Picnics are a delightful way to enjoy the great outdoors, whether it’s a sunny day in the park, a scenic hike, or a relaxing beach outing. And what’s a picnic without delicious food? While sandwiches are a classic choice, Picnic Food can be so much more varied and exciting. As a food enthusiast at foods.edu.vn, I’m thrilled to share my ultimate guide to picnic food, filled with inspiration and recipes to elevate your outdoor dining experience. From savory pies and bakes to refreshing salads, delightful dips, and sweet treats, you’ll discover a treasure trove of picnic food ideas to make your next outing truly memorable. And yes, for those who love tradition, we’ll even explore some fantastic sandwich fillings too!
As a seasoned picnicker, I’ve gathered my top tips for ensuring your picnic is not just tasty, but also perfectly hassle-free.
While picnics are often associated with warm weather, don’t let colder days deter you! True picnic lovers know that the joy of outdoor eating can be embraced year-round. In fact, I’ve been known to indulge in ‘extreme picnicking’ with friends, where a bit of wind or rain only adds to the adventure! The key is to be prepared and choose the right kind of picnic food to suit the season.
Essential Picnic Tips for a Seamless Experience
Before we dive into mouthwatering picnic food ideas, let’s cover some essential tips to ensure your outdoor feast goes off without a hitch. These practical pointers will help you plan, pack, and enjoy your picnic to the fullest.
- Cutlery and Serving Essentials: Unless you’re opting for a completely finger-food affair, remember to pack cutlery! Forks, knives, and spoons are easily forgotten but crucial for enjoying salads, pies, and desserts. Consider lightweight, reusable options like bamboo or metal cutlery sets.
- Transportation and Portability: Think about your picnic location and how you’ll transport your food. Is it a short walk from the car, or a longer trek? Avoid overpacking to keep things manageable. A sturdy picnic basket or cooler bag with shoulder straps can make carrying everything much easier.
- Eco-Friendly Tableware: Melamine or bamboo plates are excellent choices for picnics. They are light, durable, and significantly more eco-friendly than disposable plastic plates. Reusable cups and containers also minimize waste and are a sustainable option.
- Cooling Strategies: Utilize frozen drinks as ice packs to keep your picnic food cool and fresh, especially on warmer days. Freeze water bottles or juice boxes the night before and they’ll gradually thaw, providing refreshing drinks while keeping your food chilled.
- Handy Utensils: A small, lightweight chopping board and a sharp knife can be incredibly useful for last-minute food prep, like slicing cheese or bread. Don’t forget a bottle opener or corkscrew if you plan to bring drinks that require them.
- Dressing on the Side: Pack salad dressings separately in screw-top jars or leak-proof containers. Toss the dressing with your salad just before serving to prevent soggy salads and maintain optimal freshness and texture.
- Fresh and Simple Sides: Include quick and easy raw vegetables like carrot and cucumber sticks, bell pepper strips, and radishes. These provide healthy, crunchy additions and require minimal preparation. Similarly, pack pre-chopped fresh fruits for a refreshing and light dessert option.
- Weather Preparedness: British weather is famously unpredictable! Always check the forecast before heading out, but be prepared for anything. Even on a cloudy day, sunscreen is essential to protect against UV rays. And it’s wise to pack a compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket, just in case the sun decides to take a break.
- Leave No Trace: This is incredibly important: always take all your rubbish home with you and leave your picnic spot exactly as you found it, or even cleaner. Bring reusable rubbish bags and dispose of waste responsibly to preserve the beauty of our outdoor spaces.
Delicious Picnic Food Ideas & Recipes to Inspire
While store-bought picnic snacks can be convenient, homemade picnic food is truly special. Taking the time to prepare delicious food to share with friends and family is a wonderful way to show you care. The flavors are fresher, you control the ingredients, and there’s a certain satisfaction in enjoying food you’ve created yourself.
Here are some of my favorite picnic food categories and recipe ideas to get you started, ensuring a balanced and delightful picnic spread:
Pies & Savory Bakes: Portable and Flavorful
Pies and savory bakes are picnic stars! They are portable, satisfying, and can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them ideal for outdoor dining. Britain boasts a rich tradition of pies, and many are perfectly suited for picnics. From quick-to-assemble options to more elaborate creations, these recipes offer a range of flavors and textures to tempt your taste buds.
