15 Easy Picnic Recipes to Get You Outside All Summer

Savory Spanish Potato Salad
Photo: lutzflcat

Picnics are the perfect way to take a break from it all and enjoy that summer sunshine. You could buy all your picnic food from the store, but a few homemade sandwiches and treats make a picnic extra special. Picnic food needs to be simple and easy to transport but impressive and tasty at the same time. Once you've got the essential picnic gear squared away, set aside some time to prep the food. These delicious recipes take less than an hour to whip up and will make your picnic memorable.

01 of 16

Muffuletta Sandwich

Muffuletta Sandwich
Photo by Allrecipes.

You'll be the envy of everyone in the park when you pull one of these muffuletta sandwiches piled high with salami, ham, cheeses, and olives out of your picnic basket. "WOW - what a sandwich!" raves Jilian. "We got Italian bread from one of our favorite bakeries and this was fabulous! I threw some kalamata olives into the mix and used high-quality meats and cheeses for this. It was very good and very filling!"

02 of 16

All Natural Strawberry Lemonade

All-Natural Strawberry Lemonade
Photo by lutzflcat.

This five-star lemonade is better than anything you'll buy at the store. What better way to use fresh summer strawberries?

03 of 16

Black Bean and Cucumber Salad

Black Bean and Cucumber Salad
Photo by lutzflcat.

Take advantage of those bargain summer veggies, and make this delicious summer salad. The citrus dressing really sets it apart.

04 of 16

Magnificent Macaroni Salad

Magnificent Macaroni Salad
Photo by ReneePaj.

This classic creamy pasta salad is the perfect complement to any kind of picnic food. You can even use it as your base recipe and add other tasty bits such as bacon, crab, shrimp, ham...you get the idea.

05 of 16

Curried Chicken Tea Sandwiches

Curried Chicken Tea Sandwiches
Photo by *Sherri*.

Apples and dried cranberries add crunch and sweetness to savory curried chicken salad.

06 of 16

Asian Chicken Salad in a Jar

Asian Chicken Salad in a Jar
Photo by Allrecipes Magazine.

This mason jar salad is perfectly portable and a great way to use up leftover grilled chicken.

07 of 16

Corn Dog Bites

Corn Dog Bites
photo by footballgrl16.

Kids and adults will love these home-made corn-dogs. Don't forget to bring some ketchup or sweet mustard to go with them.

08 of 16

Black Bean and Couscous Salad

Black Bean and Couscous Salad
Photo by plantgrub.

This vibrant couscous salad is full of fresh veggies, beans, and herbs. It's filling and satisfying.

09 of 16

Savory Spanish Potato Salad

Savory Spanish Potato Salad
Photo by lutzflcat.

Instead of a regular potato salad, try this piquant Spanish version for a change.

10 of 16

Awesome Pasta Salad

Awesome Pasta Salad
The Sporadic Cook

This pasta salad truly is awesome, and a favorite of our home-cooks. It looks and tastes divine, but it's a cinch to make.

11 of 16

Lasagna Flatbread

Lasagna Flatbread
Photo by lutzflcat.

Enjoy the flavor of lasagna minus the hassle with these ingenious flatbreads made with pasta sauce and ricotta.

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Lemon Pie Bars

Lemon Pie Bars
Photo by KGora.

These 'extra' lemony pie bars will add something zesty to your picnic.

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Cheesecake in a Jar

Cheesecake in a Jar
Photo by Allrecipes.

These adorable cheesecakes can be whipped up in no time, but they're even better if you keep them in cool box for a little while before serving.

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Chunky Cheesecake Brownies

Chunky Cheesecake Brownies
Chunky Cheesecake Brownies | Photo by chekai.

If you love cheesecake and brownies, you can have it all with this tasty treat.

15 of 16

Delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Photo by raph_2122.

These oat-y bars will give you just enough energy for that last game of frisbee.

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