Looking for picnic recipes? We have the best picnic food ideas for sandwiches, dips, sweet treats and drinks. All our portable picnic ideas are easy to make
Looking for the best picnic food ideas? Try our ideas, from fun sandwich recipes to portable dips, pork pies and a selection of summery salads. Our picnic ideas are quick to make and easily portable to your favourite outdoor spot. We also have a range of picnic drinks and desserts to try including brownies, cheesecake bars, muffins and more. Want a meat-free picnic? Check out our best vegetarian picnic ideas or vegan picnic ideas, including plant-based sausage rolls, veggie sandwiches and more. For summer entertaining ideas, why not check out our guide on how to create a festival in your garden? Planning a trip further afield? Take a look at our camping recipes for the perfect portable food ideas. Jump to: Picnic sandwiches and wraps Picnic dips Picnic pies Picnic snacks Picnic salads Sweet picnic treats Picnic drinks Easy picnic recipes Picnic sandwiches and wraps Our sandwich recipes are easy to follow, and cut into portions where necessary so they're portable. Coronation chicken For your next picnic, make use of leftover roast chicken with this classic recipe, great as a creamy filling for sandwiches and jacket potatoes, or for spooning into crisp lettuce leaves or over salads. For a vegetarian or vegan option, try our coronation tofu recipe. Picnic platter For an elevated picnic spread, try our platter with help-yourself nibbles including slices of sourdough, cured meats, crudités, hunks of cheese and nuts. Cheese and Marmite rolls Cheese and Marmite rolls are a brilliant way to elevate everyday lunches. The combination of rich cheddar and savoury Marmite creates a deeply satisfying taste, while the soft, fluffy texture of the rolls makes them irresistible. These rolls are perfect for lunchboxes, easy to share and a great choice for anyone who loves a comforting, homemade bake with a unique, moreish kick. Tuna sandwich Create this ultimate deli-style sarnie with ciabatta bread stuffed with tuna, eggs and veggies for a healthy yet satisfying lunch. Muffuletta squares This New Orleans-inspired muffuletta looks and tastes great, and the zingy olive salad layer takes it to the next level. Just cut into squares and you'll be good to go. Gochujang egg mayo sandwich Upgrade your egg mayo sandwich by adding some Korean chilli paste for an added kick. If you're rushed for time, stir the gochujang into ready-made mayo with a squeeze of lime. Falafel wrap Why not freeze a big batch of easy homemade falafel for a speedy lunch option? For added kick, add a spoonful of za’atar or a pinch of chilli powder. The ultimate BLAT sandwich Upgrade your classic BLT with our ultimate bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich, taken up a notch with creamy avocado. It’s a brilliant picnic option – the flavours work perfectly together, and it’s easy to pack ahead for a day outdoors. Italian picnic loaf Our door-wedge sandwich idea is simple and quick to make. Simply stuff ciabatta bread with an olive salad, salami, roasted red peppers and mozzarella, and you've got the perfect picnic loaf. Black bean crunch wraps Looking for a vegetarian picnic wrap? Try our toasted crunch wraps with black beans, crunchy tortilla chips and avocado. Wrap in foil for easy portability. Stuffed focaccia Stuff a classic Italian bread with mozzarella and antipasti for an instant crowd-pleaser at your next picnic with friends. Learn to make this delicious bread recipe with our easy step-by-step guide. Many more bread recipes here. Vegan burritos These colourful vegan burritos are rammed with tomatoes, black beans, sweetcorn, lime, coriander, avocado and red chilli – and ready to eat in just 30 minutes. Pitta With just a handful of storecupboard ingredients you can achieve superior fluffy pitta breads that make shop-bought versions pale by comparison. Picnic dips Whip up a batch and pop into jars for a tasty sauce that you can use for dipping your favourite crisps and breadsticks. Butter bean dip A speedy dip that’s great for picnics or a meze spread. Whizz together creamy butter beans, tahini and lemon and top with a chilli and garlic drizzle. Beetroot, yogurt and lime dip This vibrant, tangy dip is ideal served with slices of grilled halloumi. A great one to pack in that basket for your alfresco spread. Pea hummus Bring a tub of fresh homemade pea hummus to your next picnic – it’s perfect for scooping up with slices of crispy pitta. Taramasalata Make this classic Greek meze dip with soft white bread, smoked cod's