Picnic Pie: The Showstopper
For a truly impressive centerpiece, a Picnic Pie is hard to beat. This glazed shortcrust pastry pie is filled with a rich and savory mixture of sausage meat, apples, and onions. It’s guaranteed to be the star of your picnic spread, yet surprisingly easy to make. The combination of sweet apple and savory sausage is a classic for a reason, and encased in a beautiful pastry, it’s picnic perfection.
Egg & Ham Pies: Individual Delights
If you prefer individual portions and something quicker than a large pie, Egg & Ham Pies are an excellent choice. These perfectly sized cold pies feature crisp shortcrust pastry filled with ham (or bacon), sweet onion, and fresh parsley, all set in a light and delicate egg custard. They are easy to transport and eat, making them ideal for picnics with kids or larger groups.
](https://moorlandseater.com/egg-and-ham-pies/)
Mediterranean Oat Bake: Veggie Goodness
For a nutritious and vegetarian option, the Mediterranean Oat Bake is a winner. This bake combines Mediterranean flavors like feta cheese, roasted peppers, zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and olives with oats, eggs, nuts, and seeds. It’s quick to prepare and equally delicious served cold at a picnic or warm as a vegetarian main course. The oaty texture and vibrant Mediterranean vegetables make it a flavorful and healthy picnic choice.
](https://moorlandseater.com/mediterranean-oat-bake/)
Empanada de Atún: Galician Tuna Pie
Bring a taste of Spain to your picnic with Empanada de Atún, a wonderful tuna pie from Galicia in northwest Spain. Filled with tinned tuna, onions, peppers, olives, and hard-boiled eggs in a flavorful tomato sauce, this pie is best enjoyed cold, making it perfectly picnic-friendly. The savory filling and flaky pastry make it a satisfying and unique addition to your picnic basket.
Rough Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls: A British Classic, Elevated
No British picnic is complete without sausage rolls! But these Rough Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls are a step above the rest. Flavored with fennel seed and onion, these mini sausage rolls are truly special. And don’t be intimidated by homemade pastry; this rough puff pastry recipe is surprisingly easy to make and results in incredibly flaky and delicious sausage rolls.
](https://moorlandseater.com/rough-puff-pastry-sausage-rolls/)
Cheese & Walnut Loaf: Savory Tea Bread
For a delightful alternative to sandwiches or scones, try Cheese & Walnut Loaf. This savory tea bread is made with self-raising flour and eggs instead of yeast, making it quick and easy to bake. Spread with butter, this loaf is a wonderful savory treat that’s perfect for slicing and sharing at a picnic. The combination of cheese and walnuts provides a lovely texture and flavor contrast.
](https://moorlandseater.com/cheese-walnut-loaf/)
Italian Pork Meatloaf: Cold Cuts with Flavor
Meatloaf isn’t just for hot dinners! My Italian Pork Meatloaf, inspired by Italian flavors, is even better served cold. Packed with herbs, garlic, fennel seeds, lemon, and Parmesan, and wrapped in pancetta, slices of this meatloaf are perfect for a picnic. Serve it antipasti-style with olives, pickles, roasted vegetable salads, and cheeses for a truly Mediterranean picnic feast.
](https://moorlandseater.com/italian-pork-meatloaf/)
Savory Flapjacks: Perfect Finger Food
Savory flapjacks are the ultimate picnic finger food and are also great for lunchboxes. Versatile and easy to customize, you can flavor them however you like. I have three delicious versions on my blog, all quick and simple to make, and they serve as a fantastic starting point for creating your own unique flavor combinations.
Savory Flapjacks with Vegetables, Nuts, Seeds & Cheese: The Original
These are my original Savory Flapjacks, packed with carrot, zucchini, onion, four types of nuts and seeds, sage, and Cheddar cheese. They are hearty, flavorful, and provide a satisfying mix of textures and tastes. Perfect for snacking on throughout your picnic.
](https://moorlandseater.com/savoury-flapjacks-with-vegetables-nuts-seeds-cheese/)
Vegetable Feta Flapjacks with Nuts & Seeds: Mediterranean Inspired
For a taste of the Mediterranean sun, try Vegetable Feta Flapjacks. These savory flapjacks are bursting with Mediterranean flavors, including salty feta cheese, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs. They are especially well-suited for a sunny picnic, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your outdoor meal.
