The Ultimate Summer Picnic Menu Starts Here
These recipes are designed to last—from make-ahead salads to sturdy mains that stay fresh from kitchen to blanket.
Anyone who loves a checkered blanket, a well-packed basket, and a sunny afternoon knows: A great picnic takes a little planning. The best dishes should travel well, be easy to eat without a table (and likely on your lap) and, most importantly, taste just as good—if not better—at room temperature.
Our favorite picnic foods are the ones that hold up (and even improve) as they sit, from sturdy sandwiches on crusty bread to grain salads and veggie-forward sides. From there, it’s about building a balanced spread: a creamy dip or two, a sweet handheld treat like lemon bars or rice crispy squares, and a few crowd-pleasing bites for grazing. This collection covers all the bases, pairing refreshed takes on classics like potato salad and deviled eggs with newer favorites like banh mi–inspired wraps, charred salsa, and crunchy ranch slaw.
Ayesha Nurdjaja’s Pea Party Salad
With three types of peas—English peas, sugar snap, and snow peas—plus colorful radishes and zhoug, a zesty Yemeni-style cilantro sauce, this salad from Executive Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja is like springtime in a bowl.
Grilled Buffalo Salmon with Celery Slaw
For an elevated take on Buffalo wings and celery sticks (minus the mess), you’ll love these salmon skewers with a kick along with a fresh celery slaw.
Raspberry-Rose Frangipane Tart
Frozen puff pastry and a splash of rosewater is the secret to creating this easy raspberry dessert that looks (and tastes) like it came straight from a French patisserie.
Lemon Orzo Salad
Switch up your typical picnic pasta salad and try orzo instead! The tiny Italian pasta shines with lemon, zucchini, fresh herbs, and Parmesan.
Get the Lemon Orzo Salad recipe.
Best Ever Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Everyone at the picnic will thank you for bringing this fan-favorite app. We lightened up this version with fresh herbs and walnuts.
Hailee Catalano’s Mushy Pea Pasta Salad
Food influencer and cookbook author Hailee Catalano pulsed peas in a food processor to create a chunky mash that pairs beautifully with pasta, feta, olives, and herbs.
Grilled Haloumi
Haloumi is a semi-soft cheese, similar to feta, with a springy texture and briny flavor. Paired with lemony grilled vegetables and fluffy cous cous, this recipe makes a tasty vegetarian main.
Get the Grilled Halloumi recipe.
RELATED: 55 Healthy Vegetarian Recipes You'll Absolutely Love
Cowboy Caviar
Made with black-eyed peas, chopped veggies, creamy avocado, and fresh lime, this easy dip is the zingy side dish your picnic needs. Bring on the chips!
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Summer Rolls
Picnic food should be finger food, so why not serve apps for dinner? These vegan rolls have plenty of color and crunch to be a satisfying main.
Get the Summer Rolls recipe.
Greek Salad
Our version of this classic salad doesn't shy from big flavor (or lots of capers). We balance out all that brine with a pinch of confectioner's sugar.
Get the Greek Salad recipe.
Avocado and Tuna Salad Wraps
The tuna salad sandwich gets a serious upgrade with fresh avocado, mixed greens, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon, all on a portable wrap.
Get the Avocado and Tuna Salad Wraps recipe.
RELATED: 50 Healthier Lunch Ideas for Seriously Delicious Midday Fuel
Sesame Cucumber Salad
This cool and crunchy salad, loaded with sesame, ginger, and soy sauce, makes a fresh alternative to your typical lettuce-laden salad. Plus, it won't wilt on hot summer afternoons!
Get the Sesame Cucumber Salad recipe.
RELATED: 47 Healthy Salad Recipes That Are Seriously Delicious and Filling
Easy Red Salsa
Whether you're hosting a Cinco de Mayo picnic or you're just a chips and salsa superfan, this quick version will wow your fam with fiery, fresh flavor.
Get the Easy Red Salsa recipe.
Brown Butter Crispy Rice Treats
Wrap these crackly, chewy, toffee-like bars in wax paper to prevent a mess. Oh, and keep your eye out for ants–they'll be able to smell these from a mile away.
Best Ever Deviled Eggs
Indoors or out, this old-school app is always a favorite. Just make sure you keep 'em chilled if you're picnic-ing on a hot day.
Get the Best Ever Deviled Eggs recipe.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Homemade hummus is as easy as one blender, a few ingredients, and plenty of fresh veggies for dipping. Roasted red peppers give this version a colorful twist.
Get the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus recipe.
RELATED: 80 Best Party Dip Recipes That Are Easy to Serve a Crowd
Salmon With Grapefruit and Lentil Salad
Flake the salmon into pieces to pack this dinner to-go. This is also a great make-ahead option: Lentils are hearty enough to hang out 'til lunchtime and not get soggy!
Get the Salmon with Grapefruit and Lentil Salad recipe.
RELATED: 40 Best Make-Ahead Meals for Easy, Breezy Weeknight Dinners
Lemon Curd Bars
With a dusting of powdered sugar and the tart-yet-buttery bite of lemon curd, these lemon bars bring just the right amount of whimsy to your outdoor fête.
Get the Lemon Curd Bars recipe.
Chickpea Pasta Salad in a Jar
This mason jar salad is a picnic-lover's dream—it was designed with portability in mind. Just don't forget the forks!
Charred Salsa
Tomatoes, onion, garlic, and jalapeño are grilled before blending, giving this salsa a unique smoky flavor.
Get the Charred Salsa recipe.
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