Picture this: You’re sprawled out on a picnic blanket, sunshine warming your face, not a soggy sandwich in sight. Sounds dreamy, right? But we all know the reality of picnic prep can be a bit… chaotic. Luckily, these 21 make-ahead recipes are guaranteed to keep their cool (and their flavor) all day long.
We’re talking vibrant salads that won’t wilt, satisfying sandwiches that won’t get squished, and sweet treats that won’t melt into a sticky mess.
With these recipes, you’ll be the picnic hero, leaving more time for frisbee-throwing and cloud-watching!
1. Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad, packed with colorful vegetables and tossed in a simple homemade Italian dressing. Make this dish ahead of time and enjoy its flavors even hours later at your picnic.
Get Recipe: Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
2. Mixed Berry Oatmeal Jam Bars
Perfect for the whole family, these wholesome bars boast a satisfying oatmeal crust and a sweet mixed berry jam filling. They’re a delightful treat that travels well and holds up under the sun.
Get Recipe: Mixed Berry Oatmeal Jam Bars
3. Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken
Why wait in line for a store-bought rotisserie chicken when you can make your own at home? This air fryer recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken, perfect for shredding into sandwiches or salads on your picnic.
Get Recipe: Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken
4. Grilled Pineapple Slices
Elevate your picnic with a tropical twist! Grilling caramelizes the natural sweetness of pineapple, making it a refreshing and unexpected dessert option.
Get Recipe: Grilled Pineapple Slices
5. Ribbon Sandwiches (Rainbow Sandwiches)
These colorful and fun sandwiches will make a hit with the little ones! Layer them with a variety of fillings for a visually appealing and tasty picnic lunch.
Get Recipe: Ribbon Sandwiches (Rainbow Sandwiches)
6. Chickpea Orzo Salad
This protein-rich salad is hearty, healthy, and perfect for a picnic. With Mediterranean flavors and fresh vegetables, it’s a make-ahead meal that satisfies on the go.
Get Recipe: Chickpea Orzo Salad
7. Smoked Pretzels
Experience an unexpected twist on a classic snack with a hint of smoky flavor! These smoked pretzels are an addictive and savory treat for your picnic.
Get Recipe: Smoked Pretzels
8. Mango Lemonade
Beat the heat with a refreshing homemade mango lemonade. The tropical sweetness of the mango perfectly balances the tangy lemon, creating a thirst-quenching drink.
Get Recipe: Mango Lemonade
9. Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Tahini
Forget the store-bought version and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of homemade hummus. The roasted red peppers add a smoky sweetness perfect for pairing with veggies or pita bread.
Get Recipe: Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Tahini
10. Italian Pinwheels
Enjoy the flavors of Italy with these elegant pesto, sun-dried tomato, and mozzarella pinwheels. Easy to transport and enjoy, they make a perfect light lunch or appetizer.
Get Recipe: Italian Pinwheels
11. Banana Split Fruit Kebabs
Kids and adults alike will love these playful skewers inspired by a classic banana split. Enjoy the sweetness of fresh bananas, strawberries, and pineapple all in one convenient bite, making them an ideal and healthy treat for your outdoor gathering.
Get Recipe: Banana Split Fruit Kebabs
12. Chicken Caesar Wrap
Satisfy everyone’s cravings with a classic Caesar salad transformed into a portable wrap. Grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing make for a filling and refreshing picnic lunch.
Get Recipe: Chicken Caesar Wrap
13. Hash Brown Quiche Cups
Crispy hash brown crusts filled with a savory egg mixture offer a fun twist on traditional quiche. These grab-and-go cups are perfect for a picnic brunch or lunch.
Get Recipe: Hash Brown Quiche Cups
14. Smoked Trail Mix
Add a hint of adventure to your snacking with this smoky twist on classic trail mix. The smoky flavors complement the nuts, seeds, and dried fruits perfectly, making it a delicious and satisfying energy boost.
Get Recipe: Smoked Trail Mix
15. Picnic Loaf (Muffaletta)
This hearty sandwich is a picnic showstopper! A crusty loaf is filled with layers of salami, mortadella, provolone, and a tangy olive salad, making it a flavorful and filling option for your picnic spread.
Get Recipe: Picnic Loaf (Muffaletta)
16. Classic Retro Picnic Macaroni Salad
Transport yourself back in time with this nostalgic macaroni salad. Elbow macaroni is tossed in a creamy dressing with crunchy vegetables for a satisfying side dish that’s perfect for any outdoor gathering.
Get Recipe: Classic Retro Picnic Macaroni Salad
17. Creamy Broccoli Salad
Add a touch of freshness and crunch to your picnic with this creamy broccoli salad. Broccoli florets, crispy bacon, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds are coated in a tangy mayonnaise dressing, making it a delicious and satisfying side dish.
Get Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Salad
18. Country Ham Biscuits
Enjoy the savory flavors of the South at your picnic! Buttery biscuits are filled with salty country ham for a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Get Recipe: Country Ham Biscuits
19. Peach Iced Tea
Quench your thirst on a warm day with a refreshing peach iced tea. The sweet juicy peach flavor blends perfectly with the brewed tea for a delightful beverage that will surely please everyone.
Get Recipe: Peach Iced Tea
20. The Best Egg Salad Sandwich
A classic picnic staple, egg salad sandwiches never disappoint. This recipe includes creamy egg salad with a hint of Dijon mustard, ideal for enjoying on your favorite bread.
Get Recipe: The Best Egg Salad Sandwich
21. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Treat yourself to a sweet finale with these chewy, buttery, and chocolatey cookie bars! They’re the perfect portable dessert to share with friends and family at your picnic.
Get Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
22. More Crave Worthy Kitchen Laughter Recipes
Don’t underestimate bringing cold chicken to a picnic. Keeping it cool on a bed of ice ensures that you have lip-smacking main dishes that everyone will fight over.
Take a nice family pack of wings that are wallet-friendly and turn it into Smoked Chicken Wings cooked the day before. Use little containers to take dipping sauces or simply serve with your favorite bbq sauce.
You will see Smoked Chicken Quarters on the grocery store flyers all summer long. Snag a couple packs, smoke or grill them up and serve cold with a salad and chips.
Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.
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