Savory Flapjacks with Apple, Cheese & Walnuts: Waldorf Inspired
My current favorite savory flapjack is the Savory Flapjacks with Apple, Cheese & Walnuts. Think of them as a ‘Waldorf’ flapjack, featuring tangy apple, crunchy walnuts, and celery seeds. The combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy makes these flapjacks incredibly addictive and a delightful picnic treat.
Bread & Crackers: Bases for Dips and Spreads
Bread and crackers, whether plain or flavored, are essential components of any good picnic hamper. Plain bread and crackers serve as perfect bases for your favorite dips and spreads, while flavored varieties can be enjoyed on their own as tasty nibbles.
Cheese & Sun-Dried Tomato Bread: Flavorful Loaf
This Cheese & Sun-Dried Tomato Bread is bursting with intense tomato flavor and hints of cheese, herbs, and garlic. It’s perfect for tearing into chunks and enjoying with your picnic cheeses, cold meats, dips, and spreads. The vibrant flavors and rustic texture make it a standout bread for outdoor dining.
](//)
Cheese & Chorizo Quick Bread: Speedy and Savory
Cheese & Chorizo Quick Bread is packed with tangy Cheddar cheese, smoky chorizo, and chives. This soft and fluffy loaf with a crispy crust is full of flavor and incredibly quick to make. Pack some cocktail sticks loaded with olives, cheese, pickles, and more chorizo to enjoy alongside for an extra flavorful picnic experience.
](https://moorlandseater.com/cheese-chorizo-quick-bread/)
Savory Tear & Share Bread: Impressive and Fun
The Savory Tear & Share Bread is an impressive-looking star bread that’s surprisingly easy to create. This version is filled with layers of sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, basil, salami, roasted onions, and garlic, but you can easily adapt the fillings to your preferences. If your picnic spot isn’t too far from home, you could even wrap the freshly baked or reheated bread in foil and an insulated bag to enjoy it warm!
Courgette, Cheese & Basil Quick Bread: French Inspired
Inspired by French cake salé, this Courgette, Cheese & Basil Quick Bread is a simple yet delicious loaf with a moist, soft texture and a robust cheesy, herby, garlic flavor enhanced by strands of zucchini. It’s a delightful savory cake that’s perfect for slicing and enjoying at a picnic.
](https://moorlandseater.com/courgette-cheese-basil-quick-bread/)
Crusty Homemade Bread (No Knead): Simple Perfection
A loaf of simple Crusty Homemade Bread can be incredibly satisfying. Pack a loaf in your picnic hamper (don’t forget a bread knife!) and cut off wedges to eat with cheese or spread with butter and homemade jam. It’s also perfect for making sandwiches just before you leave. This recipe uses my easy no-knead method, making homemade bread accessible to everyone.
](https://moorlandseater.com/crusty-homemade-bread-with-no-kneading/)
Soft White Baps: Classic Sandwich Rolls
These fluffy Soft White Baps, enriched with a little butter in the dough, are perfect for simple, traditional picnic fillings like egg and cress, cooked ham, or cheese and crunchy fresh onion. Their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor make them ideal for classic sandwich combinations.
](https://moorlandseater.com/soft-white-baps-recipe/)
Picnic Bread with Roasted Vegetables, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Salami & Cheese: All-in-One Loaf
I couldn’t write a picnic food guide without including my Picnic Bread, created for National Picnic Week. Flavor-wise, it’s similar to my Savory Tear and Share Bread, but made in a traditional loaf shape. This loaf is packed with roasted vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, salami, and cheese, making it a flavorful and satisfying all-in-one picnic bread.
Easy Seed Crackers: Gluten-Free Crunch
Light, crispy, grain-free, and gluten-free, Easy Seed Crackers are the perfect crunchy accompaniment to your picnic spreads, dips, and cheeses. Enjoy them as a tasty nibble on their own or with toppings. Incredibly, they’re made with just seeds, water, and your chosen seasonings, making them a healthy and versatile picnic snack.
](https://moorlandseater.com/easy-seed-crackers/)
Rosemary Crackers: Herby and Crisp
So simple and with just a handful of ingredients, these deliciously herby, crisp, and moreish Rosemary Crackers are ideal for your picnic cheeses, dips, and spreads. The fragrant rosemary adds a lovely aroma and flavor, making them a sophisticated cracker choice for your picnic.
