Planning a picnic? We’ve rounded up an assortment of easy picnic food recipes to make your day memorable. Fill your basket with goodies like fresh salsa, sandwiches, homemade sweet tea and lemonade, fried chicken, cookie bars, and more. Whether you’re enjoying a day with family or friends or planning a date with someone special, any of these recipes will make your day tastier.
Easy Tortellini Salad
“This is my fresh-tasting, flavorful, tortellini salad that is always a big hit at family gatherings!” – Lillian
Cucumber & Tomato Salad
“Perfect salad for cookouts and summer meals. Put that veggie and herb garden to work!” – Lorene
Texas Fried Chicken
“In my house, my grandmother did all the cooking while my mother and father were at work. She would cook two kinds of meats a day and one of them was her fried chicken.” – Telisia
Fruity Nutty Chicken Salad
“Every time someone new tries it, I have a new fan. My sister and I made it for Mom and Dad’s 50th. It was a real hit.” – Gordon
Easy Fresh Salsa
“Easy Fresh Salsa is such a cinch to make you will never buy the stuff in a jar again. Adjust the spiciness to taste and you will not be able to stop dipping.” – Debbie
Spicy Snack Mix
“Some recipes call for dill which we didn’t care for. Others for more cayenne pepper which was too spicy for the grandkids. This is the mix that we came up with which the kids and adults all enjoy.” – Julie
Amaretto Dip with Strawberries
“This dip is delicious, low fat, and quite light! It is wonderful with fresh strawberries, but would be a great dip on any fresh fruit appetizer tray.” – Diana
Bacon Onion Tomato Pie
“It may sound strange, but believe me, it is to die for!” – Lolly
Southern Sweet Tea
“I love iced tea. I think I cut my teeth on iced tea. I drink it morning, noon, and night.” – Debby
Bacon and Cheddar Avocado Chicken Salad Roll-Ups
“Avocado chicken salad with cheddar cheese and bacon, rolled up in tortillas and sliced into snack-sized treats!” – Kevin
Summer Picnic Sandwich
“This sandwich holds up very well in a cooler and seems to get more flavorful after a couple of hours when the ingredients have melded together. Cut a big wedge, pour a glass of iced tea or lemonade, and enjoy the day. – Suzanne
Sweet Red Potato Salad
“I created this by combining two other recipes and giving it my spin. I served it to rave reviews on the menu in the deli I managed.” – Teressa
Meringue Topped Magic Cookie Bars
“My son, daughter, and son-in-law loved this meringue topping. They said it melts in your mouth.” – Gail
The BEST Glazed Fruit Salad!
“I tweaked it by adding orange marmalade, but you can use whatever preserves you like!” – Megan
Picnic Lemonade
“Hot, humid summers in the heartland call for a refreshing beverage.” – Robin
Tuna Egg Salad
“This recipe is wonderful for when we go to summer picnic potlucks and it makes for an easy night of cooking when it is hot outside.” – June
Susan’s Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta Salad
“My family loves this yummy salad. It’s similar to La Madeleine’s Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta Salad, with the added protein of chicken. Served with a green salad, it’s a complete meal.” – Susan
Easy Crescent Dough Lemon Bars
“Super simple and a hit. My mom now requires me to make these for her birthday while the kids ask for them all the time.” – Amber
Kentucky Chess Bars
“This recipe will make you slap the dog and spit on the fire. When I make these, they don’t last an hour in my house. Family and friends eat them right up and don’t even leave a crumb!” – Kim
Black-Eyed Peas Dip
“This black-eyed peas dip is a family favorite. Great for game nights as well as for entertaining guests!” – Andy
Honey Glazed Orange Bundt Cake
“A simple delicious Orange Bundt Cake. I like to sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with a dollop of whipped cream!” – Mary
Bacon and Tomato Pasta Salad
“Perfect side dish for a hot summer night. It comes together quickly and is not too heavy! I’m serving it alongside grilled BBQ pork chops.” – Marianne
Horseradish Swiss and Cheddar Pimento Cheese
“I love pimento cheese, so I thought I would kick the traditional recipe up a little. I hope this version does this standard Southern fare justice.” – Michael
Butterscotch Brownies
“I took these to a family reunion this summer, and one of my cousins’ sons is a police officer. He told me that these should be kept in the car at all times because they would get me out of a ticket any time!!” – nancy
Rice Salad With A Citrus Vinaigrette
“This is an incredible salad to serve with grilled tilapia on a hot summer or cold winter day. You don’t have to worry about keeping it cool or warm.” – Kelly