37 Impressive Yet Simple Picnic Food Ideas for 2024

There’s nothing like sitting outside with your friends and enjoying a nice meal, but coming up with good picnic food ideas isn’t always easy.

You don’t want to just bring chips and dip that you picked up on the way there. You want to bring something everyone will want to try. 

What food do you bring to a picnic, anyway? We’ve got a few suggestions for you. We’re here with picnic food ideas for kids, families, friends and even dates.

From simple sandwiches and snacks to more unique meals, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Read on and start taking notes for your picnic food list.

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• Learn to Make Impressive Homemade Picnic Food Ideas
• Best Picnic Food Ideas for Large Groups
• Simple Picnic Food Ideas for Couples
• Picnic Food Ideas for Families & Kids
• Vegetarian Picnic Food Ideas

Learn to Make Impressive Homemade Picnic Food Ideas

If you’re nervous about cooking for your picnic, don’t be. You don’t need to learn to cook before attending a picnic. After all, many classic picnic food ideas are incredibly simple.

However, if you’re so inclined, there’s always time for some cooking classes near you so you can prepare.

You can learn to make delicious pasta salad in cooking classes in Houston, tasty tamales in cooking classes in New Orleans or sushi in cooking classes in Seattle.

If you’d rather learn from the comfort of your own kitchen, you can even take online cooking classes. Learn how to cook from experienced chefs so you’re ready to impress your friends at your next picnic. 

Best Picnic Food Ideas for Large Groups

1. Pinwheel Wraps

Pinwheel wraps are a fun spin on finger sandwiches. You can use any fillings you like. Simply lay out a tortilla and top it with a base (like cream cheese) and your favorite sandwich fillings. Wrap it up tight and chop the wrap into smaller “pinwheels.”

2. DIY Sandwich Platter

What is the most popular food at a picnic? If we had to guess, we’d say it was probably sandwiches. A DIY sandwich platter is a picnic crowd-pleaser.

You can even have everyone bring something to add. Have a variety of meats, cheeses, breads and toppings available. Let everyone make their own perfect picnic sandwich. 

3. Greek Salad

A cool salad on a hot summer day is perfect. Greek salad makes an excellent picnic food idea. Many people include greens in a Greek salad, but they’re not necessary.

It’s made of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions and Kalamata olives. Feta cheese crumbles and a sprinkle of oregano add extra flavor. It's dressed with a simple blend of olive oil and red wine vinegar.

You can make it the night before the picnic so the flavors really meld together. 

4. Chips and Dip Potluck

This is a fun picnic food idea. Have everyone who’s attending make their own dip and bring a bag of chips. Dips can be simple queso, salsa, hummus or any other dip that the attendee feels like making. Then everyone gets to try each other’s chip and dip combo. 

This is just one of many clever potluck ideas for an easily planned picnic. 

5. Deviled Eggs

Simple. Classic. Timeless. Three words that describe deviled eggs. They’re a classic picnic food idea, and while they can be polarizing, many people really enjoy them.

Jazz up standard hard-boiled eggs with paprika, mustard, and other additions to make this old-fashioned appetizer. 

6. Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for picnic food ideas that are not sandwiches, but are still wildly popular, you can’t go wrong with pasta salad. There are so many varieties to choose from, from creamy to spicy options. Pasta salad is great cold or room temperature, making it ideal for a picnic. 

7. Fruit Platter

Looking for something simple to bring to your next picnic? Bring some fruit! According to the CDC, only about 12% of adults eat enough fruit, so do your part and feed your friends something tasty and healthy.

Chop up a variety of tasty fruits like apples, pears, grapes, pineapple, watermelon and anything else you like. Alternatively, mix them all into a fruit salad for some healthy snacks for kids and adults alike.  

8. Cut-Up Subs

There’s a reason that sandwiches are so popular with large groups. They’re easy. If your group is too big to make individual meals for, make (or purchase) several large subs.

Cut those subs into tiny mini sandwiches so there are enough pieces for everyone. Everyone gets their own sandwich but you don’t have to individually make them. 

9. Tamales 

Tamales require some work, but once they’re done, they’re easy to transport and enjoy at a picnic. You can make a variety of tamales with different fillings to accommodate people with different dietary restrictions.

These tasty corn-based pockets of deliciousness will be a hit at your next picnic. 