](https://moorlandseater.com/rosemary-crackers-recipe/)
Walnut & Pumpkin Seed Scottish Oatcakes: Rustic and Wholesome
I’ve been making Scottish Oatcakes for years, and this version with walnuts and pumpkin seeds is my current favorite. Surprisingly easy to make, these rustic, wholesome savory biscuits or crackers are perfect with your picnic cheeses, pâté, and spreads. The nutty flavors and slightly crumbly texture make them a delightful alternative to traditional crackers.
](https://moorlandseater.com/walnut-pumpkin-seed-scottish-oatcakes/)
Sesame Seed Crackers: Thin and Flavorful
Thin and crispy, with a big sesame flavor, these easy homemade Sesame Seed Crackers are great for scooping up dips like hummus, eating with cheese, or even snacking on their own. For more cracker and biscuit recipes to include in your picnic, explore my Biscuit & Cracker recipes collection.
](https://moorlandseater.com/sesame-crackers/)
Picnic Food Salads: Fresh and Vibrant
While raw vegetable crudités are a good addition to picnic food, it doesn’t take much more effort to create a more interesting and flavorful salad. These salad recipes range from simple and quick to prepare to slightly more elaborate options, offering a variety of fresh and vibrant choices for your picnic basket.
Strawberry & Cucumber Salad with Mint: Summer Refreshment
It might sound unusual, but Strawberry & Cucumber Salad with Mint just screams ‘summer’ to me. The fresh flavors of sweet strawberries and slightly bitter cucumber complement each other beautifully. Prepare it just before leaving home and pack the light, sweetish vinaigrette dressing separately to maintain its crispness and freshness.
](https://moorlandseater.com/strawberry-cucumber-salad-with-mint/)
Caesar Salad & Chicken Caesar Salad: Robust Flavors
If you’re craving robust flavor, Caesar Salad is a fantastic picnic food option. My homemade dressing uses a combination of mayonnaise and plain yogurt to lighten it up. Transport the dressing and croutons separately and toss everything just before serving to prevent sogginess. For a heartier meal, add slices of cooked chicken and crispy bacon bits to make it a Chicken Caesar Salad.
](https://moorlandseater.com/caesar-salad/)
Potato Salad with Smoked Mackerel: Hearty and Flavorful
One of my absolute favorite picnic salads is Potato Salad. I love the comforting combination of potatoes, onion, and egg in a creamy dressing. In this version, I add flakes of smoked mackerel to make it even more satisfying. You could also replace the mackerel with smoked salmon or chopped marinated herring for variations in flavor.
](https://moorlandseater.com/potato-salad-with-smoked-mackerel/)
Tuna & Egg Salad: Classic Combination
Another take on a classic salad that’s perfect for picnics is Tuna & Egg Salad. It offers a lovely combination of flavors and textures. My version is simpler than a Niçoise salad, but feel free to add anchovies, leftover boiled potatoes, and green beans if you like to create a more elaborate salad.
](https://moorlandseater.com/tuna-egg-salad/)
Waldorf Salad: Make-Ahead Perfection
With crunchy apples, celery, walnuts, and raisins or grapes, Waldorf Salad is a great make-ahead dish and perfect for picnics. In my version, the traditional mayonnaise dressing is lightened with yogurt and a hint of lemon, making it a bit healthier and even more refreshing for outdoor dining.
](https://moorlandseater.com/waldorf-salad/)
Mixed Grain Salad: Customizable and Nutritious
Use this Mixed Grain Salad recipe as a template to create a wide range of grain salads. Swap in your favorite combinations of mixed grains and vegetables, and add protein if you like. This version includes kale, fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, red onion, and peppers. A simple dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic adds a real lift to the flavors.
](https://moorlandseater.com/mixed-grain-salad/)
Rice & Vegetable Salad: Versatile and Adaptable
Rice & Vegetable Salad is another grain salad that you can adapt to whatever vegetables, herbs, and flavorings you prefer. I especially love it topped with hard-boiled egg and tuna, but you can customize it with your favorite ingredients to create a unique and satisfying picnic salad.
](https://moorlandseater.com/rice-and-vegetable-salad/)
Aïgroissade: Provençal Inspired
Aïgroissade is a simple and adaptable salad based on a traditional French dish from Provence. My version features a colorful mix of lightly cooked then cooled fresh vegetables, plus canned artichoke hearts and chickpeas, all dressed in a garlic mayonnaise lightened with yogurt. It’s a flavorful and satisfying salad with a touch of French flair.
