24 Favorite Picnic Recipes

By Amy Dong
Published Jun. 7, 2015
Updated Mar. 28, 2023

As soon as the weather allows…it’s PICNIC time! Take advantage of every beautifully warm and sunny day; pack a picnic and go al fresco. These Favorite Picnic Recipes are some of the best things you’ll want for road trips, afternoons at the park, or gathering in the backyard.

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Amazing chips and dips. It’s no picnic without really good chips ‘n dips:

1. Black Bean Avocado Salsa. Or Salad. Or Dip. It’s all of the above. Mostly, it’s addictively delicious… nobody can eat just one scoop. So bring along plenty of scoop chips.

2. What’s a picnic without crowd pleasing salsa? This Restaurant Style Salsa is quickly blended together and thrown into a container. It’s so good, I could drink this stuff.

3. For those who prefer a Chunky Salsa with Corn in it… we won’t disappoint. We love sweet corn every summer, and the kernels are delectable in this salsa. Again, bring plenty of chips.

4. Guacamole, anyone? How about Fresh ‘n Chunky Guacamole Salsa? It’s guac, but even better. Some may want to just eat it with a spoon.

5. This White Bean Dip is fabulous for those who want a healthy dip that’s creamy and satisfying. Bring on the pita chips with this one.

salads & sides to prep ahead and pack

6. BBQ Ranch Chicken Chopped Salad. Satisfying and delicious.

7. Caprese Pasta Salad. So easy to make ahead, easy to tailor to your taste buds, and totally transportable. Delish!

Caprese Pasta Salad with tomatoes and mozzarella in bowl

8. Brown Sugar ‘n Bacon Baked Beans. This is always, always a crowd pleaser. Even the kiddos will eat this one. And nobody has to know how easy it was.

BBQ Baked Beans with bacon and brown sugar

9. Ranch Red Potato Salad. Not just any ‘ol potato salad. This one is crazy easy and tastes incredible.

10. Tex Mex Quinoa with Black Beans. Refreshing, zesty flavors that are perfection for any summer picnic.

Quinoa with black beans mexican style in a dish

favorite cookout and picnic proteins:

11. BBQ Pulled Pork. It’s so easy to make this mouthwatering pork at home, pack it up, and bring it along for the ride. Don’t forget plenty of buns and pickles.

smoky pulled pork in buns with potato chips and pickles

12. If you prefer chicken, this Smoky BBQ Pulled Chicken will knock your flip flops off.

Smoky BBQ Pulled Chicken in bun with potato chips and pickles

13. There’s nothing like supremely yummy, finger lickin’ great, sticky BBQ Ribs to make happy picnickers. These are super easy to prepare ahead of time at home. We sometimes fire up a portable little grill at the picnic site and warm these up to perfection.

14. If you want to keep it cool, try this Curried Salmon Salad. It’s delicious in a sandwich.

Curried Salmon sandwiches in ciabatta bread

15. If fish isn’t your thing, make this Curried Chicken Salad instead. Just as delicious in a sandwich.

Curried Chicken or Turkey Salad sandwich in croissant with potato chips

Sweet Treats, Of course:

16. Blueberry Pie. The best flaky butter crust ever. And non-runny, full-berried filling. Pie and picnics are BFF’s.

Fresh Blueberry Pie slice on white plate with fork

17. Berry Pie Bars. You want pie but prefer to have it pre-cut into squares. Got it. Sooo yummy.

18. Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust. These are my all time favorite lemon bars ever eaten, in the universe.

19. How about some Energy Bites for people to pop into their mouths before showing off their Frisbee skills?

20. Samoa Snack Mix is superb for picnics. Crunchy, sweet, and totally addictive.

21. Jello isn’t just for kids. Especially when it’s Asian style Almond Jello. Everyone clamors over this special jello dessert. You’ll want to keep this chilled in the cooler for a refreshing treat.