How to Plan the Perfect Picnic
Updated: Nov. 24, 2023
Whether your outing is for two or 20, you're sure to have a good time if you keep these picnic pointers in mind.
The sun is shining, flowers are blooming—and that gingham blanket that’s been sitting in the back of the closet all winter is ready to make its much-anticipated return. That means, it’s time for a picnic! Outdoor meals require little planning and can be as simple or as elegant as you’d like. Start with these picnic-ready recipes that are easy to pack in a basket.
A friend served this BLT pasta salad, and I just had to get the recipe. My husband loves BLT sandwiches, so this has become a favorite of his. It's nice to serve on hot and humid days, which we frequently get during summer here in Virginia. —Mrs. Hamilton Myers Jr., Charlottesville, Virginia
Don't miss our guide on how to plan the perfect picnic!
Barbecued Chicken Salad SandwichesAn impromptu picnic inspired this BBQ chicken salad sandwich. An instant summertime favorite, these dressed-up sandwiches have become a mainstay at our house. —Linda Orme, Battleground, Washington
Rainbow Gelatin CubesThese layered jello cubes are fun to serve and to eat! I vary the colors to match the occasion. Kids of all ages snatch them up. —Deanna Pietrowicz, Bridgeport, Connecticut
Discover even more delightful picnic side dishes.
Herbed Feta DipGuests can’t get enough of this thick, zesty dip that bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavor. The feta cheese and fresh mint complement each other beautifully, creating the perfect sidekick for crunchy carrots, toasted pita chips, sliced baguettes or any other dipper you fancy.—Rebecca Ray, Chicago, Illinois
Cucumber ColeslawI created this cucumber coleslaw recipe so I could use a julienne peeler I received as a gift. I had leftover sparkling wine, so I thought I'd try to use it over julienned cucumbers to make this refreshing slaw. It's a nice way to round out a brunch or picnic. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Pasta Salad in a JarIf you're planning a picnic, make this pasta a day ahead. For my husband's lunch at work, I sometimes tie a plastic fork on the jar. —Pat Neiheisel, Leetonia, Ohio
Southwest Hummus DipNot your ordinary hummus, this dip is a combination of two things I love—chick peas and Southwestern flavors. You can substitute 3/4 cup frozen corn, thawed, for the grilled corn. —Cheray Buckalew, Cumberland, Maryland
Grandma’s Potato SaladOur Fourth of July feast wouldn't be complete without this chilled old-fashioned potato salad. It's my grandma's treasured recipe. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
S'mookiesS'mores are one of my favorite desserts. I wanted to create a cookie to replace the graham cracker—that's when my s'mookie was born. Just as delicious as the classic.—Maria Davis, Hermosa Beach, California
Tuna Artichoke MeltsAfter sampling a similar open-faced sandwich at a restaurant, I created my own version of lemon-seasoned tuna salad with artichoke hearts. I like to serve it for lunch with a friend on the patio.
Italian SubmarineMy Italian husband grew up eating this flavorful sandwich, which his mother used to make it after Saturday chores were finished. Put the sub together a few hours ahead and refrigerate, then serve with chips, veggies and dip for a delicious meal. —Christine Lupella, Fifty Lakes, Minnesota
Iced Raspberry TeaFrozen raspberries lend fruity flavor and lovely color to this pretty iced tea that's good throughout the year. The recipe calls for just a few common ingredients and offers make-ahead convenience. —Lois McGrady, Hillsville, Virginia
Prosciutto PinwheelsFancy-looking and filling, these sensational appetizers are a lot easier to make than they look. With just a few ingredients and our easy directions, it'll be a snap! —Kaitlyn Benito, Everett, Washington
Club Roll-UpsPacked with meat, cheese and olives, these roll-ups are always a hit at parties.
Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab PieSlab pie is a pastry baked in a jelly-roll pan and cut into slabs like a bar cookie—or a pie bar, if you will. My grandfather was a professional baker and served pieces of slab pie to his customers back in the day. Here is my spin, featuring rhubarb and gorgeous red raspberries. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cherry Tomato Corn SaladBrighten a picnic lunch or backyard barbecue with this cheerful, fresh-tasting salad. If you use want to use sweet corn off the cob, saute the corn for 5 minutes in a skillet before adding to the salad. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Fruit Salad with Apricot DressingWhen I serve this lovely refreshing salad for picnics and holidays, the bowl empties fast. —Carol Lambert, El Dorado, Arkansas
Picnic BarsYou'll score points with your pals when you stir together these delicious fudge-like treats. They're very moist and rich. The chocolate chips and walnuts make a pretty topping. —Frank Bee, Eugene, Oregon
Turkey-Jalapeno SandwichesWhen a turkey sandwich meets modern Thai, it’s a fun mix of classic and trendy food. I love it when my mixing and matching turns out so tasty. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Chicken Strawberry Spinach SaladThis pretty spinach salad, topped with grilled chicken, strawberries and almonds, features a delectably sweet poppy seed dressing. Made in moments, it’s a refreshing lunch or light supper for two. —Ginger Ellsworth, Caldwell, Idaho
Southern Potato SaladThis potato salad with a southern twist is perfect for a summer picnic. The pickles add extra sweetness. —Gene Pitts, Wilsonville, Alabama
Mexican Roasted Potato SaladMy husband is the No. 1 fan of this south-of-the-border potato salad. The leftovers make an awesome late-night snack, straight from the fridge. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Slow-Cooker Party MixThis mildly seasoned snack mix is always a party favorite. Served warm from a slow cooker, the munchable mixture is very satisfying. —Dana Hughes, Gresham, Oregon
Veggie Brown Rice WrapsSalsa gives a bit of zip to the brown rice and bean filling in the meatless tortilla wraps. —Lisa Sullivan, St. Marys, Ohio
Fruit Salad in a Pineapple BoatA sweet, summery treat that looks as good as it tastes! No one, young or old, will be able to resist this healthy fruit salad. —Amy Short, Lesage, West Virginia
Stromboli SandwichI've made this Stromboli sandwich many times for parties, and it gets great reviews. You can add ingredients and spices to suit your taste. The recipe is so good I just had to share it with you! —Leigh Lauer, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania
Buffalo Chicken WrapsBlue cheese dressing and hot pepper sauce enhance these yummy tortilla wraps. Filled with chicken, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, these buffalo chicken wraps are colorful, fun to eat...and tote-able, too! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Easy Cheese-Stuffed JalapenosA few years ago, I saw a man in the grocery store buying a big bag of jalapeno peppers. I asked him what he intended to do with them, and right there in the store he gave me this fabulous recipe for stuffed jalapenos! —Janice Montiverdi, Sugar Land, Texas
Pineapple Chicken Salad SandwichesThese sandwiches are always welcome at lunchtime around our house. Sweet pineapple and crunchy pecans are nice additions to ordinary chicken salad. —Carol Alexander, Midland, Michigan
And for dessert, end with a summer lovin’ popsicle! You can either use molds to make one of our most refreshing popsicle recipes or fill up one of these Zipsicle pouches ($10 for a 100-pack) with the flavor of your choice. Use a sharpie to write the flavor or a fun, summery message on them.
Tips for Transporting Food
Have a dish that needs to be kept warm? Instead of transporting food into a different container, keep it in the cooking vessel for a laid-back feel. If the cooking dish has a lid and handles—like this beautiful oven-safe skillet from Calphalon—take a flour sack towel or clean dish rag and tie it around to secure. Try it out with this yummy bacon and asparagus frittata.
Famous for your deviled eggs? You don’t need a special container to serve them. Place each egg in a cupcake liner for easy travel. Get all of our favorite recipes for deviled eggs here.
You can also keep a picnic kit at the ready. Stash paper plates, picnic-ready flatware, sunblock and a few outdoor games in a container. When not in use, slip it in your cooler for next time!
Here are a few more ideas:
- Consider packing two containers—a picnic basket for tableware and nonperishable items and a cooler for cold food and beverages.
