Now summer weather has arrived, you’ll catch us hunting for the best picnic basket, digging our vintage checked picnic blanket out of storage, and writing up menus filled with these recipes, in anticipation of picnic season.
There’s just something about eating outdoors that makes food taste better, right? Maybe it’s the fresh air. Maybe it’s the sunshine. Who knows?
All we know is that we can’t wait to do it. Give us a spot on the grass and a slight breeze, and all we can think about is how good a slice of tomato pie or a heaping scoop of fruit crisp would be. Excuse us why we go clear our weekend schedule…
Quiche Lorraine
This brunch staple is just as ideal at a picnic: it’s easy to transport, tastes great warm or cold, and is both filling and delicious. And our recipe makes it easy, as well.
Get the recipe for Quiche Lorraine.
Becky Lugart-Stayner
Peach, Arugula, and Blue Cheese Salad
What could go better with quiche than a big, beautiful summery salad?
Picnic pro-tip: Pack the dressing separately and toss it together on site.
Get the recipe for Peach, Arugula, and Blue Cheese Salad.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Cucumber Salad
A cucumber salad never wilts. For that reason alone, it’s picnic-perfect.
Get the recipe for Cucumber Salad.
Brian Woodcock
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Break out a tub of tuna mac at a picnic, and you’ll send everyone straight back to their childhood. This underrated dish is sure to go quickly.
Get the recipe for Tuna Macaroni Salad.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Don’t want to overthink the picnic dessert? Just bring a batch of easy homemade cookies.
Get the recipe for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Cobb Salad
This hearty salad is a picnic classic. Toss it all together and dress it with our rich red wine vinaigrette.
Get the recipe for The Only Basic Cobb Salad Recipe You’ll Ever Need.
Ian Palmer
Grain Salad with Trout, Almonds, and Herbs
Fresh river trout — or another flaky white fish — makes a great light protein-filled addition to a grain salad that’s ideal for outdoor eating.
Get the recipe for Grain Salad with Trout, Almonds, and Herbs.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Caprese Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a picnic must-have, and this easy take on the classic Italian summer salad is a surefire hit.
Get the recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Classic Deviled Eggs
While there are plenty of ways to reimagine deviled eggs sometimes you just want the classic, no-nonsense recipe. Why mess with success?
Get the recipe for Classic Deviled Eggs.
Kana Okada
Pickled Watermelon Rinds
Pickles of all kinds are welcome at a picnic, but these sweet and tangy pickled rinds are practically impossible to stop eating. Plus, they’re a great low-waste way to use up leftovers after making the watermelon salad, below on this list.
Get the recipe for Pickled Watermelon Rinds.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Quick Refrigerator Pickles
Homemade pickles and dip are an absolutely delicious picnic snack.
Get the recipe for Quick Refrigerator Pickles.
Ren Fuller
Coriander and Sunflower Seed Dip
Those who like coriander love it, and if you’re among the select, this herby dip is just for you. Fresh lime juice keeps it bright and sunflower seeds add a nutty depth for balance.
Get the recipe here.
Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living
Squash Ribbon Salad with Sunflower Seeds
A good picnic salad needs to be simple, tasty, and wilt-resistant. This does all three, with some added crunch, to boot. To keep it extra crunchy, pack the seeds and pepper flakes separately, and toss them in before serving.
Get the recipe for Squash Ribbon Salad with Sunflower Seeds.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
Pack this along with a thermos of coffee and you’ve got a picnic dessert that can’t be beat.
Get the recipe for Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Creamy Avocado Dip with Spring Onions
Be sure to pack plenty of bread crisps to go with this yogurt and avocado dip.
Get the recipe for Creamy Avocado Dip.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Buttered Leek and Gruyère Galette
Flaky, delicious at room temp, and eminently packable, this savory galette will turn any picnic into an event.
Get the recipe for Buttered Leek and Gruyère Galette.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Strawberry-Lemonade Angel Pie
It’s not a picnic without pie – and this one is like a reverse lemon meringue pie.
