Summer picnic sensations: 43 unforgettable outdoor meals

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Whether you’re planning a relaxing day at the park, a beachside gathering, or a spontaneous outdoor adventure, these 43 mouthwatering picnic recipes that will elevate your dining experience with their irresistible flavors, easy preparation and portability!

Beet cucumber salad with feta and dill on a pink plate.
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Arugula Caprese Salad

Arugula caprese salad on a white plate.
Arugula Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy the perfect summer salad at your next picnic with this caprese salad featuring arugula, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Caprese Salad

Turkey Avocado Sandwich

Overhead shot of a turkey avocado sandwich with bacon and melted cheese.
Turkey Avocado Sandwich. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in the ultimate turkey sandwich with crisp toasted bread, bacon, gooey cheese, savory turkey, rich avocado, and tangy chipotle sauce. It’s ideal for picnics!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Avocado Sandwich

Grinder Sandwich

Overhead shot of a grinder sandwich on a marble serving plate.
Grinder Sandwich. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Gather with friends and family and delight in this Italian Grinder Sandwich recipe, combining savory deli meats, creamy provolone, crisp lettuce, onions, pepperoncini, and bright vinaigrette on a crusty Italian loaf. It’s perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings!
Get the Recipe: Grinder Sandwich

Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Beet cucumber salad with feta and dill on a pink plate.
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Savor the complex flavors of this beet and cucumber salad with feta and dill, featuring sweet, savory, earthy, tangy, and salty elements. Crunchy cucumbers, tender cooked beets, and a fresh lemon vinaigrette create a beet salad that’s perfect for picnics.
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Tuna salad on piece of iceberg lettuce topped with red onion.
Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy a flavorful and healthy twist on tuna salad by replacing traditional mayonnaise with dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil. You can make it creamy with Greek yogurt or keep it dairy-free! Just serve it with your favorite bread or lettuce for a delicious picnic meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Greek Green Salad

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish.
Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Have a picnic in Greece with Prasini Salad, a simple and delicious Mediterranean dish featuring crispy romaine hearts, creamy feta cheese, fresh scallions and dill, and a bright lemon vinaigrette!
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Elote Bowl

An elote bowl surrounded by cilantro, a halved lime, a white linen, and a glass of beer.
Elote Bowl. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Experience the delicious flavors of elote, the charred Mexican street corn, without the mess with this elote bowl. With mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and spices, it’s a picnic-friendly option!
Get the Recipe: Elote Bowl

Burrata Caprese Salad

A salad of mixed greens, basil, halved cherry tomatoes, and burrata on a white plate.
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This delicious and light burrata caprese salad has fresh mixed greens, creamy mozzarella, rich olive oil, refreshing basil, and sweet balsamic reduction. It’s a picnic delight!
Get the Recipe: Burrata Caprese Salad

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Tuna pesto pasta on a white plate with a copper fork.
Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Whether enjoyed warm or cold, this easy tuna pesto pasta recipe with burst cherry tomatoes, spinach, and garlic is a weeknight meal perfect for picnics.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Side Salad

Side salad on a white plate with a copper fork.
Side Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This delightful side salad has light butter lettuce, crunchy pumpkin seeds, tangy feta, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon vinaigrette! Endlessly adaptable, this salad is perfect for picnics.
Get the Recipe: Side Salad

Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

Egg and cucumber sandwich on a white plate.
Egg and Cucumber Sandwich. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Treat yourself to Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches featuring crisp, sliced cucumber, pepper jack cheese, chopped hard-boiled egg, creamy dill sauce, and fresh spring mix. They’re perfect for picnics, lunches, or parties.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches

Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Pesto orzo salad on two black plates.
Orzo Pesto Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Elevate your salad game with this pesto orzo salad recipe featuring bold ingredients like basil pesto sauce, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh, peppery arugula. It’s a bright and flavorful summer salad perfect for picnics!
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Mediterranean grain bowls on a white marble counter.
Mediterranean Grain Bowls. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy a quick and nourishing Mediterranean Grain Bowl combining grains, healthy vegetables, and bold Mediterranean flavors. It’s an easy and delicious weeknight meal, perfect for picnics, that comes together in just 10 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Fruit Salad with Walnuts and Warm Spices

Closeup shot of fruit salad with walnuts.
Fruit Salad with Walnuts and Warm Spices. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in a refreshing fruit salad featuring apples, pears, grapes, oranges, and pecans tossed in a light honey and spice dressing. It’s a great addition to any picnic.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad with Walnuts and Warm Spices

