Picnic Food: ideas and recipes

Picnic food doesn’t have to be all about sandwiches. In this post I share some of my favourite recipes for a tasty, varied picnic. From fresh salads, savoury bakes, pies and dips to sweet treats, you’ll find lots to tempt you outdoors with your picnic hamper. And if you do want to include good, old-fashioned sandwiches then I’ve some great British fillings too!

As an enthusiastic picknicker, I also share my top tips for picnic perfection.

Traditionally, picnics are for warm weather. But I’m a big fan of picnics at any time. In fact, along with my partner and a couple of friends, I’ve been known to do a little ‘extreme picnicking’. The wind may be howling, the rain coming down, but that won’t stop us!

 

PICNIC TIPS

Before I share some great picnic food ideas, here’s a few tips for picnic perfection.

• Unless you’re serving all finger food, don’t forget to pack cutlery!
• Think about how you’re going to transport your picnic: is it a longish walk from the car park or bus stop? Remember you’ve got to carry all those goodies, so don’t over-pack.
• Melamine or bamboo plates are a great choice: light, but more eco-friendly than disposables.
• Use cold drinks as ice packs to keep food cool.
• A small chopping board and knife always come in handy.
• Pack any salad dressings in a screw-top jar and toss with the salad just before eating to avoid sogginess.

• Include quick and simple raw veg (e.g. carrot & cucumber sticks, radishes) and chopped fresh fruit.
• The British weather is famously temperamental: don’t forget sunscreen even if it’s a dull day when you set out. And maybe pack an umbrella even if the sun’s shining!
• Really important: take all your rubbish home and leave the picnic spot just as you found it.

 

PICNIC FOOD IDEAS & RECIPES

Although you can grab all sorts of picnic food from delis and supermarkets, in my book you can’t beat homemade. Taking the time to make delicious picnic food, and sharing it, is also a great way of showing love to the friends and family you’re picnicking with.

Here’s some of my favourite picnic food, with links to recipes.

 

PIES & SAVOURY BAKES

Here in Britain we have a great tradition of pies and savoury bakes, many of which are perfect for picnics. In this section you’ll find some that are put together in a few minutes before being baked, others that need a little more hands-on time. All taste delicious!

 

PICNIC PIE

It was a no brainer to make the first recipe in my round-up of favourite picnic food an impressive Picnic Pie. With its glazed shortcrust pastry and richly savoury filling of sausage meat, apples and onions, it’s bound to be the star of the show.

But what your co-picnickers won’t guess is just how easy it was to make. Leftovers will keep for up to five days in the fridge, making it perfect for packed lunches or an easy dinner paired with salad.

 

MEDITERRANEAN OAT BAKE

This quickly put together, nutritious bake combines Mediterranean flavours like feta, roasted peppers, courgette, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and olives with oats, eggs, nuts, and seeds.

Just as good cold for picnics as it is served warm as a veggie main course!

 

EMPANADA DE ATÚN: GALICIAN TUNA PIE

Filled with tinned tuna, onions, peppers, olives and hard-boiled eggs in a tomato sauce, this is a wonderful pie from Spain’s north west corner.

Empanada de atún is best eaten cold, so I think it’s ideal for a picnic. Cut into chunky wedges before you go and wrap each portion in paper or reusable food wrap.

 

ROUGH PUFF PASTRY SAUSAGE ROLLS

What traditional British gathering is complete without a few sausage rolls?

But these mini ones, flavoured with fennel seed and onion, are something rather special. You can forget shop bought pastry too: I think you’ll be surprised at how easy delicious homemade rough puff pastry is.

 

CHEESE & WALNUT LOAF

This savoury tea bread is baked using self raising flour and eggs rather than yeast, meaning it’s really quick to make.

Spread with butter, Cheese & Walnut Loaf is a great alternative to savoury scones.

 

ITALIAN PORK MEATLOAF

Meatloaf doesn’t have to be eaten hot. In fact, I think that my Italian inspired one, with herbs, garlic, fennel seeds, lemon, Parmesan, wrapped in pancetta, is even better cold.