roe, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic and a pinch of paprika. Green goddess and red devil dips with homemade breadsticks and veg These green goddess and red devil dips will complement your picnic snacks and drinks perfectly. Pinto bean and salsa macha dip Salsa macha – a smoky, punchy Mexican chilli paste – is the star of this quick bean dip. It makes the perfect picnic snack; just enjoy with tortilla chips and a cold (or as cold as you can get) beer. Beetroot hummus Make the most of beetroot in this earthy hummus recipe, ready in 10 minutes for a last-minute picnic idea. Picnic dip jars Not only are these snacks packed with flavour, they're also a great alternative to the usual picnic food. These simple picnic dip jars are sure to become a family favourite in no time. Red cabbage kimchi One of the best-known ferments is this gloriously spicy kimchi from Korea – why not serve it as part of your next picnic spread? Picnic pies A pie is a must at a picnic, try one of our ideas from cute pork pies to a picnic pie jam-packed with flavour. Pork pie There’s nothing more British than a classic pork pie – and at Berners Tavern, head chef Phil Carmichael gives it a seriously impressive upgrade. With this recipe, you can do the same and level up your next picnic spread to wow friends and family. 'Eat your greens' quiche lorraine Take your quiche lorriane to the next level with our ultimate recipe packed with crispy pancetta and wilted green veggies. It serves six, so it's perfect for a picnic served cold. More quiche recipes here. Classic Cornish pasty Cornish pasties are picnic perfection – portable, hearty and universally loved. Traditionally they’re filled with a simple mix of skirt steak, swede, onion and potato for a satisfying, no-fuss bite. Mini pork and chorizo picnic pies Looking for a traditional picnic recipe with a twist? These mini pork and chorizo picnic pies have a hidden quail's egg in the middle and make a great snack. Gata with apricots and nuts Gata with apricots and nuts is a delightful Armenian bread-like cake that offers a unique balance of salty and sweet flavours. This recipe combines a soft, buttery dough with a textured filling of toasted walnuts, dried apricots and mixed seeds, creating a satisfying contrast in every bite. The process is straightforward yet rewarding, and the finished gata looks impressive, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family. Artichoke, spinach and cheese pie Add spinach and marinated artichokes to take your cheese pie to the next level. Serve it warm with a side salad or pack it up for a picnic – it’s great sliced and shared as part of a laid-back spread. Chicken picnic pies If you like pies, you’ll love these individual portable ones, filled with chicken and broad beans in a cream sauce and held together in flaky filo. Perfect for a picnic! Cheese and onion quiche Using spring onions and ready-made pastry keeps things quick and simple, so you can whip up this classic vegetarian tart in no time – perfect for spontaneous sunny days when a picnic is calling. Picnic pie You'll need to put in some extra effort for this picnic pie recipe, but the payoff will be great. This meaty pie also makes a hearty meal. Check out our best pie recipes here. Jamaican beef patties A batch of these miniature pies, infused with Jamaican-style spices, would make a tasty addition at your next picnic spread. See more Caribbean recipes to try next. Strawberries and cream hand pies These strawberry and cream hand pies are perfect picnic food—crisp, golden pastry filled with silky vanilla custard and sweet, jammy strawberries. Easy to pack and even easier to eat, they’re a summery twist on a classic flavour pairing. Picnic snacks Go the extra mile with your picnic and add some savoury snacks to enjoy alongside your sandwiches. From summery Vietnamese rolls and bitesize muffins to frittata. Italian sausage scotch eggs Give the classic pub and picnic favourite an Italian twist with these scotch eggs. Add pancetta and parmesan to the meat coating for a beautifully salty flavour. For a Spanish version, swap the pancetta for chorizo and the parmesan for manchego. Double crisp frittata The potato chip tortilla, famously championed by Ferran Adrià, has transcended into a viral sensation across Instagram and TikTok. This culinary marvel is refreshingly straightforward: eggs are delicately whisked and melded with potato crisps, Spanish ham, pimentos- and a hint of thyme. Slowly cooked to just the right degree on a hob, it has inspired myriad variations. Enter Gurdeep Loyal's rendition, drawing from