I love easy picnic food recipes because I can pack it up and take it just about anywhere. I think we have your outing covered for food with this long list of picnic finger food!
Outdoor gatherings are really the only way we're getting together with friends, and we are limiting even those, but I'm hoping things get better soon.
I do think it's okay to have a picnic with a small group of friends now, but we should be distancing and washing our hands and using hand sanitizer as often as we can.
Whether you're planning to get outside for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day, a fun summer gathering, or even easy picnic food recipes for two, you'll find a bunch of recipes here to make your life easier!
5 tips for the Perfect Picnic
A picnic is not just about having amazing and easy picnic food. Below are ideas for your so you can start planning.
1 Be prepared with pretty picnic plates and napkins. It doesn't cost a lot to be a little bit festive, and your table will look so pretty!
2 When planning a picnic, be sure to have extra serving spoons around the table as some people are sure to forget them. (Hand raised!)
3 When going to a picnic someone else is planning, I'm rarely prepared to tell the host what I will be bringing a month out, but I can absolutely say I'll be bringing either a dessert, a dip, or a salad. It's so helpful to the host to give them an idea!
When hosting, ask your guests to let you know which type of food they will be bringing so you can have a good mix of foods.
4 Have LOTS of ice! I can't tell you the number of times I've been to a party where someone has had to go out for ice. That friend who is always late? Ask them to do you one favor and bring a bag of ice!
Have a couple of coolers full of drinks and one dedicated to ice just for drinks, equipped with an ice scoop.
5 Have lots of disposable cups available along with a Sharpie so people can put their names on their cups.
And now for the easy picnic food! This list begins with main dish savory recipes, but scroll down for side dishes and lots of delicious desserts that are all picnic-friendly!
90+ Easy Recipes
These are tried and true easy picnic food recipes from my favorite food bloggers. Whether you're looking for cold picnic recipes or something to put on the grill, you'll have so many choices on this list.
I'm hoping having this list helps you have a marvelous day with your family and friends! Enjoy!
Main Dishes
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs with Citrus & Cilantro
Your whole family will love this easy recipe for Cast Iron Chicken thighs that are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Check out this recipe
Shrimp & Pineapple Skewers Perfect for Hot Summer Nights!
These sweet and spicy Chili Lime Pineapple & Shrimp Skewers are grilled to perfection and come together fast for an easy weeknight meal on hot days!
Check out this recipe
Italian Pressed Picnic Sandwich
Italian Pressed Picnic Sandwich, made ahead of time, full of cured meats, cheeses, and flavorful pesto! Perfect for a picnic, road trip, or dinner!
Check out this recipe
Pressed Italian Sandwiches with Olive Tapenade
These tasty sanwiches are perfect for a simple lunch or dinner and are jam-packed with all your favorite cold cut flavor!
Check out this recipe
Honey Bourbon Grilled Chicken Thighs
These delicious grilled chicken thighs are packed full of sweet and salty flavor that your whole family will love!
Check out this recipe
Veggie Kabobs With Halloumi
These grilled veggie kabobs with halloumi are like sunshine on your grill! They’re so delicious, flavorful, and really fun to make!
Check out this recipe
Skillet Fried Chicken
This breaded skillet fried chicken, is not only quick and easy to make, but it’s great hot or cold and perfect for picnics!
Check out this recipe
Summer Picnic Roll
This delicious sausage & egg roll can be eaten hot or cold making it ideal for a summer picnic!
Check out this recipe
Summer Charcuterie Board
A Summer Charcuterie Board is the best no cook summer appetizer to bring to your next BBQ or outdoor party!
Check out this recipe
Grilled Naan Chicken Salad Wraps with Cherry Salsa!
These Grilled Naan Chicken Salad Wraps with Cherry Salsa are an easy treat made in minutes and so delicious!
Check out this recipe
Paneer Tikka (Made in Oven or StoveTop)
This delicious Tandoori Paneer Tikka Recipe is tried and ttue authentic and delightfully delicious!
Check out this recipe
Italian Dressing Chicken
This easy marinated Italian Dressing Chicken makes juicy, tender, flavorful chicken every time! Make it on the grill or in the oven for a quick dinner!
Check out this recipe
Hot Dog Toppings Ideas
From easy Chili Dogs recipes with crushed Doritos to a tangy Sauerkraut Dog. These dogs are perfect for a picnic, a cookout or fancy camping dinner!
