20 Easy Picnic Food Ideas (For Kids and Adults)
on Oct 09, 2021, Updated May 05, 2022
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Picnics are great for meetups with friends, family outings or even a romantic date for two. We’ve rounded up 20 Easy Picnic Food Ideas, including popular items for kids and adults. Expand your picnic menu with a few of these unique and exciting recipes!
What Food Do You Bring on A Picnic?
Sandwiches are a popular picnic food because they’re easy to make, portable, and can be eaten without plates or utensils. Finger foods are also ideal for picnics to enable guests to enjoy a variety of foods.
What Should I Bring on A Romantic Date Picnic?
For a romantic picnic date, it’s all about the ambiance. Select a nice picnic blanket and use flowers and other decors to set the mood. Head to an ideal location such as the beach or a park. Wine, chocolates and fruits help to make things feel more romantic.
Easy Picnic Ideas
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Juicy cuts of pork are slowly simmered in a smoky barbecue sauce and shredded to make the ultimate sandwich filling. Pair with creamy cole slaw to make your picnic dreams come true.
Chopped Cheese Sandwiches
These meaty sandwiches are filled with chopped beef, melted cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce and tomatoes. This classic NYC chopped cheese sandwich will be the start of your picnic.
Chicken Avocado Roll-Ups
Simple, satisfying, and delicious! Use leftover chicken and a creamy avocado filling for an easy picnic appetizer.
Cucumber Sandwiches
These mini cucumber sandwiches are refreshing and flavorful. It only takes a few minutes to whip up a batch for your next picnic.
Spicy Crab Rolls
Add some sushi to your picnic basket with these spicy crab rolls. You won’t believe how easy it is to make delicious sushi rolls at home.
Picnic Ideas for Couples
Popeyes Buttermilk Biscuits
These buttery, flaky biscuits make a tasty side dish for fried chicken. Skip the trip to Popeyes and make your own homemade buttermilk biscuits.
BLT Pasta Salad
Who says salad has to be boring? This colorful pasta salad comes together in just 15 minutes and makes for an exciting side dish.
Heirloom Tomato Salad
This fresh, summery salad is impressive to look at and a joy to eat. Top it off with herbs, onions and a balsamic dressing for a mouth-watering meal.
Chicken Salad Sandwich
This creamy chicken salad filling makes a delicious sandwich and can also be used as a spread for crackers. If you’ve got leftover chicken, there’s no better way to use it.
Macarons
These cute, colorful desserts are the perfect sweet treat for a picnic. Best of all, this classic French dessert can be made by beginners.
Picnic Food Ideas for Family with Kids
Crescent Roll Hot Dogs
Kids and grownups alike will love these zany hot dogs. Serve with their favorite dipping sauce for a picnic they’ll never forget.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Even after all these years, the peanut butter and jelly sandwich is still loved by kids everywhere. Be sure to bring along a few of these classic sandwiches to your next family picnic.
Chicken Salad Pitas
Short on time? These chicken salad pitas take just 15 minutes to prepare and are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Vegetable Sticks with Avocado Dip
Keep the kids healthy with these bite-size veggies and creamy avocado dip. Make this plant-based snack in under fifteen minutes when you’re short on time.
Mini Quiches
Crispy pastry is filled with cheese and meat for a miniature version of the popular French tart. These bite-size mini quiches are too good to have just one.
Picnic Finger Food Ideas
Oreo Cookie Balls (Truffles)
These Oreo cookie truffles are the ultimate sweet treat for the chocolate lovers at your picnic. These mini desserts look super impressive, but require just three ingredients.
Ritz Cracker Appetizers
Ritz crackers are a simple and versatile ingredient that can be used to make a wide variety of appetizers. Enjoy these savory and sweet hors d’oeuvres at your next picnic.
Bake Mango Habanero Wings
These crispy wings are spicy, sweet and full of flavor. Nothing could be more perfect for a picnic or get-together with friends.
Blueberry Scones
You won’t be able to resist these fruity, flaky scones. Top with a creamy vanilla glaze for a delectable bite-size treat.
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
These pizza rolls are made completely from scratch and are sure to be a favorite at your picnic. Make them in the air fryer in under ten minutes.
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Easy Picnic Ideas: Habanero Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 ½ tablespoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups mango chunks
- 3 habanero peppers, stems removed and seeded
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425ºF. Line a large baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix together the baking powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Mix the chicken wings with the seasoning mixture. Then place the seasoned wings on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until slightly crispy, flipping the wings halfway through using kitchen tongs.
- While the wings are baking, make the mango habanero sauce. Add the mango chunks, habaneros, garlic, vinegar and lime juice to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Add the mango habanero sauce and honey to a small saucepan. Place onto medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring to help the honey dissolve. Let it bubble for 3-4 minutes and then remove from the heat.
- Remove the wings from the oven. Brush each wing with the mango habanero sauce to coat completely.
- Return to the oven to bake for 10 more minutes more or slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