Adrià’s legacy but boldly reimagined with thick-cut crinkle crisps and a spirited twist of Chinese chilli oil, injecting a tantalising kick. Salmon sushi sandwiches A new way to eat sushi! Fill your nori wraps with sushi-grade salmon, red pepper, cucumber and sushi rice, then dip in soy sauce for best results. Mini quiches with salmon and courgettes These little wonders look striking, are gorgeously crunchy and easy to put together. Great for an early summer picnic. See more quiche recipes. Prawn and avocado Vietnamese summer rolls Our Vietnamese picnic recipe is filled with prawns, avocado, chilli and ginger, shredded carrot and noodles. If you're a fan of spice, serve with chilli sauce for dipping. Chicken katsu scotch egg Jazz up your next picnic with our impressive chicken scotch egg with katsu curry. This picnic recipe is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Our method gives you a perfectly cooked yolk, juicy sausagemeat filling and a crunchy breadcrumb coating. We also have a classic scotch egg recipe here. Mini picnic frittatas Check out our frittata idea for a last-minute picnic treat. Make a large batch and you can also enjoy throughout the week for a snack or with a salad. Check out our best frittata recipes. Fennel-spiced sausage plait This fennel-spiced sausage plait is a grown-up take on everyone's favourite picnic snack. Made with an added kick of chilli and mustard with a crunch of sesame, this makes for a comforting midweek meal. Many more sausage roll recipes. Honeyed fig and curd cheese tart Our recipe for honeyed fig and curd cheese tart is easy to make and ready in under an hour – simply slice up for a treat at your next picnic. Check out more of our fig recipes here. Gruyère, spring onion and marmite muffins Fancy a picnic muffin recipe with a cheeky twist? We've added marmite to this fun recipe to give a delicious savoury flavour to these cheese and onion muffins. Perfect for a quick on-the-go snack. More muffin recipes. Pickled onion and rarebit flatbreads These simple pickled onion and rarebit flatbreads are quick and easy to make. Cook at home then take along to a picnic for a posh savoury snack. Classic tortilla A well-made tortilla is the best addition to a tapas-style picnic. This Spanish classic only needs four ingredients for a crowd-pleasing treat. Cheddar, leek and amaranth flapjack This herby flapjack recipe makes a filling and wholesome snack that would go well as an easy, healthy snack or for a weekend picnic with friends. Spiralized summer rolls Spiralized veg takes the place of noodles in these super-healthy, Vietnamese-style vegan rolls. They're great to pack for a posh picnic idea. Pink pickled turnips These pink pickled turnips look stunning and are a great, easy-to-make addition to any picnic collection. Picnic salads Make a large salad to share out at your next picnic. We have some refreshing, summery ideas, and even a handy way of carrying your salad to your favourite picnic spot. Going on a picnic last minute? Here are our favourite 15 minute salad recipes to try. Jam jar salads Deliciously healthy and packed with fresh ingredients, this salad recipe can be made in advance and is ideal for picnics. Need ideas for dressings? Rapeseed oil is a good choice – it's low in saturated fat and rich in omega-3. Caprese salad This caprese salad with sweet tomatoes and creamy mozzarella is full of fresh Mediterranean flavours and simple to whip up. Transport ready chopped and once you arrive, tear over your basil and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic to serve. Pasta salad with bocconcini, capers and tomatoes Pasta gets tossed with tomatoes, olive oil, red wine vinegar and capers here, before being finished off with mozzarella balls and fresh herbs. Another plus – it's ready in 20 minutes. Courgette and chimichurri salad Fresh beans, courgette ribbons and crunchy walnuts meet in this vibrant summer salad, perfect for an al fresco lunch for two. See more courgette recipes. Thai watermelon salad Watermelon stands in for green papaya in this update of a Thai classic. It’s best to buy a whole watermelon for this picnic idea as the flesh closest to the skin tends to be firmer. Discover more watermelon recipes to try all summer. Goat's cheese and beetroot citrus salad If the sun's not around enough to brighten up your days this summer, this colourful beetroot salad – bursting with citrussy flavours and creamy goat's cheese – will do the job instead! Roasted cauli and couscous salad with zhoug and crispy shallots Check out our vibrant roast cauliflower salad recipe with giant