While picnic food should be simple and fuss-free, it doesn’t have to be boring. Put together a combination of fresh salad recipes, effortless sandwiches, freshly baked desserts, and refreshing drinks for a memorable al fresco meal. Don’t forget to pack your essential picnic gear and check the weather before you leave. On a hot spring or summer day, consider batching your favorite refreshing spring cocktail to wash down the grub. From traditional open-faced sandwiches to tamales and pork buns, here are the best picnic foods to make for your next outdoor outing.

The Schimmel Reuben Sandwich

Raspberry Financiers

Blueberry, Nectarine and Shiso Salad

Peach and Plum Salad

Kimbap

Paloma

Cucumber Gin Cooler

Burrata and Marinated Cherry Tomato Sandwiches

Corn Tamales with Tomatillo Salsa

Strawberry Pimm’s Cup

Fried Shredded Beef Empanadas

Colombiana Pitcher Cocktail (Refajo)

Porchetta Sandwiches with Marinated Onions and Salsa Verde

Pecorino, Parsley, and Anchovy Sandwiches

Farmer’s Salad with Beet Vinaigrette

The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

Iced Ginger Hibiscus Tea

Chinese Steamed Pork Buns

Curried Potato Salad

Turkish Grilled Cheese (Kumru)

Peach-Raspberry Trifle

Freekeh Pilaf with Sumac

Hearts Of Palm and Avocado Salad

Lima Bean Gratin with Herbed Bread Crumbs

Asparagus Mint Slaw

Guam-Style Chicken Salad

Eggplant and Parsley Dip (Melintzanosalata)

Roast Chicken Pan Bagnat with Olive Tapenade and Goat Cheese

Tomato and Avocado Sandwich

Rocky Road Brownies

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

Sausage and Arugula Pasta Salad

Cucumbers and Cream Cheese

Spanish Potato Frittata (Tortilla Española)

Ham and Hard-Boiled Egg Sandwich

Beef Short Ribs Empanadas

Katharine Hepburn’s Brownies

Black Pepper and Honey-Marinated Cantaloupe with Basil

Classic Blondies

Vodka Lavender Thyme Lemonade