- Pack your basket in reverse order to make it easy to get at the items you need when you arrive at your picnic site. Place nonperishable food on the bottom, then serving items and tableware, and finally the tablecloth on top.
- No basket? No worries! Load your goodies into a sturdy cardboard box, plastic bin or even a backpack.
- If you’re feeding a lot of people, bring two coolers. Since frequent opening of a cooler allows the cool air to escape, use one for frequently used items such as beverages. Use the second cooler for perishable foods like meats and salads. (These picnic salad ideas are some of our absolute favorites! Try these tasty picnic side dishes, too.)
- Closely estimate how much food your group will eat to avoid leftovers. Unless they can be kept very cold or very hot, leftovers of perishable items should be thrown away.
- Save extra condiment packets from fast-food restaurants to bring along on your picnic—the packs are ideal for easy outdoor meals.
- Bring along plastic bags to cart home dirty dishes and silverware, and for garbage in case there are no trash barrels at the picnic site.
Don’t forget any of these items to pack for every picnic.
How to Keep Your Food Cool
Cold sandwiches, chilled salads and icy beverages really hit the spot on warm days. To ensure these items stay cool—and safe to eat—remember these rules:
- Cold foods should be kept at 40°F or colder.
- When packing a cooler, it should be about 25% ice and 75% food. Place ice on the bottom and along the sides of the cooler. Then place the heaviest and most perishable foods on top of the ice. Fill in with lighter items.
- Transfer chilled foods directly from the refrigerator to the cooler. Don’t use the cooler to chill warm or room temperature items.
- A full cooler will stay colder longer than one that is partially empty, so choose an appropriate sized cooler. If food doesn’t completely fill your cooler, add more ice.
- Large pieces of ice melt more slowly than ice cubes. If you plan to be gone awhile, use chunks of ice instead of ice cubes. Simply fill clean empty milk cartons with water and freeze.
- To protect your cooler from the sun’s rays, place it in the shade as soon as you arrive at your picnic spot.
- When setting out chilled salads or other cold foods, consider placing the serving containers in a larger pan filled with ice to keep them cold.
- Avoid packing mayonnaise and ice cream-based dishes that can turn bad or melt in the sun.
- Here are a few more tips for how to keep your food cool outdoors.
After going to all this trouble of keeping your food fresh and safe to eat, the last thing you’d want is for ants to enjoy the meal instead of your family. Here’s a foolproof way to stop them in their tracks: Place a plastic container on the bottom of each picnic table leg. Fill with water. The ants won’t be able to crawl past!
Grilling Tips
While subs and other sandwiches are common alfresco fare, grilled foods are popular, too. Get inspiration from our top grilling recipes. If you plan to cook meats such as chicken, steak, hamburgers or hot dogs at your picnic site, heed these helpful hints:
- Wrap raw meat, poultry or fish separately from cooked foods in airtight plastic containers or resealable plastic bags.
- Freeze meats before packing so they remain cold longer. This is especially important if you must travel a long distance to the picnic location or if the foods won’t be grilled immediately upon arrival.
- Do not partially cook foods at home to speed up cooking at the picnic site; bacteria grows faster in partially cooked foods.
- Hot foods should be kept at 140°F or hotter and should be eaten within 2 hours of being cooked.
Gourmet Burgers with Sun-Dried TomatoGuests will never see this coming! The goat cheese filling in these burgers is a pleasant and refreshing surprise. In comparison to American cheeseburgers, these really do feel gourmet!
Grilled Corn in HusksYou know it's summer when you can finally enjoy a nice corn on the cob. No need for anything crazy; some butter and parmesan are enough to make this side dish a masterpiece.
Grilled Romaine SaladYou can grill a steak so why shouldn't you be able to grill a salad? The simple dressing really sends it over the top.
Grilled Chicken SaladNever underestimate the power of a good salad. This perfect picnic meal will be your summer showstopper!
