Getting together with friends for a picnic is just THE BEST.
Good times, fresh air, and a whole lot of tasty treats.
But figuring out what food to bring can sometimes be a head-scratcher, right?
You want something that’s easy to make, easy to share, and SO GOOD.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
We’ve put together a list of FANTASTIC picnic food ideas perfect for your crew.
Think easy bites, crowd-pleasers, and stuff that travels well.
These ideas will help make your next outdoor hang with friends absolutely delicious.
Ready to find some inspiration for your spread?
1. Sesame Noodles
Sesame Noodles are the perfect quick and easy meal when you’re craving Asian flavors.
Tossed in a savory peanut and sesame sauce, these noodles taste way better than takeout!
2. Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken is the flavorful and easy dinner you’ve been waiting for.
Marinate chicken thighs in the zesty cilantro lime marinade, and get ready for a tender, juicy meal.
3. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Get ready for game day with this Spinach Artichoke Dip, a creamy and cheesy appetizer that’s super easy to make.
This baked dip is packed with spinach and artichokes, tasting just like your favorite restaurant appetizer.
4. Cold Sesame Noodles Chicken Salad
Cold Sesame Noodles Chicken Salad is a yummy and easy meal that’s great for lunch or dinner. This recipe, inspired by Cook’s Illustrated, features chicken and fresh vegetables with cold sesame noodles, and you can even use rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
5. Guest Post: Tex Mex Salad
Whip up our Tex Mex Salad for a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. This salad is packed with all the delicious tastes of Tex Mex cuisine.
6. Grilled Sesame Shrimp & Veggies
Fire up the grill for these easy Grilled Sesame Shrimp & Veggies!
This simple recipe is prepped in no time, cooks fast, and cleanup is a breeze.
Your family will love the foil packets bursting with shrimp, veggies, and mouthwatering sesame flavor.
7. Beet Salad
This Beet Salad is a vibrant and delicious summer side dish you’ll want to make again and again. The combination of pickled beets, green onions, and creamy horseradish dressing is simply irresistible.
8. Instant Pot Potato Salad
Instant Pot Potato Salad is the perfect, easy side dish for your next potluck or BBQ!
This classic potato salad is made simple and quick using the magic of the Instant Pot, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.
9. Southwest Chickpea Salad with Hot Honey Ranch
This Southwest Chickpea Salad with Hot Honey Ranch is about to become your new favorite lunch!
Enjoy a burst of flavors with this chickpea salad, perfectly balanced with a sweet and spicy ranch.
It’s simple to make and totally satisfying.
10. Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini Fritters are the perfect quick and easy side dish.
These crispy zucchini cakes are filled with shredded squash, garlic, and herbs for a delicious flavor combination.
They’re so simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
11. Caprese Garlic Bread
Caprese Garlic Bread is a super tasty and quick appetizer that you can whip up in just 15 minutes!
Imagine warm garlic butter, melted mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil all drizzled with a balsamic glaze – it’s simple but amazing.
12. Gluten-Free Brazilian Cheese Bread
Craving a savory bite?
These Gluten-Free Brazilian Cheese Bread muffins are irresistibly cheesy and puffy, using simple ingredients and are great as an appetizer.
They’re so easy to make, you’ll want to bake a batch every week!
13. Angel Food Cake Fruit Trifle
Whip up an Angel Food Cake Fruit Trifle that will be the star of any summer get-together. This light and fluffy angel food berry trifle is a layered dessert that’s guaranteed to impress.
14. Cucumber Sweet Pepper and Avocado Salad with Lemon Honey Mustard Dressing
This Cucumber, Sweet Pepper, and Avocado Salad is a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy fresh produce.
Tossed in a zesty lemon honey mustard dressing, it’s the perfect light meal or side dish to brighten any day.
15. Cannoli Strawberries
Cannoli Strawberries are the perfect treat if you love fruit.
Enjoy the taste of cannoli without having to bake anything.
These cannoli strawberries will be a crowd pleaser.
16. Beef Souvlaki – Greek Steak Kabobs
Beef Souvlaki – Greek Steak Kabobs bring the taste of the Mediterranean to your table!
These marinated and grilled beef kabobs are loaded with savory Greek flavors.
Enjoy these simple and flavorful steak kabobs, perfect with your favorite veggies!
17. crispy roasted salt and vinegar chickpeas (air fryer option)
Enjoy these crispy roasted salt and vinegar chickpeas for a snack that’s both tasty and good for you!
Try making them in the air fryer for a super quick and easy treat.
18. Honey Roasted Carrots
Honey Roasted Carrots are the perfect side dish: whole carrots coated in honey and seasonings.
Roasting them brings out a tender, caramelized sweetness that’s both easy and elegant.
19. Orange Bundt Cake with Blackberry Icing
This Orange Bundt Cake with Blackberry Icing is packed with fresh orange flavor.
The vibrant blackberry icing makes it perfect for a spring celebration.
20. Herby Crispy Potato and White Bean Salad
This Herby Crispy Potato and White Bean Salad is a vegetarian delight you’ll want to make again and again.
It’s packed with flavor and texture, making it a satisfying and delicious salad!
21. No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Craving a sweet treat but short on time?
These No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies, packed with chocolate and peanut butter, are a classic for a reason.
Enjoy them as is, or add your favorite extras for a personalized twist!
22. No Knead Focaccia
Bake a super simple No Knead Focaccia that’s perfect for beginners!
The focaccia bread comes out crispy on the outside and pillowy soft inside, with delicious olive oil in every bite.
23. Hummus Recipe
Whip up this Hummus Recipe for a snack that’s both easy and delicious.
The smooth and creamy texture comes from the perfect blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
24. Spinach and Artichoke Egg Bars
Spinach and Artichoke Egg Bars are your new favorite way to start the day.
These easy breakfast bars are perfect to grab and go when you’re in a rush!
25. Pizza Pasta Salad
Pizza Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, bringing all your favorite pizza flavors together in a simple pasta salad.
This easy dish is perfect as a side or a light meal, especially during the summer!
26. Mango Berry Crunch Fruit Salad
Mango Berry Crunch Fruit Salad is the perfect way to enjoy the best of summer!
It’s a juicy, sweet fruit salad featuring mango and berries, topped with crunchy toasted pecans and a light citrus dressing.
27. Slow Cooker Focaccia Bread
Enjoy the taste of Italy with this effortless Slow Cooker Focaccia Bread recipe. Simply combine a few ingredients like frozen rolls, olive oil, and fresh rosemary, then let your slow cooker do all the work.
28. vegan mediterranean white bean quinoa burrito (air fryer)
This vegan Mediterranean white bean quinoa burrito is a super tasty air fryer recipe.
It’s easy to make this white bean burrito, and it’s packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors.