Planning a day out? You know the drill. It’s about more than just the location; it’s about what you bring. Packing the right food can make or break the vibe. You need treats that travel well, taste good, and don’t create a mess.
Forget complicated recipes. We’re talking simple, tasty picnic snacks that keep everyone happy. Think beyond the usual chips and dips. What if you could pack things that are easy, healthy, and a bit special? Let’s get into the details of what makes a good picnic spread.
Easy Picnic Snacks Ideas
1
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Photo Credit: realhousemoms.com
Ham and Cheese Sliders are a crazy good combination of ham and Swiss cheese baked to golden perfection.
They’re hands down the BEST sandwich slider around and delicious eaten hot or cold.
2
Cajun Snack Mix
Photo Credit: thecookinchicks.com
Cajun Snack Mix recipe is the ultimate bold and spicy snack for summertime.
Simply combine the ingredients, place on a baking sheet in the oven, and in no time, you will have a snack the entire family will enjoy!
3
Easy Charcuterie Skewers
Photo Credit: boxmixrecipes.com
Take your favorite charcuterie ingredients on the go with these fun and easy Charcuterie Skewers.
They’re a breeze to put together, and can be enjoyed without utensils!
4
Pressed Picnic Sandwiches
Photo Credit: https://www.delicioustable.com
Pressed Italian sandwiches are neat to hold and eat.
Bursting with flavor from the olives, pepperoncini, salami, deli meat, etc, they also keep very well overnight in the fridge.
Make the day before, then grab and go!
5
Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies
Photo Credit: cupcakesavvyskitchen.com
Enjoy bakery style Chocolate Chip Cookies right from home!
Get ready for the heavenly experience of sinking your teeth into a thick, gooey, and utterly indulgent chocolate chip cookie.
6
Dill Pickle Dip
Photo Credit: www.flavorfuleats.com
Cool and creamy and loaded with chopped pickles, herby dill, and spices, this Dill Pickle Dip is a must-have for summer beach or pool days, and anytime you need a flavorful, easy dip for entertaining.
It’s delicious with crackers, chips, or veggies.
7
Homemade Pepperoni Rolls
Photo Credit: onmykidsplate.com
Quick to make and with only six ingredients, these easy Pepperoni Rolls make a fun summer lunch.
Be sure to make extra, because they’re sure to get eaten fast!
8
Homemade Kettle Corn
Photo Credit: www.kleinworthco.com
Did you know that making Homemade Kettle Corn is super easy?
All you need is a microwave to get that summer boardwalk flavor right from home.
9
Peach Jalapeno Salsa
Photo Credit: mytherapistcooks.com
Delicious, refreshing homemade Tomato Peach Jalapeno Salsa is so so good.
The tomatoes, fresh or canned peaches, and jalapeno combine with lime juice for a delicious, bright flavor that is perfect on salty tortilla chips.
10
Mediterranean Pinwheels
Photo Credit: www.acedarspoon.com
Mediterranean Pinwheels are the perfect finger food for your next outdoor picnic.
Tortillas are filled with hummus, feta cheese, roasted red peppers, arugula, red onion and parsley, before being rolled and cut into a crowd-pleasing bite sized appetizer or lunch.
11
3-Ingredient Cocoa Almonds
Photo Credit: www.chewoutloud.com
Perfectly crunchy, healthy, and cocoa-chocolatey almonds can be yours with just a few ingredients and 10 minutes.
Plus, it’s way healthier and cheaper than the store-bought stuff.
12
Bacon and Cheese Turnovers
Photo Credit: thymeforflavor.com
Sink your teeth into the golden, flaky crust of these Bacon and Cheese Turnovers for a filling lunch at the beach or pool.
The crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch, while the melted cheese creates a gooey, indulgent center that oozes with every bite.
13
Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Peppers
Photo Credit: twokidsandacoupon.com
This quick and easy snack has all the flavors of your favorite everything bagel with cream cheese.
With just 4 ingredients, they’re also inexpensive and healthy, but always a crowd-pleaser.
