As the warmth of summer approaches, the anticipation of picnic season grows. Whether you’re planning a intimate escape with loved ones or an action-packed family adventure, a successful picnic requires more than just a beautiful setting. It’s about crafting a menu that brings people together and leaves them feeling satisfied. While the main course is undoubtedly important, it’s the supporting cast of side dishes that can elevate the experience from good to great. To help you achieve this, we’ve curated 36 mouth-watering and straightforward ideas for picnic side dishes that are sure to impress.
36 Delicious Picnic Side Dishes
Classic Potato Salad
When it comes to hosting an outdoor gathering, few dishes are as iconic or crowd-pleasing as this beloved American classic. With its rich, creamy texture and zesty flavor profile, courtesy of the harmonious union of potatoes, eggs, and mayonnaise, it’s no wonder why this dish is a staple at many an alfresco affair.
Rainbow Fruit Salad
Indulge in the sweetness without sacrificing nutrition with this vibrant salad, boasting an array of fruits and contrasting textures to delight your palate and leave you feeling satisfied.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs have long been a staple at picnics and gatherings due to their simplicity, versatility, and impressive nutritional profile. These bite-sized treats offer a satisfying combination of rich flavor and a boost of protein, making them an ideal choice for outdoor events or casual get-togethers.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Savor the taste of a classic summer treat with this innovative pasta salad, specially designed to beat the heat. A symphony of flavors comes together in harmony, thanks to the star players – plump cherry tomatoes and creamy fresh mozzarella. Together, they create a light, revitalizing dish that’s perfect for those sweltering summer days when all you crave is something cool and refreshing.
Hummus with Veggies
A culinary delight, hummus shines as a nutritious and flavorful dip that harmoniously complements a medley of vegetables such as crunchy carrots, crisp celery, and refreshing cucumbers. As an added bonus, this creamy treat provides a substantial source of protein for individuals adhering to plant-based diets, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans seeking a satisfying snack.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
There’s nothing that embodies the essence of a warm summer day like the sweet, smoky flavor of grilled corn on the cob. This simplicity to prepare and delightful taste makes it a standout option for any outdoor gathering, from casual picnics to more formal barbecues.
Creamy Coleslaw
A timeless favorite at backyard barbecues, this simple yet satisfying slaw is the perfect complement to grilled meats. The harmonious blend of creamy cabbage and crunchy carrots offers a delightful contrast that will leave your guests craving more.
Cucumber Salad
Indulge in a revitalizing cucumber salad, expertly crafted with tender slices of cucumber, fragrant dill, and a hint of zesty vinegar that harmoniously balances flavors, leaving your taste buds refreshed and rejuvenated.
Antipasto Skewers
For those who crave a savory delight, skewers loaded with salami, olives, and cheese are an excellent choice. This harmonious blend of flavors and textures creates a mouthwatering experience that’s sure to elevate any outdoor gathering, whether it’s a casual picnic or a more formal soiree.
Watermelon Salad
As the mercury rises during those sweltering summer months, a revitalizing salad can be just what’s needed to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. This particular concoction, featuring juicy watermelon, crumbly feta cheese, and a sprinkle of cooling mint, is a masterclass in balancing sweet and savory flavors – a perfect remedy for hot days when you need a little pick-me-up.
Mac n’ Cheese
When planning a picnic, there’s one dish that consistently hits the spot with friends and family alike: a timeless favorite that’s simplicity itself to prepare yet thoroughly satisfying to devour. Its versatility makes it an excellent addition to any outdoor gathering.
Quinoa Salad
Indulge in a nutritious and gluten-free delight that’s bursting with protein and fiber. This delectable combination features quinoa as its foundation, accompanied by an assortment of vibrant vegetables and finished off with a zesty dressing that adds a burst of flavor.
Tomato Basil Bruschetta
The quintessential Italian antipasto is a delightfully simple yet flavorful combination of juicy diced tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil served atop a crispy, rustic loaf of bread.
Grilled Veggies
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with the rich flavors that come from grilling vegetables. This simple yet impressive technique transforms ordinary veggies into a mouthwatering side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any casual get-together. Bell peppers, zucchinis, and eggplants are particularly well-suited to the grill’s gentle heat, emerging with a sweet, smoky charm that’s sure to delight.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Packed with the goodness of protein and flavor, this recipe makes for a fantastic choice for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. A medley of nutritious ingredients such as chickpeas, parsley, and mint come together in harmony, accompanied by a zesty olive oil and feta cheese dressing that adds a tangy twist.
Caprese Skewers
Caprese salad gets a creative spin with these bite-sized skewers, featuring tender tomato cubes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil leaves, all perfectly balanced in harmony.