Slices are perfect for a picnic served antipasti style alongside olives, pickles, little salads of roasted vegetables and cheeses.

 

SAVOURY FLAPJACKS

Savoury flapjacks are the perfect finger food and so ideal for picnics and lunchboxes.

So versatile, you can flavour them however you like. I’ve three versions on my blog, all quick and easy to make, but you can use these as a starting point to create your own flavours.

 

SAVOURY FLAPJACKS WITH VEGETABLES, NUTS, SEEDS & CHEESE

These are my original savoury flapjack with carrot, courgette, onion, four types of nuts and seeds, plus sage and Cheddar cheese.

 

VEGETABLE FETA FLAPJACKS WITH NUTS & SEEDS

These savoury flapjacks are full of Mediterranean flavours. With salty feta cheese, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives and fresh herbs, I think they’re very apt for a sunny picnic.

 

SAVOURY FLAPJACKS WITH APPLE, CHEESE & WALNUTS

These are my current favourite savoury flapjack. I think of them as a sort of ‘Waldorf’ flapjack as, besides tangy apple and crunchy walnuts, there’s celery seeds too.

 

BREAD & CRACKERS

Bread and crackers, plain or flavoured, are a useful addition to your picnic hamper. Plain, they can be the base for your favourite dips and spreads. Flavoured bread and crackers can be nibbled on just as they are.

 

CHEESE & CHORIZO QUICK BREAD

With tangy Cheddar cheese, smoky chorizo, plus chives, this soft and fluffy loaf with a crispy crust is full of flavour. It gets its rise from self-raising flour and eggs rather than yeast, so there’s no kneading or proofing. Just mix and bake.

Pack a few cocktail sticks full of olives, cheese, pickles, and more chorizo to eat alongside, plus butter if liked.

 

SAVOURY TEAR & SHARE BREAD

This impressive-looking tear and share star bread is not difficult to create. This one is filled with layers of sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, basil, salami, roasted onions and garlic. But it’s easily adaptable to whatever fillings you fancy.

If you’re picnicking not far from home, you could even wrap the freshly baked or reheated bread in foil, pop in an insulated bag and enjoy it warm!

 

CRUSTY HOMEMADE BREAD (NO KNEAD)

A loaf of simple homemade crusty bread can be so good. Pack a loaf in your picnic hamper (don’t forget the bread knife!) and you can cut off wedges to eat with cheese or spread with butter and homemade jam. Perfect for making sandwiches before you go too.

Made with my no-knead method, good homemade bread is easier than you think.

 

PICNIC BREAD WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES, SUN-DRIED TOMATOES, SALAMI & CHEESE

I couldn’t possibly write a post about picnic food without including my Picnic Bread, created for National Picnic Week back in 2018.

Flavour wise, it’s similar to my Savoury Tear and Share Bread, but made in a traditional loaf shape. It’s also made using my no-knead, overnight bread method. While you could use the bread to make sandwiches, I think it’s good just as it is.

 

EASY SEED CRACKERS

Light, crispy, grain-free and gluten-free, Easy Seed Crackers are the perfect crunchy accompaniment to your picnic spreads, dips and cheeses. Or simply enjoy them as a tasty nibble on their own.

Incredibly, they’re made with just seeds, water and your chosen seasonings. The not-so-secret ingredient that holds everything together is chia seeds. And when I say ‘Easy’ seed crackers I really mean it. Just mix the seeds and seasonings with cold water, leave for 20-30 minutes, then spread on a baking tray and bake.

 

ROSEMARY CRACKERS

So simple and with just a handful of ingredient, these deliciously herby, crisp and moreish crackers are ideal for your picnic cheeses, dips and spreads.

 

WALNUT & PUMPKIN SEED SCOTTISH OATCAKES

I’ve been making Scottish Oatcakes for a few years now and this version, with walnuts and pumpkin seeds, is my current favourite. Surprisingly easy to make the rustic, wholesome savoury biscuits or crackers are perfect with your picnic cheeses, pâté, and spreads.

 

SESAME SEED CRACKERS

Thin and crispy, with big sesame flavour, these easy homemade crackers are great for scooping up dips like hummus, eating with cheese or even for snacking without a topping.

With whole and ground sesame seeds plus sesame oil, I love these earthy crackers.

You’ll find more easy recipes for crackers and biscuits to include in your picnic here: Biscuit & Cracker recipes.

 

PICNIC FOOD SALADS

While it’s good to include fresh veg crudité among your picnic food, it needn’t take that much more effort to compose a more interesting salad. In this section you’ll find both simple salads plus a few requiring a little extra prep time.

 

STRAWBERRY & CUCUMBER SALAD WITH MINT

It may sound unusual, but this beautiful, refreshing salad just says ‘summer’ to me.

I think the fresh flavours of the sweetish strawberries and the slightly bitter cucumber complement each other wonderfully. Prepare just before you leave home and pack the light, sweetish vinaigrette dressing separately.

 

CAESAR SALAD & CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD

If you’re looking for robust flavour then Caesar Salad, with or without chicken, makes fantastic picnic food. My Caesar dressing combines mayo with plain yogurt to lighten it and is flavoured with anchovy, garlic, and Parmesan.

Transport the dressing and croutons separately and toss everything just before serving. Add in slices of cooked chicken and crispy bacons bits too if you like.

 

POTATO SALAD WITH SMOKED MACKEREL

One of my favourite picnic food salads is potato salad. I love the hearty combination of potatoes, onion and egg in their creamy dressing. In this version I add flakes of smoked mackerel to make it even more satisfying.

If you leave out the fish, the salad will still be good. Or you could replace the mackerel with smoked salmon or chopped pieces of marinated herring.

 

TUNA & EGG SALAD

Another take on a classic salad that makes great picnic food, I think Tuna & Egg Salad has a lovely combination of flavours and textures. My version is simpler than a Niçoise salad, but go ahead and add anchovies, leftover boiled potatoes and green beans too if you like.

As always, don’t dress the salad until you’re ready to eat the picnic. I also prefer to keep the chopped boiled eggs separate, popping them on top after tossing the salad with most of the dressing. The final bit of dressing gets drizzled over the top.

 

WALDORF SALAD

With crunchy apples, celery, walnuts, plus raisins or grapes, Waldorf Salad is a great make ahead dish and perfect for picnics.

In my version, the traditional mayonnaise dressing is lightened with yogurt and a hint of lemon.

 

MIXED GRAIN SALAD

You can use this recipe as a template to create a whole range of grain salads. Swap in your favourite combination of mixed grains and veggies, plus protein too if you like.

In this one there’s kale, fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, red onion, and peppers. A simple dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic gives it a real lift.

 

AÏGROISSADE

This is a simple and adaptable salad based on a traditional French dish from Provence. In my version, a colourful mix of lightly cooked then cooled fresh vegetables plus canned artichoke hearts and chickpeas are dressed in a garlic mayonnaise lightened with yogurt.

Choose whichever fresh vegetables you like e.g., potatoes, green beans, carrots, broad beans, courgettes, peas. Swap in haricot or cannellini for the chickpeas if preferred or even have a mixture.

 

WATERMELON SALAD

Refreshing, quick, and incredibly good, Watermelon Salad was made for hot summer days and perfect for picnics.

Joining juicy cubes of fresh watermelon are crunchy diced cucumber plus a little red onion and lime zest. A simple olive oil and lime juice dressing brings the salad together delightfully.

 

BEAN & TUNA SALAD (FAGIOLI E TONNO)

This rich yet healthy Italian salad is flavoured with olive oil, lemon, red wine vinegar, sliced red onions, garlic, and parsley. Marinading the tinned cannellini beans in the dressing adds so much flavour.

Pack the tuna and rocket separately and mix just before serving at your picnic.

 

DIPS & SPREADS

If you’re looking for something tasty to dip into with crudité, crackers or bread, or to slather onto them, you’ll find my favourite dips and spreads in this section. Includes meat, fish-based, vegetarian and plant-based options.

 

HOMEMADE POTTED BEEF

Potted Beef is a rather old-fashioned food, so I’ve been pleasantly surprised at just how popular my Homemade Potted Beef recipe has been. Mind you, it does taste fantastic!

A British classic on sandwiches, one comment on the recipe says, ‘My daughter wanted me to make potted beef, her favourite books are the Famous Five and they frequently have picnics with potted meat’.

So how could I not include it in this round-up? Potted meat, or potted beef, is dead simple to make. Beef, butter, salt and pepper are slowly cooked then whizzed up. You can add a little beef stock to give it a softer, more spreadable texture too.

 

Smoked Mackerel Paté

Another great tasting but even easier spread for your picnic sandwiches or crackers is Smoked Mackerel Paté.

You simply whizz together smoked mackerel, lemon zest, spring onions, a little cream, black pepper and melted butter. In the blog recipe I’ve added a topping of horseradish-flavoured butter, but you could leave that off to make it even simpler.

Make the paté the night before your picnic so it has time to firm up.

 

ARTICHOKE SPREAD

Made using a jar of chargrilled artichokes, flavoured with garlic, lemon and mint, this delicious addition to your picnic spread couldn’t be easier.

Spread on bread and crackers or dip into it with raw veg.

 

POTTED CHICKEN

This easy and delicious way to use up leftover roast chicken is perfect for picnics. Simply whizz the meat with melted butter and your chosen seasonings, topping with an optional layer of clarified butter if you like.

I’ve flavoured my Potted Chicken with tarragon, garlic, and lemon zest. But you can swap in your own favourites like chives, thyme, or parsley.

 

ROASTED BEETROOT HUMMUS

This beautiful Roasted Beetroot Hummus will look sensational among your picnic spread. It’s wonderful as a dip for crudité, pitta bread, or spread on crackers.

A great variation on the classic Middle Eastern dip, beetroot introduces a sweet earthiness without overwhelming the chickpeas and tahini of the original. Pack a tub of crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, sesame seeds and fresh mint to sprinkle over if you want to make it extra special.

 

POTTED HAM

This is a wonderful way to use up leftover ham. But I think Potted Ham‘s so good I often buy a ham hock specially to make it. Besides the ham, the only other ingredients are butter and seasonings.

Spread on crusty bread or little savoury biscuits, with a few pickles on the side, I’m always amazed at just how good this simple recipe tastes.

 

ROASTED RED PEPPER HUMMUS

Another variation on classic hummus, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is my spicier, smokier take with smoked paprika, cumin and Aleppo pepper.

I use tinned chickpeas and roasted red peppers from a jar, meaning the hummus it’s made in around 10 minutes.

 

POTTED CHEESE

More convenient than taking a cheeseboard and lots of cheeses on your picnic, is homemade Potted Cheese.

A traditional British cheese spread, it’s perfect on crackers, biscuits, or crusty bread. Simply combine cheese (use a single variety or combine a few different ones) , butter, your chosen herbs and spices (plus a touch of booze if you like!).

 

OTHER SAVOURY PICNIC FOOD

The recipes in this section don’t really fit into any of the above picnic food categories, or the sweet one below. But I just had to include them as they’re some of my absolute favourite for picnics.

 

HASLET: ENGLISH PORK & SAGE MEATLOAF

Just like my Potted Beef, Haslet is a great, old-fashioned British recipe. And if you’re going to go old school and have sandwiches at your picnic, then thin slices of this sage and onion flavoured pork meatloaf would be perfect.

 

TAMAGOYAKI JAPANESE OMELETTE

Made with layers of folded egg, slices of Tamagoyaki omelette are so pretty and perfect for a picnic.

Set among a colourful selection of raw and cooked vegetables plus maybe some rice, who wouldn’t want to eat this?

 

MARINATED ROASTED PEPPERS WITH GOAT’S CHEESE

Roasted peppers in a spicy marinade that becomes infused with the peppers’ charred smokiness. Temper that spicy, smoky heat with creamy, tangy goat’s cheese for a perfect pairing.

Pop some crusty bread in you hamper to dip into those lovely juices and enjoy!