Garlic Peanuts

Closeup shot of garlic peanuts.
Garlic Peanuts. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Garlic Peanuts are a tasty snack, salad mix-in, or stir-fry addition. Roasted peanuts are toasted in olive oil, salted, and combined with golden garlic, dried chile de Árbol, and a touch of earthy, floral chopped rosemary. Grab a handful at your next outdoor gathering!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Peanuts

Mixed Pickles

Mixed pickles in a glass jar.
Mixed Pickles. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Whip up quick mixed pickles using any vegetables you have on hand for a bright, acidic, slightly sweet pickle in just a few minutes! They’re the perfect side for any picnic or outdoor excursion.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Pickles

Dehydrated Strawberries

A white plate of air fryer dehydrated strawberries sits on a pink marble background surrounded by fresh strawberries.
Air Fryer Strawberries. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Learn how to make dehydrated strawberries using the air fryer, oven, or dehydrator. These sweet and crisp strawberries make for a delicious snack for your next picnic.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Strawberries

Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Pineapple pico de gallo in a white bowl.
Pineapple Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Bring dishes to life with a bright and fresh Pineapple Pico de Gallo, featuring ripe tomatoes, jalapeño, white onion, garlic, sweet pineapple, cilantro, and lime juice. It’s a lively and tropical condiment perfect for any picnic!
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Dehydrated Blueberries

Dehydrated blueberries on a white plate.
Dehydrated Blueberries. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy crunchy and sweet dehydrated blueberries as a quick dessert, healthy granola add-in, yogurt topping, or snack. This recipe provides instructions for using the air fryer, oven, or dehydrator.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Blueberries

Carne Asada Burrito

A carne asada breakfast burrito is held above a blue plate surrounded by coffee, cilantro, and orange juice.
Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Treat yourself to a flavorful carne asada burrito featuring marinated steak, cheesy scrambled eggs, crispy potatoes, salsa, and rich sour cream, all wrapped in a lightly charred tortilla. It’s a breakfast delight perfect for outdoor picnics!
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Burrito

Pineapple Habanero Salsa

Pineapple habanero salsa in a black bowl with a tortilla chip.
Pineapple Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Spice up your picnic with this pineapple habanero salsa recipe using roasted tomatoes, onion, habanero peppers, and pineapple. It’s a sweet and hot condiment perfect for dipping with chips or adding to Mexican dishes.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Habanero Salsa

Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Grilled and sliced chile lime chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Chile Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy a simple and delicious Chile Lime Grilled Chicken dish that pairs lime, chile, and sea salt flavors with juicy grilled chicken. It’s a perfect summer picnic meal!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Smoked Salmon and Spinach Quiche

Slices of smoked salmon and spinach quiche on two blue plates.
Smoked Salmon and Spinach Quiche. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Impress your picnic guests with a smoked salmon and spinach quiche featuring tangy goat cheese, fresh spinach and dill, and a buttery pie crust. It’s an easy but impressive dish for any gathering!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon and Spinach Quiche

Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats

Strawberry rice krispies on a white plate and a white towel.
Strawberry Rice Krispies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

With just 4-ingredients you can make these amazing Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats. Fruity, gooey, and divinely pink, these strawberry bars always make perfect no-bake treats for a weekend snack.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats

Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Bacon ranch pasta salad in a clear bowl with a striped towel.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon is a rich and creamy side dish that pairs super well with all your summertime favorites. Prep this 30-minute, one-bowl salad, and it will be a welcome addition to your weekend dinner menu.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer

Stuffed Mushrooms on a plate.
Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Learn how to make delicious Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer packed with our keto bolognese sauce and topped with melted cheese. This quick keto party snack is perfect not only for your keto meal plan or grilling season but our fully gluten-free, low carb and grain-free ground beef baked Italian low carb meal can be a great addition to your daily family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer

Low Carb Sushi Rolls Recipe

Low Carb Friendly Sushi Rolls served on a black board.
Low Carb Friendly Sushi Rolls Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This quick and easy, fresh and delicious Low Carb Sushi Rolls recipe tastes exactly like the regular sushi you have been used to. Learn how to make sushi without rice with a few easy steps that are not only keto and low carb, but entirely gluten-free, grain-free, and perfect for diabetics using one and only amazing cauliflower rice.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Sushi Rolls Recipe

Burger Mini Bites

Mini burgers with parsley.
Low Carb Burger Mini Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Learn how to make Burger Mini Bites filled with low carb vegetables for your keto kid, brunch, party, or an appetizer for a Super Bowl. Fully low carb, gluten-free, grain-free, and diabetic friendly, those no bun burger bites will add all the healthiness you need throughout the day.
Get the Recipe: Burger Mini Bites