](https://moorlandseater.com/aigroissade/)
Watermelon Salad: Summer Sensation
Refreshing, quick, and incredibly delicious, Watermelon Salad was made for hot summer days and is perfect for picnics. Juicy cubes of fresh watermelon are combined with crunchy diced cucumber, a little red onion, and lime zest. A simple olive oil and lime juice dressing brings the salad together delightfully, creating a light and hydrating picnic side.
](https://moorlandseater.com/watermelon-salad/)
Bean & Tuna Salad (Fagioli e Tonno): Italian Flavors
This rich yet healthy Bean & Tuna Salad (Fagioli e Tonno) is flavored with olive oil, lemon, red wine vinegar, sliced red onions, garlic, and parsley. Marinating the tinned cannellini beans in the dressing adds so much flavor. Pack the tuna and rocket separately and mix just before serving at your picnic to maintain freshness. It’s a flavorful and protein-packed salad with Italian flair.
](https://moorlandseater.com/bean-tuna-salad-fagioli-e-tonno/)
Dips & Spreads: Perfect with Bread and Crudités
If you’re looking for something tasty to dip into with crudités, crackers, or bread, or to slather onto them, you’ll find my favorite dips and spreads in this section. This selection includes meat, fish-based, vegetarian, and plant-based options to cater to diverse preferences.
Homemade Potted Beef: Old-Fashioned Delight
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the popularity of my old-fashioned Homemade Potted Beef recipe. It truly tastes fantastic and is a British classic. Perfect for sandwiches, one commenter even mentioned, ‘My daughter wanted me to make potted beef, her favorite books are the Famous Five and they frequently have picnics with potted meat’. A nostalgic and flavorful addition to your picnic.
](https://moorlandseater.com/homemade-potted-beef/)
Smoked Mackerel Pâté: Quick and Flavorful
Smoked Mackerel Pâté is a great quick option for your picnic sandwiches or crackers. Simply blend smoked mackerel with lemon zest, spring onions, a little cream, black pepper, and melted butter. For an extra touch, add an optional horseradish-flavored butter topping. It’s a flavorful and easy-to-make pâté that’s perfect for picnics.
](https://moorlandseater.com/smoked-mackerel-pate/)
Artichoke Spread: Easy and Delicious
Made with a jar of chargrilled artichokes, flavored with garlic, lemon, and mint, this Artichoke Spread couldn’t be easier to make. Spread it on bread and crackers or dip into it with raw vegetables. The combination of artichoke, garlic, and mint is fresh and flavorful, making it a delightful picnic dip.
](https://moorlandseater.com/artichoke-spread-with-garlic-lemon-mint/)
Potted Chicken: Leftover Chicken Transformation
This easy and delicious Potted Chicken is a perfect way to use up leftover roast chicken for picnics. Simply blend the meat with melted butter and your chosen seasonings. You can add an optional layer of clarified butter for extra richness. I like my Potted Chicken flavored with tarragon, garlic, and lemon zest, but you can use your favorite herbs and spices like chives, thyme, or parsley.
](https://moorlandseater.com/potted-chicken-with-tarragon-garlic-lemon/)
Tuna Pâté: Simple and Light
Tuna Pâté is another super-simple and quick fish-based pâté. Delicate and light, it’s made with just tinned tuna and butter, enhanced with a hint of lemon and black pepper. It’s a classic and easy pâté that’s perfect for picnic sandwiches or crackers.
](https://moorlandseater.com/tuna-pate-recipe/)
Roasted Beetroot Hummus: Vibrant and Flavorful
This beautiful Roasted Beetroot Hummus will look sensational among your picnic feast. It’s wonderful as a dip for crudités, pita bread, or spread on crackers. For an extra touch, pack a tub of crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, sesame seeds, and fresh mint to sprinkle over it. The vibrant color and earthy-sweet flavor of beetroot make this hummus a standout picnic dip.
