Enjoy a delicious family picnic suited to any summer excursion with one of these five great menu options.
#1: Traditional Picnic at the Park
Why stray from a timeless classic? Find the perfect grassy knoll, spread out the red gingham blanket, and tote a charming wicker basket packed with traditional picnic items like these:
CREDIT: letsdishrecipes.com
Take creamy deviled eggs to new heights with a touch of crispy, crumbled bacon.
CREDIT: thewholesomedish.com
This summery pasta salad is brimming with antioxidant-rich grapes and crunchy broccoli for a tasty boost of nutrition.
CREDIT: pickfreshfoods.com
The perfect blend of sweet and tangy, lemon bars are an eternal picnic favorite. Pair with a buttery shortbread crust to amp up the yum factor.
#2: A Day at the Beach
Nothing heralds the return of summer like your first trip to the beach. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, beach towels and a picnic menu that can handle sandy hands and sweltering temps.
CREDIT: ambitiouskitchen.com
No need to worry if this hearty dip sits in the sun—hummus can be enjoyed both warm and cold.
CREDIT: myutensilcrock.com
Salty fingers and sand-caked hands are no bother when you serve these mess-free caprese skewers.
CREDIT: halfbakedharvest.com
Skip the deli line and save money and time by assembling your own power-packed subs to fuel lasting seaside fun.
3. The Utensil-Free Picnic
We know that sometimes the best part about eating out is forgoing dish duty. If you’re looking for a picnic that comes with minimal cleanup, try this hand-to-mouth menu and leave your cutlery at home.
CREDIT: whiteonricecouple.com
Like the burrito’s healthy cousin, these low-cal spring rolls boast portability and convenience. Team with a garlic-soy dip to heighten flavor.
CREDIT: kojo-designs.com
Why snack on the packaged variety when these homemade sweet potato chips are superior in both taste and nutritional content?
Salted Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies
CREDIT: thediaryofdaveswife.com
Cookies are a classic dessert for good reason. They’re simple to make, even easier to eat, and are effectively mess-free. This sweet and salty combo has us salivating!
#4: The Family Hike Picnic
Headed on a scenic hike with the whole hang? Make sure to pack some nutrient-dense snacks that help sustain energy levels and keep spirits high.
CREDIT: boulderlocavore.com
A sweet and salty trail mix is the perfect pick-me-up on a hike.
CREDIT: feelingfoodish.com
What’s more outdoorsy than homemade beef jerky? This protein-packed snack promises to quell hunger like no other.
CREDIT: thesimpleveganista.blogspot.com
We love this tasty sandwich that uses chickpeas instead of tuna for a creative vegetarian twist. High in energy-boosting iron, chickpeas are the perfect hiking sustenance.
#5: Picnic in a Jar
If you’re up to trying something unusual, serve your entire feast in mason jars! This funky idea challenges your creative side and lends some serious excitement to standard picnic food.
CREDIT: thisgalcooks.com
We love how clear mason jars let colorful, cut-up fruits take center stage in this vibrant, multihued dish.
CREDIT: dinner-mom.com
By layering salad dressing on the bottom, lettuce won’t get soggy until you’re ready to shake and enjoy.
CREDIT: glorioustreats.com
You’ll never look at regular cupcakes the same way again after enjoying this sweet treat straight from the jar.