Brined Grilled Turkey BreastThis sweet and spicy turkey is super moist. The flavors are subtle, but present enough where you'll think of this recipe even around Thanksgiving.
Grilled Mahi MahiWant a change of pace at your next cookout? Grill up this mahi mahi with tropical fruit salsa and watch as everyone asks for the recipe. It's sweet, tangy and delicious!
Beef ‘n’ Pork BurgersAdding pork to your burgers is a grill master's best kept secret. The bacon really drives home the smokiness.
Chicken Strawberry Spinach SaladThis sweet poppy seed dressing is everything you want in a salad and more. The grilled chicken, strawberries and almonds are the perfect combination of savory, sweet and crunchy!
Grilled AsparagusGrilled asparagus makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats. It's ready in just 20 minutes and has a nice barbecue sauce taste.
Grilled Chorizo and Shrimp PaellaThis easy shrimp and chorizo paella is a must have this summer. The mango and lime give it a tangy flavor that goes along perfectly with the grilled chicken sausage. You won't want to miss out on this colorful meal.
Artichoke Steak WrapsReady in just 30 minutes, these artichoke steak wraps are a must have! Artichokes are rarely the main event in a meal, but these wraps will have you second guessing that notion.
Bratwurst and Chicken KabobsYou can get the best of both worlds with these double meat kabobs! The chutney packs a bit of heat with the pepper jelly.
Aloha BurgersBurgers and fruit might just be your new go-to debate topic. As for us, we can't get enough of it! These Hawaiian-inspired burgers are smoky from the bacon but fresh from the pineapple. See for yourself!
Grilled Pork and Poblano PeppersThis spice-rubbed pork is not for the faint of heart. It's a party in your mouth and a party at your table! Guests will request you make it every cookout.
Grilled Lobster TailsLobster tails aren't reserved for restaurants. And they're easier to make than you think! If you find yourself ordering lobster out a lot, give this recipe a spin.
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic SyrupA balsamic glaze can turn any dish from good to great. Well, maybe not any but a case can be written for salads and toast and fruit and huh, maybe that is everything. The grilled fruit practically melts in your mouth. So what are you waiting for!
Grilled PattypansIf you've never tried pattypan squash, now is the time! This side dish will change the way you think about fruits and veggies and how they can come together.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa MoleChocolate, cherries and pork? Say no more! The hint of spice in this dish is drool inducing.
Grilled Veggie PizzaIf you have any leftover veggies on hand, toss them together on a veggie pizza. It's a fun lunch—or even dinner—for the whole family!
Grilled Italian Sausage SandwichesIf you're in the mood for Italian, you've come to the right sandwich. This meal might seem more laid back but that's exactly what makes it perfect for a hot summer day.
Shrimp ‘n’ Scallops Tropical SaladThis zippy fruit salad is cut through with smoky shrimp and scallops. If you love seafood, you'll love this salad!
Cedar Plank Salmon with Blackberry SauceThis salmon is a nice balance of sweet, smoky and spicy. Maybe you've never thought about salmon and fruits before this moment, but now you'll only wish you'd thought of it sooner.
Grilled Huli Huli ChickenThis overnight marinated Hawaiian chicken is well worth the wait. With brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce, you can use this marinade for anything!
Mango & Grilled Chicken SaladWhen it's hot out, you want nothing more than to bite into a juicy piece of fruit. This mango chicken salad gives all of that and more with added crunch from the snap peas.
Grilled Vegetable PlatterYou really can't go wrong with grilled veggies. This simple honey and balsamic vinegar marinade proves once again that balsamic vinegar is the secret to a great cookout.
Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed FruitSweet and salty lovers unite! We might have just found your new favorite dessert. Peaches with honey and balsamic vinegar is the best way to end a barbecue.
Grilled Chicken and Mango SkewersThese skewers bring all the best flavors of summer together. This colorful plate is as Instagram-worthy as it is tasty.
Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt DipArtichokes are made to be enjoyed simply and with this tangy lemon-yogurt dip you can do just that. The perfect appetizer for an epic cookout, you won't want to underestimate the veggie again.
