Picnic Food Ideas
A collection of easy and delicious picnic food ideas, including sandwiches, salads, snacks, and desserts, perfect for enjoying outdoors.
Ingredients
For the Sandwiches
- 4 slices toasted bread or sturdy rolls Ciabatta, focaccia, or wraps can also be used.
- 1 tablespoon mayo, butter, pesto, hummus, or cream cheese This acts as a barrier to prevent sogginess.
- 1 handful arugula, spinach, or other greens
- 4 slices turkey, provolone, or roasted red peppers Use your favorite fillings.
For the Lemony White Bean Salad
- 2 cans cannellini beans Rinsed and drained.
- 1 small red onion Finely chopped.
- 1 medium bell pepper Chopped.
- 1 handful parsley Chopped.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon juice Go heavier than you think.
- to taste salt and pepper
- optional crumbled feta or chopped olives Optional add-ins.
For the Snack Board
- 1 cup crackers, pretzels, or pita chips
- 1 container hummus or tzatziki
- 1 cup cheddar cubes or string cheese For less mess.
- 1 cup salami or turkey slices
- to taste pickles, olives, or pepperoncini
For Dessert
- 1 batch brownies Best travel option.
- 1 batch cookie sandwiches With sturdy filling.
- 1 batch lemon bars Dust with powdered sugar.
- 1 batch rice crispy treats
- 1 batch fruit skewers With strawberries, pineapple, and grapes.
Instructions
Sandwich Preparation
- Toast the bread or use a sturdier option like ciabatta, focaccia, or a wrap.
- Spread a barrier like mayo, butter, pesto, or hummus on the bread.
- Keep wet ingredients like tomatoes and pickles in the middle.
- Wrap tightly in parchment and place in a container.
Bean Salad Preparation
- Toss cannellini beans, chopped onion, bell pepper, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a big bowl.
- Adjust lemon and seasoning to taste for punchy flavor.
Snack Board Assembly
- Pack crackers, dips (hummus or tzatziki), cheese, protein, and extras in containers.
Dessert Packing
- Pack brownies, cookie sandwiches, lemon bars, rice crispy treats, and fruit skewers in separate bags.
Notes
Keep dressings separate until ready to eat for salads. Pack napkins and utensils to avoid mess.