Not much can beat the combination of a sunny day, a picnic rug and a hamper bursting with food. From savoury dishes and easy-to-pack salads to snacky bits and sweet treats, we’ve rounded up our favourite picnic recipes that will inspire you to eat alfresco at the next opportunity.
Savoury Snacks
Squash, Brown Butter and Sage Quiche
Quiche always goes down well at a picnic. It travels well, it’s delicious when eaten cold and it can be customised in any way you like. We’re particularly fond of this recipe from The Violet Bakery Cookbook, which is packed with flavour, colour and texture. If you’re after a different flavour, find more quiche recipes here.
Spicy Potato and Sweetcorn Tortilla Samosas
These easy potato and sweetcorn samosas are ideal for snacking on. And they’re made using tortilla wraps to make the cooking process easier!
Torta di Pasta Frollo
This light, short-crust pastry tart is topped with ricotta cheese, spinach, sautéed onions and prosciutto for a stand-out picnic centrepiece.
Chorizo and Cheese Sausage Roll
For a twist on the classic sausage roll, this version includes smoky, spicy chorizo and buttery, sheep’s milk Manchego cheese for a lovely Spanish vibe.
Mary Berry’s Jumbo Lentil Rolls
A tasty vegetarian alternative to the classic sausage roll, these rolls from Mary Berry are filled with lentils, goat’s cheese and plenty of fragrant herbs.
Ham and Cheese Crown
Ham, cheese and pastry? What more could you want? Nadiya uses store cupboard ketchup and paprika to pep up her pastry for the whole family to enjoy.
Jane’s Patisserie’s Vegetable Tarts
Easily customisable and easy to transport to the park, these simple individual vegetable tarts from Jane’s Patisserie will be a firm favourite at your next picnic.
Salads and Bowls
Rainbow Tabbouleh with Avocado, Radishes and Pomegranate
This elegant grain-based dish is packed with fresh herbs, avocado, radishes and pomegranate for a vibrant all-in-one Tupperware meal for the park.
Roasted Beets and Butternut Squash with Tahini
A hearty salad of maple-glazed squash and beets, salad leaves, tomatoes and nutritious lentils, all drizzled in a creamy tahini dressing. Delicious! Transport your dressing in a separate container and drizzle it on when you arrive to keep it all as fresh as possible.
Melissa Hemsley’s BLT Salad with Asparagus Recipe
This BLT salad is delicious served cold as a picnic spread with bacon, asparagus and eggs. If asparagus are out of season, feel free to use broccoli or green beans instead.
Pasta with Feta, Peppers and Hazelnuts
This Mediterranean-style pasta salad features sun-dried tomatoes, sweet peppers and crunchy toasted hazelnuts, perfect for feeding a crowd.
My Favourite Potato Salad
Potatoes, peas, and boiled eggs are coated in a mustard vinaigrette and creamy dressing in this ultimate potato salad recipe from Debora Robertson.
Sweet Treats
Mary Berry’s Fruit Kebab With Lemon Dip
Super simple and refreshing, these seasonal fruit kebabs are perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to a low-key picnic spread.
Cherry and Almond Traybake
A classic treat with simple flavours, Mary Berry’s cherry and almond traybake is a lovely summery bake for sharing in the sun.
Lemon and Lavender Drizzle Cake
Lightly flavoured with lemon and a touch of lavender, this moist drizzle cake is a lovely picnic dessert.
Pimm’s Fruit Salad
Step up your fruit salad game with this ultra-summery version featuring peaches, strawberries, cucumber, and apples, finished with a Pimm’s syrup.
Iced Ring Biscuits
Fun and nostalgic, these classic iced ring biscuits are a colourful addition to your next picnic.
Bread, Dips and Snacky Bits
Focaccia
A loaf of bread is an essential at any picnic. Enjoy this focaccia one of two ways – torn up and eaten alongside the rest of your al fresco feast, or sliced in two to make a huge picnic sandwich, stuffed with cured meats, cheese and salad.
Mary Berry’s Melt-in-the-Mouth Walnut Cheese Biscuits
Perfect with cheese or for topping with pâté or dips, these savoury shortbread biscuits from Mary Berry are a lovely addition to a snacky picnic lunch.
Broad Bean Spread with Roasted Garlic Ricotta
This fresh and herby broad bean spread from Plenty More makes for perfect picnic fodder. Whether you choose to spread it on crusty bread, dip crudité in it or stir it through a salad, you’ll want this one in your picnic basket.
Mary Berry’s Spiced Carrot Hummus with Garlic Herb Flatbread
You can’t go wrong with hummus and freshly made flatbreads for dunking into it. Mary’s version adds carrot and harissa for a vibrant twist.
Spicy Guacamole
Spread on bread or used as a dip for chips, this spicy guacamole is dressed up with lime juice, fresh coriander and hot red chillies
Fennel and Orange Pickle
Pickles are always welcome at a picnic. Make your own with this recipe from The Modern Preserver. Customise to your taste, what herbs you have in the garden and get ready to wow when the picnic blanket is finally rolled out.
Spiced Olives, Three Ways
Whether you choose red pepper and rosemary, garlic and coriander, or chilli and thyme (or all three flavours) these olives are perfect for snacking on throughout your picnic.