 

ALOO BONDA: INDIAN POTATO BALLS

If you like a little spice in your picnic food, then these moreish potato balls are just the thing. Balls of cooked, spiced potato are coated in a simple chickpea flour batter and fried.

Although traditionally eaten hot, I often serve them cold in a picnic. Don’t forget to include some homemade chutneys for dipping: try Coconut & Coriander Chutney, Tamarind & Mint Chutney, or Spicy Tomato Chutney.

 

SEMI-DRIED TOMATOES IN OIL

These intensely flavoured tomatoes will go wonderfully well with your picnic meats, cheeses, salads and breads.

Simply dry halved tomatoes in the oven for around one and a half hours then cover with a herb and garlic scented oil. Better than any you can buy!

 

QUICK PICKLED CUCUMBER

This easy pickle is ready in a few hours so you could even make it on the day of your picnic. Great with salads, cold meats, cheeses and in sandwiches.

Flavour however you please – here there’s fresh dill and mustard seeds for one jar and warmly spicy Aleppo pepper for the other.

 

SWEET PICNIC FOOD

After all that savoury deliciousness, you’re going to want some sweet treats for your picnic. After all, is a picnic really a picnic without some cake, scones or other baked goodies? Here’s some of my favourites.

 

CLASSIC SULTANA SCONES

What could be more fitting for a British picnic than Classic Sultana Scones? They’re quick and easy, yet always feel like a treat.

Split and serve simply with a generous amount of butter, or with cream and jam. Just leave the ‘jam first’ or ‘cream first’ debate back at home!

 

AMERICAN STYLE SCONES

Don’t have room in your picnic hamper for butter, jam and cream? How about an American style scone which needs no such embellishments?

 

BLUEBERRY & LEMON SCONES

Studded with juicy fruit and flavoured with zingy lemon, these scones can be made with either fresh or frozen blueberries.

For extra tang, the scones are drizzled with a lemon icing.

 

RASPBERRY & COCONUT SCONES

Bursting with juicy raspberries and with the sweet taste of coconut brought by desiccated coconut, coconut milk and a light coconut drizzle, I think these scones are irresistible.

 

COCONUT TRAYBAKE

Everyone, from kids to adults, will love this easy, delicious and retro cake. Quick to make, the light and moist coconut sponge is topped with coconut-flavoured glacé icing and colourful hundreds and thousands.

 

VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE

Back to British classics with wonderful, buttery sponge cakes sandwiched with fruity jam and plenty of vanilla-flavoured buttercream.

Quick and easy to make, even for beginners, the buttercream rather than whipped cream filling makes Victoria Sponge more robust for transporting to your picnic.

 

ORANGE VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE

If you have a little more time, then how about making your own orange curd and trying this variation on the classic Victoria sponge?

 

HOMEMADE MALT LOAF

A traditional British teatime favourite that’s also great for picnics. With a gloriously sticky texture, the rich, dark loaf is packed with juicy raisins and has the intriguing flavour of malt extract.

Just don’t forget to pack the butter so you can spread it lavishly over thick slices of malt loaf.

 

GENOA CAKE

If you want to wow your fellow picknickers then take along this Genoa Cake to share.

Full of currants, sultanas, mixed peel, cherries, flavoured with almond and lemon, this is a stunning, light cake and one of my favourites.

 

FRUIT & SEED FLAPJACKS

With the slow-release energy of oats combined with apple and bananas, your choice of dried fruit and seeds, plus tahini or nut butter, these flapjacks are a healthier sweet treat.

But they still taste fantastic and will be a sure-fire winner at your picnic.

 

CHOCOLATE PEANUT OAT BALLS (NO BAKE RECIPE)

It’s so worth making space in your picnic cool box for these fabulous treats. Oats, peanut butter, chocolate chunks, roasted peanuts, vanilla, coconut, and maple syrup. Simply mix, roll into balls and dip in melted chocolate.

 

I hope my suggestions inspire you to make great Picnic Food.

Some of the recipes do take a little time. Others are very simple. But by planning ahead and choosing the right balance between the more time-consuming and the quick, putting together a fantastic picnic needn’t be difficult.