Check out this recipe
Easy Grilled Fajita Burgers with Guacamole
All the peppers, onions, Mexican spices and creamy guacamole you love in fajitas - jammed into a deliciously satisfying burger recipe! Make-ahead tips, too!
Check out this recipe
Grilled Chicken Wraps
These grilled chicken wraps are perfect for a quick summer lunch! They’re packed with flavor, easy and perfect for packed lunches and picnics.
Check out this recipe
Side Dishes
Quinoa Chickpea Salad Recipe
This Quinoa Chickpea Salad recipe is the perfect meal when you want something light. It’s also a wonderful pairing to a steak, roasted chicken, or fish.
Check out this recipe
Easy Greek Orzo Salad Recipe
This Greek orzo salad is delicious and super easy to prepare. When you need a side dish for meat, chicken, or seafood, this is the perfect easy recipe!
Check out this recipe
Authentic Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh was one of the best things I ate when I visited Jordan. It’s a healthy dish with incredibly fresh flavor, and it goes with so many dishes.
Check out this recipe
Delicious Pizza Salad Recipe
What’s better than pizza and pasta? Combining them to make a healthier delicious pizza and pasta salad, even coming in at 3 Weight Watchers Smart Points!
Check out this recipe
Broccoli Salad Recipe
This delicious brocoli salad is a little different than most. The crunchy veggies and sweet fruit are delicious and rich in antioxidants.
Check out this recipe
My Mom’s Potato Salad
If you’re looking for that perfect potato salad, you have to trythis mom’s recipe! This potato salad is a classic and will be the hit of the party!
Check out this recipe
Macaroni Salad
The best tangy macaroni salad with an oil, vinegar, and ketchup dressing your kids will love.
Check out this recipe
Perogy Potato Salad
If you are looking for potluck ideas and love perogies, you will love this Gluten-Free perogy potato salad!
Check out this recipe
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad — Salt & Baker
This 10 minute meal will be gobbled up by even the pickiest of eaters!
Check out this recipe
Pasta and Pea Salad
Light and delicious pasta and pea salad. Perfect for picnics or anytime!
Check out this recipe
Coleslaw Orzo Salad
A light twist on orzo salad. This Coleslaw Orzo Salad has a light & tasty citrus orange dressing and toasted almonds for crunch. An easy summer side dish!
Check out this recipe
Bacon Deviled Eggs
This Bacon Deviled Eggs recipe is simple, fun, delicious, and can be made ahead of time! Perfect party dish for showers, gatherings, and Easter!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Egg Salad with Dill
This delicious egg salad is a classic recipe with a hint of dill to give it a nice twist of flavor!
Check out this recipe
Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
This easy stovetop recipe delivers creamy mac and cheese that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, weekend BBQ, or summer potluck!
Check out this recipe
Mexican Fruit Salad
This easy 6-ingredient Mexican Fruit Salad is so refreshing! It's the perfect choice for picnics or poolside.
Check out this recipe
Cold Peanut Noodle Salad
Cold peanut noodle salad is popping with the flavors of peanut butter, tamari & brown rice vinegar. A full meal in one bowl.
Check out this recipe
Food Truck Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe is a cookout staple. It has a creamy dressing that’s tangy, sweet, and delicious! Costs just $5.39 to make!
Check out this recipe
Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad
This gluten-free avocado pasta salad features a creamy arugula-avocado dressing in place of mayo for a flavor-packed vegan side dish with no added oil!
Check out this recipe
Hummus Pasta Salad
This hummus pasta salad is the perfect side dish for your spring and summer fare! Easy to make with store-bought hummus, gluten-free and vegan too!
Check out this recipe
Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
This easy to make Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe is a perfect side dish with steak, burgers, turkey legs, barbecue chicken, and more!
Check out this recipe
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta (VIDEO) - Key To My Lime
This is the best strawberry spinach salad with feta and walnuts! Top it with an easy and delicious homemade poppy seed dressing. Perfect salad for a crowd.
Check out this recipe
Carrot Mint Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Fresh, light, smokey and sweet; this Carrot Mint Salad with Honey Lime Dressing is an easy family-friendly side dish.
Check out this recipe
Easy Southern Grape Salad
This quick & easy creamy, crunchy Southern Grape Salad recipe is great for potlucks, BBQs, dessert or a side dish and only needs 5 mins of effort to make!!
Check out this recipe
Creamy Vegan Potato Salad
This Creamy Vegan Potato Salad is easy to make and very healthy! And did I mention it's also delicious?
Check out this recipe
Mediterranean Tuna Antipasto Salad
This Mediterranean Tuna Antipasto Salad is a healthy and delicious choice for any occasion!
