Top 60 picnic food ideas

Is there anything better than enjoying a feast in the great outdoors? Whether you’re planning a picnic with friends or enjoying lunch on the lawn with your family, we’ve got a wide range of recipes to suit every gathering. Check out our top recipes for dining outdoors for recipes from impressive sharing plates to epic salads. Our best family picnic recipes have all the components needed to make yours a popular picnic.

Discover our pick of the best picnic recipes for the summer, from classic quiches and pies to refreshing drinks, snacks and easily portable puddings. Make sure you’re well kitted out with our round-ups of the best picnic accessories and best picnic hampers, too. Ensure you don’t forget any of the essentials by following our helpful guide on how to pack the perfect picnic.

Looking for more picnic ideas? For more outdoor dining inspiration, check out our best ever picnic ideas hub page, which includes all our best picnic food, drink and gadget guides.

If you’re looking to upgrade your picnic toolkit, here are some of our tried, tested and top-rated favourites that would come in handy for adventures and alfresco eating.

Picnic quiche recipes

1. Ultimate quiche lorraine

Quiches are an absolute picnic staple – simple to make, easily portable and delicious served warm or cold. This classic cheese and bacon quiche is one of our all-time favourites and it’s not hard to see why – a crisp pastry base filled with smoky gruyère, cream and bacon lardons is sure to satisfy.

2. Potato crust quiche

Potatoes are used as an innovative, gluten-free alternative for a pastry case in this quiche with a cheese and bacon filling. Serve with a green salad on the side for a hearty picnic centrepiece.

3. Roasted tomato, basil & parmesan quiche

For a mouth-watering meat-free option, try this easy Italian-inspired quiche. It’s perfect for a family picnic or dinner in the garden.

4. Asparagus, feta & dill quiche

Try this delicious asparagus, feta, and dill quiche for another vegetarian option. The egg filling is encased in a cheesy pastry for that extra indulgence.

We’ve got plenty more delicious quiche recipes to try, from salmon & asparagus quiche to sticky onion & cheddar quiche.

Picnic sandwich ideas

5. Ultimate picnic sandwich bagels

These bagels are inspired by the flavours of a niçoise salad, packed with ham, cheese, green beans, olives and cornichons and ideal for bringing to a summer get-together.

6. Beetroot bhaji burgers

Try these crispy beetroot patties inspired by onion bhajis – they have an earthy sweetness and aromatic spice. Serve in burger buns with chutney, yogurt and a fried egg.

7. Crispy chilli chicken kimchi mayo sandwich

Take your sandwich game to the next level with this crispy chicken ciabatta. With perfectly golden chicken, tangy kimchi mayo and bold flavours in every bite, it’s a delicious way to spice up your picnic spread.

As well as being a great brunch option, this hearty baguette works well for a picnic main. A sophisticated take on the sausage sarnie, it packs in salty halloumi, smoky chorizo and a rich homemade tomato paste. To save on spillages, it may be best to transport the paste in a separate pot and spoon it on in situ.

9. Fig & serrano ham picnic bread

Want to branch out from the traditional picnic sarnie? Pack your basket with a fully loaded flatbread instead. Thickly sliced fresh figs make a picture-perfect topping for this ciabatta-style loaf. The sweet fruity flavour complements earthy sage leaves, tangy onion and salty, umami serrano ham.

Master Italian bread skills with our ciabatta and focaccia recipes.

10. Loaded summery tuna sandwiches

Upgrade your standard tuna mayo sandwich with this vibrant basil-packed aioli and a spicy pickled onion salad sandwich.

11. Vegetarian wraps

Add a DIY element to your al fresco feast with these veggie flatbreads, filled with roasted vegetables, creamy coconut tzatziki and a herby, spicy green sauce. Simply pack up the ingredients into separate containers and let everyone assemble their own wraps at the picnic.

