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    Home » Recipes » Entrees

    90+ Picnic Food Ideas for Family Gatherings

    Published: May 23, 2014 · Modified: Aug 20, 2021 by Kelly Stilwell · This post may contain affiliate links 4 Comments

    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.

    picnic recipes on Pinterest

    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!

    picnic party

    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
    Skillet Fried Chicken

    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 Picnic Roll

    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
    Summer Charcuterie Board

    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
    Paneer Tikka (Made in Oven or StoveTop)

    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
    Easy Greek Orzo Salad 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
    Delicious Pizza Salad 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
    My Mom’s Potato Salad

    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
    Perogy Potato Salad

    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
    Cold Peanut Noodle Salad

    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
    Hummus Pasta Salad

    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
    Carrot Mint Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

    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
    Creamy Vegan Potato Salad

    Mediterranean Tuna Antipasto Salad

    This Mediterranean Tuna Antipasto Salad is a healthy and delicious choice for any occasion!
    Check out this recipe
    Mediterranean Tuna Antipasto Salad

    The Best Homemade Chicken Salad!

    This Homemade Chicken Salad recipe is keto friendly and oh so delicious!
    Check out this recipe
    The Best Homemade Chicken Salad!

    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
    Black Bean and Corn Salad

    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
    White Bean & Cabbage Slaw with Apples & Cider Vinaigrette

    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
    Green Goddess Cobb Salad

    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
    Pickle Slaw with Bacon

    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
    Vegan Hummus 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
    Fresh Peach Salsa 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
    Watermelon Salsa 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
    10-Minute Pineapple Salsa 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
    Best Key Lime Pie 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
    Peanut Butter Brownies

    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
    Ladybug Picnic Cupcakes

    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
    Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

    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
    Easy Churro Cheesecake Bars

    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
    Lemon Lime Cupcakes

    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
    Blue Moon Boozy Cupcakes

    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
    Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

    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 S’mores Brownies

    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
    Easy Biscoff Flapjack

    Red, White, & Blue Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

    Red, White, & Blue Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries, an easy no-bake homemade dessert recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    Red, White, & Blue Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

    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
    No-Bake Caramel Oat Bites 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
    Double Chocolate Pecan Bars

    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!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nancy

      May 08, 2017 at 11:54 am

      I want the Potluck Pasta recipe but it is not listed

      Reply
      • Kelly

        May 14, 2017 at 7:38 am

        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!

        Reply
    2. Carrie|Carrie's Experimental Kitchen

      September 08, 2015 at 7:34 am

      Thank you for including my Italian Baked Beans in this roundup!

      Reply
    3. Ellen Christian

      May 24, 2014 at 6:12 am

      Thanks so much for sharing my recipe. Off to check out the others!

      Reply

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