Get the recipe for Strawberry-Lemonade Angel Pie.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
French Onion Flatbread
Think of this rich-but-simple cheesy bread as a way to take French Onion soup to a picnic, without the splashing or mess.
Get the recipe for French Onion Flatbread.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Orzo Pasta Salad
This perfectly packable pasta salad is ideal for picnics: it’s tasty at room temp, and it’s very easy to scoop.
Get the recipe for Orzo Pasta Salad.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Salade Niçoise
This combo of sturdy ingredients and tart dressing originated in the French seaside city of Nice.
Get the recipe for Salade Niçoise.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Roasted Hazelnut & Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark
You can’t forget the dessert at a picnic. This packable snack is tasty and easy.
Get the recipe for Dark Chocolate Bark.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Asparagus Quiche
Quiche is an under-sung picnic addition: the sturdy pie is easy to carry, and careful picnickers can pick it up and eat with their hands, pizza-style.
Get the recipe for Asparagus Quiche.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Any Fruit Crisp
Think of this as less of a recipe and more a template, so you can turn whatever you have on hand into a scoop-worthy picnic treat.
Get the recipe for Any Fruit Crisp.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Heirloom Tomato Salad
This simply dressed salad is perfect a perfect summertime side.
Get the recipe for Heirloom Tomato Salad.
Mike Garten
Roast Beef Baguette
Fancy up your sandwiches by making Roast Beef Baguettes with a spicy horseradish butter and topped with pickled onions and peppery watercress.
Get the recipe for Roast Beef Baguette.
Mike Garten
White Bean and Broccolini Salad
This fresh salad is an ideal picnic accompaniment. Can’t find Broccolini? Try a crown of broccoli, and leave the stalks long for a prettier presentation.
Get the recipe White Bean and Broccolini Salad.
Mike Garten
Marinated Mushrooms
A jar of marinated mushrooms is easy to pack for a picnic.
Get the recipe for Marinated Mushrooms.
Mike Garten
Pimiento Cheese Devilled Eggs
This recipe makes a perfect filling for devilled eggs. It’s just not a picnic without a plateful.
Get the recipe for Pimiento Cheese Deviled Eggs.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Curry Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is classic picnic fare for a reason: The delicious, creamy dish just somehow tastes better when eaten outdoors. Pile it high between slices of sourdough bread, or lean into the curry flavor and use Indian naan.
Get the recipe for Curry Chicken Salad.
Brian Woodcock
Spring Pasta with Salmon, Peas, and Dill
While delicious warm, this fresh dill and pea pasta is even better the next day, served cold as a pasta salad. Pack up a container and plop it in the cooler.
Get the recipe for Spring Pasta.
Brian Woodcock
Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Is it even a picnic if there isn’t some cold fried chicken in the basket? Probably. But is it a picnic you want to be at? Maybe not!
Get the recipe for Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken.
Brian Woodcock
Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad with Raisins
This combo of raw asparagus, raisins, and pine nuts freshly dressed in vinaigrette will taste even better after the ingredients have a chance to marry. One tip: Keep the shaved Parmesan in a separate container, and add it right before serving.
Get the recipe for Shaved Asparagus and Parmesan Salad.
Brian Woodcock
Raspberry Crumb Bars
Fresh raspberries are one of the best things about summer. But make sure to save a few for these easy, nutty bars. They pack well and make for a delicious treat at the end of your meal.
Get the recipe for Raspberry Crumb Bars.
Brian Woodcock
Pesto Chicken Salad
Another delicious take on chicken salad, this one makes the most of store-bought pesto and toasted pine nuts to create a creamy, zesty spread that goes as well with crackers as it does in a sandwich.
Get the recipe for Pesto Chicken Salad.
Brian Woodcock
Tossed Salad with Green Goddess Dressing
Hello, fresh flavours. If you can, pack the salad and dressing separately, and toss together just before serving.
