66 picnic food ideas

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• 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.

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.

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.

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.