Check out this recipe
The Best Homemade Chicken Salad!
This Homemade Chicken Salad recipe is keto friendly and oh so delicious!
Check out this recipe
Corn and Quinoa Caprese Salad
This colorful, hearty Summer Corn & Quinoa Caprese Salad is packed with veggies, protein, and flavor! It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues!
Check out this recipe
Zesty Summer Pasta Salad Recipe
This Zesty Summer Pasta Salad Recipe is one the kids love too! Great for school lunch or a summer cookout!
Check out this recipe
No Mayo Coleslaw
This no-mayo coleslaw is still creamy and delicious thanks to a protein-packed ingredient: Greek yogurt!
Check out this recipe
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls
Cucumber pinwheels, or cucumber and cream cheese sandwich rolls, are always a huge hit, no matter where or when you serve them!
Check out this recipe
Creamy Pasta Salad
Creamy pasta salad is the perfect bring-along side dish for potlucks and tailgate parties. With an herby, tangy dressing for the win!
Check out this recipe
Black Bean and Corn Salad
Low in fat, high in flavor, with a healthy dose of protein from the beans, this Black Bean and Corn Salad is a tasty side for a picnic.
Check out this recipe
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This Medidterainian Orzo Salad is bursting with mediterranean flavors and is great for a side dish or as lunch itself!
Check out this recipe
White Bean & Cabbage Slaw with Apples & Cider Vinaigrette
This refreshing twist on traditional slaw makes a great side or light lunch. This recipe is so easy, and filled with textures, colors, and fresh flavor.
Check out this recipe
Green Goddess Cobb Salad
If you are ready for a truly spectacular salad then you’ve got to try this dairy-free and gluten-free Green Goddess Cobb Salad recipe is your new go-to salad!
Check out this recipe
Coleslaw Pasta Salad
This creamy delicious coleslaw pasta salad is perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and holiday gatherings!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pasta Salad
This quick and easy Vegan Pasta Salad is made with very simple ingredients that are healthy, colorful, and tasty.
Check out this recipe
Bacon Balsamic Macaroni Salad
Everyone will love this yummy twist on macaroni salad. The crisp bacon pieces mixed throughout the creamy dressing are simply delicious!
Check out this recipe
Asian Ramen Noodle Salad
An easy to make ramen noodle salad, a bit like coleslaw but with an Asian twist and so much more tastey!
Check out this recipe
Orzo and Chicken Salad Recipe
This orzo salad with shredded chicken, bell peppers, olives, and a wholegrain mustard dressing is such a wonderful lunch recipe!
Check out this recipe
Pesto Pasta Salad
This wonderful Pesto Pasta Salad combines pasta, pesto, tomatoes, bocconcini and Parmesan for a bowl full of fresh summertime flavors!
Check out this recipe
Pickle Slaw with Bacon
It’s cool, it’s creamy, it’s crunchy, and it has a sweet n tangy dressing - this keto Pickle Slaw with Bacon is a tasty twist everyone will love!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Hummus Recipe
This vegan hummus recipe was one of my favorite foods when I was in Jordan last year. Even after eating it every day, I never grew tired of eating it!
Check out this recipe
Fresh Peach Salsa Recipe
What could be better at a cookout or party than this fresh peach salsa recipe? It’s heavenly with chips and perfect alongside any blackened dish!
Check out this recipe
Watermelon Salsa Recipe
This easy watermelon salsa recipe is going to be your go-to for any time you are having company or bringing an appetizer to a party!
Check out this recipe
Individual 6 Layer Dip Cups
Packed with deliciousness these Individual 6 Layer Dip Cups are the perfect snack for any picnic or party!
Check out this recipe
10-Minute Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Fresh Pineapple Salsa is an incredibly easy recipe that wows both in flavor and its colorful presentation. With just a few simple ingredients, you have a healthy and delicious recipe!
Check out this recipe
Spicy Mango Salsa
This spicy mango salsa is great for barbecues, cookouts, and picnics, it NEVER disappoints!
Check out this recipe
Easy Desserts
Best Key Lime Pie Recipe
Creamy, delicate and oh so scrumptious, this Key Lime Pie recipe is sure to become your go-to favorite when you need an elegant dessert!
Check out this recipe
Peanut Butter Brownies
These Peanut Butter Brownies are to die for! Think Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars and you’ll be on the right track! So rich and so easy!
