A picnic is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors while sharing delicious food and drinks with friends or family. Whether it’s a casual gathering at a local park, a beachside lunch, or a countryside excursion, choosing the right food and beverages can elevate the experience. The best picnic foods are portable, easy to eat, and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. A great picnic spread balances taste, variety, and practicality. Here’s a guide to the best food and drinks to take on a picnic, along with tips on preparation and transportation.
Sandwiches and Wraps
Sandwiches and wraps are picnic staples because they are easy to make, transport, and eat. They can be customised to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Some popular options include:
Classic Club Sandwiches: Made with layers of ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on toasted bread. These hold up well in transport and are filling.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches: Chicken mixed with mayonnaise, celery, and herbs makes a creamy filling. Add lettuce or arugula for some crunch.
Vegetarian Wraps: Hummus, roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and spinach wrapped in a tortilla make for a healthy and satisfying option.
Prosciutto and Mozzarella Paninis: For an Italian twist, make paninis with prosciutto, mozzarella, and arugula. These can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Wraps are ideal for picnics because they are compact and less likely to fall apart than some sandwiches.
Salads
Salads are light, refreshing, and can be easily packed in containers. Choose salads that won’t wilt or lose their texture after sitting for a while. Here are a few picnic-friendly salad ideas:
Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is a flavorful option. Use a vinaigrette-based dressing instead of a creamy one to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Quinoa Salad: Quinoa holds up well and can be mixed with ingredients like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a lemon dressing.
Greek Salad: A simple mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, red onions, and feta with olive oil and oregano is refreshing and travels well.
Bean Salad: A combination of chickpeas, black beans, corn, and red bell peppers dressed in olive oil and lime juice is both hearty and easy to make.
To keep salads fresh, store the dressing separately and toss it into the salad just before serving.
Finger Foods
Finger foods are perfect for picnics as they are easy to eat without utensils and allow for variety. Some crowd-pleasers include:
Cheese and Charcuterie: A selection of cheeses (such as brie, cheddar, and gouda) paired with cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and chorizo is always a hit. Add crackers, grapes, and dried fruits for a balanced platter.
Crudités: Fresh-cut vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes paired with dips like hummus, ranch, or tzatziki make for healthy snacking.
Deviled Eggs: These are classic picnic bites that are easy to make and can be packed in an egg container to keep them intact.
Mini Quiches or Frittatas: Bite-sized quiches or muffin-tin frittatas are savory and can be made ahead of time. They’re easy to eat cold and come in flavors like spinach, bacon, and cheese.
Savory Pies and Tarts
Pies and tarts can be both savory and filling, making them ideal for a picnic. They are easy to transport, and their sturdy crusts help them stay intact during travel. Some options include:
Mini Meat Pies: Australian meat pies or Cornish pasties, stuffed with beef or chicken, are delicious and portable.
Vegetable Tarts: Tarts filled with a combination of roasted vegetables, goat cheese, and herbs can be enjoyed at room temperature.
Spanakopita: This Greek spinach and feta pastry is light, flavorful, and holds up well during transport.
Fresh Fruits and Sweets
No picnic is complete without something sweet and refreshing. Fresh fruit and light desserts are the perfect way to end the meal:
Watermelon Slices: Watermelon is hydrating, refreshing, and easy to share. Pre-slice it for convenience.
Grapes and Berries: Both grapes and berries travel well and are perfect for snacking.
Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like melon, berries, pineapple, and kiwi makes for a healthy dessert.
Brownies and Cookies: Simple desserts like brownies or chocolate chip cookies are easy to pack and a hit with both kids and adults.
Lemon Bars or Shortbread: These light, buttery desserts hold up well and offer a satisfying end to the meal.
Drinks
Staying hydrated is important, especially during a picnic in warm weather. Pack a variety of refreshing beverages:
Lemonade or Iced Tea: Both drinks are refreshing and easy to make ahead of time. Keep them in insulated bottles to maintain their cool temperature.
Sparkling Water: For a light and bubbly option, sparkling water with a hint of fruit flavor is perfect for picnics.
Wine or Beer: If your picnic allows for alcohol, pack a chilled bottle of white wine, rosé, or some light beers. Remember to bring a bottle opener!
Fruit-Infused Water: Adding slices of cucumber, lemon, or strawberries to water can make hydration more enjoyable.
A well-planned picnic spread should include a variety of sandwiches, salads, finger foods, and sweet treats, complemented by refreshing drinks. These foods should be easy to prepare, transport, and eat outdoors. Whether you prefer classic picnic staples or want to experiment with new flavors, the key is to keep things simple, portable, and delicious. With the right food and drinks, your picnic is bound to be a hit!
