31 Picnic Recipes for National Picnic Month

July also brings with it National Picnic Month, a celebration of al fresco dining, lazy afternoons, and the art of packing a delicious meal to enjoy in the summer sun. The month invites us to spread out plaid blankets on the grass or sand and enjoy the fun and simplicity of outdoor gatherings loaded with a variety of tempting foods.

From refreshing salads packed with seasonal ingredients to delicious sandwiches packed with hearty ingredients, each picnic platter speaks to the creativity of food and the joy of sharing. Think cottage cheese toast with crisp cucumber salad and favorites like creamy potato salad and pigs in blankets. Desserts like bright, tangy lemon bars and fresh fruit galettes promise a sweet ending, while drinks like herb lemonade and berry sangria are perfect for beating the heat.

Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic date, or a get-together with close friends, National Picnic Month encourages us to slow down, savour good food, and cherish moments spent in nature.

Here we’ve collected 31 of our favorite picnic dishes for 31 days of each month. Be bold, creative and fun to create the perfect picnic experience. These dishes are designed to liven up any picnic, whether you’re relaxing in the park, on the beach or in your own backyard. Pack a basket, spread out a blanket and enjoy good food and good company on a sunny summer day.

salad

A delicious blend of nutritious vegetables, flavorful chicken, and pickled vegetables, this salad is a delicious blend of textures and flavors. Tossed in a tangy Italian vinaigrette, this salad is easy to prepare for prep or for on-the-go meals, making it the perfect refreshing picnic dish.

This vibrant pasta salad is made with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, basil and crispy prosciutto tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette – the perfect Italian flavor for any summer picnic.

This refreshing and light salad combines sweet watermelon with pearl couscous, cucumber and a unique basil-mint vinaigrette to make it stand out among other dishes. Packed with summer flavor, this salad is a must-have on your next picnic menu.

Celebrate picnic season with this elegant salad of tender asparagus, shaved Parmesan and a tangy mustard vinaigrette. A perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite, this is a healthy crowd-pleaser for your next picnic.

This light potato salad features heirloom Yukon gold potatoes, fresh herbs, and the secret ingredient that holds it all together: tahini. This recipe proves that you don’t need mayonnaise to have a creamy, satisfying potato salad to bring to a party.

If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying salad, try this salad with crisp veggies, tender rice noodles, and crunchy almonds tossed in a flavorful peanut butter dressing. It’s like enjoying a spring roll without the wrapper, and it’s a colorful addition to your picnic table.

A fresh take on the traditional Middle Eastern salad, tabouli is bursting with the vibrant flavours of parsley, tangy tomatoes and nutty bulgur. This herb salad is not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients, making it the perfect addition to your picnic basket.

side

Elevate your toast with this chilled cucumber salad, served on creamy cottage cheese, flaky sourdough bread and garnished with fresh dill. Easy and quick to prepare, it’s the perfect picnic snack.

Packing a picnic requires some advance planning. You want a variety of flavors, from sweet to savory, but you also want foods that will stay fresh at room temperature for as long as possible. These vegetables are just that. If you make them in advance, they won’t get soggy and are a delicious and easy addition to your picnic.

Invented by Martha Stewart, this traditional appetizer is made with savory sausage wrapped in buttery puff pastry, smeared with honey mustard and baked until golden brown – the ultimate crowd pleaser that’s sure to disappear in no time.

These colorful rolls are a traditional Korean snack. Stuffed with egg omelette, rice, spinach, shredded radish, cucumber and carrots and wrapped in seaweed, they’re bite-sized, versatile and the perfect snack to bring to your next picnic.

This lighter version of the classic dip combines spinach, artichokes, Greek yogurt, and a cheese blend for a creamy, rich appetizer. Perfect for dipping veggies and crackers or spreading on bread, this irresistible dip is a must-have in your picnic basket.

Combine tender pulled pork with your favorite ingredients to create the ultimate spread. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd and customizing the meal to suit everyone’s tastes.

Rich and smoky, this vegan dip is a creamy, flavorful blend of roasted eggplant, peppers, tahini and lemon juice that’s perfect for dipping pita chips or spreading on sandwiches for a Mediterranean-inspired dessert.

sandwich

Warm pita bread stuffed with tender shredded pork and served with cool tzatziki sauce, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes and tangy red onions makes the perfect Greek picnic dish.

A New Orleans staple, this sandwich is so delicious you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the French Quarter. Layered with cured meats, provolone cheese, and pickled giardinella vegetables, this sandwich captures the spirit of New Orleans with every bite.

Filled with a variety of cured meats, creamy cheeses, fig jam, fresh vegetables, and olive tapenade, this sandwich has the flavors of a charcuterie board between two slices of rustic bread – a gourmet treat that’s sure to elevate any picnic table.

Love it or hate it, this creamy classic egg salad is a summer picnic staple. With perfectly boiled eggs, tangy mustard, mayonnaise, and dill pickles, it’s great on a sandwich or wrap, or as a salad topper.

Quick and easy to make, these roll-ups are made with sliced ​​deli turkey and cream cheese wrapped in a tortilla and cut into bite-sized pieces. Perfect for picnics with kids or sharing with a crowd, they’re sure to be a hit at your next picnic.

dessert

If you’re craving pie but want something even easier, this galette is the perfect picnic dessert. This tart features sweet, juicy blueberries encased in a buttery, flaky crust. Dusted in sugar and baked until golden brown, this easy yet elegant dessert is the perfect way to enjoy summer’s bounty.

Packed with oats, nuts, seeds, Medjool dates and a dash of honey, these delicious, premium snack bars offer a chewy texture and nutritious filling, making them easy to meal prep and convenient for impromptu picnics.

This sweet and tart lemon cake is Jamie Lee Curtis’ favorite dessert. You’d never guess this moist, flavorful treat was made with a store-bought cake mix. Topped with a sugary glaze, this cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with fresh citrus flavors in every bite.

With chocolate chips, crispy pretzels and a hint of sea salt, this cookie is a tempting clash of sweet and salty — a treat that satisfies any craving and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Rich in bourbon flavor, this Southern dessert is a comforting treat. The buttery bourbon syrup glaze is the perfect accent for this soft, moist and delicious cake that’s perfect for adding a fruity twist to your picnic dessert.

The last thing you want to do on a hot summer day is turn on the oven. This easy, refreshing no-bake dessert combines creamy cheesecake filling with juicy strawberries for a delightful summer flavor that’s sure to impress.

Bright in color and flavor, these lemon bars are the epitome of summer. Creamy and refreshing with a hint of citrus, they’re sure to brighten up any picnic.

Drink

We add aromatic Thai basil to our refreshing lemonade for a unique and flavorful drink that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day. The herbal notes complement the sweet citrus flavor, making every sip satisfying.

This vibrant sangria combines fresh strawberries, blackberries and rosemary sprigs with refreshing sparkling water and red wine for a fruity, festive drink that’s sure to be a picnic favourite and a must-have for beating the heat.

Cool watermelon and a hint of spice combine to create a refreshing, energizing non-alcoholic drink. If you’re craving a refreshing drink with a salty, sweet and spicy twist, this drink is sure to satisfy you.

Sweet strawberries and tart lemons combine to create a classic summer drink. Perfectly balanced and refreshing, this delicious drink will be gobbled down in no time by your picnic guests.

The famous Martha Stewart brings you an iconic drink that you won’t regret bringing to your next picnic. Featuring a refreshing blend of herbal teas, citrus and mint, this drink will cool you down from the hot summer sun.