couscous, crispy fried onions and a punchy zhoug dressing. This easy salad is vegan and low in calories too. We've got plenty more vegan salad recipes to try. Healthy bean salad Ready in just 20 minutes, this colourful salad is packed with green beans, kidney beans and cannellini beans, and comes finished with a green tahini dressing to boost the flavour. Kale waldorf salad with buttermilk dressing Make our crunchy kale salad with buttermilk dressing for a clever update on a classic. It makes for a really useful picnic side dish. Sweet picnic treats You can't have a picnic without some sweet treats. Retro brownies, coffee cupcakes, delicious loaf cakes – we have it all. We've even made it possible to carry cheesecake to your picnic, with our portable apricot cheesecake bars. See our full pick of the best picnic desserts here. Lemon and blueberry bars This simple picnic dessert recipe is seriously moreish. These lemon and blueberry bars are gooey on the inside and crunchy on the outside, making them the ideal summertime picnic treat. Apricot cheesecake bars Check out these bright, summery cheesecake bars for a delicious picnic snack. We've used fresh, seasonal apricots and crunchy amaretti biscuits. What's more, they're perfectly portable so you can satisfy your cheesecake craving on the move! Butterscotch and pretzel millionaire shortbread Take your millionaire shortbread up a notch with decadent butterscotch and salty pretzels. The butterscotch gives this classic childhood favourite a real grown-up taste – an ideal treat for a picnic with friends. Salted peanut and honeycomb rocky road These salted peanut and honeycomb rocky road squares are a great twist on a classic and will please everyone. Plus, this picnic dessert recipe only takes 15 minutes of work – what's not to love? Custard cream blondies Ever thought of adding custard creams to your blondie mixture? It's genius! Have a go at our picnic dessert idea this weekend. Carrot cake traybake Feeding a crowd? This carrot cake traybake is ideal for a big picnic, serving up to 20. Topped with irresistible cheesecake icing, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Picnic drinks Homemade drinks are often an afterthought, but why not make your picnic extra-special with our refreshing summer drinks recipes, from iced tea cocktails to smoothies and portable cocktail bottles. Homemade lemonade When temperatures rise, nothing beats an ice-cold glass of sweet-sour lemonade. Make your own using just a few simple ingredients. Elderflower and raspberry mocktail bottles Make a batch of these summery portable mocktails in just 10 minutes and pop into your picnic hamper. Contessa cocktail bottles Pre-made cocktails are all the rage at the moment, and they're definitely a picnic must-have. Think of the contessa as a summery version of a negroni, with Aperol and dry vermouth for a slightly lighter touch. Easy iced tea cocktail This refreshing cocktail of apple-infused iced tea with a touch of brandy is easy to make and perfect for a balmy summer evening. It's a great cocktail to share with friends. Check out our best tea cocktail recipes for more unique tea ideas. Berry smoothie Our best berry and banana smoothie, made without yogurt. This picnic smoothie uses avocado for extra creaminess, plus apple juice and fresh lime juice to pack in more flavour. See more healthy smoothie recipes here. Blackberry vodka Fancy something a little stronger? There's no better way to make use of a glut of blackberries than to make blackberry vodka. Be sure to experiment with different amounts of sugar for this picnic drink recipe, but we would suggest using a little sugar to sweeten the tart blackberries.
These filled pastry treats are easier to make than you might imagine and are perfect snacks for parties and picnics. Filled with beef, tomato, smoked paprika and fiery cayenne, they really pack a flavour punch, too
Make these beef empanadas, then check out our spring onion and prawn empanadas, spinach, chorizo and cheese empanadas and more of our easy party food recipes. How to make Beef empanadas...step-by-step video View Green Video on the source website Beef empanadas recipe
Grilled corn salad with tahini miso dressing
Griddle corn for a charred flavour that complements the sweet cherry tomatoes in this salad. Sprinkle over crumbled feta and dress in a tahini, miso and maple dressing
Try this grilled corn salad with tahini miso dressing, then check out our nectarine and chilli maple halloumi quinoa salad, baked feta salad and more vegetarian salad recipes. Also try our recipe for homemade miso ginger dressing.
