55 Best Summer Picnic Food Ideas

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Are you wondering what types of food to bring to your next picnic? Find 55 best picnic food ideas to have the perfect picnic this summer. 

Picnic foods such as fried chicken, macaroni salad, fruit kabobs and sandwiches

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There is nothing like the lazy days of summer to put a smile on your face. After all, summer is all about good food, relaxation, and spending time outside enjoying the beautiful warm weather. Not to mention all the fun summertime activities that you can do as a family. 

One of our must-do activities during the summer is grabbing a cooler filled with all our favorite picnic foods and heading outside for a picnic. I can’t think of a more perfect way to enjoy a breezy, sunny day during the summer.

The ability to enjoy good conversation and delicious summer dishes, from simple sandwich ideas to classic fried chicken (made healthier), to delicious summer salads, and desserts makes picnicking the ideal summertime activity.

Whether you are looking for easy picnic food ideas for the family, to take on a date, or to pack for a large group, you are sure to find something you’ll like in these 55 Summer Picnic Food Ideas.

Looking for rainy-day activities this summer?

How to Have the Perfect Picnic

Pack the essentials

Of course, when it comes to planning the perfect picnic, the food is always the star of the show. But you can’t forget all the extras such as the drinks, a blanket, a cooler, a picnic basket, napkins, plates, plastic utensils, cups, and serving spoons. Also, remember to bring bug repellent and sunblock as well as a trash bag in case there isn’t one near your picnic spot.

Avoid soggy bread

When planning your picnic food, determine how long the picnic will be and plan accordingly when deciding what food to pack. If you choose sandwiches, food made with mayonnaise can become soggy. So, to remedy that, place down a slice of cheese first before adding your meat and veggies. You can also use wraps or rolls instead of bread to avoid soggy sandwiches.

Keep your food fresh

You can keep your sandwiches fresh by wrapping them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. After wrapping them place them in a gallon food storage bag. You don’t want your food to spoil in the heat so make sure you use a cooler with ice packs or an insulated picnic basket.

Pick the perfect spot

Honestly, your backyard can be the perfect spot for a picnic. But a few more places that would be good for picnicking include:

  • Parks
  • Beaches
  • Lakes
  • Camping grounds
  • Local scenic areas

Blanket with picnic basket, plates, silverware and food like strawberries, tomatoes and sandwiches

What Types of Food Do You Bring to a Picnic?

The best foods to bring to a picnic include sandwiches, wraps, easy summer side dishes and salads, grilled foods, fried chicken, snacks, fruits such as fresh strawberries, veggies, and desserts. You can even put together a small charcuterie board of meats, cheeses, crackers, or specialty bread to bring along.

The goal of planning a fun picnic is to keep it simple. Try to find recipes that you can make ahead so you are prepared when it’s time to pack the picnic basket or cooler. 

55 Best Summer Picnic Food Ideas

If you are ready to grab that picnic basket and start filling it up, here are 55 easy summer picnic food ideas for your next picnic date or family get-together.

Lettuce, tomato and meat on bulky roll on white plate

Sandwiches or Wraps

Sandwiches are my go-to when it comes to easy picnic foods. There are so many tasty options that can be easily customized. I share some easy sandwich and wrap recipes in my 10-minute lunch ideas. You will find simple recipes for:

  • Homemade sub sandwiches (turkey, ham, roast beef, pepperoni, salami, or bologna)
  • Egg, Tuna, or Chicken Salad Sandwiches
  • Club Sandwiches
  • Wraps or Roll-ups

fried chicken and salad on white plate and red and white blanket for picnic

Chicken

Chicken is another great option for picnic food. Whether it’s crispy fried chicken, grilled chicken, or delicious rotisserie chicken recipes, chicken can be a tasty option for your next picnic.

A few chicken recipes that you may love:

You can find a few more air fryer chicken recipe ideas for your next picnic with these 21 Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes.

Macaroni salad with peas in white dish for picnic

Salads

You can’t go wrong with a tasty summer salad. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any summer picnic, potluck, or BBQ. A few of my favorite summer salad recipes include:

If you are looking for more salad recipes to go with your other picnic food, here are 12 more easy summer salad recipes to try.

Watermelon, pineapples, strawberries, cantaloupe, and grapes on a skewer

Fruit

Fruit is a great grab-and-go option to include in your picnic basket or cooler. Here are some fruit ideas to add to your list of picnic foods to pack.

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Watermelon
  • Cantaloupe
  • Honeydew
  • Grapes
  • Pineapples
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries 

Try combining all your favorite fruit in a dish for a delicious fruit salad or add them to a skewer and make fruit kabobs.  You can also whip up some fruit dip. We love this fruit dip recipe from My Baking Addiction.

Vegetable platter with celery, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, tomatoes and vegetable dip.

Veggies

If you are looking to keep things a little bit lighter on your next picnic date. How about packing a salad with extra veggies on the side? Here are a few options you might like:

  • Grilled Corn on the Cob
  • Baby Carrots
  • Celery
  • Pepper Slices
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Cucumbers

Don’t forget the dip! This vegetable dip recipe from Julie Blanner is so tasty. You can also bring along some ranch dressing to dip your veggies in too.

Puppy Chow Snack Mix with Corn Chex, chocolate, peanut butter, confectionary sugar.

Snacks/Finger Foods

We love combining our sandwiches and wraps with snacks/finger foods. Check out these easy picnic food options that will please everyone at your next picnic.

Banana bread with blueberries and bananas

Desserts

Who can resist adding desserts? It’s a nice little sweet treat at the end of a great meal. Here are some great dessert options you should try this summer.

Lemonade in pitcher with glasses of lemonade and lemon wedges on table outside

Drinks

Of course, a picnic wouldn’t be complete without the drinks. I found some really easy drink options that would be a great addition to your next backyard picnic.

There you are, 55+ summer picnic food ideas. Hopefully, you’ve found some ideas to make it a perfect picnic for you and your family. Happy Picnicking!

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