12. Fish finger hot dogs

This twist on a classic fish finger sandwich is a moreish picnic treat. The combination of lightly salted homemade fish fingers complements the sweet brioche and sourness of the gherkin and lemon.

Picnic salad ideas

13. Allotment salad

Make the most of new season’s asparagus and radishes in a vibrant salad with a French-style dressing. This recipe is great for any outdoor gathering, including a barbecue or picnic.

14. Epic summer salad

Truly epic in name and nature, this sharing salad is loaded with fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, avocados, spinach, mango and cucumber, covered in a zingy herb dressing, topped with a crumbling of feta. It’s easy to throw together, requires no cooking and perfect for a picnic group of six (though you could easily reduce the quantities).

15. Pickled blackberry & ricotta salad

Bring a sweet tang to salad with pickled blackberries. They provide a lovely contrast to the creamy ricotta, and the addition of beetroot adds deeper flavour and a pop of colour.

16. Wild trout niçoise

Enjoy this niçoise salad as an al fresco lunch on a warm summer’s day. Trout is a great sustainable swap for salmon and it feels like a real treat.

17. Spring green salad with parsley & blue cheese

This sophisticated salad is excellent for a posh picnic. The mighty blue cheese pairs beautifully with the buttery walnuts. Alternatively, serve with kale or chard instead of spring greens.

Find more inspiration for cooking with spring greens.

18. Elote-inspired pasta salad

Expand your culinary horizons by moving beyond ordinary pasta salad and trying a version inspired by one of our favourite food discoveries from Mexico: elote, a delicious corn on the cob dish. The natural sweetness of the corn pairs wonderfully with the spicy chilli powder and refreshing lime zest.

Try one of our delicious pasta salad recipes for lunch, a picnic or side dish – pasta doesn’t need to be served hot to be delicious.

Picnic pie recipes

19. Next level picnic pie

Bake this showstopping pie and pack for a bank holiday outing, or serve at an al fresco gathering – you can prep it a day ahead. Enjoy with salad and piccalilli.

20. Veggie rainbow picnic pie

This colourful pastry, packed with layers of vegetables, feta and egg, is sure to impress your fellow picnic-goers.

Discover more vibrant vegetarian pie recipes.

21. Scotch pies

With just a short list of ingredients, try making these easy Scottish-inspired lamb mince pies. Though traditionally made with mutton, lamb mince still creates a rich and comforting filling. They’re perfectly portioned for picnics and easy to pass around.

22. Easy cheese & onion pie

Tuck into this simple, comforting vegetarian pie with a classic cheese and onion filling. It’s delicious served cold for a picnic.

23. Coronation chicken pie

Based on a French pithivier, our simple spiced pie is an impressive twist on a classic coronation chicken sandwich filling. It’s equally delicious served warm or cold, and keeps well for up to three days.

24. Harissa roasted squash & feta pie

Why not try this veggie pie? A twist on the classic cheese and onion, it’s made using filo pastry and harissa-roasted butternut squash for some extra spice and sweetness.

Check out more recipes using harissa.

Picnic snack ideas

25. Pork & sundried tomato sausage rolls

Dig out a hamper and fill it with these moreish pork and sun-dried tomato sausage rolls finished with nigella seeds. They’re guaranteed to be popular at your next picnic.

We’ve got plenty more sausage roll recipe variations. Check out our gourmet versions of this classic picnic snack, including caramelised onion & thyme sausage rolls.

26. Crab scotch eggs

Wrap white crabmeat around a soft-boiled egg and you’ll have this glorious take on scotch eggs – perfect for sharing. They also pair beautifully with chilled white wine.

Discover more scrumptious scotch egg recipes to fill your picnic basket.

27. Classic cheese scones

These savoury scones are easy to make, and are a lovely alternative to bread at a picnic. They’re simply scrumptious split in half and spread thickly with butter.

Peruse more savoury scone recipes, from cheddar to chorizo flavours.

