17 Amazing Food Ideas for Every Summer Picnic

We get pretty choosy around here about what constitutes "picnic food". Ideally, it should be easy to make ahead, portable, travel well in a cooler, and should be exceptionally tasty when served at room temperature. That's a lot to ask of a recipe, especially when we also want it to also be light and fresh, and, well, summery. Thankfully, all of these summer picnic food ideas check those boxes and then some. The hardest part will be choosing which ones to take along.

Recipe and photo credit: Craving Something Healthy

Chopped Italian Sandwich

This chopped Italian sandwich is easy to make ahead of time with your favorite meats, cheese, and jarred vegetables. It's perfect for a summer picnic.

Get the recipe: Chopped Italian Sandwich

Recipe and photo credit: Like Mother Like Daughter

Creamy Broccoli Salad

This creamy broccoli salad is full of chopped broccoli, red onion, cranraisins, bacon and sunflower seeds all coated in a sweet creamy sauce!

Get the recipe: Creamy Broccoli Salad

Turkey Ciabatta Sandwich

An easy handheld meal that's loaded with turkey, pesto, tomatoes, and cheese. Perfect for a casual camping meal or to take along on a hike or picnic.

Get the recipe: Turkey Ciabatta Sandwich

Recipe and photo credit: Recipes From a Pantry

Mezze Platter

Mezze platters are easy to assemble, super versatile, and full of Mediterranean flavors. Mezze recipes are just the thing for entertaining and picnics!

Get the recipe: Mezze Platter

Two pieces of fried chicken on a paper plate.

Recipe and photo credit: Food Meanderings

Shortcut Fried Chicken

This shortcut fried chicken (without buttermilk), is quick and easy to make (using chicken thighs) and great for picnics, both hot and cold!

Get the recipe: Shortcut Fried Chicken

Italian Pasta Salad

This make-ahead tortellini salad with artichokes, tomatoes, olives, and creamy Italian dressing is a summer staple for camping, potlucks, and picnics.

Get the recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

Recipe and photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

Grilled Chicken Wraps

These grilled chicken wraps are perfect for a quick summer lunch! They’re packed with flavor, easy and perfect for packed lunches and picnics.

Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Wraps

Recipe and photo credit: The Fresh Cooky

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Savor the ultimate flavor medley in this chicken bacon ranch pasta salad. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, veggies, and cheese in creamy ranch dressing create a mouthwatering combination you’ll crave.

Get the recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Recipe and photo credit: Peanut Butter & Julie

Roasted Vegetable Sandwich

The healthy, hearty roasted vegetable sandwich features layers of colorful roasted vegetables, fresh mozzarella, and homemade pesto.

Get the recipe: Roasted Vegetable Sandwich

A bowl filled with raw vegetable marinated salad.

Overnight Marinated Vegetable Salad

This easy marinated salad is a colorful combination of crunchy raw vegetables tossed in a simple vinaigrette dressing. Healthy never tasted so good.

Get the recipe: Marinated Vegetable Salad

Recipe and photo credit: Budget Delicious

Grilled Watermelon Salad

Grilled watermelon salad with feta and blueberries is the perfect summer salad! Easy, affordable and can be served alongside everything.

Get the recipe: Grilled Watermelon Salad

A bowl of strawberry fruit dip with strawberries and cherries scattered around it.

Strawberry Yogurt Fruit Dip

This simple strawberry yogurt dip for fruit requires only 4 ingredients and 10 minutes of your time.

Get the recipe: Strawberry Yogurt Fruit Dip

Recipe and photo credit: Homestead How-To

Mason Jar Berry Fruit Salad with Citrus Mint Dressing

This mason jar berry fruit salad is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with citrus mint flavor! It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a refreshing snack.

Get the recipe: Mason Jar Berry Fruit Salad

Four s'more jars with pudding, marshmallow fluff, and graham cracker topping.

S'mores in a Jar

For when you're craving s'mores, but don't have a campfire.

Get the recipe: S'mores in a Jar

Recipe and photo credit: Baked Abundance

Easy Key Lime Pie Bars

These key lime pie bars are a delicious and refreshing dessert that combines the tangy taste of lime with a sweet, buttery cookie crust.

Get the recipe: Key Lime Pie Bars

Recipe and photo credit: xoxo Bella

Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar

You don’t need many different ingredients for this mini dessert, and it’s a nice easy recipe to showcase fresh strawberries. Served in a mini mason jar or Weck jar, this individually sized dessert is perfect to pack in a picnic.

Get the recipe: Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar