When it comes to planning a picnic, deciding what to bring can be a challenge. But with this list of 35 easy-to-make, transportable, and delicious snacks, you’ll have everything you need to make your outdoor gathering a success.
This diverse selection includes sweet treats and savory delights, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and satisfying, you’ll find it on this list. So go ahead, pack that picnic basket with some of these tasty options and head to the park with a blanket and good company – the perfect setting for a fun-filled picnic!
35 Best Picnic Snacks
Cheese and Crackers
The quintessential combination remains timeless. To elevate it, incorporate diverse cheeses such as brie, gouda, or goat cheese, alongside artisanal crackers featuring unique flavor profiles like rosemary-infused or black pepper-seasoned varieties.
Hummus and Veggies
Savory indulgence at its finest! Crunchy vegetable sticks – think carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers – provide the perfect contrast to a creamy dip like hummus. But why stop there? Why not elevate your snack game by infusing your hummus with bold flavors? Try adding roasted red pepper for a sweet and smoky twist, or go green with some pesto for an herby kick. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, throw in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor.
Chips and Guacamole
For many, a quintessential picnic essential, guacamole is simplicity itself to prepare and its creamy texture pairs delightfully with the satisfying crunch of tortilla chips. A perfect harmony that’s sure to elevate any outdoor gathering.
Trail Mix
When it comes to fueling up for an afternoon hike or outdoor escapade, this snack is a tried-and-true favorite. Instead of relying on store-bought options, why not get creative and whip up your own trail mix concoction? Simply combine a medley of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips – the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and satisfying.
Mini Quiches
Instead of preparing traditional quiches, consider a creative twist by baking individual portions in muffin tins. This innovative approach allows for an array of flavorful fillings to be showcased, including savory combinations like ham and cheese, colorful vegetable medleys, or spicy sausage delights. Simply imagine the excitement on your guests’ faces when they discover the variety of mini quiches awaiting them.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Crafting a delightful finger food experience has never been easier! Simply gather some essential ingredients such as deli meats, cheeses, and crunchy vegetables like spinach and carrots. Then, combine these flavors with the convenience of a tortilla wrap, roll it up, slice into bite-sized rounds, and voilà! You’re ready to impress your guests with effortless yet satisfying finger foods.
Deviled Eggs
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with a delightful and easy-to-make snack. Simply hard-boil some eggs, then combine the yolks with a creamy blend of mayonnaise, mustard, and a pinch of seasoning. Spoon this flavorful mixture back into the egg whites, creating a visually appealing and tasty treat that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Easy Pasta Salad
For a satisfying and flavorful picnic spread, consider combining cooked pasta with an assortment of vegetables and your favorite dressing to create a hearty and nutritious salad that will keep everyone satisfied.
Sandwich Roll-ups
Indulge in the simplicity of a beloved snack, free from guilt and packed with flavor. By rolling your favorite sandwich fixings into tortillas or flatbread, you’ll create a convenient and satisfying handheld treat that’s sure to please.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
There’s something inherently special about enjoying the sweet, smoky flavor of grilled corn during the warmth of summer. As a classic summertime favorite, grilling ears of corn and serving them fresh off the grill, slathered in melted butter and sprinkled with a pinch of salt, is a simple yet satisfying way to elevate your outdoor gatherings – whether that’s a casual picnic or a more formal BBQ.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Indulge in the simplicity of a delightful picnic dessert by melting rich, velvety chocolate and dipping succulent strawberries, creating a match made in heaven that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Mini Sandwiches
For a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for young hands or a quick snack, try crafting miniature sandwiches with a variety of breads, cured meats, and artisanal cheeses.
Meatballs
Indulge in the comfort of meatballs smothered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce – a delightful and filling treat perfect for picnics. The classic combination is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Salsa and Chips
Indulge in the zesty delight of salsas, a flavorful snack that offers an array of options. While store-bought versions are always available, many enthusiasts prefer crafting their own concoctions by combining fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, pungent onions, spicy jalapeno peppers, and fragrant cilantro.
Energy Bites
Indulge in the perfect blend of wholesome goodness with these no-fuss energy bites. By combining rolled oats, creamy nut butter, drizzles of honey, and chewy dried fruits, you’ll create an irresistible treat that’s both nourishing and delightful to munch on during a picnic or as a quick pick-me-up any time of day.
Potato Salad
Potatoes take center stage in another beloved picnic staple. By mixing cooked spuds with a rich blend of mayonnaise, mustard, and an assortment of diced vegetables, you’ll create a salad that’s equal parts refreshing and indulgent.
Pita Chips and Tzatziki Sauce
Indulge in the simplicity of a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired snack by pairing crispy pita chips with a tangy tzatziki sauce. This tasty dip is crafted from a harmonious blend of yogurt, cucumber, and aromatic spices, offering a delightful respite from the daily routine.