10. DIY Burrito Bowls

DIY burrito bowls are perfect picnic food ideas for large groups. Prepare all of the fillings, such as beans, rice, meat and vegetables, and bring them with you alongside popular burrito toppings.

Have everyone assemble their own burrito bowls with the fillings and toppings they prefer. 

Simple Picnic Food Ideas for Couples

11. Charcuterie Board

This is one of the most popular and simple picnic food ideas for couples. You can’t go wrong with fun charcuterie board ideas.

You can customize it to suit your own tastes with your favorite meats, cheeses, fruits and toppings. Pair it with bread and crackers.

12. Fruit and Chocolate Fondue

Fruit? Good. Chocolate? Also good. Mix them together and you get the perfect luxurious picnic food idea for a fun picnic date. Pack a small fondue pot with melted chocolate.

Bring an assortment of bite-sized fruits like strawberries, bananas, and pineapple for dipping. This can get a bit messy, but it’s worth it. 

13. Tiramisu Jars

This is a sweet picnic dessert idea that’s easy to transport and requires a bit of effort. Your date will be impressed! Prepare individual tiramisu servings in small mason jars for a sweet and romantic dessert. This is perfect for an evening picnic dinner date. 

14. Brie and Baguette

Are you looking for simple and tasty picnic food ideas that are not sandwiches, but still include tasty bread? We love bread too, so we understand. Here’s a good elevated sandwich alternative.

Bring a wheel of Brie cheese, a fresh baguette and some fruit preserves in your picnic basket. Slice the baguette and enjoy it with the creamy Brie.

15. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a perfect addition to any picnic date idea. They’re a classic romantic treat. Simply dip strawberries in melted chocolate and allow them to harden before packing.

Keep them cool with an ice pack so the chocolate doesn’t melt too much on your way to your picnic destination. 

16. Sushi Rolls

This one isn’t ideal for a super hot day, but if you’re picnicking in spring or autumn, it’s a good simple picnic food idea for couples.

Purchase or make sushi rolls in advance and slice them into bite-sized pieces if they’re not already. Serve with wasabi, soy sauce and pickled ginger. Make sure you keep them cool on your way to the picnic. 

17. Caprese Skewers

What can I take in a picnic instead of sandwiches? Skewers! We love a good skewer for a picnic food idea. This one is fresh and delicious.

Skewer cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. 

18. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

If you’re looking for a more “elevated” picnic date idea, but you still want the convenience of a sandwich, try this. Spread cream cheese on fresh bread or bagels and top with smoked salmon, red onion and capers. This is a simple and tasty picnic sandwich that travels well.

Picnic Food Ideas for Families & Kids

19. Veggie Sticks and Hummus

We love having healthy and easy picnic food ideas available for children. Kids may want junk food all the time, but try this instead.

Offer an assortment of vegetables such as carrots, celery, broccoli and cucumbers with a small container of hummus for dipping. This is a great way to encourage healthy eating habits. 

20. Fruit Kabobs

What’s better on a hot summer day than a tasty and sweet fruit kabob? They’re easy to hold and so versatile! All you have to do is thread colorful fruit pieces onto wooden skewers.

Offer a variety of fruits like strawberries, melon, grapes and pineapple, or whatever fruits your kids like. You can even let kids make their own.

21. Mini Pizzas

Pizza at a picnic? No, don’t order one. Make them at home with your kids and take them with you. Make mini pizzas using English muffins or bagels as the base.

Let kids add their favorite toppings like tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. This very simple crockpot meal means you can make the little pizza's at home and serve at room temperature.

22. Apple Slices With Nut Butter

Are you wondering “What can I bring to a picnic without cooking?” Apples and nut butter may be a simple answer, but when it comes to picnics with kids, it’s the right one.

It’s a timeless snack that almost every kid will enjoy. Slice apples and offer a variety of nut butter options like peanut, almond, or sunflower seed butter for dipping.

23. Mini Muffins

Looking for a simple baked dessert for your next picnic with the kids? Bake mini muffins with kid-friendly flavors like blueberry, banana or chocolate chip.

They're easy for kids to hold and enjoy while they’re playing and running around. 

24. Mini Tacos

Tacos at a picnic may sound messy (especially for kids), but it’s a super fun picnic food idea that’s easier to assemble and transport than you’d think.

Fill small tortillas with kid-approved taco fillings like ground beef, beans, salsa, shredded cheese and lettuce. Kids can assemble their own tacos or you can pack them pre-assembled. 

