70 Best Picnic Food Ideas – Easy Picnic Recipes

It's outdoor dining season, and we couldn't be readier!

By Christopher MichelUpdated: Apr 21, 2023

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As soon as the weather warms, you’ll catch us scrolling around online for the best picnic basket, digging our vintage checked picnic blanket out of storage, and writing up menus filled with these recipes, in anticipation of picnic season.

There’s just something about eating outdoors that makes food taste better, right? Maybe it’s the fresh air. Maybe it’s the sunshine. Who knows? All we know is that we can’t wait to do it! Give us a spot on the grass and a slight breeze, and all we can think about is how good a slice of tomato pie or a heaping scoop of fruit crisp would be. Excuse us why we go clear our weekend schedule.

Grain Salad with Trout, Almonds, and Herbs

Caprese Pasta Salad

Classic Deviled Eggs

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Pickled Watermelon Rinds

Classic Southern Pimento Cheese and Quick Refrigerator Pickles

Southern Tomato Pie with Bacon

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Cilantro and Sunflower Seed Dip

Squash Ribbon Salad with Sunflower Seeds

Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

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Creamy Avocado Dip with Scallions

Buttered Leek and Gruyère Galette

Strawberry-Lemonade Angel Pie

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French Onion Flatbread

Orzo Pasta Salad

Salade Niçoise

This combo of sturdy ingredients and tart dressing originated in the French seaside city of Nice, and it's been delighting denizens — and likely beachgoers — for well over a hundred years.

Get the recipe for Salade Niçoise.

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A Charcuterie Board

A beautifully cut and arranged snack board is practically made for sitting on the grass and nibbling — possibly while sipping a glass of something cold and sparkling. Watch the video for some tips on how to keep your charcuterie picnic-friendly.

Roasted Hazelnut & Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark

Asparagus Quiche

Quiche is an under-sung picnic addition: The sturdy pie is easy to carry, and careful picnickers can pick it up and eat with their hands, pizza-style.

Get the recipe for Asparagus Quiche.

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Any Fruit Crisp

Heirloom Tomato Salad

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Fun Outdoor Party Ideas for Summer

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