9 Picnic Food Ideas for Your Next Summer Gathering

It’s Summertime, and many people are looking for things to do to enjoy the weather. One of the most popular Summer activities is having a picnic. Whether it’s in your yard, at the beach, or at the park, having a picnic is a great way to spend time with family and friends.

However, although it can be a relaxing activity, the preparations can be hard, especially if you don’t know what food to bring. Fortunately, nowadays, finding food ideas on the internet is easier. And since you happen to click this blog, we’ll give you some of the most popular food ideas perfect for your Summer picnic.

1. Sandwiches

What’s your go-to sandwich recipe? If you have one, don’t hesitate to bring it on your picnic day. On the other hand, if you’re not a sandwich fan, you can also try the classic ones. Some of the most popular types of sandwiches are club sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, and all-veggies sandwiches.

If you’re not sure about the sandwich preferences of your company, you can prepare all the ingredients, and everyone can just layer their preferred ingredients and choose their dressing.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad

Beat the heat with a combination of seasonal fruits like watermelon and mango. Of course, there’s no such thing as a bad fruit salad, so you can mix as many fruits as you like. You can also add mint leaves, honey, or yogurt to incorporate all the ingredients.

When making a fresh fruit salad for a picnic, you can keep it in the fridge first before you go. And if you have a cooler, you can also put it there so the fruits can be preserved until it’s time to eat.

3. Tapas

If you’ve been to Spanish restaurants, and you love their tapas, you can make some of the popular ones for your picnic. As you know, there are many types of tapas from basic to complicated, but most of them are easy to make.

For instance, you can try making croquettes, pan con tomate, and abondigas. Authentic Spanish croquettes use bechamel instead of potatoes, but it’s your call whichever you like the most.

4. Savoury Salad

Aside from fresh fruit salad, you can also make a savoury salad. Toss in your favourite salad ingredients and dressing. However, if you’re looking for something new and easy, try the pasta salad with herbs, lemon, and feta cheese. It’s easy, and you can still adjust the ingredients according to your liking.

Another option is potato salad since no one can resist the classic. But for a twist, you can add some fresh dill and pickle juice.

5. Hummus and Veggie Sticks

Another go-to picnic food is hummus with veggie sticks. Since people often want something fresh while having a picnic, it’s guaranteed that hummus and some veggie sticks can do the trick.

If you love making hummus, you can use your recipe to create one, but looking at other recipes is also great. However, if you don’t have much time, you can also use the store-bought one and don’t forget to slice the veggie sticks, including celery, carrots, and cucumber.

6. Pies

Another easy-to-make picnic dish is pie. Nowadays, you can buy ready-to-use pie crust, so all you need to do is cook the filling. You can cook chicken pot pie, apple pie or key lime pie. It’s up to you whether you prefer savoury or sweet pies. If you can’t decide, you can make two pies, to have more variety.

7. Devilled Eggs or Scotch Eggs

Which do you prefer, devilled eggs or scotch eggs, while the former can be easier to make, both dishes are easy to transport, and there’s nothing to worry about since there’s no need to eat them while hot.

Meanwhile, if you still have enough time, you can split the eggs, and make both. Besides, a picnic is about having a variety of dishes that everyone can enjoy. Additionally, if some people you’re with prefer one over the other, you won’t have any regrets.

8. Chilled Beverages

When it comes to beverages, you can either make your own or buy ready-to-drink refreshments. However, since it’s Summer, making lemonade or iced tea with some fresh mint leaves and other citrus fruits can be a great idea for the picnic.

9. Sweet Treats

Don’t forget the sweet treats! A picnic won’t be complete without sweet snacks and desserts. Some of the dessert ideas you can make for your picnic are brownies, cookies, and tarts. Although it’s not ideal to bring ice cream, no one should stop you, especially if you have a cooler. However, you can just buy ice cream if the picnic is going to be at the park.

Final Thoughts

The most important thing about having a summer picnic is the food. Without it, you’re just a couple of individuals hanging on a chequered mat, getting fresh air. Kidding aside, we hope these picnic food ideas can help you get started with curating the best picnic menu this summer.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer who also loves cooking dishes from different countries. If you want to experience a Barcelona-style restaurant that serves high-quality food, and a modern, contemporary, fresh feel from the south of Europe, visit TAST Catala Spanish Restaurant.