Combine hummus with your favourite flavours, such as pepper or smoked salt, to create an effortless entertaining platter. Serve with veg, focaccia or savoury biscuits
Try this hummus platter with all the veg, then check out our summer deli board, beetroot tartare and ricotta toasts and effortless entertaining recipes for more inspiration. Cook's tips: Use plain hummus as a base, then add your favourite flavours. Stir in finely chopped roasted red peppers, add whole chickpeas or even smoked salt to change up the flavours and textures.
Salty and tangy, we’ve translated this classic savoury Persian yogurt drink into a refreshing ice lolly. Mint adds freshness and we’ve added honey for a little sweetness
Try our doogh ice lollies then check out our ice lolly ideas and more Persian recipes.
Nothing says summer sipping like a cold glass of homemade iced tea, finished with real peach slices and fresh mint
Try our peach iced tea, then check out our easy iced tea, iced tea cocktail and more jug cocktail ideas. For another cooling summer drink, try our bubble tea. How to make Peach iced tea...step-by-step video View Green Video on the source website How to make the perfect peach iced tea: mixologist's tips This peach iced tea will store in the fridge for up to five days. Don’t rush to throw away the leftover peach pulp – stir through some yogurt and finish with chopped pistachios for a simple dessert. For a boozy twist to this refreshing summer tipple, add 50ml of dark rum or bourbon to each glass along with some ice and peach slices, then top up with the iced tea. Peach iced tea recipe
Add fresh strawberries to a classic lime-and-rum combo for a summery take on a Mojito. Best served in the sunshine, with plenty of fresh mint
Try our strawberry mojito, then check out our classic mojito, virgin mojito, frozen strawberry lemonade and more easy cocktail recipes. How to make a strawberry mojito... step-by-step video View Green Video on the source website How to make the perfect strawberry mojito: mixologist's tips To get the maximum juice out of your limes, roll them under your hands on a worksurface a couple of times to help release the juices. Switch up the berries – you could try raspberries or blackberries instead. Strawberry mojito recipe
Enjoy these refried beans as a dip for tortilla chips or as a component of a larger Tex-Mex feast. Sprinkle over coriander, pickled jalapeños and feta for extra oomph
Make these refried beans, then check out our tomato salsa, roasted veg enchiladas and more vegetarian Mexican recipes. Now discover all our recipes with sour cream.
Make the most of seasonal Jersey Royal potatoes as well as smoked haddock and spinach in this satisfying pie – it makes an ideal summer lunch, best served alfresco
Try this smoked haddock pie, then check out our healthy fish pie, Bombay fish pie and more pie recipes. For more ways with this smoked fish, see our smoked haddock risotto and our smoked haddock gratin, plus check out many more smoked haddock recipes. Recipe writer Rosie says: "With British summertime comes a host of pleasures that make spending a little extra time in the kitchen a true delight, as it precedes even more time spent outside in the warmer weather. It’s the part of the year when moving out of the city to be by the sea with a garden feels like the best decision we ever made. (It doesn’t always feel like that – there are times in the darker months when we miss being in a big, buzzing city, being able to dive out of the rain into a café, restaurant or bar and eat food from all over the world.) Now, when we finish work, we can walk to the beach for a swim, then have a few beers. At weekends, we throw together impromptu picnics – café-bought pastries when we’re in a hurry, or crab mayonnaise sandwiches wrapped in foil to eat on coastal walks. It’s the perfect time to embrace native produce, from the sweetest strawberries to the tartest gooseberries, plus the first runner and broad beans – eaten young, straight from the pod – and the last of the asparagus. Jersey Royal potatoes are in there, too. The pronounced, special flavour of these early earthy pearls has much to do with where they’re grown – on slopes strewn with local seaweed that nourishes the soil. This pie recipe combines them with gently poached smoked haddock, spinach and wild garlic – if you can find it – for a celebratory early summer lunch that’s best eaten outside with friends. This year that will be all the more sweet as we will be introducing many of them to our new little daughter, who was born a few months ago."