Get the recipe for Tossed Salad with Green Goddess Dressing.
Brian Woodcock
Raspberry and Lemon Rosé Sparkler
Sparkling rosé ensures every single sip of this summer cocktail is refreshing. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors.
Get the recipe for Raspberry and Lemon Rosé Sparkler.
Brian Woodcock
Chive Potato Salad
Believe it or not, this take on potato salad requires absolutely zero mayonnaise, but it’s still so good. The secret is the flavorful mix of olive oil, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Get the recipe for Chive Potato Salad.
Brian Woodcock
Watermelon, Tomato, and Feta Salad
If you’ve only eaten watermelon straight from the rind, this salad is about to wow your taste buds. The sweet and savory notes pair wonderfully in every single bite.
Get the recipe for Watermelon, Tomato, and Feta Salad.
Brian Woodcock
Corn Cobettes with Basil Butter
The only way to enjoy sweet corn? With plenty of butter, of course. This herby compound butter takes it to the next level.
Get the recipe for Corn Cobettes.
Brian Woodcock
Salami Sandwiches with Cauliflower Relish
Featuring both sweet and salty ingredients, including cornichons, capers, and golden raisins, these loaded buns are anything but boring. The recipe would also work for an easy grab-and-go lunch option.
Get the recipe for Salami Sandwiches.
Brian Woodcock
Oven-Roasted Pulled Pork with Sweet-and-Spicy Sauce
Pulled pork always makes more than you can eat in one go – and it tastes delicious hot or cold. Plan ahead and you can build your picnic around the leftovers.
Get the recipe for Oven-Roasted Pulled Pork.
Brian Woodcock
Smashed Buttermilk Potato Salad
Unlike potato chunks, smashed potatoes soak in the dressing’s rich flavour.
Get the recipe for Smashed Buttermilk Potato Salad.
Brian Woodcock
Saltines with Butter and Radishes
This surprisingly delicious snack couldn’t be simpler. All you need is salt, butter, everyone’s favourite cracker, and some freshly sliced radishes.
Get the recipe for Saltines with Butter and Radishes.
Brian Woodcock
Farro-and-Tomato Salad with Crispy Capers
Tomato season is in full swing. To celebrate, mix together this colourful and refreshing farro salad.
Get the recipe for Farro-and-Tomato Salad with Crispy Capers.
Brian Woodcock
Charred Corn Salad
Here’s an easy way of getting the flavor of grilled corn at your picnic, without having to drag along the grill.
Get the recipe for Charred Corn Salad.
David Tsay
Old-Fashioned Lemonade
Fresh berries give this homemade lemonade some surprising flavour.
Get the recipe for Old-Fashioned Lemonade.
David Tsay
Grilled Hotdogs with All The Fixin’s
Pack these toppings up ahead of time, and you can just toss them on the dogs when they come off the grill.
Get the recipe for Grilled Hotdogs with All The Fixin’s.
Brian Woodcock
Creamy Potato Salad
If you don’t love eggs in your salad, no worries! Just leave ’em out and you’ll still enjoy this delish recipe.
Get the recipe for Creamy Potato Salad.
David Tsay
Meyer Lemon Meringue Pie
A picnic without lemon meringue pie is no picnic at all.
Get the recipe for Meyer Lemon Meringue Pie.
Brian Woodcock
Spring Greens Caesar Salad with Pickled Shallot
Give everyone’s favourite salad an upgrade with pickled shallots and homemade croutons.
Get the recipe for Spring Greens Caesar Salad with Pickled Shallot.
Brian Woodcock
Peanutty Cap’n Crunch Candy Bars
Here’s a picnic dessert the kiddos are sure to love.
Get the recipe for Peanutty Cap’n Crunch Candy Bars.
Brian Woodcock
Asparagus, Snap Pea, and Radish Salad
A side salad so tasty – and so packed with feta cheese – that you won’t think about all the healthy greens you’re getting in.
Get the recipe for Asparagus, Snap Pea, and Radish Salad.
