Picnic Friendly Recipes

Summer is a wonderful time for dining alfresco and picnics are a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while munching on some deliciousness with friends and family. The best thing about a picnic is it’s low maintenance, and easy to pack and bring along for a hike, walk or outdoor event like a concert or theater. In Vermont, we are so fortunate to have so many opportunities to pack a picnic and enjoy some food while listening to music or watching a play. It’s also lovely to hike to a beautiful destination and enjoy your picnic overlooking the green mountains or beautiful little town of Woodstock. No matter where you live, there are lots of options for picnicking on rooftops, parks, meadows or mountains. Get creative and make it an adventure.

Picnic foods should be easy to make, transport and enjoy outdoors with little maintenance and cleanup. This is something important to remember when preparing your picnic. Make sure items you are packing are tightly sealed, kept cool (if need be) and easy to transport. Super wet ingredients may get messy and be hard to manage. Therefore sandwiches, salads, cheeses, charcuterie, crackers and bars make for a simple, easy and delicious picnic meal.

Today I’m sharing picnic friendly recipes that will make your excursion that much more fun and delicious– your outdoor adventure awaits. You don’t have to venture far either. A picnic in your backyard is just as fun! Feel free to share any favorite picnic friendly recipes in the comments.

Picnic Tips

There is nothing worse than summiting a mountain, unpacking your bag and realizing you have forgotten a key item for your picnic. Here are a few tips to ensure you don’t forget any of the essentials and can enjoy your picnic.

• Use a picnic friendly bag/basket like this Oniva Picnic Cooler Backpack
• Cutlery, plates, cups and napkins (use plastic or paper so they are easy to use and dispose of after or try this eco-friendly set)
• Wine/bottle opener if you are bringing beverages
• Serving platter, bowls, serving spoons/knives for cheese spreads or dips
• Blanket for sitting on (we love our Little Unicorn blanket, it is so simple to pack up and easily wipe away a mess)

Picnic Friendly Recipes

Easy Picnic Food Ideas From Love & Lemons

Love & Lemons has a great round up of 51 Easy Picnic Food Ideas.

Some of our favorite easy picnic food ideas for sandwiches, salads and side dishes include the: Caprese Sandwich (mozzarella and tomato sandwich), Chickpea Salad Sandwich (skip the Chicken salad and try this instead!) Best Egg Salad Sandwich, Avocado Summer Rolls, Fresh Spring Rolls, Cherry Tomato Cous Cous Salad, Watermelon Salad with Feta is a great fruit salad option with a twist, Greek Salad, Best Deviled Eggs and Ultimate Crudite Platter.

Dips to try include Best Hummus and Best Pesto. Try pairing with your favorite store bought cracker, homemade bread or tortilla chips.

For dessert try these yummy, rich Best Homemade Brownies, Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies or sweet and perfectly tart Lemon Cookies.

Picnic Recipes that Aren’t All Chips and Dip from Delicious.

This round up from delicious is another great compilation of recipes that will bring your picnic to the next level. Linseed Crisps with Blue Cheese and Honeycomb make a perfect app to begin your picnic. The Mustard and Tarragon Chicken Rolls with Iceberg and Radish look like a delicious addition to your meal. And don’t forget these Peanut Butter, Oat and Jam Bars for dessert!

Summer Picnic Food Ideas for Warm Weather Days from Country Living

Country Living’s round up of picnic foods provides a great selection and variety of recipes. The Orzo Pasta Salad would make a wonderful side including bell peppers, kale, parmesan and feta. Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken and this Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad would pair nicely together as well. Quiches are always a great on the go meal that feels a bit fancier and special for a picnic- try this Asparagus Quiche. These Best Cracker Jack and Pretzel Bites look like something the whole family would enjoy!

Best Summer Picnic Recipes from NY Times Cooking

NY Times Cooking compiled their favorite picnic friendly recipes. The Cold Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce looks so tasty and flavorful, served cold-perfect for a picnic! These Pigs in a Blanket look fun for a kid friendly picnic, or hey maybe just adults! As a side dish, this Macaroni Salad with Lemon and Herbs would be a great addition. If you’re looking to pack a fun cocktail- these Watermelon Margaritas look super refreshing and yummy. Pair it with these Salted Margarita Bars for a yummy dessert.

BBC Good Food Picnic Recipes

BBC Good Food also has a great round up of picnic recipes. There are many yummy recipes to choose from including the Salmon Picnic Platter. Complete with cucumbers, deviled eggs, smoked salmon, yogurt and dill salad. Caramelized Onion & Thyme Sausage Rolls look like an easy to travel and equally delicious choice for a picnic. A perfect side dish could include this Healthy Potato Salad recipe with lots of yummy herbs. For dessert these Peanut Butter Cookie Cups look unreal.

Picnics are a fun way to experience nature, dine outdoors, and spend time with family and friends. Enjoy the outdoors this summer with a picnic and try any of these recipes to make it extra yummy and easy. Happy picnicking!

Let us know your favorite picnic recipes in the comments below.