Sunshine, fresh air, and delicious food – picnics are the ultimate outdoor escape, and Pinterest is overflowing with inspiration to make yours unforgettable. But with so many pins, finding truly practical and delicious pinterest picnic food ideas can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s why we’ve rounded up the most mouthwatering and manageable pinterest picnic food ideas, perfect for a relaxing and delicious outdoor adventure. From easy-to-pack sandwiches and vibrant salads to delightful desserts and refreshing drinks, get ready to create a pinterest picnic food spread without spending hours in the kitchen.
Savory Sandwiches & Wraps: Easy to Eat and Travel With
Every great picnic needs a star, and sandwiches and wraps are picnic champions. These easy picnic recipes are not only delicious but also incredibly portable, making them ideal for your outdoor feast. Here are some Pinterest favorites that have caught our eye and taste buds:
Italian Sub Skewers:
Imagine all the deliciousness of an Italian sub, but without the mess! These easy picnic recipes are a genius way to deconstruct the classic sandwich. Instead of piling everything onto a roll, you thread bite-sized pieces of salami, provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, and olives onto skewers. The result is a colorful and flavorful appetizer that’s easy to eat and won’t fall apart in your picnic basket. Plus, they look fantastic!
The key ingredients are obviously salami and provolone, good quality olives and marinated artichokes can be found in your local deli section and some fresh basil leaves can really elevate this simple skewer. These outdoor food ideas are perfect because you can prep them ahead of time and keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Inspiration: Search on Pinterest for “Italian Sub Skewers” or look for recipes that include elements like balsamic glaze for an extra touch of flavor. You can find plenty of versions there, and the visual inspiration alone is worth the search!
Chicken Caesar Wraps:
A lighter and healthier alternative to a traditional sandwich, chicken Caesar wraps are a crowd-pleaser for easy picnic recipes. Grilled or shredded chicken is tossed with creamy Caesar dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, and Parmesan cheese, then wrapped in a soft tortilla. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor. These portable picnic food items travel well and are easy to eat with one hand, leaving the other free for enjoying the sunshine.
Using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can save you even more time, making this a truly quick and easy picnic recipe. Consider adding some sun-dried tomatoes or avocado for extra flavor and creaminess.
Recipe Inspiration: Look up “Chicken Caesar Wraps Recipe” on Pinterest. You’ll find tons of variations, including some that add bacon or use different types of greens.
Mini Quiches
These bite-sized savoury delights are an excellent addition to your picnic basket. Mini quiches are portable, flavourful and can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect outdoor food ideas to incorporate into your picnic.
These come in many flavours and styles but some classics include spinach and feta, and cheese and bacon. These quiches are rich in flavour, and are sure to satisfy.
Recipe Inspiration A simple search on Pinterest for “Mini Quiches” will return a plethora of recipes to add into your pinterest board!
Fresh & Flavorful Salads: A Burst of Picnic Goodness
Balance out your pinterest picnic food with vibrant and flavorful salads that are easy to pack and guaranteed to impress. These are perfect examples of easy picnic recipes that are also healthy and refreshing, especially on a warm day.
Pasta Salad with Pesto, Mozzarella & Cherry Tomatoes:
This salad is a symphony of summer flavors. Cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle work well) is tossed with fresh pesto, creamy mozzarella balls (bocconcini), and juicy cherry tomatoes. It’s a simple salad, but the combination of flavors is irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time, making it one of the best portable picnic food options.
The key is to use high-quality pesto and fresh mozzarella. You can also add some grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition. These outdoor food ideas work best when chilled before serving.
Recipe Inspiration: Search “Pasta Salad with Pesto Mozzarella Cherry Tomatoes” on Pinterest for countless variations and ingredient additions.
Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint:
This salad is the epitome of summer refreshment. Cubes of juicy watermelon are combined with salty feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The sweet and savory combination is unexpected but incredibly delicious. This pinterest picnic food option is light, refreshing, and a great way to stay hydrated on a hot day.
Make sure to use a seedless watermelon for easy eating. You can also add some red onion or cucumber for extra crunch and flavor. These easy picnic recipes are so simple, they barely require a recipe at all!
Recipe Inspiration: Look up “Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint” on Pinterest. You’ll find variations with different herbs, cheeses, and dressings.
Mason Jar Salad
The idea of layering all your ingredients in a jar, dressing at the bottom, can allow you to travel to your picnic site easily, and ensures all your ingredients are fresh and crisp when you’re ready to tuck in. Mason jars are also reuseable, therefore helping the environment!
A simple search on Pinterest for “Mason Jar Salads” will provide all the ideas you need for these convenient salads!
Sweet Treats & Desserts: A Perfect Picnic Ending
No picnic is complete without something sweet! These Pinterest-inspired desserts are easy to transport and utterly delicious, providing a perfect ending to your pinterest picnic food experience.
