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    Home >> American

    30+ Best Ever Easy Summer Picnic Foods Recipes

    Published: May 14, 2017 • Modified: January 26, 2021 • by Author: Analida • Word count:1985 words. • About 10 minutes to read this article.

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    Juicy tender beef kebabs with a Latin twist! Marinated in HERDEZ® Salsa Verde, garlic, nutmeg, salt & oregano. | ethnicspoon.com
    Picnics with friends and families are fun, there is no doubt about that. But, there is an aspect of picnics that in my opinion can be quite scary:food. I am speaking from experience. Face it not everyone is a foodie! Picnic foods don't need to be scary, especially with this great list of 30+ best ever easy summer picnic foods recipes which are all easy and delicious.

    As I write this post I am actually scratching my head trying to decide which one of these mouthwatering recipes I am going to make or take to the first picnic of the season. OK, let's take a look at what I have in the bag.

    This feta melon salad with lemon & mint is perfect for spring and summer. It's sweet and savory and a delicious salad or side dish for your next party.

    Feta Melon Salad with Lemon and Mint

    Just the mention of the ingredients makes my taste buds tingle. This is an explosion of flavor contrasts, and a bowlful of health.  This sweet/savory salad or side dish would be perfect for a spring or summer party.

    This arugula couscous salad is fresh, tasty and hearty. Perfect for a picnic, summer party or just eat it for lunch.

    Arugula Couscous Salad

    This rainbow of health is a perfect complement to any picnic fare. I especially love the texture of the Israeli couscous. This summer I can’t wait to bring this one. I think it will be a big hit and it’s so versatile that I could vary it anyway I want.

    Grilled Peach Salsa

    Grilled Peach Salsa with Mint Cilantro and Ginger

    Thinking of summer peaches makes my mouth water. I love the flavor combination of this grilled peach salsa. the ginger adds a fabulous touch. Fresh ingredients are key to grilling fruits and vegetables. There is just something about a bit of time on the grill that brings out the  natural sweetness and gives a hint of smokiness. It doesn’t take very long to grill peaches.

    Easy Grilled Gluten Free Ribs

    Gluten Free Ribs with a Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub

    I think a picnic isn't a picnic without a slab of ribs on the grill. These look and sound scrumptious. The combination of ingredients in the dry rub is PERFECT and so easy to make. I think you need these in your life!

     

    Flavors of Citrus Chicken Fajitas are transformed into a pasta salad! Kid friendly and a crowd pleaser, this Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for a cookout! | Three Olives Branch

    Chicken Fajita Pasta Salad

    A pasta salad is a picnic staple. Check this one out with chili powder, cumin and red onion is perfect for any picnic party, or even a light summertime meal.  Choose any pasta you want. I especially love tortellini.

     

    Ready in 10 minutes, this fun and unique salsa is a perfect twist on pico! Great for a cookout, barbecue, party appetizer, and more! Eat it plain or on BBQ chicken or pork for a fun and unique dish. Gluten free, paleo, Whole 30, vegan, vegetarian. Pineapple Serrano Salsa | Three Olives Branch | www.threeolivesbranch.com

    Pineapple Serrano Salsa

    This salsa has summer written all over it. It is such a great balance of sweet yet spicy, full of fresh flavor.  And a unique on the classic Pico de Gallo.  No one will be expecting this salsa, so it makes quite the impression at your gathering or cookout!

    Colorful Salad with Tuna and Sundried Tomatoes - delicious easy every day summer lunch. A few ingredients include lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and dressing. Great as packed lunch! | thehealthfulideas.com

    Colorful Salad with tuna and Sun-dried Tomatoes

    This salad is indeed colorful, not to mention healthy. Sundried tomatoes are great on everything, from a salad topping, to an omelet, or pasta. The sky's the limit with this versatile ingredient. This salad is so pretty, it will brighten up any picnic table.