Brian Woodcock
Chicken Finger Sub with Cabbage Slaw
Amp up your summer sandwiches with fried chicken fingers and zesty cabbage slaw.
Get the recipe for Chicken Finger Sub with Cabbage Slaw.
Brian Woodcock
Cracker Jack and Pretzel Treats
Sweet and salty come together in one ooey gooey treat.
Get the recipe for Cracker Jack and Pretzel Treats.
Brian Woodcock
Tangy Potato Salad
The secret to this super tangy salad: some of the jarred pickle juice goes in.
Get the recipe for Tangy Potato Salad.
Brian Woodcock
Fresh Black-Eyed Peas Salad
A must-have at your next picnic, this simple salad is packed with fresh beans, crunchy veggies, and a sweet-tangy dressing.
Get the recipe for Fresh Black-Eyed Peas Salad.
Brian Woodcock
Blackberry Almond Buckle
This moist, sweet cake is topped with streusel, as opposed to frosting, making it much easier to pack along.
Get the recipe for Blackberry Almond Buckle.
Tara Donne
Cucumber Tomato Salad
This might actually be the best way to enjoy ripe heirloom tomatoes.
Get the recipe for Cucumber Tomato Salad.
Tara Donne
Boozy Fruit Salad
You can make a different fruit salad for the kids. Soaked in Grand Marnier, this one is too good to share, anyway.
Get the recipe for Boozy Fruit Salad.
Brian Woodcock
Pimento Salad Club Sandwiches
These picnic-perfect sandwiches take almost no time to prep.
Get the recipe for Pimento Salad Club Sandwiches.
Brian Woodcock
Fudgy Stout Brownies
Booze for dessert has never looked better, thanks to these fudgy beauties.
Get the recipe for Fudgy Stout Brownies.
Brian Woodcock
Dill Scallion Dip
Not everything has to be complicated: a bag of crisps and this simple dip. Boom, you’re done.
Get the recipe for Dill Scallion Dip.
Brian Woodcock
Broccolini Pasta Salad
Every picnic needs a pasta salad, and the more flavour the better.
Get the recipe for Broccolini Pasta Salad.
Brian Woodcock
Chile-Lime Corn Wheels
Picnicking embraces the great outdoors, and therefore so should the cuisine. Summery standouts like corn reinforce the one-with-nature vibe.
Get the recipe for Chile-Lime Corn Wheels.
Mary Britton Senseney
Tomato-Manchego Tartlets
These tomato tartlets are easy to make, easy to transport, and taste great at room temp.
Get the recipe for Tomato-Manchego Tartlets.
Mary Britton Senseney
Mozzarella, Red Pepper, and Bacon Skewers
What is it about putting food on a stick that makes it taste better?
Get the recipe for Mozzarella, Red Pepper, and Bacon Skewers.
Mary Britton Senseney
Tangy Collard and Cabbage Slaw
This tangy take on classic slaw is about to become your new summer favourite.
Get the recipe for Tangy Collard and Cabbage Slaw.
Brian Woodcock
Sliced Tomatoes with Corn and Feta
This salad brings together the summer’s best produce with salty feta and peppery rocket.
Get the recipe for Sliced Tomatoes with Corn and Feta.
Brian Woodcock
Deviled Egg Potato Salad
This potato salad gets a delicious spin with the help of another picnic classic.
Get the recipe for Deviled Egg Potato Salad.
Brian Woodcock
5-Bean Summer Salad
This colourful salad will provide a hearty, varied option for any summer party.
Get the recipe for 5-Bean Summer Salad.
Brian Woodcock
Ginger, Cucumbers and Peppers
A spicy, cool, refreshing salad for any hot summer party.
Get the recipe for Ginger, Cucumbers and Peppers.
Brian Woodcock
Mojito Watermelon
This spiced up watermelon makes everyone’s favourite summer treat even better.
Get the recipe for Mojito Watermelon.
Brian Woodcock
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