25 Picnic-Ready Recipes To Make The Most Of The Weather This Spring

Is there anything more romantic than a spring picnic? After a long, dark winter, gathering with friends and sharing a meal outdoors is the perfect way to reconnect with nature and with each other, to shed a layer or two and look forward to a long stretch of sunny days. Not to mention the food: fresh produce and light, bright flavors are a welcome departure from the creamy comfort foods that weigh us down in the cold weather months. In the mood for a picnic? Here are 25 go-to recipes to make the most of dining al fresco . Maroulosalata Stuffed Pita A pita pocket is a picnic staple. For a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor, try these maroulosalata stuffed pitas. Modify the recipe and pack in more healthy fat by adding diced avocado. Roasted Veggie Orzo Roasted vegetables, light orzo, and a zesty lemon dressing make this pasta salad a must-try this summer. And it can be served warm or cold, making it the perfect addition to your picnic basket. Deviled Eggs I’ll be the first to admit it, a platter of deviled eggs doesn’t always bring the wow factor to the occasion – but it’s a classic picnic staple that everyone should master. Not to mention, it’s protein-heavy as far as appetizers go – chips and dip could never . Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich Apples, brie, turkey, and pickled onions on toasted sourdough. In other words, the perfect sandwich. Glazed Lemon Cookies Nothing says spring like a lemon dessert. And with a light glaze and a dash of lemon zest on top, these cookies are sure to be a crowd pleaser. Herby Avocado Egg Salad Serve on an everything bagel, toasted sourdough bread , or over romaine lettuce for a satisfying and savory main course. Honey Peanut Crunch Slaw Crunchy, colorful, and nutritious – this flavorful slaw checks all the boxes for the perfect picnic salad. Cabbage Fritters Veggie-packed and flavorful cabbage fritters are the perfect crispy snack to add to your picnic basket. Slather them in a garlic yogurt dip to convert even the most ardent of cabbage haters. Karpouzi me Feta (Watermelon with Feta) Watermelon with mint will forever be a top 10 summer snack in my book. Toss in feta and a balsamic dressing, and you have a dish that’s sure to satisfy any summer sweet tooth. Spicy Cucumber Salad The perfect crunchy side with a flavorful kick, this cucumber salad is loaded with herbs and avocado to keep you full. Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad I’ve been on a radish kick lately, so this nutritious and delicious protein-packed salad is calling my name. Loaded Pasta Salad Nothing says summer picnic like a chilled, flavor-packed pasta salad. This one is loaded up with veggies, cheese, herbs, and salami for a dish that’s satisfying either as a side, or all on its own. Homemade Mayo Mayo is a staple for sandwiches and summer salads, but let’s face it – the brands at the store are either loaded with seed oils and other suspicious ingredients, or cost $15 per jar. Skip the canola oil and save some money by making your own. It’s super easy, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing exactly what’s in it. Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Sauce Tacos probably aren’t the first thing that pop into your mind when you think of picnic food, but why not? These are light, fresh, and flavorful, making them the perfect main dish to eat al fresco. Air Fryer Potato Chips Sometimes nothing pairs better with a sandwich than crunchy, salty potato chips. Whip out the air fryer and make your own using simple, wholesome ingredients. Creamy Dill Pickle Dip A tangy pickle dip is the best way to kick off any picnic. And it pairs perfectly with your homemade air fryer potato chips! Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad I’m of the belief that you can never have too many summery pasta salad recipes. This one has walnuts for an unexpected but delightful nuttiness. Garlicky Feta Broccoli Salad This recipe takes some time, but the slow-roasted garlic in the sauce makes it worthwhile. It’s packed with protein (hello, chicken breast and Greek yogurt), and keeps in the fridge for a few days, making it a perfect lunch to prepare in advance. Strawberry Tiramisu No picnic is complete without a little something sweet. This summery twist on tiramisu is as beautiful as it is delicious. Use fresh-picked strawberries for even more warm-weather goodness. Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups Lettuce wraps are another unconventional picnic food, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying these savory and flavorful favorites. Don’t worry about assembling them in advance (that could get messy). Just set out the filling and lettuce leaves, and your guests can fill to their hearts’ desire. Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing Chilled fruit salad on a warm day always hits the spot. But when it’s drizzled with a honey lime dressing, it’s in a class of its own. Crispy Quinoa Edamame Salad This veggie-packed, protein-rich salad has developed something of a cult following. Don’t be surprised if your picnic guests ask you for the recipe. Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad Sautéed zucchini makes every dish taste like a summer garden. But to be honest, they had me at pearl mozzarella. Caramelized Onion Dip Another dip to pair with a veggie platter or your homemade potato chips. Think of it as the store-bought containers of French onion dip, all grown up. Crispy Salmon Rolls Elevate your picnic experience (and impress your friends) with these colorful and satisfying salmon rolls. Working with rice paper and seaweed can be intimidating, but the results are totally worth it. Warm, sunny days are just around the corner, and there’s no better way to usher in spring than by enjoying a meal outside with good company. Keep your menu light, bright, and fresh for a meal that’s sure to awaken the taste buds after a long winter nap.