The 17 Picnic Recipes I Brought to Every Summer Gathering

ByMandy Applegate

Not every dish can pull off showing up at every picnic without getting old, but these 17 somehow managed. They had just enough going on to keep people reaching back for more without asking questions. Even the picky eaters gave up trying to resist. These recipes didn’t just show up, they kind of took over the table.

Fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs served in crispy puff pastry cups on a wooden surface.
Caprese Pesto Tarts. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Homemade Buckeyes

Close-up of homemade buckeyes, featuring chocolate-covered peanut butter balls. One is bitten to reveal the creamy peanut butter filling inside.
Homemade Buckeyes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat to bring to your picnic, Homemade Buckeyes are a must. These simple, nutty bites are covered in smooth chocolate and are the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Everyone will be asking where you got them. They’re easy to grab and enjoy during any picnic.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buckeyes

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Red Cabbage Coleslaw adds a fresh, crunchy touch to your picnic spread. It’s light yet full of texture, making it the ideal side to pair with everything else. You won’t need any extra dressings to make it stand out. This coleslaw is the kind of dish that’s quick to disappear from the picnic table.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie with a slice removed on a white plate. Topped with lime wedge and zest, the crust is golden brown. A hand touches the plate edge, and a small bowl with cream is nearby.
Key Lime Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This is a refreshing choice for those who want a bit of tangy sweetness. Its smooth texture and crisp crust create a perfect balance that’s easy to enjoy in the sun. Key Lime Pie is one of those desserts that never lasts long, no matter how many people are at the picnic. A little tart, a little sweet, and totally irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo salad with mixed vegetables, including olives, tomatoes, and spinach, garnished with herbs.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s easy to toss together and share. It has that Mediterranean feel with its colorful mix and tangy touch. This salad pairs well with just about anything on the picnic table. Light but hearty enough to keep everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Close up image of lemon blueberry muffin cookies on a wooden board.
Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

With a mix of tart lemon and sweet blueberries, Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies are a treat you’ll want to have on hand. They’re soft and chewy, with the kind of sweetness that pairs well with any drink. These cookies disappear fast at a picnic, so make sure you’ve got enough to share. They’ll be gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Close-up of a blue corn chip dipped in a creamy cheese and vegetable mixture, garnished with cilantro and sliced jalapeños.
Mexican Street Corn Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mexican Street Corn Dip brings that street-food vibe right to your picnic. It’s creamy, crunchy, and just the right amount of spice. This dip is a real crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with chips. It’s a simple dish that packs a big punch of flavor and fun.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip

Banoffee Pie

A slice of Banoffee pie with whipped cream and caramel.
Banoffee Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich, creamy, and packed with caramel, Banoffee Pie is a must-try dessert for any gathering. It’s sweet, indulgent, and sure to impress your guests. Every bite has that perfect combination of smooth and crunchy. It’s the kind of pie you’ll want to make every time.
Get the Recipe: Banoffee Pie

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies is a hearty dish with fresh veggies and pasta that makes for a great picnic side. It’s simple yet full of flavors that everyone loves. This salad holds up well, even as it sits in the sun for a while. Perfect for making ahead and taking along.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

A hand holding a chocolate chip cookie on a cooling rack.
Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You can’t go wrong with Chocolate Chip Cookies at a picnic. These classic cookies are always a hit, with soft centers and crispy edges. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just yourself, they’re the first to disappear. Plus, they’re easy to share and everyone knows what to expect.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Macaroni Salad is one of those picnic staples that always gets the job done. It’s creamy, comforting, and pairs perfectly with any main dish. Easy to make ahead and always a crowd-pleaser, this salad is sure to be a favorite. No matter how much you make, it seems to vanish fast.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

Close-up of a marshmallow swirl cookie with a bite taken out, revealing its gooey interior and white filling. Other cookies are partially visible in the background.
Marshmallow Swirl Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Light and chewy, Marshmallow Swirl Cookies are a sweet treat to enjoy during any picnic. The marshmallows add a soft, fluffy bite that pairs perfectly with the cookie. These cookies are a little sweet, a little gooey, and totally irresistible. They’ll be the first thing your guests grab.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

Pico de Gallo

A bowl of pico de gallo with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños with a spoon inside, next to a lime and tortilla chips.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pico de Gallo brings a fresh, tangy flavor to the table that works well with almost anything. It’s a chunky salsa that’s perfect for scooping with chips or topping on other dishes. This simple, no-cook recipe will add a nice pop of freshness to your spread. It’s light and bright, just right for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

A close-up image of layered lemon raspberry cake slices topped with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tangy raspberry and smooth lemon combine in Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars for a treat that everyone will want a second of. These bars are the perfect size for a picnic, easy to share, and full of flavor. They balance sweetness and tartness just right. A guaranteed crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Tzatziki

A bowl of creamy tzatziki sauce garnished with chopped dill and a swirl of olive oil. Fresh dill and garlic are nearby.
Tzatziki. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tzatziki is a refreshing dip that pairs well with almost everything. Its cool, yogurt-based texture is perfect for dipping or spreading on other dishes. This Mediterranean classic is easy to bring along and will add a nice balance to heavier picnic fare. It’s light and fresh, with a touch of tang.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki

Strawberry Shortcake

A close-up of a delectable strawberry shortcake reveals layers of biscuit, whipped cream, and fresh strawberry pieces on a plate. In the background, a bowl of strawberries enhances the sweet temptation.
Strawberry Shortcake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s nothing quite like a good Strawberry Shortcake to round out a picnic meal. The combination of soft cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream is always a hit. It’s simple, comforting, and always feels like a special treat. You can’t go wrong with this classic dessert.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad offers a nice, bold kick to the usual picnic sides. Its combination of crunch and spice brings a refreshing twist to the table. It’s simple to make and adds a little heat for those who like a bit of spice. Perfect for mixing things up without being too intense.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs served in crispy puff pastry cups on a wooden surface.
Caprese Pesto Tarts. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

These tarts are a simple yet impressive picnic bite. The blend of pesto and fresh mozzarella is always a winner, and the tart crust adds a nice crunch. They’re bite-sized, making them easy to eat while mingling. Caprese Pesto Tarts pack a lot of flavor in each bite.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

A vegetarian for over 45 years, Mandy has taught herself to be creative in the kitchen, using traditional appliances and air fryers. Traveling extensively, Mandy loves learning and adapting vegetarian recipes from across the world.

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