14
Cranberry Almond Energy Bites
Photo Credit: www.acedarspoon.com
Cranberry Almond Energy Bites are a no-bake snack that are easy to make and even easier to throw in your bag for a quick, healthy snack or treat.
Oats, chopped almonds, dried cranberries, almond butter, honey, chia seeds and cinnamon are mixed together to create a sweet, delicious bite.
15
Sun OREO Cookies
Photo Credit: twokidsandacoupon.com
These adorable, sweet and salty Sunshine OREO Cookies are almost too cute to eat.
Dip your favorite flavor of OREO cookies in melted yellow candy wafers and add Bugles horns and sanding sugar to make them a bright and sunny treat!
16
Watermelon & Mozzarella Skewers
Photo Credit: justgimmefries.com
Watermelon & Mozzarella Skewers are a super simple summery snack or light lunch for you to enjoy!
With only four ingredients, you can serve these refreshing Watermelon, Mozzarella, Basil & Prosciutto Skewers without even breaking a sweat.
17
Funfetti Banana Bread
Photo Credit: livslittlemuffins.com
Transform traditional banana bread into a fun summertime treat with this Funfetti Banana Bread recipe.
It’s a healthier, whole wheat version, but the kids will never know!
18
Easy Ham and Cheese Wrap
Photo Credit: caroha.com
If you’re looking for a quick and easy beach or pool lunch idea, this simple Ham and Cheese Wrap recipe is hard to beat.
A few simple ingredients and 10 minutes is all you need to make these tasty roll ups.
19
Peanut Butter Banana Bars
Photo Credit: cinnamonandsageco.com
If your favorite flavor combination is peanut butter and banana then these Peanut Butter Banana Bars are the perfect dessert for you.
These chewy and soft bars are full of sweet yummy goodness!
20
4-Ingredient Cheese Crackers
Photo Credit: www.chewoutloud.com
Homemade Cheese Crackers are sooo much better than any store bought crackers!
They’re full of real cheddar cheese, they’re crispy and flaky, and contain only 4 ingredients.
21
Biscoff Bites
Photo Credit: thymeforflavor.com
These no-bake Biscoff Bites are a great sweet treat that are ready in no time.
With only 5 ingredients, this easy dessert is perfect for snacking while you enjoy the day.
22
Cheesy Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza Bars
Photo Credit: www.fannetasticfood.com
Savory and cheesy Sun-dried Tomato Pizza Bars make a delicious and satisfying portable snack or lunch.
Packed with nutrition and staying power, it’s basically a savory granola bar – how fun is that?!
23
Mermaid Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit: arkansasgirls.com
How fun is this?! The great thing about a Mermaid Charcuterie Board is you can get creative and add anything blue themed or beach themed.
24
Protein Snack Pack
Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com
Protein Snack Packs filled with hard-boiled eggs, almonds, hummus, and crunchy veggies.
An easy and delicious lunch that’s perfect for any protein lover, or totally customizable for your favorite ingredients.
25
Pimento Cheese Spread
Photo Credit: www.seasonedkitchen.com
Pimento Cheese Spread is the ultimate in Southern summer comfort food!
A zesty blend of two sharp cheddar cheeses, tangy pimentos, mayo and just the right amount of spice, this works as a dip, spread, or even makes for a really tasty sandwich!
26
Rainbow Veggie Kabobs
Photo Credit: twohealthykitchens.com
Turn the classic, somewhat boring veggie tray concept on its head by creating these beautiful Rainbow Kabobs.
Serve with hummus or your favorite veggie dip, and watch everyone have so much fun munching!
27
Freeze Dried Jolly Rancher Cookies
Photo Credit: boxmixrecipes.com
Transform a boxed cake mix into fun, kid-friendly cookies. The surprise secret ingredient makes it way more fun!
28
Jalapeno Popper Taco Cups
Photo Credit: dishedbykate.com
Turn your favorite party appetizer into lovely little bite-sized Jalapeno Popper Taco Cups.
Easy to assemble (and you can prep them ahead of time) and even easier to eat, they’re a serious crowd-pleaser!