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula SaladOne reviewer wrote that she'd give the recipe 10 stars if she could, and we couldn't agree more! This summer salad is not a want but a need. The grilled peaches are an impeccable touch.
Grilled Figgy PiesA figgy pie is exactly as it sounds: a combination of figs, maple, walnuts and creamy mascarpone. These hand held pies will go fast!
Bacon & Swiss Chicken SandwichesThis chicken sandwich is restaurant quality! And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, you can make extra honey mustard on the side for dipping.
California Burger BowlsLike Chipotle, you can choose whether to have your burgers as is or in a bowl. The difference is that in a bowl you can really load them up! Veggies and even fruit can adorn your hamburger bowl.
Tarragon AsparagusAsparagus is an underrated veggie that rarely sees new ways to eat it. Until now! This tarragon-honey marinade is exactly the change of pace we were looking for.
Sweet Sriracha WingsThese sweet and hot wings are going to make a splash at your next outdoor party. They're made sweet with orange juice and honey. It sounds unlikely but somehow makes perfect sense!
Cilantro Lime ShrimpThis garlic and lime marinade will wow at your next cookout. The flavor is spot on and the preparation is easy enough to add it into your meal rotation.
Lemon Garlic MushroomsThese lemony grilled mushrooms might take some of the spotlight off the main course. They're just that good! Skewers ensure that they're grilled to perfection.
Grilled CabbageYou'll be surprised by how good this is. Gone are the days of begging your kids to eat their veggies. With this on the side, their plates will be cleared!
Grilled Southwestern Potato SaladThis potato salad is the best side dish for some classic steak tacos. With sour cream, corn and lime, it has a nice pop to go with your Tex-Mex dinner.
Spicy Grilled EggplantThis Cajun grilled eggplant is the most versatile dish of the season. It pairs well with any meat and takes up way more space than your average veggies.
Grilled Apple Tossed SaladApples and bleu cheese? Yes please! This salad is a beautiful storm of crunchy, sweet and savory toppings. The balsamic dressing is the glue that ties it all together.
Grilled Steak and Mushroom SaladSteak and mushrooms are an unbeatable combination. This light dinner is packed with protein while still tasting like a vinegar-Dijon dream. If you enjoyed this, then you must try our favorite vegetarian grilling recipes.
Fruit ‘n’ Cake KabobsWe love grilling and we love cake. So grilled cake has to be a stroke of genius, right? These fruit and pound cake kabobs are everything you didn't know you were missing.
Burger AmericanaEver had peanut butter and bacon on a burger? What about coleslaw? Try out any toppings that strike your fancy with these versatile, everyday burgers.
Can’t swing a recipe? Outdoor eats don’t always have to be from scratch. For dining in a dash, choose cold deli chicken, crusty bread, fresh fruit and a wedge of cheese. If you have a few minutes to spare, assemble a lunch of savory turkey subs, chilled salad skewers and sweet home-baked treats. Want to elevate store-bought fare? Learn the cheese board styling secrets that will impress your friends.
More Fun Picnic Ideas
Equipped with the above tips and a packed picnic basket, you’re ready to go. All that’s left is choosing a place to spread out your portable feast. Consider the banks of a nearby lake or stream, a local park or a shady spot in your own backyard. Then sit back, relax and enjoy a picture-perfect picnic with these fun ideas:
- Make getting to the picnic a scavenger hunt. Leave clues or a “treasure” map for your family to find their way to the picnic destination.
- Bring along a board game, bocce ball, a softball and catcher’s mitt or a Frisbee for some outdoor fun. If kids will be joining you, try to pick a park with a playground nearby.
- Plan a hike and bring the picnic with you. Stop when you get hungry or find a scenic spot to eat.
- Set the mood with a sunset picnic. If it’s allowed, bring a few votive candles and a small bouquet of flowers to add to the ambience.
- Consider packing a picnic for others, whether it’s for your kids in the backyard, your neighbors next door or even a coworker in need of some lunchtime fun.
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