Best Salsa Recipe

Salsa in a container with chips around.
Best Salsa Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Our best Salsa recipe filled with Mexican flavors takes only 5 minutes to make but will be forever on your table from now on. Fully sugar-free, gluten-free, low carb, paleo, and vegan, this dip is great for diabetics as well.
Get the Recipe: Best Salsa Recipe

Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish

Chicken mu in a brown bowl.
Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Our crunchy Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish recipe is easy to make and perfect for many Korean dishes. Get the unique taste of Korean fried chicken with pickled daikon that is small, cold, and has cubes of deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish

Dehydrated Cucumbers

Cucumber slices inside brown bowls.
How to Dehydrate Cucumbers. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Learn How to Dehydrate Cucumbers For Chips for that extra crispy healthy snack instead of potato chips. Discover the seasoning options and how best you can use a dehydrator to make more flavorful chips.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Cucumbers

Caprese Salad Skewers

caprese skewers on a silver tray.
Caprese Salad Skewers. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Finger-food is a must at a picnic. Serving caprese salad on skewers is a great way to serve this traditional summer salad. The timeless combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar works as either an appetizer or side dish alongside picnic sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers

Arnold Palmer

An arnold palmer drink on a white background.
Iced Tea Lemonade. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Iced tea and lemonade are classic picnic drinks, so why not combine them? Sweet and lemony, it is the perfect combination for a summer picnic.
Get the Recipe: Arnold Palmer

S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

S'mores Rice Krispie Treats
S’mores Rice Krispie Treats. Photo Credit: Feast and West.

Make S’mores Rice Krispies Treats for a party to enjoy all the pleasures of summer in one easy, no-bake dessert. Cereal bars are dipped in melted chocolate, then topped with graham cracker crumbs and toasted marshmallows. Keep these bad boys in the cooler so they don’t melt during your picnic.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with green flags.
Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates. Photo Credit: Feast And West.

A batch of Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates will disappear quickly at any picnic. They’re an easy appetizer you can make for a crowd and full of sweet and salty flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

3-Ingredient Scotch Eggs

keto scotch eggs with ground beef one cut in half
Keto Scotch Eggs (No Pork). Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

These portable and protein-packed treats are a picnic favorite. Hard-boiled eggs wrapped in flavorful ground meat are a delicious and satisfying bite for your outdoor adventures.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Scotch Eggs

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies on cooling rack
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

No picnic is complete without these classic sweet treats. Indulge in the irresistible combination of buttery dough and rich chocolate chips, perfectly baked to golden perfection. These homemade cookies will bring smiles and sweetness to your picnic spread.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cheese Ball

nut-free cheese ball and crackers on a plate
Herb-Coated Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Make your picnic complete with a crowd-pleasing cheese ball. Creamy, tangy, and packed with savory flavors, this cheesy delight is perfect for spreading on crackers or pairing with fresh veggies. It’s a must-have addition to your picnic basket, adding a touch of indulgence to your outdoor gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball

Matcha Brownies

Matcha Brownies on a white plate.
Matcha Brownies. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

These fudgy and decadent brownies infused with matcha green tea powder are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The earthy and slightly bitter notes of matcha perfectly complement the rich white chocolate, making them a unique and indulgent treat for your picnic.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Brownies

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo Credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Level up your picnic game with the Amish Macaroni Salad! This classic make-ahead dish is the perfect sidekick to any outdoor gathering, bringing a refreshing and satisfying element to your picnic spread that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Coconut Bars

Gooey coconut bars on a wooden cutting board with coconut.
Coconut Bars with Chocolate Chips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Add a tropical twist to your picnic with these Coconut Bars with gooey chocolate chips! These delightful bars are easy to make and transport, making them a fantastic addition to your picnic basket.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Bars

Red, White and Blue Rice Krispie Treats

Rice krispie treats cut into popsicle shapes and drizzled with red, white and blue chocolate.
Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Treats. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Celebrate the patriotic spirit at your picnic with the Red, White, and Blue Rice Krispie Treats! These festive and fun treats are made by combining gooey marshmallows with crispy rice cereal and are dipped in colored chocolate. Not only are they delicious, but their vibrant colors make them visually appealing and a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Red, White and Blue Rice Krispie Treats

Homemade Lemonade

Glass of lemonade on a table with a bowl of lemons in the background and pitcher on the side.
Chick-Fil-A Lemonade. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Quench your thirst with Homemade Lemonade! There’s nothing quite like sipping on a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade on a sunny day. With its bright, tangy flavor and a hint of sweetness, this refreshing beverage is a crowd-pleaser that will keep everyone hydrated and smiling.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lemonade

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