Rice and Bean Salad
For a satisfying and nutritious addition to your outdoor gatherings, this salad boasts a harmonious blend of rice, beans, and vegetables, collectively providing an impressive boost of protein – perfect for a casual picnic or any other social event.
Deviled Ham Spread
Elevate your deviled egg game with a unique spin that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings. This innovative version combines the classic deviled egg with the savory flavor of chopped ham and a subtle kick of spice, making it an irresistible addition to any picnic or backyard bash.
Baked Beans
A staple at many an alfresco affair, this timeless recipe is sure to delight with its harmonious blend of sweetness and savory notes, leaving all who partake feeling thoroughly content.
Caesar Salad
The timeless appeal of the classic Caesar salad lies in its simplicity and ability to bring people together. At its core, this beloved dish consists of crisp romaine lettuce, rich Caesar dressing, and a generous sprinkling of nutty parmesan cheese – a trifecta that never fails to impress.
BLT Pasta Salad
Imagine a refreshing twist on the classic BLT sandwich, where the flavors of crispy bacon, crunchy lettuce, and sweet cherry tomatoes come together in perfect harmony. This mouthwatering pasta salad is the ultimate expression of that iconic combination, with every bite a delightful celebration of textures and tastes.
Greek Salad
For a quintessential outdoor gathering experience, consider serving up a timeless salad that effortlessly combines the creaminess of feta cheese, the brininess of black olives, and the zest of a well-balanced dressing. This delightful combination is sure to be a hit at your next picnic, offering a refreshing respite from the sun-kissed afternoon.
Stuffed Cucumbers
One refreshing way to indulge is by hollowing out cucumbers and filling them with a delightful combination of cream cheese and fragrant chives. This unique snack is both a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, offering a cool and creamy treat perfect for hot summer days.
Baby Back Ribs
For many, the quintessential backyard gathering wouldn’t be complete without the unmistakable flavors of a classic barbecue. This timeless favorite is not only effortlessly prepared but also consistently generates a collective enthusiasm among those gathered.
Bean Dip
Indulge in the savory delight of a bean-based dip that’s as crowd-pleasing as it is easy to make. By combining the humble legume with a medley of spices and melted cheese, you’ll create a flavor profile that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. And let’s not forget its versatility – this dip is perfect for outdoor gatherings, whether that’s a backyard BBQ or a camping trip with friends.
Sweet Potato Fries
Indulge in a guilt-free snack with these scrumptious sweet potato fries, whether you choose to bake or fry them. As a nutritious and flavorful side dish, they’re ideal for elevating your next outdoor gathering or picnic experience.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Indulge in a rich and satisfying dip that combines the earthy goodness of spinach, the subtle sweetness of artichokes, and the creaminess of melted cheese. Perfect for dipping your favorite bread or crunchy snack
Three-Bean Salad
Innovative and revitalizing, this delectable side dish is crafted by harmoniously blending the earthy sweetness of kidney beans, the crisp texture of green beans, and the subtle nuttiness of wax beans. The perfect union is then elevated by a tangy and zesty vinaigrette dressing, resulting in a culinary delight that will leave you craving more.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Take your hummus to new heights by infusing it with the deep, savory taste that comes from incorporating roasted red peppers. The slightly sweet and smoky notes they bring will elevate the overall flavor profile, leaving you wondering how you ever managed without this game-changing addition.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Savory and satisfying, this classic recipe combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the richness of ground meat, rice, and a medley of seasonings to create a mouthwatering side dish that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Broccoli Bacon Salad
Indulge in a vibrant and satisfying salad that combines the nutritional benefits of broccoli florets with the smoky, savory essence of crispy bacon, all brought together by a rich and creamy dressing.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms, when marinated and grilled to perfection, transform into a satisfying and flavorful side dish that can complement a wide range of main courses. The meaty texture and earthy flavor of the mushrooms provide a perfect contrast to the boldness of many other ingredients, making them an excellent addition to any meal.
Israeli Couscous Salad
Indulge in a revitalizing culinary experience with a delightful salad featuring pearl couscous, fragrant fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing that will leave you craving more.
Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
A timeless favorite that’s sure to please at outdoor gatherings like picnics or potlucks, this comforting dish never goes out of style.
Coleslaw with a Twist
Transform your humble coleslaw into a vibrant masterpiece by incorporating unexpected ingredients. Try adding juicy apple chunks, plump raisins, or tart cranberries to give it a delightful sweetness and satisfying crunch.
Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan
When it comes to picnics, the food is often the highlight of the experience. A thoughtful selection of side dishes can elevate the occasion and bring people together. One such example is grilled asparagus with Parmesan cheese – its simplicity belies its delightful flavor and presentation. Similarly, having a repertoire of 36 diverse and delicious ideas for picnic side dishes ensures that there’s something for everyone, making it easy to impress your guests and create lasting memories.