    Refreshing Raspberry Mint Smoothie (raw vegan) - the most delicious refreshing smoothie to start your day with or have as a sweet snack during the day. Such an easy recipe! Mint, banana, berries, coconut, water, and almond milk. Delicious! | thehealthfulideas.com Refreshing Raspberry Mint Smoothie

    Smoothies are all the rage, they can be anything you want them to be. This particular raspberry smoothie with mint is right up my alley since I have an out of control mint patch in my backyard. Needless to say, I can't wait to make this recipe, and take along to one of my summer picnics.

    Are you totally in love with these 30+ best ever easy summer picnic foods recipes yet?  I am! So, let's keep reading!

     

    Orange Strawberry Sunrise Popsicles - treat yourself with homemade popsicles this summer. We LOVE these! They're easy to make, delicious, and actually healthy! (raw vegan) | thehealthfulideas.com Orange Strawberry Sunrise Popsicles

    A successful picnic has something for everyone, and I think these popsicles will be everyone's favorites. Popsicles bring out the kid in everyone.I know I would love to make a batch as soon as I can find my popsicle molds. I hope I didn't give them away!

    Watermelon Mint Cocktail // Fork in the Kitchen

    Watermelon Mint Cocktail

    This cocktail is summer in a glass. The flavor combination of watermelon juice and mint is music to my taste buds. Enjoy on a hot summer day, sitting on your deck, or whip up a batch and take to a picnic. Your friends will love you. I have an ample supply of mint in my backyard, so I am all set.

    Healthy Cowboy Caviar with Avocado

    Healthy Cowboy Caviar

    What a great combination of ingredients we have here: black beans, black eyed peas, corn, cilantro, tomatoes, just to name a few. There are different variations too, so just let your imagination run wild. A perfect side dish or appetizer, that is chock full of awesome protein.

     

    Melon, Prosciutto & Mozzarella Skewers

    Balsamic Glazed Melon Prosciutto and Mozzarella with Balsamic Glaze

    I am in love with this appetizer, and I am currently thinking of all the different variations. Perfect for any picnic because you can put them together quickly, and they don't need to be kept warm or reheated. The flavor combo of sweet, and salty is perfect.

     

    Summer Fruit Tart

    Summer Fruit Tart

    Fruit tarts are among my favorite desserts to make. They are light and so delicious, PLUS it always looks like you slaved in the kitchen. I love the looks of this one, and I am sure it will be making an appearance in a future picnic.

    Sweet and spicy maple BBQ sauce with a little tangy flavor too. Get ready to grill and bring on the heat and sweet! | ethnicspoon.com

    Sweet and Spicy Maple BBQ Sauce

    And here’s to another recipe for the upcoming grilling season: Sweet and spicy maple BBQ sauce. Aaah, I can almost hear the call of the grill. Summer is just a few weeks away. It can’t get here fast enough, because I’ve come up with this awesome BBQ sauce that combines two of my favorite flavor profiles, sweet and spicy.

    Spicy mango habanero rib sauce and marinade. | ethnicspoon.com

    Mango Habanero Ribs

    Ribs are a summer staple in my house. We eat them once a week, without fail. Aah, the flavors of the Caribbean. Warm tropical breezes, the smell of the ocean, and a slab of spicy mango habanero ribs grilled to absolute perfection. It’s not a dream, it’s reality! Again, two flavors that I love together: sweet and spicy.

    And there's definitely more. Read on!

    Sweet, tart creamy and crunchy! Love mangos? You'll love these creamy mango lime bars with sweet and tart flavors and a crunchy shortbread crust. | ethnicspoon.com

    Creamy Mango Lime Bars

    Visions and scents of tropical islands are right at your fingertips when you bake a batch of these delicious creamy mango lime bars. They are kind of like lemon bars, same baking process, just different fruit. these gems are the perfect ending to a perfect picnic. They also freeze well, just saying.

