30+ Delicious Picnic Food Ideas Not Sandwiches for Kids and Adults
Looking for picnic food ideas that don’t involve sandwiches? You’re in luck! While sandwiches are a classic choice for picnics, they can get a bit boring after a while. Plus, if you or someone in your group has a dietary restriction that makes sandwiches difficult, you’ll need some alternatives. Fortunately, there are plenty of other delicious and easy-to-prepare picnic foods out there.
Picnic Food Ideas Not Sandwiches: Delicious Alternatives for Your Next Outing
Summertime calls for beautiful outdoor activities. One of the most popular among them is a picnic. I am sure you always want to keep your family happy and well-fed, and that is why you put so much effort into finding the perfect picnic food.
Of course, sandwiches are always an option, but do you want to try something different this year? If so, you are in the right place for Picnic Food Ideas Not Sandwiches.
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Why Choose Non-Sandwich Picnic Foods?
When planning a picnic, it’s easy to default to the classic sandwich option. However, there are many reasons why you should consider non-sandwich picnic foods. Here are a few:
Variety
Choosing non-sandwich picnic foods allows you to mix up the types of food you bring. This can make your picnic more exciting and enjoyable. You can include a variety of flavors, textures, and colors to create a well-rounded meal.
Portability
Many non-sandwich foods are just as portable as sandwiches. For example, you can bring veggie sticks, fruit slices, or cheese cubes in a container. You can also make mini quiches or frittatas that are easy to transport.
While sandwiches can be a healthy option, they can also be high in carbs and calories. Non-sandwich picnic foods can provide a healthier alternative. You can include fresh fruits and vegetables, hummus or other dips, and lean proteins like grilled chicken or fish.
Creativity
Choosing non-sandwich picnic foods allows you to get creative with your meal. You can make fun and unique dishes that will impress your picnic guests. For example, you could make a charcuterie board with a variety of meats, cheeses, and crackers or create a colorful fruit salad.
Delicious Picnic Food Ideas That Aren’t Sandwiches
A great fun option is to go for a charcuterie board or grazing platter. These are essentially a selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, and other snacks arranged on a board or platter. Not only do they look impressive, but they’re also easy to customize to your liking.
You can include different types of cheese, cured meats, fresh fruit, nuts, crackers, and more. Plus, they’re easy to transport and don’t require any cooking or assembly on-site.
Pasta Salad – Pasta salad with cheese, veggies, and a flavorful vinaigrette is an easy and fuss-free side dish that tastes amazing. You can make it the night before and refrigerate it overnight to enhance its taste.
Antipasto Skewers – Antipasto skewers are a great way to serve yummy Italian cold cuts, cheese, and veggies together in a portable, easy to eat meal.
Grilled Chicken or Kabobs – You can marinate them with your favorite spices and veggies the night before to grill on the go without any hassle. Toss in your cooked meat and veggies or even fruit to enjoy a delicious wrap.
Cheese and Fruit Plate – A colorful array of different cheeses served with fresh fruits, crackers, and nuts are an incredibly beautiful, healthy, and satisfying meal for a picnic.
Deviled Eggs – Deviled eggs offer a fun and classic picnic food option. You can add different garnishes or flavors, such as dill, bacon, or green onions, to elevate the taste.
Couscous Salad – Couscous salad is a great way to incorporate different veggies and grains, and it’s also a perfect vegan dish. Add some herbs, veggies, and vinaigrette to spice up the taste.
Hummus and Pita Chips – Hummus and pita chips are healthy and light snacks you can enjoy while basking in the sun.
Fruit Salad – Fresh fruit chunks and berries topped with whipped cream or yogurt are a perfect dessert that’s light and low in calories.
Caprese Skewers – Caprese skewers are a refreshing option that incorporates the delightful flavors of mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Gazpacho Soup – Gazpacho is a cold tomato soup that is perfect for a hot outdoor lunch. You can put it in a thermos and sip it all afternoon.