Brownies
Indulge in the quintessential picnic delight – rich, gooey brownies! Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast and choose to bake your own from scratch, or prefer the convenience of store-bought treats, these fudgy goodies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Lemon Bars
Indulge in the refreshing taste of summer with a sweet and tangy twist – homemade lemon bars are a must-try treat. The perfect combination of zesty lemon and sweet indulgence makes for a delightful dessert that’s sure to please.
Potato Chips
When it comes to classic picnic fare, one snack stands out for its ability to complement a wide range of dishes, including sandwiches and burgers: potato chips. And with a plethora of flavors to choose from, such as the sweet and tangy barbecue, the creamy and pungent sour cream and onion, or the bold and zesty salt and vinegar, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Stuffed Grape Leaves
Wrapped in the tender leaves of grapes, these Mediterranean treats, commonly referred to as dolmas, conceal a savory surprise – a mixture of seasoned rice that bursts with flavor. As a result, they offer a deliciously easy-to-carry snack option.
Nut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
A quintessential component of any outdoor gathering, classic sandwiches have stood the test of time. The beauty lies in their versatility, allowing you to experiment with various nut butters such as almond or cashew to infuse a fresh and distinct flavor profile.
Lemon and Strawberry Cake Bites
When it’s time to take a break from soaking up the sun, consider whipping up a batch of mini lemon and strawberry cakes as a delightful mid-picnic treat. The individual servings are perfectly sized for a quick indulgence between bites of your main picnic spread.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Indulge in a rich and satisfying culinary experience with this delectable spinach, artichoke, and cheese dip. Its velvety texture and bold flavor make it an ideal accompaniment to a variety of snacks, including crusty bread, crunchy crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Fruit Skewers
Transform vibrant fruits such as melon, berries, and pineapple into a stunning and revitalizing snack by threading them onto skewers. The combination of textures, colors, and flavors will tantalize your senses, making it an ideal treat for hot summer days or anytime you crave something fresh and exciting.
Cucumber Sandwiches
Elegant and light, thin cucumber slices paired with a tangy cream cheese spread and fragrant herbs atop delicate small bread rounds make for a refreshing and sophisticated picnic treat that’s sure to delight.
Mini Quiches
For a charming and satisfying picnic experience, consider preparing bite-sized quiches that are both flavorful and visually appealing. These versatile snacks can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as melted cheese, savory ham, or an assortment of colorful vegetables, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Olive Medley
A harmonious blend of diverse olives, including the rich flavor of Kalamata, the bright zest of green olives, and the savory surprise of pimento-stuffed varieties, perfectly complements the bold flavors of pickled vegetables, resulting in a delightfully zesty and tangy snack experience.
Mini Sausage Rolls
Satisfy your cravings with these indulgent, bite-sized pastry rolls packed with flavorful sausage meat – the perfect treat to curb your hunger and satisfy your love for savory snacks.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors with this simple yet satisfying treat. To create these tasty morsels, start by immersing soft pretzels in a rich, melted chocolate, then allow them to cool and harden before serving.
Hard Cheese and Grapes
Combining the rich, creamy flavors of hard cheeses such as cheddar and Gouda with the natural sweetness of grapes creates a match made in heaven. The tangy notes of the cheese beautifully balance out the juiciness of the grapes, resulting in a harmonious flavor profile that is sure to delight.
Caesar Salad Cups
Sipping on a portable cup of Caesar salad, complete with crunchy romaine lettuce, satisfying croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing, is the perfect way to quench your thirst and satisfy your cravings – all without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
Tabbouleh
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this rejuvenating Middle Eastern-inspired salad. A harmonious blend of nutty bulgur wheat, fresh parsley, cooling mint, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy dressing creates a culinary masterpiece that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying.
Spring Rolls
A delicate yet satisfying culinary experience awaits in the form of fresh and lightweight rice paper rolls. These versatile morsels can be stuffed with an assortment of wholesome ingredients such as vegetables, succulent shrimp, or savory tofu. When paired with a tangy and flavorful dipping sauce, each bite becomes a harmonious fusion of textures and tastes that is sure to delight.
Edamame
Edamame is an excellent choice for a healthy snack option – young soybeans served in their pods and sprinkled with sea salt. To elevate your next outdoor gathering to the next level, consider incorporating some of these 35 top-notch picnic snacks into your menu. With options ranging from indulgent desserts to nutritious bites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re planning a casual afternoon or an extravagant event, these picnic snack ideas are sure to impress your guests and leave them feeling satisfied. So pack up the blanket, grab the picnic basket, and head out for a delightful day under the sun with these scrumptious snacks.