20 Perfect Easy Picnic Recipes
My favorite part of summer are those lazy summer evenings… absolutely perfect for gathering with friends and sharing these delectable but easy picnic recipes.
Every Friday evening our neighborhood hosts a Kiddies & Cocktails, where all of the families with young children can get together.
The only requirement is to bring a dish to share with everyone else and have fun!
I love making these easy picnic recipes… they don’t take too much effort but are always a hit with folks!
This post contains affiliate links.
Easy Picnic Recipes
Easy Picnic Recipes – Appetizers
If you make ONE dish this summer, it absolutely hands-down has to be Cowboy Caviar. This spicy black bean, corn and fresh tomato salsa recipe is AMAZING with the right combination of sweet and spice.
Savory and ready fast, this Spicy Hummus Queso Dip Recipe is the hit of any party or gathering. It’s even perfect for a pre-dinner snack with the family!
Take grilled chicken or fish up a notch in flavor this summer with this Avocado Mango Salsa Recipe. Or serve with your favorite tortilla chips for the perfect dip!
When it comes to Mexican food, I like mine smoky, which is why my mouth waters just thinking about this Fire Roasted Corn and Chorizo Dip. Honestly, in my house, this could just be dinner! But, of course, this makes a kick-a$$ side dish for any backyard BBQ, game day gathering or Mexican dinner feast.
I have stars in my eyes for some adorable yellow men… minions! My love affair (which has been officially approved by my husband) continues with my Minion Recipes for Muddy Buddies Chex Mix.
These No-bake Cheerios Peanut Butter Bars are super healthy, filling and allergy as well as gluten-free! And they’re so easy to make.
Side Dishes
Mexican Corn knocks the socks off of any corn dish you could possible serve this summer. This Mexican Corn Recipe is going to complete any backyard barbecue!
Perfect for a summer BBQ, this Apple Tortellini Salad Recipe just tastes like summer.
Easy Picnic Recipes – Dinner on the Grill
No matter what my family prefers on their burgers, they all agree that Jenny Burgers are the best burger patty recipe out there!
This summer, take your backyard barbecue staples from basic to bold with this knock-out Cowboy Burger with a brazen rub that creates a caramelized outer layer.
Make a serious statement at the dinner table with this smoked delight — Ancho Chile Rubbed Smoked Beef Brisket.
With grilling season here, there is nothing more perfect than a perfectly prepared Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon. And the perfect side — grilled sweet potatoes!
Some days I feel like having a vegetarian meal but honestly just don’t know where to start. This Balsamic Grilled Tofu feels indulgent but is crazy healthy for you.
Cool Treats
Do you love easy homemade popsicles? These Homemade Strawberry Kiwi Spritzer Popsicles can be made in minutes, without all the additives and preservatives of store bought versions!
These cocktail inspired Tart Mojito Cherry Popsicles are a refreshing way to beat the summer heat! Alcohol is completely optional.
For a refreshing summer treat that both kids and adults will love, try this Smoothie Strawberry Banana Popsicles Recipe.
HappyPicnic Insulated Picnic Backpack for 4 with Full Stainless Cutlery SetExtra Large Waterproof Sandproof Picnic Beach Blankets – Machine WashableFoldable Beach Table Ultralight Aluminum Mini Folding TableLarge Picnic Basketwith Internal Pockets – Leak-Proof and Insulated
Easy Picnic Recipes – Desserts
This Leftover Blondies recipe can be made with any kind of chocolate candies with a coated shell, such as M&Ms… but I happen to have had a package of Cadbury mini eggs on hand. So even though it’s summer, I’m made this an Easter Blondies Recipe. Don’t judge.
Has anyone in your family gone gluten-free, dairy-free or sugar-free? Have I got a recipe for you… Gluten, Dairy and Sugar Free Chocolate Brownies.
When it comes to desserts, this ridiculously easy No Bake Peanut Butter Pie is knock-out dessert that will have people thinking you worked away in the kitchen… but really, you just enjoyed licking the bowl! (Shhh…. I won’t tell.)
Thumbprint Twix Cookies… an easy buttery shortbread with gooey caramel and drizzled chocolate. Tastes JUST like Twix bars!
Boardwalk Picnic Basket for 2Wicker Picnic Basket for 2 with Large Insulated Cooler Compartments and Folding TablePicnic Basket Set for 2 with Waterproof Blanket and Insulated Wine PouchWicker Picnic Basket with Insulated Compartment
Folks will be left talking about this amazing Berries and Cream Vanilla Pound Cake that looks as impressive as it tastes!
Don’t miss out on our other family friendly recipes!
Oh Jennifer – these all look so good!! That burger and the tortellini salad made me hungry!