For a successful picnic, the key is having a diverse menu that’s easy to transport and consume. This means considering not just the main course, but also the sides that will complement it.
A well-rounded spread can be achieved by combining old favorites like pasta salad with more innovative options such as prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe. The best part? These dishes taste great whether they’re served chilled or at room temperature, and are simple to prepare and serve.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Cantaloupe
The quintessential summer starter, this prosciutto and melon combination is a masterclass in simplicity and flavor. With only three ingredients required – no cooking involved! – it’s a cinch to prepare within five to ten minutes. As the sweetness of the ripe cantaloupe melds with the salty nuances of the prosciutto ham, you’ll be treated to a delightful taste experience. The versatility of prosciutto in pairing with various fruits is well-documented, and this dish is no exception.
Figs, pears, apples, and melons all pair beautifully with the cured ham. Feel free to substitute cantaloupe with any of these options if you’re not a fan or simply don’t have it on hand.
Goat Cheese Mini Stuffed Peppers
For stress-free outdoor gatherings, these bite-sized stuffed mini peppers are an excellent choice. Their portability and simplicity in preparation make them an ideal option for picnics and other casual events. With the ability to be roasted in the oven or cooked on the grill, they can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. What’s more, their flavor profile is reminiscent of a milder jalapeño popper, offering a healthier twist on a classic snack.
The versatility of goat cheese is truly remarkable – its tangy, earthy flavor provides a perfect backdrop for a wide range of complementary ingredients. You can either opt for expertly blended flavors or create your own unique combinations, making this recipe a great canvas for experimentation.
Watermelon Salsa
Looking to add some excitement to your summer gatherings? Try creating a one-of-a-kind watermelon salsa that’s perfect for enjoying during peak season. This refreshing condiment is primarily made up of diced watermelon and cucumber, which are then cooled down with the help of finely chopped Jalapeños, red onion, and fresh mint. Not only is this tasty treat great when served in a large bowl with tortilla chips for dipping, but it also offers plenty of opportunities to get creative.
Consider serving your watermelon salsa atop grilled white fish or chicken for a flavorful twist.
Fiesta Fried Potatoes
Taco Bell’s Cheesy Fiesta potatoes may have been discontinued, but that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate this tasty treat at home. In fact, making them fresh from scratch allows for endless customization opportunities with your favorite toppings. When it comes to the perfect potato for this dish, russet varieties stand out due to their high starch content, mild flavor, and thick skin. The latter two characteristics enable the development of a crispy, evenly colored crust when cooked.
This subtle flavor profile won’t overpower any other seasoning you choose to add, making it the ideal base for your Cheesy Fiesta potatoes.
Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
Since its cultivation in the Southern United States since the 17th century, black-eyed peas have become synonymous with warm, comforting meals. This simple recipe combines the humble legume with smoky bacon, aromatic onion and garlic, and a hint of herbal freshness to create a dish that’s both flavorful and savory. Perfect for serving alongside cornbread or taking on-the-go as a satisfying side dish, this black-eyed peas recipe is a true classic.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy night in or a picnic in the park, these easy-to-make peas are sure to please. Simply follow the steps below to get cooking!
Mashed Potato Cakes
Transform leftover mashed potatoes into a delightful breakfast or picnic side dish in under 30 minutes with this easy-to-make, cheesy, fried potato cake recipe. This versatile recipe accommodates various types of mashed potatoes, whether they’re smooth and creamy or have a bit more texture. The key to success lies in the simplicity and speed of preparation, making it an ideal solution for any occasion.
Tangy Red Cabbage Slaw
In this vibrant slaw recipe, the sweetness of raisins and pecans harmonizes with the tanginess of red cabbage, all tied together by a zesty dressing. This refreshing side dish is perfect for your next barbecue or holiday gathering. Its versatility makes it an excellent match for roasted meats like turkey or pork chops, as well as classic fare like hot dogs and hamburgers. But its unique flavor profile also complements more adventurous pairings like tacos, grilled salmon, and kebabs.
Simply serve this red cabbage slaw anywhere you want to add a satisfying crunch, tangy zip, and burst of freshness to your meal.
Hummus
In the world of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, hummus is a beloved staple that brings people together. This tasty dip or spread is made possible by combining chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and spices. At its core is a simple yet nutritious mixture of softened chickpeas, which can be cooked from scratch or conveniently sourced from a can.
