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Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or going on a picnic, these recipes are sure to be crowd-pleasers. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or going on a picnic, these recipes are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
Recipes for picnics and outdoor meals
You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen preparing food for outdoor dining — these easy recipes are all ready in 30 minutes or less. From sandwiches and salads to main dishes and desserts, you’ll find everything you need for your next cookout or picnic here.
Picnic & Outdoor Meal Recipes
Summer is the best time of year for picnics and outdoor meals. It’s warm enough to spend time outside, but not too hot that you can’t enjoy the outdoors.
Whether you’re going on a picnic or just want some outside food for your next cookout, there are plenty of recipes that you can make ahead of time and take with you.
Picnic foods are typically easy to transport and can be eaten on-the-go. Here are some recipes that will make your next picnic or outdoor meal even better:
Sandwiches
Soups and Stews
Pasta Dishes
The first time I hosted a picnic for more than a few people, I was nervous. I didn’t know what to make or how much of it to prepare. But after that initial experience, I realized that picnics are actually very easy and fun to plan for.
I’ve since hosted many picnics at my home and at parks, beaches and other great locations around town. Here are some tips on how to throw a great picnic:
1) Plan your menu ahead of time
2) Make all the components in advance
3) Get everything ready before you leave your house (or apartment)
4) Bring everything in coolers or insulated bags
5) Don’t forget drinks!
Grilled Salmon and Veggies
Grilled Chicken, Peach and Arugula Salad
Grilled Chicken and Cucumber Salad
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime-Cilantro Butter
Grilled Salmon Kabobs with Avocado Salsa
Grilled Salmon with Ginger-Soy Glaze
When summer comes, it’s easy to forget about those rainy days when we’d rather stay in and watch Netflix. But when the sun finally comes out, we want to be outside enjoying the weather.
If you’re planning a picnic or outdoor meal, here are recipes that will make your picnic better than any other.
Spicy tomato and avocado salsa
This is one of my favorite recipes for picnics because it’s so easy to make and travels well. The ingredients are simple — just tomatoes, avocados and red onion — but the finished product is delicious!
It’s also great as an appetizer for parties or gathering friends around the table at home. The recipe calls for lime juice but I like adding lemon juice instead because it gives it a little extra zing. If you’re making this salsa for multiple people, try making a double batch and keeping some in the fridge for later use!
Easy peasy pasta salad
Picnics are one of the most popular ways to enjoy the summer. Whether you’re packing up a lunch for a day trip or spending a lazy afternoon in your backyard, picnics can be delicious and easy.
Here are some tips on planning a successful picnic:
Plan ahead. Make sure that you have everything you need before packing up your basket. You don’t want to run back into the house because you forgot to pack napkins or utensils!
Use small containers. When packing food, use small containers rather than large bowls so that everything doesn’t shift around in transit. This will keep things neat and organized for when you arrive at your destination.
Be creative with condiments and toppings. Instead of serving ketchup from a bottle, make it from scratch with fresh tomatoes, bell peppers and onions (see below). Or instead of buying sour cream from the store, whip up a batch at home with heavy cream and some lemon juice or vinegar (see below). The added effort will make your meal taste that much better!
Picnics are a wonderful way to spend time with your family, friends and other loved ones. Whether you’re heading out for the day or just relaxing at home, picnics can be a great way to get together and enjoy each other’s company.
The following recipes will help make your next picnic extra special.
Spicy Deviled Eggs: These deviled eggs have a little kick to them! They are easy to make and delicious.
Grilled Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches: Grill up some sandwiches using barbecue chicken meatballs as the main ingredient. They’re perfect for outdoor gatherings!
Potato Salad With Bacon Dressing: This potato salad recipe will be sure to please everyone at your next outdoor meal. You won’t believe how good it tastes!
Grilled Corn on the Cob: This grilled corn on the cob recipe is so easy to make and delicious! It’s sure to be a hit at any picnic or barbecue!
Grilled Blackberry & Peach Cobbler: This grilled blackberry & peach cobbler is so delicious! It only takes minutes to prepare, but tastes like you spent hours cooking up this sweet treat!
Picnics are one of the most romantic and fantastic ways to spend time with your partner. They don’t cost much, allow you to spend some quality time together, and at the same time they are a great activity for the whole family.
Here are some picnic recipes that will make your next picnic a success:
Picnic recipes for sandwiches:
Sandwiches are a great option for picnics because they’re easy to make and can be eaten anywhere. Here are some ideas for delicious sandwiches you can bring along on your next picnic:
Turkey sandwich with lettuce and tomatoes – The combination of turkey breast, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise is sure to please everyone’s taste buds!
Tuna salad sandwich – This is another classic recipe that never fails when it comes to bringing people together. Tuna salad on whole wheat bread is delicious! Add some onions or cucumbers if you want something more filling!
Egg salad sandwich – A classic egg salad sandwich with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise and seasonings makes a delicious snack during picnics! Cut them into small pieces so they’re easier to eat while sitting down in nature!
Picnics are a great way to spend time with family and friends, but they can be tough if you don’t plan ahead. Here are some tips for making your next picnic a hit.
Plan your menu: If you’re packing the food yourself, make sure you have enough for everyone. You don’t want to run out of anything halfway through the meal. Consider bringing along items that can be eaten cold or at room temperature.
Bring utensils and napkins: It’s easy to forget these things when packing up your picnic basket, but they’re essential! You’ll want plenty of plates, cups and napkins — plus silverware for each person eating with you (including kids who are old enough). Don’t forget paper towels too; they come in handy when cleaning up spills or keeping yourself from getting too messy as you eat.
Pack drinks: Pack plenty of water bottles, soda cans or juice boxes for all ages in case someone runs out of liquid during the day’s activities. Don’t forget about nonalcoholic beverages like milk or juice boxes for kids!
Bring extras: Depending on the season and where you live, it’s always nice to have extra blankets on hand just in case it gets chilly at night.
Summer is the season for picnics. Whether you’re planning an afternoon around the neighborhood or heading out on a full-day excursion, here are some of our favorite picnic recipes to help you enjoy your time outside.
Salads and Soups
Cobb Salad (pictured above) with Spicy Ranch Dressing
Spicy Ranch Dressing: Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup buttermilk and 1 tablespoon chopped pickled jalapeños in a blender until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons chopped green onions and blend again until combined. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Makes about 2 cups (480 ml).
Curried Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Curried Chicken Salad Sandwiches: Combine 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon curry powder and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl; set aside. Spread 1 tablespoon prepared pesto onto each slice of whole wheat bread; top one slice with chicken salad and another slice of whole wheat bread. Cut into four pieces each; serve immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap for later use