Potted Ham: Ham Hock Delight
Potted Ham is a wonderful way to use up leftover ham, but it’s so good that I often buy a ham hock specifically to make it. Spread on crusty bread or little savory biscuits, with a few pickles on the side, it’s amazing how good this simple recipe tastes. The rich, savory ham flavor makes it a classic and comforting picnic spread.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Smoky and Spicy
Another variation on classic hummus, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is my spicier, smokier take, flavored with smoked paprika, cumin, and Aleppo pepper. Using tinned chickpeas and roasted red peppers from a jar means this hummus is ready in around 10 minutes. The smoky and spicy flavors make it a more adventurous hummus option for your picnic.
](https://moorlandseater.com/roasted-red-pepper-hummus/)
Potted Cheese: Cheese Board Alternative
More convenient than bringing a cheeseboard and lots of cheeses to your picnic is homemade Potted Cheese. A traditional British cheese spread, it’s perfect on crackers, biscuits, or crusty bread. Simply combine cheese (use a single variety or a mix), butter, your chosen herbs and spices, and a touch of booze if you like. It’s a flavorful and portable cheese option for your picnic.
](https://moorlandseater.com/potted-cheese/)
Other Savory Picnic Food: Unique and Delicious
The recipes in this section don’t quite fit into the categories above, or the sweet category below, but I had to include them because they are some of my absolute favorites for picnics. They offer unique flavors and textures that will add variety and excitement to your outdoor meal.
Haslet: English Pork & Sage Meatloaf
Just like my Potted Beef, Haslet is a great, old-fashioned British recipe. If you’re planning to go old school and have sandwiches at your picnic, then thin slices of this sage and onion flavored pork meatloaf would be absolutely perfect. It’s a flavorful and savory meatloaf that’s ideal for sandwich fillings or enjoying on its own.
](https://moorlandseater.com/haslet-english-pork-and-sage-meatloaf/)
Tamagoyaki Japanese Omelette: Bento Box Beauty
Made with layers of folded egg, slices of Tamagoyaki Japanese Omelette are so pretty and perfect for a picnic. Arrange them among a colorful selection of raw and cooked vegetables, perhaps with some rice, and you’ll have a visually stunning and delicious picnic bento box. The slightly sweet and savory flavor of Tamagoyaki makes it a unique and appealing picnic item.
](https://moorlandseater.com/tamagoyaki-japanese-omelette/)
Marinated Roasted Peppers with Goat’s Cheese: Spanish Inspired
Marinated Roasted Peppers with Goat’s Cheese feature roasted peppers in a spicy marinade that becomes infused with the peppers’ smoky char. The spicy, smoky heat is perfectly balanced with creamy, tangy goat’s cheese. Pack some crusty bread to dip into the flavorful juices and enjoy this Spanish-inspired picnic delight.
](https://moorlandseater.com/marinated-roasted-peppers-with-goats-cheese/)
Aloo Bonda: Indian Potato Balls
If you like a little spice in your picnic food, then Aloo Bonda (Indian potato balls) are just the thing. Although traditionally eaten hot, I often serve them cold in a picnic. Don’t forget to include some homemade chutneys for dipping, such as Coconut & Coriander Chutney, Tamarind & Mint Chutney, or Spicy Tomato Chutney. These flavorful potato balls are a fun and exotic addition to your picnic.
](https://moorlandseater.com/aloo-bonda-indian-potato-balls/)
Semi-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: Intense Flavor Boost
These intensely flavored Semi-Dried Tomatoes in Oil will go wonderfully well with your picnic meats, cheeses, salads, and breads. Simply dry halved tomatoes in the oven for about 1.5 hours and then cover them with a herb and garlic scented oil. They are far superior to store-bought versions and provide a concentrated burst of tomato flavor to enhance your picnic spread.
Quick Pickled Cucumber: Refreshing Crunch
Quick Pickled Cucumber is ready in just a few hours, so you can even make it on the day of your picnic. It’s great with salads, cold meats, cheeses, and in sandwiches, adding a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor. Flavor them as you like – this recipe includes versions with fresh dill and mustard seeds, and another with warmly spicy Aleppo pepper for variety.
](https://moorlandseater.com/quick-pickled-cucumber/)
Sweet Picnic Food: Time for Dessert
After all that savory deliciousness, you’ll definitely want some sweet treats for your picnic. Is a picnic truly complete without some cake, scones, or other baked goodies? Here are some of my favorite sweet picnic recipes to round out your outdoor feast.
