For most of us, the arrival of picnic season—and spring in general—makes us want to burst into song and dance. Just the mere thought of sitting pretty and eating meals with sunshine above and flora all around can kick any lingering winter blues straight to the curb.
But rather than predictably pack up the same old ham and cheese sandwiches or frantically make a last minute McDonald’s drive-through run (we’ve all been there), why not upgrade the occasion with delicious eats actually worthy of springtime celebration? One of the below will certainly do the trick!
1. Chicken, Pecan, and Apple Salad
Source: Damn Delicious
Adorable mason jars for single servings elevate an already superb salad.
2. Picnic Loaf
Source: The Simple Things
Beautiful keywords in this recipe: “Half sandwich, half pie.” Also: “Cut into thick, cake-style slices.”
3. Chopped Chicken Sesame Noodle Bowl
Source: Pinch of Yum
So delicious. And best of all, these soba noodles are a dish best served cold.
4. Watermelon Bruschetta
Source: Host the Toast
This recipe subs watermelon for tomatoes, creating a fun and refreshing twist on bruschetta. And honestly, is a picnic really a picnic without watermelon?
5. Veggie Rice Paper Rolls
Source: Tomato Boots
Make enough of these vegetarian rolls for your entire picnic crew, and we promise you’ll be rollin’ deep.
6. Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Source: The Pioneer Woman
This salad is easy as 1-2-3 to make, plus it’s tangy and fresh. What’s not to like?
7. Vanilla Peach, Mango, and Strawberry Sangria
Source: Joanne Eats Well With Others
Just when you think you know sangria like the back of your hand, this recipe adds vanilla powder to the mix. Game changer, people.
8. Blueberry Galettes
Source: Completely Delicious
Pockets are universally awesome (such as dresses with pockets!), but these mini dough pockets bursting with blueberries take that awesomeness to a whole new level.
9. Summer Cheeseboard
Source: Half Baked Harvest
Everyone loves a good cheeseboard, and this one—with picnic balsamic strawberries, roasted cherry tomatoes, and everything else that’s right with the world—might be the best one we’ve seen yet.
10. Herbed Red Potato Salad
Source: Cookie + Kate
Subtract the mayo and add lots of herbs when making this satisfying potato salad.
11. Peach and Marzipan Hand Pies
Source: My Name Is Yeh
Especially popular in Italy, marzipan is a confection made of mostly sugar, almond paste, and happiness. Introduce it to your picnic culinary arsenal with indulgent (read: scrumptious) peach and marzipan hand pies.
12. Marinated Vegetable Salad
Source: Lunching Daily
Don’t let the almost-too-good-to-be-true simplicity of this veggie salad fool you into thinking it’s not picnic-worthy. Instead, let the salad’s colors (and flavors) hypnotize you into adding it to the menu, stat.
13. Summer Nectarine Salad
Source: Honestly Yum
We’ll let this recipe speak for itself.
13. Greek Olive and Pesto Fried Zucchini Sandwich
Source: Half Baked Harvest
These grilled pitas are loaded with the good stuff, including fried zucchini, crunchy chickpeas, feta cheese, and more.
14. Grapefruit Popsicles
Source: Paper & Stitch Blog
If you plan on filling up a cooler with ice and frosty cold beers, make room for grapefruit popsicles that combat the heat just as well.
15. Fresh Mint Ginger Lemonade
Source: A Beautiful Plate
A little sweet and a little sour, fresh mint ginger lemonade will round out the perfect picnic.