Choosing foods to have at a picnic is all about picking dishes that taste good at room temperature, travel well in a cooler, and are easy to eat outdoors without much fuss. The best picnic menus mix a few filling mains with simple sides, snacks, and drinks, and they keep food safety in mind from the moment you pack. Here are easy ideas that travel well for your next day out.
Mains That Travel Well
Sandwiches and wraps are picnic classics for a reason: they are portable, need no cutlery, and can be made the night before. Fill them with chicken, ham, cheese, or roasted vegetables, and wrap each one separately so they stay fresh and are easy to hand out.
Slow-cooked pulled pork also makes a crowd-pleasing picnic main, served in soft rolls with coleslaw. If you want to make it ahead, see our guide to pulled pork for cooking times and tips. Cold fried chicken, slices of quiche, and pasta salads with a simple dressing are other mains that hold up well on the journey.
Sides That Are Easy to Pack
- Potato salad with a light dressing, kept chilled until serving
- Coleslaw, which pairs well with sandwiches and grilled meats
- Pasta salad with vegetables and a lemon or vinaigrette dressing
- Fresh fruit salad or whole fruit such as grapes, berries, and melon slices
- Crusty bread rolls and butter for filling out the meal
Snacks and Finger Foods
Small bites are the heart of a picnic spread, because everyone can graze while they chat and play. For more gathering ideas, browse these appetizers and finger-food ideas. Cheese cubes, crackers, hummus with vegetable sticks, mixed nuts, and tortilla chips with salsa all pack easily and need no plates.
Drinks to Bring
Water is the most important picnic drink, especially on warm days, so bring more than you think you will need. Lemonade, iced tea, and juice boxes are easy crowd-pleasers, and keeping bottles in the cooler with the food helps everything stay cold. Avoid drinks that go flat quickly, and bring cups or reusable bottles for everyone.
Food Safety: The 2-Hour Rule
Perishable picnic food should not sit out for more than 2 hours, and only 1 hour when the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Pack food in an insulated cooler with ice packs, keep the cooler in the shade with the lid closed, and return leftovers to the cooler promptly. Throw away anything that has been left out too long, and wash hands or use wipes before eating.
Packing Tips for a Smooth Picnic
- Chill food and drinks before packing so the cooler stays cold longer
- Use sealed containers and separate bags for wet and dry items
- Pack a blanket, napkins, wipes, a trash bag, and a bottle opener
- Bring a separate bag for rubbish so you leave the spot clean
With a few reliable mains, simple sides, and plenty of cold drinks, your picnic menu can be easy to carry, easy to serve, and easy to enjoy. Pack smart, mind the 2-hour rule, and spend less time worrying about the food and more time enjoying the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods are best for a picnic?
Foods that taste good at room temperature and travel well, such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruit, cheese, and snacks that do not need reheating.
How long can picnic food sit out?
Perishable food should not sit out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour when it is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep it in a cooler until serving time.
What should I drink at a picnic?
Water is essential, plus lemonade, iced tea, or juice. Keep drinks chilled in the cooler and bring extra water on hot days.
How do I keep picnic food cold?
Use an insulated cooler with ice packs, chill food before packing, keep the cooler closed and in the shade, and return leftovers to the cooler promptly.
What are easy picnic foods for kids?
Sandwiches cut into fingers, fruit, cheese cubes, crackers, and juice boxes are easy for children to eat outdoors and need little preparation.