Classic Sultana Scones: British Tea Time Treat
What could be more fitting for a British picnic than Classic Sultana Scones? They’re quick and easy to make, yet always feel like a special treat. Split them and serve simply with a generous amount of butter, or with cream and jam. Just leave the ‘jam first’ or ‘cream first’ debates at home and enjoy these quintessential picnic scones!
American Style Scones: No Fuss Sweetness
If you want to simplify your picnic hamper and skip the butter, jam, and cream, American-style scones are a great option as they are delicious on their own and need no embellishments.
Blueberry & Lemon Scones: Fruity and Zesty
Studded with juicy blueberries and flavored with zingy lemon, these Blueberry & Lemon Scones can be made with either fresh or frozen blueberries. For extra tang, they are drizzled with a lemon icing. The combination of sweet blueberries and tart lemon is bright and refreshing, perfect for a picnic dessert.
Raspberry & Coconut Scones: Tropical Twist
Bursting with juicy raspberries and the sweet taste of coconut from desiccated coconut, coconut milk, and a light coconut drizzle, Raspberry & Coconut Scones are truly irresistible. The tropical coconut flavor and tart raspberries make them a delightful and slightly more exotic scone choice for your picnic.
Coconut Traybake: Retro Cake Classic
Everyone, from kids to adults, will love this easy, delicious, and retro Coconut Traybake. Quick to make, the light and moist coconut sponge is topped with coconut-flavored glacé icing and colorful hundreds and thousands sprinkles. It’s a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing cake that’s perfect for picnics.
If you prefer a jam topping, try my variation: JAM & COCONUT TRAYBAKE.
Victoria Sponge Cake: Classic British Sponge
Back to British classics with the wonderful Victoria Sponge Cake. Buttery sponge cakes are sandwiched with fruity jam and plenty of vanilla-flavored buttercream, making my Victoria Sponge more robust for transporting to your picnic than whipped cream versions. It’s a quintessential British cake that’s always a welcome addition to a picnic.
Orange Victoria Sponge Cake: Citrus Twist
If you have a little more time, how about making your own orange curd and trying this variation on the classic Victoria sponge? Orange Victoria Sponge Cake offers a bright citrus twist on the traditional recipe, adding a refreshing and zesty flavor to your picnic dessert.
Homemade Malt Loaf: Sticky and Sweet
Homemade Malt Loaf is a traditional British teatime favorite that’s also great for picnics. With a gloriously sticky texture, this rich, dark loaf is packed with juicy raisins and has the intriguing flavor of malt extract. Don’t forget to pack the butter so you can spread it lavishly over thick slices of malt loaf. Its unique flavor and texture make it a distinctive picnic treat.
Genoa Cake: Fruity and Festive
If you want to wow your fellow picnickers, take along Genoa Cake to share. Full of currants, sultanas, mixed peel, cherries, and flavored with almond and lemon, this is a stunning, light cake and one of my personal favorites. Its rich fruit content and almond flavor make it a truly special picnic cake.
Genoa Cake Muffins: Quick and Easy Version
Enjoy all the rich flavor of a traditional Genoa Cake in a light muffin with Genoa Cake Muffins. They are whipped up in a fraction of the time and baked in around half an hour, making them a quicker and more portable alternative to a full Genoa cake for your picnic.
Fruit & Seed Flapjacks: Healthier Sweet Treat
With the slow-release energy of oats combined with apple and bananas, your choice of dried fruit and seeds, plus tahini or nut butter, these Fruit & Seed Flapjacks are a healthier sweet treat. They still taste fantastic and will be a sure-fire winner at your picnic, providing sustained energy for your outdoor adventures.
Chocolate Peanut Oat Balls (No Bake Recipe): Decadent Bites
It’s definitely worth making space in your picnic cool box for these fabulous treats: Chocolate Peanut Oat Balls. They are made with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chunks, roasted peanuts, vanilla, coconut, and maple syrup. Simply mix, roll into balls, and dip in melted chocolate for a decadent and no-bake picnic dessert.
I hope my suggestions inspire you to create amazing Picnic Food for your next outdoor adventure!
Some of these recipes do take a little more time to prepare, while others are very simple. But by planning ahead and choosing a good balance between more time-consuming dishes and quicker options, putting together a fantastic picnic doesn’t have to be difficult. Enjoy the process of creating your picnic feast and, most importantly, enjoy your time outdoors with delicious food and good company!
