Sunny days, blue skies, and a gentle breeze make for perfect picnic weather - there is nothing like a hike in the country and an outdoor meal of your favorite picnic foods. Paired with a soft blanket and a patch of green grass, these easy and impressive picnic recipes will enliven any outdoor event. Similar to hosting a tailgating event, a hostess needs to think about portability and casual charm for picnic food ideas. To minimize pre-party prep and stress, and maximize praise from your picnic guests, try these delicious, make-ahead picnic recipes, including bite-size fried chicken and sweet hand-pies. So ditch the dining room this season and take it outside. Our best picnic ideas will help you enjoy every minute of these glorious days. Check out thrift stores or antique shops for not-so-perfect wicker baskets, hand-me-down vintage blankets, and charming quilts to help you set up a perfect picnic. Armed with these picnic recipes, you are sure to pull together a memorable movable feast.
Picnic Planning
Think portability and casual charm for picnic recipes. Find not-so-perfect wicker baskets, hand-me-down vintage blankets, and charming quilts to set up a perfect picnic. These picnic recipes are both portable and casual, making for the perfect picnic menu.
Spring Salsa
Recipe: Spring Salsa
Fill inexpensive, reusable glass jars with Spring Salsa and chips for easy carrying. This colorful salsa of corn, tomatoes, and cilantro would be equally delicious served over salad greens or in warm tortillas with grilled chicken.
Fruit, Cheese and Herb Skewers
Recipe: Fruit, Cheese, and Herb Skewers
Thread various combinations of fruit, fresh small mozzarella cheese balls, and herbs on 6-inch wooden skewers up to three hours ahead. It's easy and makes for a pretty display.
Fried Chicken Bites
Recipe: Fried Chicken Bites
These spicy fried chicken nuggets are great dipped in honey mustard or blue cheese dressing.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Hand Pies
Recipe: Strawberry-Rhubarb Hand Pies
Crisp rhubarb has a tart flavor that teams up perfectly with sweet strawberries.
Lime Fizz
Recipe: Lime Fizz
This lime soda is a refreshing drink for a picnic. For an adult version, stir in 2/3 cup vodka. The leftover simple syrup can always be stirred into unsweetened iced tea.
Summer Rice Salad
Recipe: Summer Rice Salad
Ditch a mayonnaise-laden potato salad for this fresh, minty number. Drizzle the versatile dressing over fresh fruit or grilled fish or veggies.
Ginger and Lime Marinated Melon
Recipe: Ginger and Lime Marinated Melon
Skewer the melon after marinating for easy-to-eat melon pops.
Cucumber-and-Sugar Snap Salad
Recipe: Cucumber-and-Sugar Snap Salad
Almost any raw veggie works in this cucumber salad. Try using bell peppers, jicama, or fresh corn kernels.
Roasted Green Bean, Apple, and Bacon Sandwiches
Recipe: Roasted Green Bean, Apple, and Bacon Sandwiches
A green bean sandwich? Trust us on this one. We fell for the combo of tender beans, crisp apples, salty Parm, and tangy dressing. Keep it tidy by hollowing out the baguette to create a cradle for the fillings.
BBQ-Ranch Popcorn
Recipe: BBQ-Ranch Popcorn
Try other flavors, like chili powder-lime zest and cinnamon-sugar.