28. Seeded cheese & chive flapjacks

Flapjacks don’t have to be sweet. Bake a batch of these moreish cheddar and chive oat bakes for a scrumptious savoury picnic bite. With a mixture of crunchy seeds, grated carrots and porridge oats, they are full of goodness.

Find more fabulous sweet and savoury flapjack recipes.

29. Cheese, tomato & ham turnovers

Grab a sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry and make these easy turnovers filled with cheddar, slices of tomato and ham.

30. Pea & ham picnic eggs

Want a change from scotch eggs? These tasty bite-sized morsels are instead filled with shredded ham hock and peas alongside traditional sausagemeat. Fry them in a crispy breadcrumb coating and serve with mustard, mayo or minty tartare sauce.

31. Vegetarian sausage rolls

These tasty little parcels replace traditional sausagemeat with a gourmet filling of mushrooms, chestnuts, leeks and cheddar cheese. Encased in a butter puff-pastry case, they are made for picking up and dunking in a punchy dip (see our ideas below).

If you are also avoiding dairy, then try our equally delicious vegan sausage rolls, which use brown rice miso as a binding agent.

32. Cheese & pesto whirls

These herby tear-and-share bread rolls are easy to make and baked with a moreish filling of mozzarella and sundried tomatoes. They are sure to be a hit with the kids.

We’ve got lots more showstopping tear and share breads to enjoy with family or friends.

33. Apple ‘doughnuts’

Try these fun, fruity apple rings for a healthier alternative to real doughnuts. Kids will love helping to make and decorate them with nut butter, soft cheese and sprinkles. Pack them in a small box wrapped in a little baking parchment, then enjoy as a light picnic treat.

Discover more quick and easy snacks for kids.

34. Chocolate-dipped strawberries

Transform a punnet of ripe, juicy strawberries into a decadent snack by drizzling them in velvety dark chocolate. Drizzle with milk and white chocolate and enjoy as part of a romantic picnic or al fresco gathering.

Take a look at our strawberry recipes for more inspiration with this juicy summer berry.

35. Crisp parmesan, olive & sundried tomato polenta bites

These easy polenta bites can be made in three simple steps and kept in the fridge for up to a day. Great to serve with delicious dips or flavourful enough to eat alone.

Picnic dips and crudités

36. Hummus

Hummus is one of the most popular and versatile picnic dips. This rich and creamy chickpea blend is made using just five ingredients and is ready in 10 minutes. Spoon into lunchboxes to transport and enjoy with crunchy vegetable batons or pittas.

See our hummus recipes for plenty more flavour variations, including beetroot, pea and squash hummus.

Whip up this Middle Eastern-style dip as part of a meze feast. The smoky flavour of charred aubergines pairs well with nutty tahini, sharp lemons and parsley.

38. Chickpea & red pepper dip

Roasted red peppers provide a flavour boost in this speedy, low-calorie dip. You could add feta or goat’s cheese to the ingredients in the processor for an extra tangy hit.

39. Tzatziki

A cooling mint, garlic and yogurt dip, perfect for summer snacking. Enjoy it with pitta toasts or spread over wraps as a filling.

Keep the hunger pangs at bay with this light yet satisfying vegan dip. Blitz the avocado with beans, garlic, spices, lemon zest and juice and serve with a scattering of mixed seeds, crackers or crudités.

For an even healthier version, try our vegan avocado hummus & crudités recipe, which delivers all five of your five-a-day.

41. Maast-o-khiar (yoghurt with cucumber)

This minty yoghurt dip is exceptionally refreshing. The golden raisins add small bursts of sweetness throughout. Serve alongside flatbread or as a complement to barbecued meats.

Try one of our flatbread recipes.

Healthier picnic ideas

42. Air fryer falafel

Use your air fryer to rustle up some homemade falafel to enjoy with your favourite accompaniments – tabbouleh, hummus, tahini sauce and salad all work well. This recipe easily serves eight people, making it the perfect side or starter for your picnic.

