From small bites & desserts to vegan-friendly recipes, we have 'em all (2024)

If there’s anything we’ve learned about potlucks and picnic food, it’s that we should probably skip the coleslaw and potato salad.

So, to impress your friends and family with a new take on picnic food — one that doesn’t include the boring, bland aforementioned staples— step up your entertaining game with these amazing recipes. Trust us; your food will be the star of every one of your guests’ IG stories.

Let’s dig in.

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1. Avocado-feta dip recipe

Image:Two Peas and Their Pod

Dip into a whole new world with this avocado-feta dip. The smooth avocado is the perfect canvas for salty, delicious feta cheese.

2. Basil pesto, provolone & arugula wraps recipe

These cute basil pesto, provolone and arugula wraps are the perfect finger food and pack a ton of flavor in every bite.

3. Ham & asparagus picnic sandwich recipe

Get some vegetables in you with these gorgeous ham and asparagus picnic sandwiches.

4. Easy caprese tarts

These easy, breezy caprese tarts from Emily Bites are not only crowd-pleasers, they’re healthy too: They’re only 105 calories or 4Weight Watchers SmartPoints each. Win-win!

5. Sweet-&-sour guava chicken recipe

Image: Pineapple and Coconut

Why not bring some hearty protein like chicken to your picnic game? This sweet-and-sour guava chicken would be awesome served warm, but can be served at room temperature. We’re loving the tropical flavors.

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6. Cream cheese, tomato & basil sandwich recipe

Image: Running to the Kitchen

Just imagine biting into this cream cheese, tomato and basil sandwich. Seriously, the creamy cheese, the juicy tomatoes, the herbaceous basil: It all makes for the perfect bite.

7. Creamy lemon-infused pasta salad recipe

Sure, pasta salads can be boring, but not this creamy lemon-infused pasta salad. Lemon brightens up any salad and adds that pop of “spring is here!” we all need.

8. Caprese dip recipe

Our favorite flavors all rolled into one amazing caprese dip— we would love this at our next picnic.

9. Fresh peach & avocado wrap with honey-lime spread recipe

Oh, goodness. How amazing does this fresh peach and avocado wrap with honey-lime spread look? We are loving the natural sweetness and creaminess of these ingredients.

10. Greek tortellini salad recipe

Greek tortellini salad makes pasta salad cry in the corner— but will rock your senses.

More: Is Cooking With Aluminum Foil Toxic?

11. Tropical mango-avocado salad recipe

Ever need a light salad but don’t want it to be boring? Try this gorgeous tropical mango-avocado salad.

12. Smoked salmon quiche recipe

Quiche is one of the most perfect things to serve at a picnic because it tastes amazing at room temperature. So try this smoked salmon quiche recipe next time.

13. Fresh papaya & chicken spring rolls recipe

You can substitute the chicken for shrimp in these fresh papaya and chicken spring rolls for an even lighter roll.

14. Deep-dish spinach & prosciutto quiche with toasted sesame crust recipe

Image: Half Baked Harvest

This deep-dish spinach and prosciutto quiche with toasted sesame crust is a stunning recipe to bring to a picnic, and you’d only need a leafy salad to go alongside it for a complete meal.

Next: More picnic recipes

A version of this article was originally published in April 2015.

15. Crunchy Asian ramen noodle salad recipe

Image: Gimme Some Oven

We’re in love with this crunchy Asian ramen noodle salad, apparently called “the perfect potluck salad.”

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16. Creamy harissa-spiced chicken pasta recipe

This is not your usual pasta salad. The peppers give this harissa chicken pasta a much-needed spicy kick — and will quickly become your new favorite.

17. Ham & cheese pinwheels recipe

These ham and cheese pinwheels are perfect for little fingers, but the adults will want to devour these too.

18. Lasagna cupcakes recipe

Bring your favorite dinner dish to a picnic with these bite-size lasagna cupcakes.

19. Spaghetti squash spring rolls recipe

Image: Sweet & Savory

These spaghetti squash spring rolls are a great refreshing snack or appetizer for summer picnics.

20. Homemade ice pops recipe

Any spring or summer picnic is deserving of some chilly treats— and these healthy, homemade ice pops are the perfect way to cool down.

More: How to Tenderize Meat: 6 Easy Ways to Tame Those Tough Cuts

21. Cauliflower shawarma tacos recipe

For the more health-conscious of your social circle, serve them these cauliflower shawarma tacos. You can’t go wrong.

22. Pineapple-mango tropical chicken skewers recipe

Image: Simply, Taralynn

These pineapple-mango chicken skewers have the perfect flavors for a picnic or cookout this summer.

23. Vegetarian lentil sausage rolls recipe

A dairy-free dip? And with truffle oil? You bet! A Beautiful Mess has the delicious recipe.

23. Sweet potato-millet falafel recipe

Image: Oh My Veggies

These sweet potato and millet falafel are the perfect recipe for the family to share. Just combine with the dip of your choice.

24. Tortellini Caesar salad recipe

Image: Amuse Your Bouche

Try a tortellini Caesar salad to keep you refreshed on a warm day.

25. Avocado-corn salsa recipe

Image: Damn Delicious

For anyone who wants to try a new kind of salsa, this avocado-corn salsa is the perfect dip — it’s healthy too!

More:Salad Toppings That Will Wake Up Even the Most Boring Salads

26. Watermelon-lime dessert bars recipe

Sure, you can slice up a watermelon, but these watermelon-lime dessert bars are even better.

27. Greek olive pesto-fried zucchini pitas recipe

Image: Half Baked Harvest

These Greek olive pesto-fried zucchini pitas can get messy, but they’re definitely worth it.

Additional reporting by Alexi Velasquez.