Bites, Vibes, and Sunshine: The Ultimate Guide to Picnic Food

Written by Lindsay Grohs

Picnics aren’t one-size-fits-all. They should match both your vibe and your crowd. Whether you’re planning a beach day, romantic date, solo adventure, or friend group hangout, I have the perfect picnic menu. 

1. Beach Day Picnic

• Vibe: Chill, Carefree, Joyous, Playful 

• Menu: 

  • Beverage: Fruit-Infused Water

    • Ingredients: Fruit of choice, fresh herbs (mint or basil), water 

  • Entree: Turkey & Cheese Subs

    • Ingredients: Turkey lunch meat, provolone or Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, hummus, salt, and pepper. 

  • Side: Homemade Trail Mix

    • Ingredients: Nuts and seeds, dried fruits, sweets (chocolate chips, M&Ms, yogurt-covered raisins, pretzels, coconut flakes, etc.).

    • Tip: The ratio I recommend is 2 parts nuts/seeds to 1 part fruits and sweets.

  • Side: Watermelon Slices 

  • Dessert: Popsicles

    • Ingredients: Fruit of choice, lime juice, mint

• Extras: Water Balloons, Speaker, Football, Frisbee, Volleyball, Towels

2. Romantic Picnic

• Vibe: Comfy, Cozy, Heartfelt, Dreamy

• Menu: 

  • Beverage: Sparkling Berry Lemonade

    • Ingredients: Lemonade, sparkling water, a handful of raspberries or strawberries, and mint leaves for garnish.

  • Entree: Caprese Sandwich

    • Ingredients: Ciabatta or focaccia bread, mozzarella, tomato, basil, balsamic glaze drizzle, olive oil drizzle, salt & pepper 

  • Side: Heart-Shaped Fruit Kabobs

    • Ingredients: Strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe 

    • Tip: Use a small heart-shaped cutter to make fruit heart-shaped.

  • Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

    • Ingredients:

      • Cupcakes: Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, sour cream 

      • Filling: Strawberries, lemon juice, sugar

      • Whipped Cream Frosting: Heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract 

    • Tip: You can find specific recipes & measurements online (especially Pinterest).

• Extras: Blanket, Polaroid Camera, Flowers, Cute Tableware

3. Solo Picnic Adventure

• Vibe: Peaceful, Adventurous, Self-Care, Recharging 

• Menu: 

  • Beverage: Iced Coffee, Tea, or Matcha 

    • Ingredients: cold brew/espresso/tea/matcha (of choice), milk of choice, sweetener of choice (honey, sugar, stevia, syrups, etc.)

    • Tip: Garnish with edible flowers for an extra cute touch. 

  • Entree: Mason Jar Salad 

    • Ingredients (layered in order from bottom to top): dressing of choice, vegetables, protein, grains, crunchy additions (nuts, croutons, seeds), greens (mixed greens, spinach, lettuce)

    • Tip: Layer in the order listed above so everything stays fresh!

  • Side: Personal Charcuterie Box

    • Components: 2-3 cheeses, 2-3 meats, 2 breads/crackers, 2-3 fruits/vegetables, 1-2 sweet additions, 1 garnish.

    • Cheese Ideas: Soft—brie, goat; hard—cheddar, gouda, manchego; blue—gorgonzola, stilton.

    • Meat Ideas: Prosciutto, salami, chorizo, smoked turkey, pastrami.

    • Bread/Cracker Ideas: Crostini, baguette, bread rolls, water crackers, rosemary crackers, multigrain crackers.

    • Fruit/Vegetable Ideas: Grapes, apple slices, strawberries, figs, raisins, pickled veggies, tomatoes, cucumbers, baby carrots.

    • Sweet Addition Ideas: Honey, jam, chocolate. 

    • Garnish Ideas: Nuts, seeds, herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil)

  • Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookies

    • Ingredients: butter, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips.

    • Tip: You can find specific recipes & measurements online (especially Pinterest).

• Extras: Book/Journal, Headphones, Picnic Basket, Flowers, Crafts

4. Friend Group Hangout

• Vibe: Fun, Social, Upbeat, Casual

• Menu: 

  • Beverage: Soda Station

    • Tip: Some healthier soda brands are Poppi, Ollipop, Slice, and Zevia 

  • Entree: Mini Pizzas 

    • Ingredients: pizza dough, pizza sauce (or sauce of choice—pesto, olive oil, etc.), mozzarella, toppings of choice (pepperoni, sausage, basil, veggies, etc.)

  • Side: Pasta Salad 

    • Ingredients: pasta of choice, veggies (tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives), protein of choice (optional), cheese (mozzarella pearls or feta), dressing of choice 

  • Side: Charcuterie Board

    • Ingredients: 3-5 cheeses, 3-5 meats, 3-4 breads/crackers, 2-3 fruits/vegetables, 1-2 sweet additions, 1-2 garnishes

  • Dessert: Ice Cream Sandwiches 

    • Ingredients: cookie of choice, ice cream of choice, optional add-ins (mini chocolate chips, candy bits, nuts)

• Extras: Card Games, Speaker, Soccer Ball, Cornhole, Camera

I hope this guide gave you some inspiration for your next picnic- what drinks, snacks, and activities to bring and enjoy. Remember, enjoying the company, food, and fresh air is the key to a perfect picnic. With the right vibe, good people, and delicious, on-the-go foods, any picnic can transform into a memorable experience.

Thumbnail Credit:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/picnic-with-snacks-22757314/