Brownies in a Jar:
These individual brownie jars are a fun and portable dessert that everyone will love. Simply layer brownie batter in small mason jars and bake. Once cooled, top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries. It’s a decadent treat that’s easy to eat on the go.
You can use your favorite brownie recipe or a boxed mix for convenience. These easy picnic recipes are also great for gifting! Consider decorating the jars with ribbons or tags for a personalized touch.
Recipe Inspiration: Search “Brownies in a Jar Recipe” on Pinterest. You’ll find variations with different toppings and flavor combinations.
Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Dip:
A lighter and healthier dessert option, fruit skewers are colorful, refreshing, and easy to eat. Thread bite-sized pieces of your favorite fruits (strawberries, grapes, melon, pineapple, etc.) onto skewers and serve with a creamy yogurt dip.
The yogurt dip can be flavored with honey, vanilla extract, or a squeeze of lemon juice. These outdoor food ideas are a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and antioxidants. This also can be easily incorporated into the easy picnic recipes!
Recipe Inspiration: Look up “Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Dip” on Pinterest. You’ll find variations with different fruits, yogurt flavors, and toppings.
Mini Lemon Tarts
The perfect picnic treat that is fresh, sweet and rich. These tiny tarts are also super easy to pack and travel with, therefore ideal for your picnic!
The tanginess of the lemon filling combines with the buttery flavour of the pastry in an exquisite treat. Add berries, or other fruit, to garnish for an even more satisfying pinterest dessert!
Recipe Inspiration: Simply search “Mini Lemon Tarts” on Pinterest to add this dessert to your ever-growing Pinterest board!
Refreshing Drinks: Quench Your Thirst in Style
Stay refreshed with these easy picnic recipes for picnic drinks, perfect for keeping everyone hydrated and happy. These outdoor food ideas include hydration tips and the following easy to prep drinks.
Infused Water (Cucumber Mint or Berry):
Infused water is a delicious and refreshing way to stay hydrated. Simply add sliced cucumbers and mint leaves or your favorite berries to a pitcher of water and let it sit for at least an hour to allow the flavors to infuse.
This pinterest picnic food option is a healthy and flavorful alternative to sugary drinks. You can experiment with different combinations of fruits, herbs, and spices to create your own unique infusions.
Recipe Inspiration: Search “Infused Water Recipes” on Pinterest for endless flavor combinations and inspiration.
Homemade Lemonade:
A classic picnic drink, homemade lemonade is always a crowd-pleaser. Simply combine lemon juice, sugar, and water to taste.
For pink lemonade, add a splash of cranberry juice or raspberry syrup. This easy picnic recipe is customizable to your liking and can be made ahead of time. Store it in a thermos or a reusable bottle to keep it cold.
Recipe Inspiration: Look up “Homemade Lemonade Recipe” on Pinterest for different variations and tips.
Sparkling Iced Tea:
Give your iced tea a bubbly twist by adding sparkling water or club soda. Brew your favorite tea (black, green, or herbal) and let it cool. Then, combine it with sparkling water and add a squeeze of lemon or lime.
This pinterest picnic food suggestion is a refreshing and sophisticated drink option that’s perfect for a hot day. Consider adding some fresh fruit slices or herbs for extra flavor.
Recipe Inspiration: A simple search on Pinterest with “Sparkling Iced Tea” can provide you with recipe ideas for this summery refreshment.
Picnic Packing Tips (Based on Pinterest Trends)
Pinterest is not only a treasure trove for easy picnic recipes but also for picnic packing inspiration. Here’s how to elevate your picnic game and make it truly Pinterest-worthy:
- Presentation Matters: Elevate your picnic setup with a stylish basket, a cozy blanket, and pretty tableware.
- Keep it Cool: Invest in insulated containers and ice packs to keep your pinterest picnic food fresh and cold, especially for perishable items like salads and dairy products.
- Reduce Waste: Opt for reusable containers, utensils, and napkins to minimize waste and be eco-friendly.
- Plan Ahead: Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat to protect yourself from the elements.
- Don’t Forget the Essentials: Remember to pack plates, cutlery, napkins, a bottle opener, and trash bags.
- Pinterest Inspiration: Search “Picnic Setup Ideas” on Pinterest for countless visually appealing and practical packing ideas.
Conclusion
With these pinterest picnic food ideas and packing tips, you’re now equipped to create a memorable outdoor feast. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a family outing, or a get-together with friends, these easy picnic recipes will help you create a delicious and visually stunning experience.
So grab your basket, gather your loved ones, and head outdoors for a pinterest picnic food adventure! Don’t forget to share your picnic creations with us using #MyPinterestPicnic! By using these outdoor food ideas you can impress friends and family with your creative and simple approach to food! As the sun shines overhead, the fresh air fills your lungs, and laughter echoes around you, remember that the best picnics are not just about the food, but about the joy of sharing good times with the people you care about. Embrace the simplicity, the beauty of nature, and the delicious flavors of your carefully curated pinterest picnic food spread, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Now go forth and make some picnic magic happen!