29
Healthier Rice Krispie Bars
Photo Credit: thericechick.com
These irresistible Healthier Rice Krispie Bars are crunchy and sweet, but with healthier and more filling ingredients than the traditional recipe.
Have them for breakfast or a snack!
30
Bacon & Egg Picnic Slice
Photo Credit: dishedbykate.com
This SUPER easy Bacon and Egg Picnic Slice is a twist on the classic New Zealand bacon and egg pie.
It’s easier, quicker and has all the flavors of the original, with a few flavor-packed tweaks.
31
Chocolate Coconut Date Balls
Photo Credit: www.fannetasticfood.com
No Bake Chocolate Coconut Date Balls are quick and easy to throw together, keep you energized, and are great for taking on the go.
The almonds add a boost of protein, and the chocolate coconut combo is unbelievably tasty. Perfect for when you want something healthy but a little sweet, too.
32
Watermelon Skewers with Feta and Mint Pesto
Photo Credit: happykitchen.rocks
These take-along Watermelon Skewers with Feta and Mint Pesto are a quick, easy, and healthy snack to enjoy outdoors.
They’re so refreshing on a hot summer day!
33
Blue Ocean Jello Cups
Photo Credit: arkansasgirls.com
Fun and refreshing Mermaid Jello Cups have an under-the-sea theme that kids and adults alike will be enamored with.
It takes no time at all to put together these adorable and super easy beach or pool day treats!
34
Fruity Chicken Salad
Photo Credit: copykat.com
Indulge in a refreshing twist on a classic with Fruity Chicken Salad!
Succulent chicken meets sweet mandarin oranges and grapes, balanced with crunchy celery and almonds, all brought together with a simple mayonnaise dressing.
It’s a delightful fusion that promises a burst of flavors with every bite.
35
Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix
Photo Credit: onmykidsplate.com
Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix is sweet, salty, and crunchy all in one bite.
It’s so easy to make ahead of time, but watch out – it’s addictingly delicious.
Final Thoughts
So, you’ve got a picnic coming up. You want it to be good, right? It’s not just about throwing a few things in a basket. It’s about crafting a spread that feels effortless but tastes like you put in extra thought.
You know, those picnic snacks that leave everyone asking for the recipe, even if there isn’t one. It’s about understanding what works when you’re outside, dealing with the weather, and keeping things fresh.
Here’s the lowdown on making your picnic a hit:
- Prep Ahead, Smartly:
- Cut up your veggies and fruits the day before. Store them in airtight containers. This keeps them crisp and ready.
- Make dips or spreads in advance. This lets the flavors meld and saves you time on the day.
- Keep Things Fresh:
- Use insulated bags and ice packs. They are not just for drinks. They keep your food at the right temperature.
- Layer your food correctly. Put heavier, cooler items at the bottom.
- Think Easy to Eat:
- Go for finger foods. Things like mini quiches, skewers, and wraps are easy to handle.
- Use small, disposable plates and cutlery. This cuts down on clean-up.
- Balance the Flavors:
- Mix sweet and savory. Bring a fruit salad and some cheese and crackers.
- Include a variety of textures. Crunchy veggies, soft cheeses, and chewy fruits make it interesting.
- Hydration is Key:
- Bring plenty of water. Infused water with fruits or herbs adds a nice touch.
- Consider individual juice boxes or canned sparkling water to keep things simple.
- Pack Smartly:
- Use reusable containers. They keep food fresh and reduce waste.
- Line your basket with a cloth. It keeps everything in place and looks nice.
- Consider the Weather:
- Avoid foods that melt easily in the heat. Chocolate and creamy desserts can get messy.
- If it’s windy, bring foods that won’t blow away.
- Don’t Forget the Extras:
- Bring hand wipes or sanitizer. It’s essential when eating outdoors.
- Pack a small trash bag. It keeps the area clean.
- Keep it Simple:
- Don’t overcomplicate things. Simple, tasty food is always a winner.
- Focus on quality ingredients, not complicated recipes.
You do not need to be a professional chef to make good picnic snacks. It’s about knowing a few simple tricks and putting them into practice. You want to make something that people enjoy. That’s the main thing.