25. Mini Pancakes

Breakfast picnic? Yes, please. We love the idea of mini pancakes or pancake strips for a kid-friendly picnic food idea. Prepare small pancakes and serve them with a side of syrup or fruit compote for dipping. Kids will get sticky, but that’s okay!

26. Meatballs

Meatballs aren’t just for spaghetti. They’re also kid-friendly finger foods, making them fantastic picnic food ideas for families and children.

Bring along bite-sized meatballs with toothpicks for dipping in barbecue or marinara sauce (or any sauce of your choice, really).

27. Cheese Quesadillas

You can’t go wrong with cheese quesadillas when it comes to simple and easy picnic food ideas for kids. Prepare small cheese quesadillas by melting cheese between tortillas.

Cut them into wedges for easy sharing. If you want to get adventurous, you can hide some veggies in the quesadillas as well. Bring salsa and sour cream for dipping. 

28. Sunbutter and Banana Sandwiches

We’re trying to minimize the sandwiches in this picnic food list, but you can’t deny that kids love sandwiches. They’re easy and they travel well. For this tasty and unique picnic food idea, spread sunflower seed butter on bread and add banana slices for a nut-free twist on the classic PB&J. The kids will love it. 

Vegetarian Picnic Food Ideas

29. Mini Quiches

Mini quiches may seem like breakfast items, but we think they’re perfect for a meat-free picnic food idea. Make mini quiches in advance and serve them cold or at room temperature. This dish is not only great for outdoor gatherings but also for hosting gatherings, with mini quishes being an especially popular baby shower food idea. 

Options like spinach and feta or tomato and cheddar work well. You can put almost anything in a mini quiche, so get creative. 

30. Paneer Tikka

This is one of our favorite vegetarian Indian food picnic ideas. It consists of grilled or roasted cubes of marinated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with bell peppers and onions.

It makes for a flavorful vegetarian picnic option and you should serve it alongside Basmati rice and fresh naan. 

31. Falafel 

Falafel is such a tasty and simple vegetarian picnic food idea, and it’s so versatile! You can eat it on its own, use it in place of meatballs, add it to a sandwich or salad and so much more.

Falafel is simply fried balls or patties made of fava beans or chickpeas as well as some tasty herbs and spices. Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, it deserves a place on your picnic food list. 

32. Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Looking for a more unique take on a salad? Try a tasty and filling Mediterranean couscous salad for this picnic food idea for vegetarians.

It’s a hearty salad made with couscous, diced veggies, olives, feta cheese and a bright and tart lemon vinaigrette. It’s easy to pack up in a picnic basket or lunchbox.

33. Stuffed Pita Pockets

Are you looking for vegetarian picnic food ideas that are not sandwiches, but are still just as easy and versatile? Stuffed pita pockets are perfect.

Fill pita pockets with your choice of fillings like tabbouleh, chickpeas and tahini (or even conventional sandwich ingredients). This is the perfect simple picnic food you can easily eat with your hands.

34. Samosas

These triangular pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas (and sometimes other additions) are a classic picnic treat. This is another one of our favorite vegetarian-friendly Indian picnic food ideas that will be popular amongst vegetarians, vegans and omnivores alike.

35. Avocado Toast

Pack sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, your favorite type of toast and any other additional toppings that you enjoy for assembling fresh avocado toast on-site.

We recommend red onion, salt, pepper and nutritional yeast for extra toppings. Hard-boiled eggs also go well on avocado toast (for non-vegans) and they’re totally picnic-friendly.  

36. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers make fantastic picnic food ideas for vegetarians as well as omnivores. You can really put anything into a stuffed pepper.

Prepare bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, beans, cheese (if you’re not cooking for vegans) and spices. Keep them wrapped in foil until you’re ready to eat them so they stay nice and warm. 

37. Quinoa Salad

Quinoa mixed with roasted vegetables, chickpeas and a zesty dressing is a protein-packed and nutritious option for a great picnic dish.

It can be either a side dish or a main dish depending on what you put in it. It’s equally tasty hot, cold and room temperature, making it a great vegetarian picnic food idea. 

So which of these picnic food ideas is going into your basket for your next picnic? See how many of these meals and snacks you can fit into one picnic! Everyone is sure to leave full and happy.

For even more fun food ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!