These cheese straws are easy to make – use ready-made puff pastry and they'll be on the table in just over half an hour. They're great as pre-dinner snacks or starters, or as tasty nibbles at a picnic
Make these easy cheese straws, then try our cheese grazing board, tear and share sausage roll, classic potato wedges and more fun party food recipes.
Ready-made hollandaise makes a great base for this broccoli puff pastry tart. Add smoked salmon or ham once it comes out of the oven, or serve topped with a poached egg for an impressive brunch or perfect Friday night treat with friends
Make this broccoli hollandaise tart, then check out our broccoli quiche, tomato tarte tatin, asparagus and tomato tart and more savoury tart recipes. Also try our simple recipe for a homemade hollandaise sauce.
Earthy beetroot and sweet orange pair up beautifully in this simple winter salad that pops all the more with a salty olive vinaigrette and chunks of creamy feta
Make this beetroot, orange and feta winter salad, then check out our pear, chicory and blue cheese salad, waldorf salad and beetroot, fig and goat's cheese salad.
Turn a handful of storecupboard ingredients into an easy bake. Mixed seeds and a peanut butter drizzle make these flapjacks look impressive but they only need 10 minutes hands-on time
Bake these date flapjacks, then check out our easy flapjacks, healthy flapjacks, vegan flapjacks, peanut butter flapjacks and more flapjack recipes. For another fruity bake, try our date and ginger loaf cake.
Toss vibrant roasted veggies with grains and a nutty kale pesto dressing for an easy vegetarian side dish
Throw together this roast vegetable salad, then check out our potato salad, roast pumpkin salad, Moroccan cauliflower salad, goat's cheese salad and more vegetarian salad recipes.
Toss nutty soba noodles, shredded chicken, crunchy sesame seeds and fresh aromatic herbs with a zingy ginger dressing for a high-protein, veg filled lunch
Try this cold ginger chicken noodle salad, then check out our chicken satay noodle salad, Thai chicken noodle salad, soba noodle salad and more noodle recipes.
We’re making couscous the star of the show in this fresh Middle Eastern-inspired salad, bursting with zingy ras el hanout, sumac and mint
Make this couscous salad, then check out our cauliflower couscous salad, chicken and couscous salad and more couscous recipes. For a vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired side, try our moroccan couscous, packed with roasted vegetables, warm spices, and perfect for sharing.
Adding red lentils to this veg-packed frittata gives an extra boost of protein and a gentle bite. Serve with a simple green leaf salad for a nourishing dinner
Make this lentil and harissa vegetable slice, then check our green frittata, courgette frittata, chorizo frittata and more easy frittata recipes.
You only need three ingredients to make these easy flatbreads. Wholemeal flour offers a nutty flavour – perfect for serving with hummus as a light lunch
Enjoy these simple wholemeal flatbreads served with hummus, then also check out our wholemeal bread, focaccia, roti, naan bread, chapati and more flatbread recipes.
Make the most of fresh green beans and courgettes by tossing them in a zingy chimichurri dressing, then crumble over salty feta for a nourishing lunch
Try this courgette and chimichurri salad, then check out our griddled courgette salad, BBQ courgettes, courgette pasta and more courgette recipes
This spiced chocolate sauce has just the right amount of kick – it pairs perfectly with the baked churros to make for a decadent sharing dessert at a picnic
Char sui-style pork, classic pickles, fresh veg, herbs and creamy avocado star in this super-sized version of the traditional Vietnamese sandwich, perfect for a picnic
This refreshing summer cocktail of apple and mint-infused iced tea is easy to make and perfect for a balmy summer evening
Try our iced to recipe then check out our iced tea sangria, rhubarb cordial and more jug cocktail ideas. You can make this iced tea recipe non-alcoholic or boozy with the option of adding brandy.
Making your own cordial might seem complicated but it couldn't be easier. This ginger variety makes the base for a refreshing summer soft drink or cocktail
Try our ginger cordial then check out our rhubarb cordial, blackcurrant cordial and more summer cordial ideas.