     

    Summer grilling pork chops with coffee jerk marinated pork chops | ethnicspoon.com

    Coffee Jerk Pork Chops

    And now for something completely different..... Coffee jerk pork chops. The taste is undoubtedly amazing!  The coffee adds a depth of flavor that is hard to describe. It’s sort of woody, smoky, nutty all wrapped into one incredibly delicious flavor. Try them!!!

     

    Got chips? You need some mango tomatillo salsa verde! A little heat and sweet is a great combination! | ethnicspoon.com

    Mango Tomatillo Salsa

    Just the beautiful bright green color makes me want to eat the whole bowl. Next we have mango tomatillo salsa, an utterly delicious sweet savory salsa to kick your picnic up a notch or two. Oh summer, hurry up and get here. I am ready for you! Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips.

     

    You will love this black bean, feta, basil, red onion and tomato salad. Try a great cool summer salad with bright herb flavors of basil and thyme. | ethnicspoon.com

    Black Beans, Feta, Basil, Red Onion and Tomato Salad

    Well, if this recipe doesn't scream healthy, I don't know what does. This recipe is the perfect side dish for any of your summer meals. I like to eat it just by  itself because it is so wonderfully refreshing. And now that I think about it this dish can be eaten  as an appetizer with your favorite tortilla chips, just a thought.

    Tangy, tart and sweet guava lime cocktail refreshes on a hot day! Squeeze some limes, add tequila and guava juice and a sprig of mint! Simple and delicious | ethnicspoon.com

    Guava Lime Cocktail

    What a pretty pink color. Guava juice is sweet and delicious. Stir in some lime juice, a splash of your favorite tequila, give it a quick stir and top with a sprig of mint; you’re golden. This refreshing guava lime cocktail can be made in a matter of minutes. No blender needed!

    Alright, we're almost done with this lovely list of 30+ best ever easy summer picnic foods recipes. I hope that thus far I've given you some great ideas to add some pizzazz to your picnic.

    Never overlook the humble hot dog again in favor of more "grown-up" fare with this sweet & sticky copycat J Dawgs hot dog sauce.

    J-Dawgs Hot Dog Sauce 

    This seemingly silly little recipe for hot dog sauce is going to totally change the way you feel about the humble hot dog that is typically overlooked at summer barbecues in favor of more “grown-up” fare.  BBQ sauce, ketchup, molasses, and cider vinegar among other ingredients. This delicious sauce that came into being on the campus of BYU in Utah will rock your hot dog world.

    A rustic dessert that is simple to make! Fresh peach crostata with a creamy Neufchatel filling! It one of my favorite farm to table desserts! | ethnicspoon.com

    Peach Crostata

    Summer and peaches cannot exist without each other. A crostata or galette, depending on where you are from is a scrumptious rustic dessert. It consists of pie dough wrapped around fresh fruit and baked to delicious goodness. In my book, and in my head, I consider peach crostata a “healthy” dessert, since it is mostly fruit, right? Right!

    Easy Texas Style Smoked Brisket

    Easy Texan Style Smoked Brisket

    A tasty and authentic smoked Texas brisket, perfectly seasoned and juicy. Started in an off-set smoker and finished in the oven yields a succulent, perfect brisket. Without a doubt, I can guarantee that this brisket will be a hit at any picnic.

     

    Try some spicy and saucy Thai style chicken wings. your eye! Hot, sweet, salty & tangy! | ethnicspoon.com

    Thai Style Chicken Wings

    Thai style chicken wings add a cool ethnic flair to any summer picnic, or appetizer party. I know, chicken wings are not exactly Thai fare, but they are a  tasty way to enjoy this party staple. The inspiration for these chicken wings comes from a restaurant near my house claiming to have the “best wings in town.” I don’t know if they are “the best”, but they do have about 20 different flavors.

    Refreshing and light watermelon gazpacho is a perfect vegan and raw summer soup. This easy recipe only takes 15 minutes to make!

