10 Best Picnic Food Ideas that Are Easy to Make

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We’ve officially stepped into fall, and I have to admit—fall is one of my absolute favorite seasons for enjoying a picnic! I know it might be an unpopular opinion, but there’s something truly magical about this time of year. The vibrant colors of the changing leaves, the cool, crisp air, and the serene beauty of the outdoors create the perfect backdrop for a cozy picnic. Plus, let’s not forget the abundance of seasonal harvest treats that make fall picnics extra special.

This list has some of my most favorite picnic foods that I always turn to! They’re easy, quick, and portable – everything you could ask for from a picnic food item!

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

This is a picnic classic! Crunchy walnuts, tangy cranberries, juicy chicken in a creamy flavorful sauce – this cranberry walnut chicken salad goes perfect on lettuce wraps – or even in a tortilla wrap and is such a fulfilling and wholesome recipe. Full recipe: cranberry walnut chicken salad

Tofu Wraps

It’s always good to have a vegan option in the picnic basket – and these tofu wraps are always a winner! It’s simple and quick to make, healthy, and also very fulfilling. Full recipe: tofu wraps

Roast Beef Sandwich

I almost always make these roast beef sandwiches when I have leftovers from this top round roast beef meal. The meat is juicy and packed with so much flavor – but what really takes it up a notch is the Boursin cheese I like to slather on whatever bread I am using. Full recipe: roast beef sandwich

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

This simple but juicy grilled chicken sandwich is my favorite lunch and also such a killer picnic food! It gets oomphed by this delicious sun dried tomato aioli, and some grilled red onions. full recipe: grilled chicken sandwich

Chicken Fajita Wraps

These chicken fajita wraps are my favorite chicken wraps ever! The chicken is perfectly seasoned, so tender and juicy, and the vegetables add just the right flavor. If there is one wrap recipe you want to try for your next picnic – this has to be it! Full recipe: chicken fajita wraps

Mediterranean Israeli Couscous Salad

If you think salads for picnics are boring – you haven’t tried this one yet! It tastes great cold or at room temperature, is easy to make, and also travels well. Need we ask for more? Full recipe: Mediterranean Israeli couscous salad

Tofu Summer Rolls

Any picnic foods list would be incomplete without summer rolls – and these tofu summer rolls are hard to beat! If you’re skeptical about tofu – this recipe is the one that’s going to convert you. These are fresh, flavorful and delicious with this Vietnamese peanut sauce. Full recipe: tofu summer rolls

Peach Mango Salsa

A fruity salsa for picnic? Yes please! This peach mango salsa sweet but also spicy, so juicy and flavorful – and perfect for scooping with your favorite tortilla chips. Full recipe: peach mango salsa

Mini Croque Monsieurs

These buttery, flaky, mini croque monsieurs are so addictive and pretty much everyone’s favorite picnic food item every time I take these. They are also pretty simple to make so it’s a win-win. full recipe: mini croque monsieurs

Chicken Teriyaki Burgers

These juicy grilled chicken teriyaki burgers will be the perfect addition to your next Sunday picnic menu! They’re easy to throw together, very filling, and also pretty much universally loved thanks to the simple flavors. Full recipe: chicken teriyaki burgers