Is there anything more fun than getting outside with your favorite people, and enjoying a good old-fashioned picnic lunch?
While going for picnics is one of those memory-making activities we all want to do more of, it's really easy to get lost in the busy-ness, and feel daunted by the idea of actually making that picnic lunch.
It doesn't have to be hard though! Here are some EASY recipes for favorite picnic foods that come together quickly, transport well, and that everybody loves. Whip up a few, get out that picnic basket, and get ready to make some fun summer memories!
1. Egg and Cress Sandwich
Easy little sandwiches are such a convenient way to go, when you're off on a picnic. How about opting for a bit of a British flair with these egg and cress sandwiches?
These cheerful little sandwiches are made with boiled eggs, fresh cress, and mayonnaise--simple, but so satisfying!
Get the recipe here.
2. Easy Italian Pinwheels
I think of pinwheels as playful, rolled up sandwiches, and they definitely are an easy option for the picnic basket!
Kids will love these, with the colorful swirls, and may gladly be enlisted to help make them!
Get the recipe here.
3. Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches
For a more impressive or refined picnic, how about going with classic chicken salad?
These little sandwiches are easy to make, and loaded with a lovely citrus-flavored chicken salad. A good thin-sliced bread is a must for these, and a fun way to add variety would be to make half of them on a nice seeded rye, for a mix of colors and flavors.
Get the recipe here.
4. Mortadella, Burrata and Pesto Focaccia Sandwiches
These robust sandwiches would be a welcome option if you've had a bit of a hike to your picnic spot!
With that salty mortadella, burrata, pesto, and arugula, all on flavorful focaccia, this is an epic sandwich that you'll want to make again and again.
Get the recipe here.
5. Asparagus Tartlets
Tasty little tarts are another classic picnic food, and we just love the idea of these delicate little asparagus ones!
Flaky pastry, a hidden pesto layer, and a perfectly creamy filling dotted with asparagus make these a decadent addition to the picnic basket.
Get the recipe here.
6. Antipasto Skewers
Here's all your favorite antipasti, right on a flavorful (and easy to transport!) skewer.
Easy to make ahead and store in the fridge until you're ready to leave, these are such a fun and convenient idea!
Get the recipe here.
7. 1800's Devilled Eggs
For a picnic option that's truly a classic, how about this 1800's version of deviled eggs? (Or "devilled" as they were called at the time.)
Pulled straight from an 1800's cookbook, these are just delightful. The tang of the vinegar, that hint of spice from the cayenne, the familiar warmth of the mustard…it all just works.
Get the recipe here.
8. Macaroni Dill Salad
For many, there's simply no such thing as a picnic without macaroni salad. We're big fans of this one, with plenty of tangy dill!
Made with tender macaroni noodles in a creamy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing, it takes just 10 minutes to prepare, and is packed with crunchy bits of celery, and plenty of dill.
9. Creamy Potato Salad
For those who feel the same way about potato salad (can't have a picnic without it!), this recipe is for you.
Here's a truly classic potato salad recipe you'll find yourself turning to over and over again, all summer long.
Get the recipe here.
10. Jalapeño Cheddar Scones
Less sweet than the usual muffin, scones can be another transport-friendly food that just works so well in a picnic lunch.
These Jalapeño Cheddar Scones are made with buttermilk, and packed with cheddar cheese and jalapeños.
Get the recipe here.
11. Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
Longing for a sweeter scone? These beautiful scones are delicious, and a perfect way to celebrate blueberry season!
With the tanginess of lemon, and studded with sweet blueberries, they're sure to be a welcome treat.
Get the recipe here.
12. Old Fashioned Gingerbread
Here's another 1800's recipe that will surprise and delight your picnic companions. This gingerbread recipe comes straight from an 1856 cookbook, and it's a real winner.
Gingerbread was a classic picnic food all through the 1800's, and it makes just as welcome a treat today as it did then!
Get the recipe here.
13. Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar
If you're really looking for a special dessert to tuck into that picnic basket, these little shortcakes in jars are sure to wow and delight everyone!
Nobody will be able to resist those bright berry layers, alternating with luscious whipped cream!
Get the recipe here.
14. Peach Streusel Muffins
Muffins are another great picnic food, and these delicious peach ones are a real treat.
The fresh, fruity flavor of fresh peach really shines through, and sweet streusel and glaze just push them right over the top.
Get the recipe here.
15. Perfect Yeast Doughnuts
There is simply nothing like a simple, perfectly-made raised donut, that's been fried to golden perfection, and homemade donuts are another classic picnic food that deserve to be remembered!
These are so light and airy in the center, yet surrounded by a thin, perfectly crisp exterior that's delightfully coated in sweet granules of dusting sugar. Everyone is going to want one of these!
Get the recipe here.
16. Lemon Bars
Bright, sweet, and perfectly tangy, these lemon bars are impossible to resist.
Fresh lemon juice provides bright citrus zing, layered over top of a buttery shortbread crust. These cheerful yellow squares definitely brighten up any bake table!
Get the recipe here.
17. Fruit Skewers
While whole fruits are certainly the easiest way to bring fruit on a picnic, there's nothing more fun than these playful fruit skewers!
Prep them ahead and bring them in a long container with lid that seals well, and you may just find you've got a new family picnic favorite!
Get the recipe here.
21 Free & Cheap Family Summer Bucket List Ideas
Making a summer bucket list with your family is a fun way to make sure you spend your time and energy on things that make memories, and really mean something to you. Those bucket list activities don't have to cost boatloads of money though!
Here's a whole list of summer family activity ideas that are free or super low cost, but huge on fun!
15 Easy Frozen Desserts So Good We'll Be Making Them All Summer
From frozen pies to homemade ice cream sandwiches, to adorable frozen cupcakes, there's a treat here for all your summer dessert needs, and they're all beginner friendly!
Whether you're looking for a fun treat to offer the kids after they (finally!) climb out of the pool, or an impressive dessert to bring out after that cookout with the neighbors, we've got you covered!
Anna Chesley
Anna Chesley is a freelance writer living a homestead lifestyle, with a special love for family travel, old books, vintage skills, and seaside living. In addition to founding Salt In My Coffee, she runs the website, New England Family Life, as well as The 1800's Housewife, a website devoted to re-creating authentic 1800's recipes.
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