    Watermelon Gazpacho

    This watermelon gazpacho is so refreshing you wouldn’t believe it. Skip the garlic and make it your breakfast smoothie. Serve it for lunch or dinner with a slice of grilled ciabatta bread. Serve it at a party as an appetizer or bring it on a picnic. It’s the ultimate summer soup, energizing and hydrating, just exactly what you need on a hot summer day.

    Enjoy a refreshing bourbon peach tea smash. I love local peaches in this is a delicious cocktail! | ethnicspoon.com

    Bourbon Peach Tea Smash

    A perfect drink to take to a picnic, or to sip while sitting on your favorite chair on your deck. This recipe has become a favorite beverage at our house. Take it to your next picnic, your friends will love it too.

    Chimichurri Rojo, a red chimichurri sauce with parsley, cilantro, red onion, garlic, roasted bell peppers and red wine vinegar. Serve on steaks, potatoes, veggies and eggs, YUM! | Fusion Craftiness.com

    Chimichurri Rojo

    This is the perfect complement to anything, from steak and eggs, to chicken, or BBQ. The intense flavor combination: peppers, parsley, red onion, cilantro and paprika are among the key flavorings in this robust sauce. It will complement any picnic meat to perfection.

    Grill some juicy tender beef kebabs with a Latin twist! Marinated in HERDEZ® Salsa Verde, garlic, nutmeg, salt & oregano. | ethnicspoon.com

    Tangy Sweet Beef Kebabs

    Tangy sweet beef kebabs are accented with mango nectar. In addition, red onion, mushrooms, and mango chunks make for a festive, not to mention a scrumptious skewer. These kebabs will the the perfect addition to any summer picnic, and maybe into Fall if we're lucky!

    light and fluffly orange lemon pie|ethnicspoon.com

    Orange Lemon Pie

    This is one of my favorite desserts during the summer months because it is so light and refreshing. Tangy citrus flavors make your taste buds burst. I have taken it to various picnics and it has always been a big hit. I plan on making it again this summer.

     

    Easy and delicious gluten-free recipe of a vegan Mexican chopped salad with avocado dressing. Perfect lunch salad, packed with dietary fiber and protein.

    Vegan Mexican Chopped Salad

    It’s vegan and gluten-free; it’s packed with dietary fiber and proteins.It's a true rainbow of colors. You can make this salad for so many occasions: picnic, lunch, light meal, etc. The avocado dressing is the perfect way to top this amazing salad.

    Mango Black Bean Salsa Recipe | Ethnicspoon.com

    Mango Black Bean Salsa

    Mango Black Bean Salsa is what I would call Fusion cuisine. It is neither Latin American or Caribbean, however, it utilizes ingredients that are native to that cuisine. Mango Black Bean Salsa works well as an appetizer,  as a side dish, or even a relish. This recipe is a summer staple in my house.

    This Greek Pasta Salad is a light, kid-friendly, and unique side dish that will be a hit at all of your BBQs and parties. Easy to make and ready in just 15 minutes! | Three Olives Branch

    Greek Pasta Salad

    This pasta salad is a crowd pleaser and kid friendly side dish that can easily be made ahead.  If it gets a little dried out while chilling, just add a little more olive oil and toss before serving. This Greek salad looks so refreshing, thus making it perfect for any summer gathering.

    Finally, I think we've covered all the 30+ best ever easy summer picnic foods recipes. I don't know about you, but for me it's going to be hard deciding which ones to make. Bon Appetit!

    Here are 30+ great summer picnic recipes in a whole variety of flavors. We have some drinks, salads, BBQ ribs, salsas, smoothie, popsicles, hot dog sauce, BBQ sauce, shish kabobs, summer soup and some tasty desserts. | ethnicspoon.com

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    Analida profile pictureI have been researching and creating ethnic recipes for over 20 years. I love to share "mostly healthy" easy and affordable ethnic recipes using fresh ingredients, with a bit of culture and food history sprinkled in.... Read more-->

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