Top 19 Ideal Foods for Picnic Time

Is there anything better than enjoying a feast in the great outdoors? We’ve pulled together our best ever picnic food for everyone to enjoy, from meaty pies or vegetarian pastries through to brownies and bakes.

Photo: Pinterest

Here are the top 19 ideal foods for a perfect picnic time:

#19. The Schimmel Reuben Sandwich

Photo: Ohama World Herald

Pressing down on this sandwich with a spatula while it toasts in the pan is the key to achieving the outer crispness and well-melted cheese that you want in a Reuben. Pile the meat on generously but not more than an inch or two thick or else the interior won't get sufficiently warmed.

#18. Raspberry Financiers

These mini financiers make perfect portable treats for summer get-togethers. They're best eaten the day they're made, but if you want to start them ahead of time, you can make the batter the day before, refrigerate it overnight, and bake them in the morning

#17. Rhubarb & custard blondies

Photo: Pinterest

Fudgy and irresistible, these blondies look impressive but are actually really easy to make. We’ve swirled a custard and rhubarb mix through the blondie batter for an extra-rich hit in every bite.

#16. Pesto pasta salad

This vegetarian pasta salad is super easy to make and packed with colourful vegetables. We’ve included crème fraîche as well as pre-made fresh pesto to create a creamy sauce.

#15. Cucumber Gin Cooler

Photo: Bon Appetit

This refreshing update on the classic gin & tonic is an easy sipper, thanks to summery cucumber slices and plenty of lime juice. A note on the cucumber slices: it may be tempting to nibble them out of your drink right away, but try to resist the urge. After several minutes' contact with the lime juice, gin, and sweet tonic water (about as long as it takes to finish the drink) they pickle ever so slightly, taking on a lovely crisp flavour.

#14. Fig & Serrano ham picnic bread

Thickly sliced fresh figs make a picture-perfect topping for this ciabatta-style loaf. The sweet fruity flavour complements earthy sage leaves, tangy onion and salty, umami serrano ham – a true taste sensation, according to BBC Good Food.

Photo: BBC Good Food

#13. Potato salad

You probably remember potato salad fondly from picnics when you were a kid. Some newer versions of this American classic have a lighter base that won't pack on the pounds. If you want to transform your mom's recipe into something a little leaner, try using a low-fat mayo, or adding some fat-free sour cream as part of the oil requirement. Potato salad is a tasty side dish, and a lower-fat makeover will have everyone coming back for seconds, as cited by How Stuff Works.

#12. Lemonade

Photo: Macheesmo

It's only a beverage, but what a beverage it is! If you could synthesize a season and serve it on ice, lemonade would be it. When you put together your picnic essentials this year, don't forget the summer sip that refreshes kids of all ages. If you want to add a unique touch to this simple drink, we have some suggestions, but remember, like the classic little black dress, lemonade needs very little embellishment.

#11. Kimbap

Photo: Pinterest

Korean kimbap is similar to Japanese sushi but typically uses cooked or pickled ingredients. In this version, bulgogi (marinated beef) is paired with vegetables and egg, according to Baveur.

#10. Sausage rolls

Add a summertime twist on the classic sausage rolls with a unique chicken and bacon filling, flavoured with sundried tomatoes, garlic and basil.

#9. Fried Shredded Beef Empanadas

Photo: Delish

These crunchy empanadas, featuring shells made with masa, lard, and salt, are filled with tender shredded beef tossed in spicy salsa. You can prepare the masa and fill in advance, but don't fill or fry the empanadas until just before eating. Adding baking powder and using an electric mixer are two secrets to light, puffy empanada pastry.

#8. Vegan cherry & almond brownies

Decadent, moreish and plant-based to boot – it doesn’t get better than these vegan brownies. Glacé cherries add a lovely burst of fruity flavour against the chocolate batter, made extra rich with dark chocolate, cocoa powder and coffee.

#7. Falafel Scotch eggs

Photo: Good Food

Combining two of our favourite foods – falafel and Scotch eggs – this is a great healthy veggie option to bring along to a picnic. We’ve given perfectly boiled eggs a tasty coating of chickpeas spiced with cumin and coriander, plus a crisp Scotch egg-style panko breadcrumb coating.

#6. Spanish Potato Frittata (Tortilla Española)

Photo: Caroline's Cooking

Tortilla española is everything we love about Spanish cooking—lusty, elemental, assuredly simple. Traditionally this Iberian omelette gets its heft from thin-sliced potatoes, but chef Ferran Adria substitutes a generous handful of store-bought thick-cut potato chips

#5. Chinese Steamed Pork Buns

Cornstarch adds a silkiness to bao dough, mimicking the bleached, low-protein flour commonly used in Chinese bakeries (but harder to find in supermarkets). Lard adds tenderness, richness, and a subtle porky finish.

#4. Fried Chicken

Cold fried chicken served outdoors on a red checkered tablecloth is the essence of picnic nostalgia. If you want to make this traditional favourite, use a buttermilk batter. It'll give your breading authentic Southern flavour. For a lower-fat option, don't fry your chicken; bake it instead. Just roll chicken pieces in seasonings and ground cornflakes. You'll end up with juicy faux-fried chicken with a great crunch and less fat.

#3. Watermelon

Photo: Dreams Time

No list of picnic specialities would be complete without the king of melons. Watermelon tastes refreshingly right when you cut and serve it outdoors. It's also easier to clean up and dispose of any seeds that way. Kids adore this simple approach, and taking a big bite out of a crescent-shaped slice of watermelon is about as joyously basic as fruit-love gets. If you want a grown-up version that will satisfy your watermelon craving but spare your wardrobe, try chunking watermelon into a sedate salad or blending it into a smoothie. With watermelon, it's all good.

#2. Peach-Raspberry Trifle

Layers of coconut sponge cake, raspberries, tapioca, and bourbon-stewed peaches in easily portable mason jars make this trifle perfect for summer picnics. The compote and the cake can be made up to two days ahead; store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

#1. Ready to Grill

Photo: Foodal

If you're going to a park or campground for your picnic feast, you may be able to bring or score a grill. A hot picnic entree like classic grilled burgers, brats or chicken adds a new dimension to a simple basket meal. Just remember to avoid cross-contamination with your greens, and keep your raw meat on ice. Oh, and don't forget the condiments.

If you think coming up with a grill and charcoal might be a hassle, try investing in a disposable grilling kit. You'll get all the stuff in one convenient package.

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