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19 Easy and Delicious Summer Picnic Recipes

The perfect companion for your next summer picnic!
Last Updated
:
March 21, 2024
by
Editorial Staff
Summer picnic with friends
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Canva Photos

Summertime is the best time, but it’s also the busiest time. You don’t want to spend your weekends in the kitchen cooking, you want to be outside enjoying the sun!

Who has time to cook during the summer? Not only is it hot and sticky in the kitchen, but you’re also missing out on all of that sweet, sweet sunshine.

We’ve got you covered with these easy and delicious summer picnic recipes that will make your life a lot easier (and tastier). From salads to sandwiches to desserts, we’ve got everything you need for an amazing picnic spread.

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The 19 Best Picnic Recipes

Let’s see our compiled list of these amazing summer picnic food ideas!

Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a dish that has been around for many years. It is made with chicken that has been coated in a buttermilk batter and then fried. The result is a crispy, golden-brown chicken that is both flavorful and tender.

Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or barbecue sauce. It is also great when served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

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Salted Peanut Bars

Salted Peanut Bars are a delicious, nutty, and salty treat that is perfect for any occasion. They are made by combining peanuts, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt to form a sticky mixture that is then pressed into a bar shape.

The bars can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge and make a great snack or dessert.

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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy pasta salad is a variation of the dish that includes mayonnaise or another creamy dressing. The ingredients in creamy pasta salad can vary, but common additions include peas, carrots, celery, and ham.

The salad can be served cold or at room temperature.

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Dogwood Punch

Dogwood punch is a non-alcoholic drink made with Dogwood berries, which are sour and have a slightly astringent taste. The drink is also made with sugar, water, and lemon juice.

Some people also add a little vodka to their dogwood punch to give it a slight kick.

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Marinated Mushrooms

Marinated mushrooms are a type of preserved mushroom that has been soaked in vinegar or acidic fruit juice. The mushrooms are then sealed in a jar or container and left to ferment. This process gives the mushrooms a sour, acidic taste and also preserves them.

Marinated mushrooms can be eaten either fresh or cooked. They are a popular ingredient in salads, but can also be used in other dishes such as pasta or risotto. Marinated mushrooms are available either pre-packaged in stores or can be made at home using fresh mushrooms.

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Chicken Finger Sub with Cabbage Slaw

Chicken Finger Sub with Cabbage Slaw is a sandwich made from a chicken breast fillet that has been breaded and fried, then served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

The sandwich can also include cheese, onion, and other vegetables. Cabbage slaw is often served on the side of the sandwich.

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Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

Grilled shrimp pineapple skewers are a fun, easy, and healthy summertime recipe. Simply thread fresh shrimp, chunks of pineapple, and your favorite herbs onto skewers and grill until cooked through.

The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the succulent grilled shrimp, making this dish irresistible!

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Broccolini Pasta Salad

Broccolini pasta salad is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. The recipe combines broccolini, pasta, and a simple vinaigrette for a light and refreshing meal.

Broccolini is an Italian vegetable that is similar to broccoli but has smaller florets and a more delicate flavor. It is available year-round in most grocery stores. Pasta salad is a great way to use up any leftover pasta you have, but it can also be prepared quickly using fresh ingredients.

The vinaigrette can be made with olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This easy dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck party.

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Blackberry Almond Buckle

Blackberry Almond Buckle is a dessert that can be best described as a cross between a blackberry pie and an almond cake. It is made by combining fresh or frozen blackberries with an almond cake batter, then baking the mixture in a Bundt pan.

The result is a dessert that is both fruity and nutty, with a slightly crunchy topping. Blackberry Almond Buckle can be served either warm or cold, and it can be topped with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.

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Raspberry Crumb Bars

Raspberry Crumb Bars are a dessert that is made up of a crust, raspberry filling, and crumble topping. The crust is made from flour, sugar, butter, and nuts. The raspberry filling is made from raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.

The crumble topping is made from flour, sugar, butter, and nuts.

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Dill Scallion Dip

Dill scallion dip is a concoction of sour cream, mayo, and dill weed mixed with scallions. It is a popular party dip, but can also be enjoyed as a standalone snack. The dip is easy to make — simply mix the ingredients together and refrigerate for an hour before serving.

This dip pairs well with chips, vegetables, or even spread on a sandwich.

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Tomato-Manchego Tartlets

A Tomato-Manchego Tartlet is a savory appetizer or hors d’oeuvre that consists of a puff pastry shell filled with a mixture of diced tomatoes, manchego cheese, and green onions.

The tartlets are then baked until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Tomato-Manchego Tartlets are good because they are simple to make, yet taste complex and elegant.

The tartlets can be served as an appetizer at a party or as a side dish with the main course.

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Roast Beef Baguette

A Roast Beef Baguette is a type of sandwich that is made with a French baguette and roast beef. The roast beef is usually sliced thin and then layered on the bread with mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles.

Some variations of the Roast Beef Baguette also include cheese, tomato, or onion.

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Curry Chicken Salad

Curry chicken salad is a dish that combines the flavors of curry powder and chicken salad. The ingredients vary, but typically, the chicken salad includes chopped cooked chicken, diced celery, grapes, raisins or currants, mayonnaise, and curry powder.

The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.

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Fudgy Stout Brownies

Fudgy Stout Brownies are a rich and delicious dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate and stout beer. The brownies are made with a stout beer-based sauce that gives them a deep, rich flavor.

They are also topped with a chocolate Stout frosting that takes them over the top. Fudgy Stout Brownies are perfect for any occasion, and they will be sure to please everyone who tries them.

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Raspberry and Lemon Rosé Sparkler

A Raspberry and Lemon Ros Sparkler is a drink that can be made by adding lemonade and raspberry sparkling water to a glass of ice. It is refreshing and perfect for a hot day.

The raspberry flavor in the drink pairs well with the tart lemonade, and the sparkling water gives it a light, refreshing taste. This drink is perfect for any occasion, whether you are celebrating a special event or just want something to relax with on a summer day.

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Heirloom Tomato Salad

Heirloom Tomato Salad is a unique salad that can be enjoyed all year round. The salad is made with a variety of heirloom tomatoes, which are tomatoes that have been passed down for generations.

Heirloom Tomato Salad is also made with fresh herbs, such as basil and thyme, and a delicious balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is the perfect appetizer or main course for any occasion.

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Pimiento Cheese Deviled Eggs

Pimiento cheese is a type of cheese spread that is made with pimientos, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. It is often served as a dip or spread for crackers or bread. Pimiento cheese can also be used in recipes to create dishes like pimiento cheese deviled eggs.

Deviled eggs are eggs that have been boiled and then mashed together with a filling. The most common fillings are mayonnaise, mustard, and relish. However, pimiento cheese can also be used as a filling for deviled eggs.

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Meyer Lemon Meringue Pie

Meyer Lemon Meringue Pie is a dessert that is made from a lemon custard filling that is set in a pie crust and then topped with a whipped cream and meringue topping.

The Meyer Lemon is a type of lemon that is believed to be a cross between a lemon and an orange. The Meyer Lemon Meringue Pie was created in the early 1900s and has become a popular dessert choice over the years.

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