The result is a protein-rich, fiber-packed snack that’s also an excellent source of micronutrients like copper, essential for maintaining healthy hair and skin. Enjoy hummus with warm breadsticks, flatbreads, or fresh vegetables for a delightful and nutritious snacking experience.
Roasted Chickpeas
The joys of crunchy, crispy, and salty chickpea goodness! These little treats are perfect for elevating salads, bowls, soups, pastas, or simply enjoying as a satisfying snack. Their versatility lies in their ability to provide a soft foundation for a salad while still offering a crispy texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking to add protein and texture to your meals or just need a quick pick-me-up, these roasted chickpeas are an excellent choice.
One of the best things about homemade crispy roasted chickpeas is their shelf life. When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they can be kept for up to four days without refrigeration. Just keep in mind that, due to the lack of preservatives, they may start to show signs of mold after that.
Ready to give them a try? Click here to get the recipe!
Chicken Pasta Salad Bowl
This creamy chicken pasta salad is a masterclass in convenience and versatility. With its medley of ingredients – including succulent chicken, crispy bacon, al dente pasta, and fresh vegetables – it can be whipped up in under 20 minutes. Moreover, this comfort food dish lends itself beautifully to preparation ahead of time, making it an ideal side dish or filling lunch option.
The creamy dressing brings everything together, creating a delightful summer treat that’s not only easy to customize with any lingering veggies but also a brilliant way to repurpose leftover chicken.
Cheesy Corn Fritters
Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden-brown fritter packed with an explosion of flavors – the sweetness of caramelized onions, the spiciness of jalapeños, and the creaminess of melted cheese. These Cheesy Corn Fritters are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients like corn, cilantro, and a custom seasoning blend. With their tender, cheesy centers and crunchy exteriors, they’re perfect as a side dish or even a light meal on their own.
The combination of textures and flavors is sure to delight, making these fritters a great addition to any gathering. Go ahead and indulge in the recipe!
Parmesan Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Indulge in this scrumptious 20-minute parmesan cauliflower rice skillet, a nutritious and versatile culinary delight that caters to various dietary needs. This gluten-free, paleo, keto, and low-carb recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, standalone meal, or as a side dish. With its simplicity and adaptability, it’s an ideal foundation for your meals if you’re looking to maintain a low-carb lifestyle.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Indulge in the rich flavors of our bacon ranch pasta salad, a perfect blend of tender pasta, creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and an array of other delightful ingredients. Whether you’re attending a picnic or barbecue, this satisfying salad is sure to be a hit. If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, store-bought ranch salad dressing can be used as a substitute for the homemade version, ensuring the dish still turns out delicious.
Fried Okra
To prepare this simple recipe, start by cutting fresh okra pods into bite-sized slices. Then, create a seasoned cornmeal coating by mixing the cornmeal with a pinch of ground cayenne pepper for an added kick, or omit it if you prefer a mild flavor. Next, dip each slice in beaten egg and then toss them gently in a zip-top bag filled with a breading mixture composed of cornmeal, flour, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, should you desire the extra heat.
Thai Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a versatile side dish that complements any dinner perfectly. Its adaptability stems from the various sauces that can be used to give it a unique flavor profile. What’s more, this recipe requires no cooking at all! All you need to do is marinate the cucumber and prepare the dressing. Once combined, your salad is ready to serve.
Caprese Salad
A classic Caprese salad is crafted by harmoniously combining succulent tomato slices, velvety mozzarella cheese, and fragrant fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of rich balsamic vinegar and olive oil adds depth to the dish, while a pinch of salt and pepper enhances the flavors. The key to a perfect Caprese lies in using only the freshest ingredients possible, making it a quintessential summer delight when tomatoes and basil are at their peak ripeness.
Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Cauliflower’s remarkable transformation from bland to sweet and juicy makes it an exceptional vegetable. When roasted, its mild flavor becomes amplified, making it a fantastic addition to salads. Not only does it absorb the flavors of dressings when hot, but it also acts as a natural sponge, drawing out the essence of herbs and spices. As a substantial ingredient, it can certainly hold its own as a main course, yet its lightness makes it an ideal side dish for picnics or casual gatherings.
