Is there anything better than enjoying a feast in the great outdoors? We’ve pulled together our best ever picnic recipes for everyone to enjoy, from meaty pies or vegetarian pastries through to brownies and bakes.
Try the recipes pictured above – smoked salmon & poppy seed palmiers, asparagus & prosciutto bundles with goat’s cheese & hazelnut dip, raspberry & coconut scones and elderflower & cucumber G&Ts.
1. Caramelised onion quiche with cheddar & bacon
Quiches are classic picnic fare, and this crisp pastry base filled with caramelised onions, sharp cheddar and bacon is sure to satisfy.
Caramelised onion quiche with cheddar & bacon
2. Warm chickpea salad
Budget-friendly canned chickpeas are an ideal base for this filling salad option, bulked out with Mediterranean veg and studded with chunks of feta.
3. Summer 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.
4. Classic cheese scones
These savoury scones are easy to make, and are a lovely alternative to bread at a picnic. They’re simply scrumptious split in half and spread thickly with butter.
5. Veggie rainbow picnic pie
This colourful pastry case, packed with layers of vegetables, feta and egg, is sure to impress your fellow picnic-goers.
6. Pork & ham pie
Meat-lovers are sure to take a thick slice of this pork and ham pie, which has eggs neatly nestled in the middle. It’s a bit of a challenge, but perfect for a weekend cooking project and well worth the effort when you tuck in.
7. Egg & cress club sandwich
Fans of traditional flavours will love these bumper egg and cress sandwiches. Firmly secure each stack with a skewer before transporting and serving.
8. Summer herb & feta pies
Cheese pairs perfectly with basil, mint and watercress in these crisp, bite-sized filo parcels. They’re easy to make but look beautiful on any plate or platter.
9. Summer allotment salad with English mustard dressing
New season potatoes pair perfectly with crisp, crunchy vegetables in this fresh potato salad recipe. We’ve used radishes, red onions and cucumber, but it would also work wonderfully with fennel, celery and spring onions.
Summer allotment salad with English mustard dressing
10. Vegetarian wraps
Add the element of DIY to your al fresco feast with these veggie flatbreads, filled with roasted vegetables, creamy coconut tzatziki and a herby, spicy green sauce. Simply pack up the ingredients into separate containers and let everyone assemble their own wrap, to their liking.
11. Zingy blackberry lemonade
Blend lemons, blackberries and mint together to make a refreshing drink that’s delicious served with sparkling water. If you want to take it to the next level (or vary it for the adults) it pairs perfectly with prosecco.
12. Coconut & pineapple cooler
This crowd-pleasing fruity cocktail can be made in advance and nestled in an ice bucket or chilled cooler, ready for consumption. The boozy base is coconut rum and gin, and we’ve added an optional garnish of coriander to give it a lift.
13. Falafel Scotch eggs
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.
14. Pimm’s
Is it really a picnic without Pimm’s? Capture the flavour of summer with this classic fruity drink. Though the recipe is simple, you can’t beat it.
15. 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.
16. 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.
Fig & Serrano ham picnic bread
17. Blackberry bakewell squares
Put fresh blackberries centre-stage in this tasty traybake with a crumbly digestive biscuit base and a tangy layer of blackberry jam. Cut into squares and transport in a tin – they’ll even survive well on a sunny day.
18. Tropical rocky road
Take rocky road to new heights by adding a tropical twist. We used dried pineapple, mango, banana chips and dessicated coconut, but you can add any dried fruit, nuts or biscuits that you have to hand. Experiment with new flavours and textures – it’s hard to go wrong!
19. Rhubarb & custard blondies
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.
20. 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.
Vegan cherry & almond brownies
More picnic inspiration
All our top-rated picnic recipes
Our best ideas for a family picnic
Top vegan picnic recipes
Our favourite healthy picnic ideas
The best quiche recipes
How to pack the perfect picnic
Our review of the best picnic hampers and baskets