Check out this recipe
Ladybug Picnic Cupcakes
These Ladybug Picnic Cupcakes are the perfect dessert for a kids birthday party, and using Airheads for the decoration made this a DIY project anyone can do!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
This is a wonderful healthier version of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies that your whole family will love!
Check out this recipe
Easy Butter Pecan Cookie Bar Recipe
This easy butter pecan cookie bar recipe is perfect for when everyone wants something sweet. Make a big batch and freeze the rest for later!
Check out this recipe
Easy Churro Cheesecake Bars
These churro cheesecake bars are the perfect dessert to serve at the end of any meal. Everyone will love the crunchy outside and creamy cheesecake inside.
Check out this recipe
Lemon Lime Cupcakes
These Lemon Lime Refresher Cupcakes are so yummy! They're so easy to make and are the perfect self dessert for any occasion!
Check out this recipe
Blue Moon Boozy Cupcakes
These Blue Moon Boozy Cupcakes are bursting with flavors of orange peel and coriander and are so delicious you won't want to share them!
Check out this recipe
Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese frosting are so delicious. Homemade cupcakes are so easy to make and taste so much better!
Check out this recipe
Patriotic S’mores Brownies
If you’ve never made homemade s’mores brownies, you are in for a heavenly treat! This is such an easy and decadent dessert!
Check out this recipe
Patriotic Popcorn Crunch: Red, White & Blue Snack Fun!
Amazing Patriotic Popcorn Crunch is easy to make, and the sweet and salty red white & blue fun is perfect for the 4Th of July or any day!
Check out this recipe
Homemade Brownies with Raspberry Frosting
This delicious recipe is the perfect combination of rich chocolate and refreshing fruit. My Homemade Brownies with Raspberry Frosting are soooo good!
Check out this recipe
Apricot-Cherry Slab Pie
This apricot-cherry slab pie is perfect to take on a picnic, because you can eat it with your hands if you like.
Check out this recipe
Easy Biscoff Flapjack
This Biscoff flapjack (oat bars) are quick and simple to make. They are, however, so delicious that they are guaranteed to be eaten in no time at all.
Check out this recipe
Red, White, & Blue Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
Red, White, & Blue Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries, an easy no-bake homemade dessert recipe.
Check out this recipe
Patriotic Layered Smoothie Recipe for the 4th of July
There aren't many things that are better then the middle of summer, perfect sunny days, with everyone around the pool enjoying a smoothie!
Check out this recipe
Red White and Blue Popsicles (Aka Firecracker Popsicles or Bomb Pops)
These Red White and Blue Popsicles are made with strawberries, blueberries, and coconut milk for the healthy version of Firecracker Popsicles or Bomb Pops!
Check out this recipe
No-Bake Caramel Oat Bites Recipe
No oven needed for these delicious no-bake caramel oat bites. Easy to make and fun to eat!
Check out this recipe
Double Chocolate Pecan Bars
The double chocolate pecan bars are gluten-free and can even be made Paleo or Vegan. Loaded with two kinds of chocolate and filled with decadent crunchy pecans!
Check out this recipe
Salted Peanut Bars
These delicious salted peanut bars have a delicious brown sugar crust, gooey marshmallow filling and a peanut butter and salted peanut chewy topping.
Check out this recipe
Eton Mess
Eton mess, a delicious Summer dessert, with berries and meringue. One of the easiest desserts to make, pop it into a jam jar, secure the lid and head out on a picnic, whether that is indoors or out!
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Orange Madeleines
Chocolate Orange Madeleines make for a delicious spin on the popular French treat!
Check out this recipe
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
These Homemade Peanut Butter Cups are easy to make, creamy and delicious!! Make enough to share!
Check out this recipe
Blueberry-Lemon Angel Food Cake Recipe
This easy Angel Food Cake recipe is refreshingly light and sweet with blueberry cream and a little lemon!
Check out this recipe
Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
These SOFT and CHEWY oatmeal cookies are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a healthy dessert!! Delicious and so easy to make!
Check out this recipe
Give the adults a choice of Lavender Meyer Lemonade or a boozy version with this spiked Peach Arnold Palmer cocktail!
Nancy
I want the Potluck Pasta recipe but it is not listed
Kelly
I'm not sure what you mean, Nancy. The link to the recipe is there and it works fine. Just click on it and it will take you to the recipe. Hope you enjoy it!
Carrie|Carrie's Experimental Kitchen
Thank you for including my Italian Baked Beans in this roundup!
Ellen Christian
Thanks so much for sharing my recipe. Off to check out the others!