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It’s starting to warm up outside. There’s no better time to gather a big blanket and basket and have a picnic. Here are a few Spring or Summer Picnic Ideas for a yummy outing with your loved ones.
Spring or Summer Picnic Ideas – Sandwiches
Chicken Salad Crescent Sandwiches – We love this chicken salad recipe. It’s light and refreshing. Simply prepare your sandwiches ahead of time, making sure to butter your bread before you add the other toppings. Wrap sandwiches in waxed paper to help keep them fresh. And store all of your picnic foods in a cooler with ice.
Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches is another great idea for a summer picnic. They are easy and quick to prepare and so delicious. As mentioned above, be sure to butter your bread before adding the egg salad, and then wrap the sandwiches in waxed paper to help keep them fresh. And always store in a cold cooler to prevent your food from spoiling.
I’ve always enjoyed pimento cheese on a cracker or celery, or even in little tea sandwiches. This Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread will put the purchased product to shame. Made from simple ingredients with three kinds of cheese, chopped pimentos, mayo, and a few other things thrown in to give it a nice tang.
Picnic Sides and Salads
Potato Salad – Another favorite family recipe. This is one I’ve been making since I was a girl. Again, be sure to keep this one in a cooler with ice until ready to serve.
Cabbage Bacon Salad – What is a picnic without some sort of slaw. Always refreshing and tastes great with many foods.
Yummy Baked Beans – Baked beans can be served warm or cold, so this is another picnic idea that goes well with many foods. Especially with potato chips. Surely I’m not the only one who dips my chips in baked beans? Right?
Deviled Eggs – This is a perfect picnic food. Finger foods and so yummy. Be sure to keep this one in your cooler until ready to serve.
Easy Desserts
Cherry Turnovers – And last but not least, one of our favorite picnic foods. When I want to make my family especially happy or surprise them, I will make some cherry turnovers for a picnic. It’s a wonderful ending to a family fun picnic.
These Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookies go over the top with loads of Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate, butter, vanilla, and chunky pecans. Soft and chewy and bakery-style big. You’re going to love these cookies! And they are perfect for your next afternoon picnic!
Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies remind me of the oatmeal cookies my grandma used to make as a school cook. She made the most wonderful cookies.
These Blonde Brownies have the perfect combinations. Sweet and Salty. Chewy Center and Crunchy Edges. Buttery. Chocolaty. With hints of Butterscotch. Delicious.
A Sweet Beverage
Sangria is summer and this Red Wine Sangria is perfect for your next summer gathering or even for a picnic for two. Dark red cherries, limes, and lemons, soaked in your favorite red wine, then splashed with ginger ale over ice.
This recipe for Raspberry Mint Tea is so refreshing and delicious. It’s quick and easy, too. Perfect for an afternoon with the girls or for your next ladies’ meeting. Or even a picnic!
An Afternoon Tea Picnic or Romantic Picnic
If you are planning an afternoon tea picnic, here are a few more ideas for scones, sandwiches, and sweets. Keep it simple and just pick one or two from each course. And use a thermos to keep your water hot. Or cold. Feel free to use tea bags and paper plates to keep things simple. But if possible, carefully pack your china cups and saucers. You’ll enjoy the tea so much more if you do!
Perhaps you’re planning a romantic picnic for two with your loved one. Grab your favorite bottle of wine and pack a few appetizers in the basket along with a blanket. And don’t forget the bottle opener! Here are some Recipes for Appetizers to help give you some ideas.
See more Summer Picnic Ideas Here.
I’ve known Deborah Vogts for several years; from right before she published her first book. So, I’ve been following her recipe journal through her blog with the intention of trying some of her homemade goodness. Many of her recipes are very similar to my own downhome favorites, but I chose to ignore comparing and just go full swing for our Memorial Day celebration except for two dishes. I made the Baby back BBQ Ribs, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Corn Chip Dip, Deviled Eggs, and Cherry Pie (I stuck to my own pie crust – so tried and true for me). Bravo, Deborah! Everything was delicious and it was fun going rogue on my own traditional recipes. I miss seeing you Deborah!
Hi Carol! I am thrilled that you tried all of those recipes for your barbecue! Thank you so much for giving them a try. It is true that we all have our favorite recipes and it can be hard to try new things. I hope you found some new favorites. Thanks for spending time here and letting me know how the recipes turned out!