In the spirit of Memorial Day, I wanted to share some of my favorite healthy and easy picnic food ideas with you!
From tasty finger food to crunchy, tangy salads, you’ll be putting that picnic basket to good use this summer. 🙂
Healthy Summer Picnic Ideas
Is there anything more peaceful than a picnic in the summer sunshine? I think not!
It’s an awesome family activity or date idea, plus it involves getting out into nature. Just pack up your favorite picnic foods and away you go! Don’t forget the refreshments: water, lemonade, sparkling wine, etc.
Read on for some delicious recipe inspiration!
Main Dishes for Picnics
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is the quintessential summer picnic food! It’s easy to make ahead and pack up, plus it’s flavorful and refreshing.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Tacos with Homemade Salsa Verde
Just prep ahead the pork, salsa verde, and slice the veggies, and you have yourself a fancy picnic meal – all that’s left is the assembly!
Healthy Egg Salad with Avocado
Egg salad is so comforting, and goes great on its own, on a sandwich, or served with crackers.
(Not feeling eggs? Check out this healthy tuna salad recipe!)
Lentil Veggie Burgers
These lentil burgers are another great main dish you can make ahead and assemble later! They’re extra tasty topped with mixed greens, sliced avocado, and hot sauce.
Easy Picnic Finger Foods
Healthy Deviled Eggs
This is a lightened-up (but just as flavorful) version of the classic finger food.
Cheesy Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza Bars
It’s like pizza, but crunchier and in bar form! These savory granola bars are easy to make and pack up to go.
Hard-Boiled Egg & Cheddar Muffins
These portable muffins are packed with protein and flavor! A filling, savory snack that’s fun to cut into and discover a hard boiled egg hiding inside!
Ham & Pear Crostini
Need inspiration for your epic picnic charcuterie spread? This sweet and salty crostini would make a delectable addition.
Healthy Picnic Salads & Sides
Crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This raw broccoli & cauliflower salad is super tangy (thanks to the creamy Greek yogurt dressing!). It’s the perfect cold salad to enjoy on a warm day!
Grilled Steak & Strawberry Salad
Grilled steak and strawberries pair with greens, goat cheese, and a homemade strawberry vinaigrette to make a drool-worthy salad.
Quinoa Taco Salad
Quinoa taco salad is one of my blog’s most popular recipes, and for good reason!
It’s super quick to throw together, it’s nutritious, and it’s full of tasty goodness. Super versatile, too – feel free to mix up the add-ins based on what you have on hand!
Green Goddess Bowl with Honey Herb Vinaigrette
This crunchy, nutritious salad is made even tastier with a delicious homemade vinaigrette.
Heirloom Tomato & Peach Caprese Salad
Heirloom tomatoes and juicy peaches come together for a refreshing salad that screams summer.
Quinoa Salad with Orange Vinaigrette, Avocado & Arugula
This portable quinoa salad is easy to make and packed with flavor – a great picnic side dish!
Mediterranean Bulgur Salad w/ Lemon Mint Vinaigrette
I’m a big fan of grain salads, and this bulgur salad features Mediterranean flavors like cucumber, feta, and lemon. If you’re grilling out, toss a grilled protein on top – or enjoy the salad as-is!
Tasty Picnic Dessert Ideas
No Bake Vegan Lemon Bars
These lemon bars would make a fabulous picnic dessert. They’re creamy and zesty – and they happen to be vegan!
Fruit Salad with Yogurt Honey Lime Dressing
Fruit salad is always a good idea, and with this zesty yogurt dressing, it’s even more crave-worthy.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies are packed with protein, super peanut-buttery, and sweetened only with maple syrup! A healthy, tasty treat that’s easy to take on the go.
Cranberry Yogurt Scones
These scones are amazing on their own, but feel free to top with butter and/or jam if you’re feeling extra fancy. 😉
Dark Chocolate Quinoa Bars
If you’re a chocolate lover, these quinoa bars with dark chocolate chips are a perfect portable dessert. They’re gluten-free, too!
Vegan Zucchini Lemon Muffins
The zucchini and lemon combination in these muffins just screams summer! Plus, they’re moist and full of flavor.
I hope these easy picnic food ideas have you inspired to get out and enjoy the sunshine (while eating some yummy food, too)!
Tell me: what’s your favorite picnic dish? Where do you like to picnic in the summer?
