Here are ten delicious picnic recipes, including grilled chicken and vegetable skewers, Caprese salad skewers, Greek yogurt fruit dip, BLT pasta salad, homemade trail mix, watermelon salsa, peanut butter and jelly granola bars, veggie wraps, homemade lemonade, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Each recipe is easy to make and perfect for a picnic spread, with options for main dishes, sides, snacks, drinks, and desserts. Useful FAQs are also included, addressing common questions such as make-ahead options, storage, and ingredient substitutions for certain dietary needs.
Picnics are always fun and an excellent way to spend quality time with friends and family. Whether it’s in the park or at the beach, picnic recipes need to be easy and enjoyable for all. Here are ten delicious picnic recipes for every taste that are guaranteed to make your picnic a success.
1. Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
Grilled chicken and vegetable skewers are a classic picnic dish that everyone enjoys. You can marinate the chicken beforehand for extra flavor, and the vegetables can be customized to your preference. Try using bell peppers, zucchini, and onions for a colorful and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
-2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
-2 bell peppers, cut into chunks
-1 zucchini, sliced
-1 red onion, cut into chunks
-Salt and pepper
-Olive Oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Alternately thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
2. Caprese Salad Skewers
Caprese salad skewers are an easy and delicious way to enjoy the classic Italian flavors in a portable snack. They look beautiful on a platter and are perfect for a warm summer day.
Ingredients:
-1 pint cherry tomatoes
-1/2 lb small fresh mozzarella balls
-1 bunch fresh basil leaves
-Balsamic vinegar glaze
-Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a small basil leaf onto a toothpick.
2. Repeat until all ingredients have been used.
3. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar glaze and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip
This fruit dip is a healthy and tasty addition to any picnic. Greek yogurt is a great source of protein, and the honey and vanilla extract give it a sweet flavor. Serve with an assortment of fresh fruit for a refreshing and colorful snack.
Ingredients:
-1 cup plain Greek yogurt
-1/4 cup honey
-1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Serve immediately with fresh fruit or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
4. BLT Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is a twist on the classic BLT sandwich. It’s perfect for a picnic because it can be made the night before and tastes better as the flavors meld together. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
-1 lb pasta of your choice (penne or bowtie work well)
-1/2 lb bacon, cooked and chopped
-2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
-1 cup arugula
-1/2 cup mayonnaise
-1/4 cup sour cream
-1 tbsp dijon mustard
-1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
-Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Add the cooked pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and arugula to the bowl and mix until everything is evenly coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Homemade Trail Mix
Trail mix is a classic snack for any outdoor activity, and making it at home is easy and affordable. You can customize it to your liking by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. It’s a healthy and filling snack that will keep you energized throughout the day.
Ingredients:
-1 cup almonds
-1 cup cashews
-1 cup pumpkin seeds
-1 cup dried cranberries
-1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
-1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips, and shredded coconut.
2. Portion into resealable bags or containers for easy transport.
6. Watermelon Salsa
Watermelon salsa is a refreshing and flavorful twist on traditional salsa. It’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or grilled chicken. It’s a great way to use up leftover watermelon and adds a pop of color to any picnic spread.
Ingredients:
-2 cups diced watermelon
-1/4 cup diced red onion
-1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
-1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
-2 tbsp lime juice
-Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the watermelon, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bars
These granola bars are a tasty and easy-to-pack snack for any picnic. They’re made with wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and jelly. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
-2 cups rolled oats
-1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
-1/2 cup honey
-1/2 cup strawberry jelly
-1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, peanut butter, and honey until well combined.
3. Spread the oat mixture evenly into a 9×9 inch baking dish.
4. Spoon jelly over the oat mixture and swirl with a knife.
5. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
8. Veggie Wraps
Veggie wraps are a light and healthy meal option for a picnic. They’re easy to transport and can be filled with your favorite vegetables and hummus. You can also add some sliced turkey or chicken for extra protein.
Ingredients:
-4 large tortilla wraps
-1/2 cup hummus
-1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
-1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
-1/2 cucumber, sliced
-1/2 cup spinach leaves
-1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions:
1. Lay out tortilla wraps.
2. Spread hummus over each wrap.
3. Layer on red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber slices, spinach leaves, and feta cheese.
4. Roll up tightly and slice in half.
9. Lemonade
Homemade lemonade is a refreshing and delicious drink for a picnic. It’s easy to make and tastes so much better than store-bought citrus drinks. You can also customize it by adding different fruits like strawberries or raspberries.
Ingredients:
-1 cup fresh lemon juice
-1 cup sugar
-6 cups cold water
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together the lemon juice and sugar until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add the cold water and stir.
3. Chill until ready to serve.
10. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Chocolate-covered strawberries are a perfect dessert for any picnic. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. You can also customize them by using different types of chocolate or toppings like chopped nuts or sprinkles.
Ingredients:
-1 lb fresh strawberries
-8 oz chocolate chips
-1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions:
1. Rinse and dry the strawberries.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the chocolate chips and coconut oil until melted, stirring frequently.
3. Hold the strawberries by the stem and dip into the melted chocolate, leaving a little bit of the red fruit exposed.
4. Let the excess chocolate drip off and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens.
FAQs Section:
1. Can I make the pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, the BLT pasta salad can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
2. How long will the watermelon salsa last?
Watermelon salsa is best enjoyed the same day it’s made, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
3. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter in the granola bars?
Yes, almond butter would be a delicious alternative to peanut butter in the granola bars.
4. Can I substitute maple syrup for honey in the granola bars?
Yes, maple syrup would work as a great substitute for honey in the granola bars.
5. How do I transport the veggie wraps without them falling apart?
Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in a container with a lid to ensure they stay intact during transport.
