Picnic Food Ideas

Pack up these easy-to-eat delicious and nutritious food ideas for springtime picnics, day trips to the beach, summer pool parties, and fall tailgates.

We've included complete recipes for:

Caesar Salad Bites

Getting your veggies in won’t be a chore with attractive Caesar salad bites that are as easy to enjoy as they are to eat.

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cooking level: Easy
Yield: 25 bites

Ingredients

• 2 romaine lettuce hearts 
• 2/3 cup bottled refrigerated creamy Caesar dressing 
• 1/2 English cucumber, chopped 
• 1-1/4 cups small seasoned croutons 
• 1 cup halved grape tomatoes 
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley 
• Parmesan cheese
• Freshly ground pepper to taste 
• Green onion stalks (optional)

Directions

1. Separate romaine hearts into 24 medium leaves, and arrange on a large platter.
2. Spoon dressing lightly down center of each leaf.
3. Top with chopped cucumber and next 3 ingredients.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan and pepper to taste.
5. If desired, fold lettuce leaves into pockets and keep closed by knotting green onion stalks around them.

Variation: Add diced cooked chicken breast or salmon for Chicken or Salmon Caesar Salad Bites.

Source: myrecipes.com

Fruit Skewers

Enjoying colorful fresh-cut fruits by the beach is always a win, and serving them on single-serving skewers adds another level of utensil-less fun.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cooking level: Easy
Yield: 20 skewers

Ingredients

• 10 large strawberries, halved 
• 1/4 melon, cut into balls or cubes 
• 2 bananas, peeled and cut into chunks 
• 1 apple, cut into chunks 
• 1 kiwi, cut into half-circle slices 
• 20 whole seedless grapes 
• Pineapple cubes, canned or fresh 
• 20 bamboo skewers 

Directions

Thread fruit pieces alternately onto skewers until full, leaving about 2 inches on the bottom for easy handling.

Seared Ravioli Skewers

The carbs and protein packed in each little bite will help refuel the body after an afternoon of fun, and the savory Italian flavors will delight the palate too.

The sauteed ravioli get slightly crisp and flavors from the delicious cherry tomatoes with fresh basil and artichoke will certainly make for a memorable snack.

Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Cooking level: Moderate
Yield: 8 skewers

Ingredients

• 10 ounce package of your favorite ravioli 
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, cut lengthwise 
• 4 ounce jar of Italian marinated artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped; 2 tbsp of juice reserved 
• Extra virgin olive oil 
• Salt & pepper 

Directions

1. Cook the ravioli according to package directions minus 20% of the time (i.e. if it says cook for 2 minutes cook for only about 90 seconds).
2. Drain and quickly add to a large pot of cold water to "cold shock" the pasta to halt cooking process. Leave in the cold water until ready for use.
3. In a large non-stick skillet add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
4. Saute the ravioli until lightly browned on each side, about 3 minutes per side.
5. Remove to large bowl and toss with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese to taste.
6. Add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil and increase heat to medium high, then add artichoke hearts + juice and cherry tomato halves and saute for 2 minutes.
7. Peel tomato skins if desired.
8. Thread ravioli, tomatoes, and artichoke onto skewers in an alternating pattern, interspersing with fresh basil leaves if desired.
9. Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side.

Note: Skewers will stay warm if wrapped in aluminum foil and placed in an insulated cooler for transport.

Source: lousmostexcellent.blogspot.com

Crab & Avocado Wrap

Crab and avocado are one of our favorite combinations and always makes for a tasty lunch.

This recipe can be easily adapted to serve as many guests as needed; simply multiply the amount of ingredients by the number of wraps you need!

Prep time: 25 mins
Cooking level: Easy
Yield: 1 wrap or 6-8 bites

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup crab meat 
• 1 tsp mayonnaise 
• 1/2 tsp soy sauce 
• 1/2 tsp wasabi paste 
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds 
• 1 or 2 drops sesame oil 
• 1/2 avocado 
• 1/4 cup finely shredded lettuce 
• Squeeze lemon juice 
• 1 soft flour tortilla wrap

Directions

1. Place crab meat into the bowl and mix in mayonnaise, soy sauce, wasabi, sesame seeds, and sesame oil.
2. Spread the mixture halfway horizontally across the wrap, leaving an inch of tortilla along the bottom.
3. Halve an avocado and remove the seed.
4. Score the flesh into slices then scoop out the flesh and lay on top of the crab meat mixture.
5. Cover with shredded lettuce and top with a squeeze of a lemon wedge.
6. Roll tightly from the bottom and wrap in wax paper for transportation.
7. The wrap can also be cut into smaller pieces and secured with food picks if desired.

Source: foodnetwork.com

Caribbean Wrap

Flavors from the rotisserie chicken mix perfectly with the sweetness of the mango and tangy punch of lime juice for a refreshingly appetizing option.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cooking Level: Easy
Yield: 4 wraps

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped or shredded skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken breast 
• 2 cups cubed mango 
• 1 cup low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed 
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion 
• 8 tsp chopped fresh cilantro 
• 8 cloves garlic, minced 
• Juice of 1 lime 
• 1/2 tsp chili powder 
• Crushed red pepper, generous pinch 
• Four 8-inch flour tortillas 
• Shredded lettuce 

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, tossing to coat evenly.
2. Spread the mixture halfway horizontally across the wrap, leaving an inch of tortilla along the bottom.
3. Cover with shredded lettuce.
4. Roll tightly from the bottom to form roll; slice into pieces if desired.

Source: cookingchanneltv.com

Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites

Because a melty warm chocolate center cradling a dollop of peanut butter inside sweet, crusty brownies is worth it anytime.

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 16 mins
Cooking Level: Moderate
Yield: 30 brownie bites

Ingredients

• 1 box of brownie mix 
• Water, according to brownie package directions 
• According to brownie package directions:
• Water
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• 1 bag of Reese's peanut butter cups 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Grease a mini-muffin sheet and set aside.
3. Prepare brownie mix according to box.
4. Using a cookie scoop, fill muffin tins a little more than 1/2 full.
5. Press a peanut butter cup into the center of each brownie until level with the batter.
6. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until brownies are done.
7. Allow to cool in pan before removing.

Photo source: savorysweetlife.com