, match, and make it your own!
Picnic Menu for Couples
If you’re planning a picnic menu for couples, my advice is to keep it simple.
Light sandwiches, fresh fruit, and easy desserts are perfect for a laid-back afternoon, a romantic date in the park, or even an al fresco date night in your own backyard.
- Chicken salad sandwiches
- Cheese board with crackers, meat and fresh fruit
- Chocolate-covered strawberries
- Summer berry trifle in a jar
- Wine
Picnic Menu Ideas for Family
If you’re looking for a picnic menu idea for your family, think easy foods that you can make ahead that everyone will enjoy.
Finger foods, fresh fruit, and simple desserts are always a win.
- Turkey and cheddar sliders
- Cucumber pasta salad
- Fresh fruit kabobs
- Gooey s’mores cookie bars
You can even mix things up with a morning picnic. Pack some muffins, yogurt parfaits, and juice boxes for a fun and relaxed start to the day.
Picnic Food Ideas for Large Groups
If you’re feeding a crowd, these recipes are easy to scale up and perfect for sharing.
They’re the kind of simple, make-ahead dishes that let you spend less time in the kitchen and more time hanging out with your friends and family.
Final Tips for Packing a Great Picnic (+ Free Checklist)
To make sure your summer picnic goes off without a hitch, here are a few quick tips:
- Use containers with tight lids to avoid spills – No one wants dressing all over their fruit salad. Pack everything in containers with secure lids to keep the mess to a minimum—and your cooler nice and clean.
- Keep cold items chilled with ice packs – Tuck a few ice packs (or even frozen water bottles) into your cooler to keep things like pasta salad, fruit, or drinks nice and cold until you’re ready to eat.
- Bring wet wipes, napkins, and trash bags for easy cleanup – Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. Sticky fingers and snack wrappers always show up, so it’s best to be prepared.
- Don’t forget a cozy blanket and something for shade – A big blanket makes everything feel a little more special. If it’s sunny out, a beach umbrella or a shady tree can help keep everyone comfy.
If you want to mak planning your next picnic even easier, I put together a free picnic packing checklist to help you stay organized and stress-free. You can download it and check everything off as you go!
More Picnic Ideas You’ll Love
If you love these picnic menu ideas, you might also enjoy some of my other picnic posts
Sunshine, Good Food, and Great Company Await
Planning a thoughtful picnic menu doesn’t have to be hard! With these easy picnic food ideas, you can put together a fast and fun meal that’s delicious, and perfect for sharing.
Whether you’re planning a quiet lunch for two or a big gathering in the backyard, there’s something here for everyone.
Have a favorite picnic food you always make? Share it in the comments and don’t forget to save this post for later.
Enjoy!
Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!
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