Delicious Salad Ideas
Pasta Salad
If you’re looking for a hearty and filling salad, pasta salad is a great option. You can use any pasta you like, but rotini, fusilli, and penne work particularly well. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, rinse it under cold water, and toss it with your favorite salad ingredients.
Here are some tasty pasta salad ideas:
- Greek pasta salad with feta cheese, olives, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber
- Caprese pasta salad with fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes
- Antipasto pasta salad with salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, and roasted red peppers
Fruit Salad or Fruit Dish
Fruit salad is a refreshing and healthy option for a picnic. You can use any combination of fruits you like, but here are some ideas to get you started:
- Tropical fruit salad with pineapple, mango, kiwi, and papaya
- Berry salad with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries
- Citrus salad with oranges, grapefruits, and mandarins
To make your fruit salad even more unique, try adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped mint.
Couscous Salad
Couscous is a tiny pasta that’s perfect for salads. It cooks quickly and has a light, fluffy texture that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. Here are some delicious couscous salad ideas:
- Mediterranean couscous salad with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and kalamata olives
- Moroccan couscous salad with chickpeas, raisins, and almonds
- Grilled vegetable couscous salad with zucchini, eggplant, and red bell peppers
Couscous salads are also a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as they can be easily customized to suit your dietary needs.
Overall, choosing non-sandwich picnic foods can provide a variety of benefits, from increased variety to healthier options to more creativity. So next time you plan a picnic, consider stepping outside the sandwich box and trying something new with these Picnic Food Ideas Not Sandwiches.
Non-Sandwich Picnic Food Ideas
This Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza recipe from Love from the Oven is an undeniably sweet and refreshing dessert that brings sunshine to any day. A sugar cookie crust topped with a light and sweet cream cheese frosting sprinkled with fresh fruit is just what you need.
These Buffalo Chicken Wraps are perfect for your next picnic idea. With the flavors from your favorite chicken wings but are healthier and more filling for you.
Enjoy Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps from Budget Delicious for a healthy and refreshing family favorite lunch that’s economical and simple to make.
This easy kids charcuterie board from Aussie Homecook is the ultimate snack hack. Fill it with healthy finger foods for snacks on the go to feed your hungry tribe.
This picnic charcuterie board, or snackle box, from Aussie Homecook makes the ultimate easy and fun portable food. Perfect for a picnic or a camping or fishing trip. Did someone say snack attack?
Turn your charcuterie into a jarcuterie! This jarcuterie from Made in a Pinch is a fun and easy way to make customized, healthy, individual portions with you anywhere you go!
Simple Picnic Food Ideas
Bursting with summer flavors, this delicious but super-simple Tomato and Onion Salad from Two Healthy Kitchens is a vibrant addition to any picnic! It takes just 5 minutes to make and can even be made ahead – EASY!
This Seafood Pasta Salad from Cheerful Cook is a real crowd-pleaser, with its colorful mix of ingredients and delicious, tangy dressing that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Loaded with succulent shrimp, juicy crab meat, crisp veggies, and a creamy, flavorful dressing, it’s a dish that promises to wow at any gathering.
Baked Beans from A Farmgirl’s Kitchen are perfect flavors of sweet, savory, with a touch of spice. This baked beans recipe is a favorite side dish recipe for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks.
Welcome to this fresh, perfect summertime tomato and avocado salad with grilled corn! It is a healthy and flavor-packed side dish to take along to an outdoor BBQ, or to enjoy any night of the week at home! Pop over to Fit Mama Real Food for the recipe.
Picnic Food Ideas
You have to try this healthy energy balls recipe. They are amazing! Little no-bake energy bites that fill you up with healthy goodness
This Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken is so juicy and packed with flavor. It does require some time for marinating, but it is worth the wait. The marinade is full of garlic, onion, lemon, and spices.
This chickpea egg salad from Unique Cooks is super healthy and filling and comes together quickly. It can make for a great picnic food to pack and carry along.
Skewers are a great option for picnics, and this Caprese version from Christina’s Cucina is always a favorite! Tomato, basil, and mozzarella are combined for a delicious and healthy snack!