Herbed Deviled Eggs
Elevate your deviled eggs game by incorporating a harmonious blend of fresh flavors! In this recipe, we’re adding an aromatic twist with Dijon mustard, chopped chives, tarragon, parsley, and garlic to create a symphony of tastes. The best part? You can prepare the hard-boiled eggs up to three days in advance, letting you focus on other tasks while still enjoying a delicious appetizer.
If you want to get ahead even further, you can prepare the filling separately and refrigerate it for up to two days before assembling and serving.
Air Fryer Cornbread
Indulge in the comforting warmth of freshly baked cornbread, now achievable in mere minutes thanks to our innovative air frying technique. With only a few ingredients required, you’ll be delighted by this quick and effortless recipe that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether serving it alongside a juicy steak for dinner, at an outdoor picnic, or as a breakfast companion to eggs, the air fryer’s magic is sure to please.
Tangy Baked Beans
Indulge in these scrumptious baked beans, boasting a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying lunch, dinner, or side dish, these mouthwatering legumes are sure to please. When stored properly in the refrigerator for three to four days, homemade baked beans remain a staple in your meal rotation. To ensure optimal preservation, be sure to store them in an airtight container.
Reheating is a breeze, as they can be easily warmed up in the oven at 350°F, on the stovetop, or even in the microwave with foil coverage. Go ahead and savor the flavor!
Greek Potato Salad
Transforming the classic potato salad into a Mediterranean masterpiece, this Greek-inspired dish combines the richness of olive oil, the brightness of lemon, and the earthiness of herbs from the region. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, this hearty salad is sure to please. Perfect for outdoor gatherings like barbecues, picnics, and putlockers.
The key to this dish lies in the addition of thinly sliced red onion, which is added to the still-warm potatoes after they’ve cooled slightly. The real magic happens when a Greek-style vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano is drizzled over the top. A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a bright, refreshing touch that elevates this salad to new heights.
Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes
To elevate the humble potato, a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, butter, bacon, and parmesan is employed. This harmonious mix is then applied to baby roasted potatoes, which are carefully baked on a single sheet pan to achieve a satisfying crunch. The resulting dish boasts a delightful contrast between its crispy exterior and tender, fluffy interior. With this simple yet impressive side dish, the possibilities for creative seasoning combinations are endless.
Draw inspiration from your pantry’s treasures or the bounty of your garden to craft a truly unique flavor profile.
Roasted Broccoli and Bacon Pasta Salad
When the routine of familiar dinner recipes starts to feel stale, a flavorful twist can be just what you need. The combination of crispy, savory bacon and tender, emerald-green broccoli in Italian Broccoli-Bacon Pasta is a match made in culinary heaven. This speedy dish is sure to become a new favorite, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying picnic.
Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad
Indulge your taste buds with the irresistible Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad, an unparalleled addition to any cookout or picnic. This mouthwatering creation combines the natural sweetness of red potato chunks with the bold flavors of jalapeños, pickled to perfection and scattered throughout. The salty crunch of crumbled bacon, the richness of cream cheese, and the savory notes of Mexican blend cheese add depth and complexity to this unforgettable salad.
Grilled Corn Guacamole
As the warmth of summer gives way to the ripeness of corn season, this delectable twist on traditional guacamole offers a refreshing alternative. By incorporating grilled sweet corn into your recipe, you’ll create an irresistible snack or hors d’oeuvre that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings and impromptu get-togethers. Simply place the chips within arm’s reach and indulge in the creamy, crunchy goodness.
This speedy dip can be prepared in mere minutes, elevating your guacamole game without sacrificing ease or flavor. And as an added bonus, this sweet and savory fusion is equally at home atop a juicy burger, nestled beside enchiladas, or served as a satisfying dip for chips.
Watermelon Salad
Savor the warmth of summer with this refreshing watermelon salad, perfectly balanced by the cooling essence of mint and the savory flavors of feta, olives, and red onion. For an added layer of depth, substitute feta with fresh mozzarella balls or goat cheese to create a delightful twist. To tone down the pungency of the red onion, simply soak its slices in water for about 15 minutes before adding them to the mix.
Summary
While it’s exciting to anticipate trying these delectable dishes at your next picnic, the beauty lies in their versatility. You don’t have to reserve them solely for outdoor gatherings. Incorporate them into your barbecue spreads, add some variety to your weeknight meals, or make a statement with an impressive family dinner table. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to enjoy these tasty treats whenever the mood strikes.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.