43. Tortilla quiche

Tortilla quiche is a clever, crustless twist on a classic. Using a soft, seeded tortilla as the base, it’s filled with eggs, cheese and vegetables.

44. Mango & chickpea coronation wraps with coriander cashew chutney

Enjoy a flavour-packed veggie take on coronation wraps, featuring chickpeas, mango, spring onions, cucumber and spinach with a chilli, cashew and coriander chutney. They’re easy to transport and pass around between friends and family.

45. Salmon picnic platter

Looking for a lighter option to traditional picnic fare? Try a Scandi-style picnic spread complete with cooked salmon, hot-smoked salmon, stuffed eggs and a cucumber, yogurt and dill salad. Pile onto rye bread rolls and prepare to take a big bite!

Check out our healthy picnic recipes for more light and summery treats.

46. Healthy chicken burritos

Use storecupboard ingredients and leftovers to make this nutritious and easy Mexican-style lunch. The filling for the burritos can be made ahead.

47. Healthy potato salad

Try this healthy potato salad at a barbecue or picnic for a different take on a classic summer salad. This delicious recipe features basil, parsley and garlic.

Picnic drink ideas

48. Summer cup

Capture the sunshine in a glass. Though the recipe is simple, you can’t beat it.

49. Homemade ginger beer

Make your own zingy syrup by cooking fresh ginger root with lemon peel and sugar. Topped up with soda water and lemon juice, it makes a wonderfully crispy and refreshing summer drink to take to a picnic.

50. Blueberry & ginger shrub

Transform seasonal blueberries into this refreshing summer shrub. Garnish your serving glasses with more blueberries, plus orange zest threaded onto a cocktail stick.

51. Coconut & pineapple cooler

This crowd-pleasing fruity cocktail can be made in advance and nestled in an ice bucket or cool box. The base is made with coconut rum and gin, and we’ve added an optional garnish of coriander to give it a herby lift.

52. Zingy blackberry lemonade

Blend together lemons, blackberries and mint to make a refreshing drink that’s delicious served with sparkling water. If you want to take it to the next level (or vary it for the adults), it pairs perfectly with prosecco.

53. Easy iced tea

Refreshing and citrussy, this easy iced tea is guaranteed to impress at a family picnic. With the subtle flavours of tea, honey, lemon and mint, it’s a lovely palate cleanser after all those pies!

54. Cucumber, mint & melon punch

The mixture of juicy honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon chunks make this the ultimate cooler to beat the heat. Treat yourself to an alcoholic picnic cocktail and enjoy the summer heat while it lasts.

Cool down with more of our best picnic drinks ideas.

Picnic dessert ideas

55. Canned peaches cake

This twist on peaches and cream is a great ‘cut-and-come-again’ cake, as the oil keeps the sponge tender. Once cooled, the cake will keep in an airtight container for up to a week, making it an easy prep-ahead dessert.

56. Smarties cookies

Why cook alone when you can get the whole family involved? The kids can help out in the kitchen by making these chewy cookies packed with Smarties and pretty rainbow sprinkles.

57. Coconut & jam macaroon traybake

Transport your tastebuds to the tropics with our simple coconut traybake. It’s easy to divide up into squares – each with a jammy raspberry centre and dark chocolate drizzle. Portion into lunchboxes for a sweet pick-me-up.

58. Lemon, raspberry & almond Victoria sandwich

Make a centrepiece cake for a summer get-together. This take on a Victoria sandwich comes with a twist in the form of an almond and raspberry sponge.

59. Vegan cupcakes

Whip up these plant-based cupcakes and cater to any dietary restrictions around the picnic blanket. Letting the plant milk curdle slightly gives the sponge a light, fluffy texture, without the need for eggs.

Enjoy more of our portable picnic dessert recipes.

60. Stuffed dates

For a healthier end to your meal outdoors, enjoy almond- and pistachio-stuffed dates as a luxurious, bite-sized treat.

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