Picnic Food
Spicy Italian Marinated Mushrooms from Mangia with Michelle are delicious and effortless, with only 10 minutes of prep time. Plus, they taste much better than the store-bought version and are much more economical. Make them in advance for your next antipasto platter, charcuterie board, or salad–to feed a large crowd or just you alone with a spoon. They’re healthful, flavorful, and satisfying.
Teriyaki Spam Musubi from The Heirloom Pantry is a local favorite from Hawaii filled with crispy teriyaki Spam, furikake, and rice wrapped in nori. It’s a great easy treat to bring to a picnic or beach day!
Soft and buttery mini brioche rolls from Waiting for Blancmange! Perfect for dainty sandwiches or to have as a fresh homemade bread roll with a picnic spread.
Zucchini slice or crustless zucchini pie from Where is My Spoon is incredibly delicious and perfect for a picnic, brunch, lunch, or light dinner.
This healthy and refreshing Japanese Cucumber Salad recipe is simple to throw together and packed with a ton of flavor! Sliced cucumbers are tossed with an Asian inspired dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar! This will be your new go-to side dish!
Picnic Food Ideas for Family
The best Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe from The Art of Food and Wine! Tangy, delicious, and perfect for every dinner or picnic.
Quick, easy, and packed full of flavor, this Mediterranean Chicken Pesto Wrap from Cinnamon and Sage Co. is a must try recipe. You will love this savory mixture of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and feta cheese.
This healthy hummus veggie wrap makes a perfect picnic food idea for a spring or summer day! These wraps are very easy and made with a few simple ingredients. Plus, They’re vegan too! Check out Little Sunny Kitchen.
Imagine a creamy and cheesy filling enveloping tender cubes of roasted butternut squash, complemented by caramelized sweet leeks. All of this goodness is nestled inside a flaky, buttery pie crust, creating a satisfying dinner option or a mouthwatering appetizer. It’s a perfect addition to your picnic spread, guaranteeing a scrumptious and memorable experience for all!
Picnic Finger Foods
Simple little filo cups filled with Asparagus Mini Quiches made with a touch of Gruyere cheese and leeks because spring is at the door! From: The Foodolic
This quick, easy, one-bowl Chocolate Chip Muffins from Julie’s Eats and Treats is a family favorite recipe! They come together in just minutes and are perfect for grab-and-go breakfast and snacks. Plus, they freeze great!
Check out the best homemade energy bars! It’s a perfect picnic snack or finger food, especially when combined with yogurt and fresh fruits like strawberries and bananas.
Fruit Picnic Food Ideas
This 2-Ingredient Fruit Dip recipe from Our Love Language is Food is a classic and easy recipe for any fruit tray. Perfect for parties of all kinds, potlucks, picnics, and snacking. Making this easy fruit dip is the most delicious way to enjoy all of your favorite fruits!
Rainbow fruit skewers from Nest and Nosh are as fun to make as they are to eat, and zippy lime yogurt dip adds to the party! Whip these up in 15 minutes for a get-together or just because.
Make this Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips from Little Sunny Kitchen in under 10 minutes. This delicious fruit salsa recipe is made with fruit like strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and mango, and you eat it with yummy cinnamon tortilla chips.
Try Tanghulu for a crunchy, sweet, and juicy snack. This Chinese treat features skewered fruits covered in a hard candy shell. Learn how to make your own version at home with this simple-to-follow recipe!
Picnic Food Ideas for Kids and Adults
When it comes to picnic food ideas, you have plenty of options beyond sandwiches. You can try caprese skewers, Chartreuse boards, hummus and pita chips, grilled chicken kabobs, deviled eggs, fruit salad, wraps, cheese and fruit plates, and pasta salad. All of these ideas are perfect for a picnic, and they will surely leave your family satisfied and asking for more.
Don’t forget to pack some fun games, sunscreen, and bug spray, and you’re all set to have an enjoyable and memorable picnic with your family.
Picnic Ideas
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