14 Easy, Ready-to-Go Recipes to Master for Picnic Season (2024)

Recipes

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Picnic season is upon us, and while we like dining al fresco in any fashion, the picnic ritual of cold salads, refreshing beverages, and simple sandwiches neatly packed in woven basket is our favorite way to enjoy great food, company, and the beauty of nature.

Keep your picnics fresh and tasty this year by mastering straight-forward, classic recipes both easy to prepare and pack for your big outing. No picnic would be complete without a Zesty Dill Potato Salad and a cold glass of refreshing lemonade. If you are interested in trying something new, check out our Artichoke and Olive Tapenade recipe perfect for vegetarian sandwiches or to serve with a crusty loaf of bread.

Not all foods are created equal when it comes to packing for picnics. Be sure to include foods that won't attract insects so you don't find yourself swarmed by bees, and consider choosing foods that won't go bad in the heat. Check out this story on The Best and Worst Foods to Take on a Picnic to find out more about foods you should leave at home before your next picnic.

From cold salads to simple sandwiches to sweet desserts, we've rounded up a few of our favorite packable recipes for dining in the park this summer. Get inspired this picnic season by checking out our roundup of 14 simple picnic-perfect recipes to master.

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Curry powder adds color and flavor to this picnic classic. Serve as a hearty salad or use the curry chicken salad for sandwiches.

For the Apple and Curry Chicken Salad recipe, click here.

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High-quality olives and crusty bread make this sandwich the perfect vegetarian option for your next picnic.

For the Artichoke and Olive Tapenade Sandwich recipe, click here.

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This paleo-friendly bacon lime sweet potato salad uses a whole lot of bacon, and is gluten-free, coming from George Bryant's paleo blog: Civilized Caveman Cooking. — George Bryant

For the Bacon Lime Sweet Potato Salad recipe, click here.

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These cookie sandwiches are gluten-free, vegan, and so delicious. This addictive recipe comes from one of New York City's most celebrated vegan bakers, Erin McKenna of BabyCakes.

For the Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches recipe, click here.

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This mayonnaise-based pasta salad uses refreshing pineapple with hearty ham making it a delicious addition to any picnic basket.

For the Hawaiian Pasta Salad With Pineapple Dressing recipe, click here.

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Worried about your sandwiches becoming soggy in transport? Well, this tuna salad can be served on hearty focaccia bread that actually improves as the dressing soaks into the bread.

For the Mediterranean Tuna Salad recipe, click here.

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People love these hearty little sandwich wedges. The recipe is great for a party and can be made the day before. — Gareth Craner

For the Mini Muffuletta recipe, click here.

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Pooja Mattl, author ofThe 3-Day Reset,recommends mint as the perfect complement to black tea, and the dash of whole and minimally processed maple syrup will balance the tea's overall flavor. — Emily Alford

For the Moroccan Mint Iced Tea recipe, click here.

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This simple lemonade recipe is not too sweet, but is wonderfully refreshing, making it the ideal summer drink. — Hannah Hoskins

For the Refreshing Rosemary Lemonade recipe, click here.

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This portable salad is the perfect addition to any summer picnic using fresh beans, sweet tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese.

For the Roasted Green Bean, Tomato, and Feta Salad recipe, click here.

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Who doesn't love eating all that delicious wine-soaked fruit at the bottom of a glass of sangria? This fruit salad takes the concept and turns it into a sweet, boozy summertime dessert. (Plus you get a co*cktail out of it too!) — Maryse Chevriere

For the Sangria Fruit Salad recipe, click here.

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Thissaladis so hearty you won't even notice it'svegetarian! If you're craving meat, however, it's versatile enough to add your favorite protein. — Liza Baker

For the Southwestern Quinoa Salad recipe, click here.

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Forget traditional potato salads, heavy with mayo and salt. This dish highlights the natural beauty of perfectly cooked red potatoes with a light dressing of balsamic vinegar and dill so you can enjoy the potassium-packed potatoes as a healthful side dish at your next [picnic]. — Guiding Stars

For the Zesty Dill Potato Salad recipe, click here.

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You can make this recipe the day before, then pack your cold gazpacho in a thermos to enjoy cold, refreshing heirloom tomato gazpacho at your next picnic.

For the Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho recipe, click here.