Best Picnic Recipes For Summer

Summer was made for being outside. And longer days and warm air are the only excuses you need to pack up a cooler and go.

Whether you're spreading out a blanket at the state park, heading to the beach, or just claiming a spot in your own backyard, good picnic food makes summer picnics better. And the best picnic recipes? Easy and cheesy, of course, but also the kind that travels well, tastes great at room temperature, and doesn't require much fuss once you get there.

From hearty handhelds to fresh salads and easy snacks, we've pulled together some of our favorite picnic food recipes so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time in the sunshine.

Grab and Go: The Best Picnic Handheld

When you're eating outside, the fewer utensils involved, the better. These Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwiches are a fresh spin on a classic, with shredded chicken mixed with Cabot Greek Yogurt tzatziki sauce (creamy, lemony, herby, with a little dill) piled onto toasted whole-wheat bread and topped with shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar. They're satisfying without being heavy, easy to wrap and transport, and way more interesting than your average sandwich.

Keep It Cool: Salads That Travel Well

Cold salads are picnic MVPs. Make ahead, toss in the cooler, and they're ready when you are. These three salads are some of our favorites right now for summer picnics.

The Mediterranean Chicken Chickpea Salad is loaded with shredded chicken, chickpeas, crisp veggies, Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar, and a bright lemon-herb dressing. Gluten-free, high-protein, and even better after it's had time to sit and marinate.

For something bold and Italian-inspired, the Antipasto Broccoli Salad comes together in just 20 minutes. Toss together broccoli florets, salami, pepperoncini, and diced Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar in a tangy red wine vinegar dressing for a hearty, flavorful salad that holds up in the cooler.

Round out your spread with Tzatziki Pasta Salad. It’s the same creamy, herby tzatziki sauce used in the chicken sandwich, but this time tossed with mini farfalle, cucumbers, carrots, green onion, and fresh dill.

Snack Happy: Cheese-Forward Picnic Snacks

Some of the best lunch ideas aren’t meals at all—they’re a spread. A little of this, a little of that, and everyone grazes happily.

The Perfect Picnic Cheese Board is as simple as it gets: a handful of your favorite Cabot Cracker Cuts (think: Seriously Sharp, Extra Sharp, and Pepper Jack), some fresh veggies, crackers, and a little jam or chutney. You can bring along a small cutting board and let people build their own bites.

For a fun, creative, and packable alternative, try the Snacklebox. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—a fishing tackle box loaded with Cabot Cracker Cuts, crackers, fruit, veggies, nuts, and whatever else you want to throw in (we recommend these homemade Cheesy Gouda Crackers). This one is always a crowd-favorite and really fun for the kids.

Want to keep it super easy and cheesy? Reach for Cabot Snack Sticks, Cracker Cuts, cheese spreads, and other snacking cheese for zero-prep snacking.

Before You Head Out

As you pack up for your picnic, remember these important food safety tips:

Keep cold food cold. Fill your cooler with ice packs to help keep food at or below 40 degrees F.
Store beverages and food in separate coolers so that if people are in and out of the drink cooler, it won’t affect your food's temperature.
Don’t leave food out for more than an hour in hot weather.
If you’re driving, keep the cooler in the car, instead of the hot trunk.
If you’re grilling, transport raw meat separately from other foods and always ensure meat is cooked to the appropriate temperature.

And most importantly, have fun!

More Cheese Please

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best recipes for a picnic?

Great picnic recipes share a few things in common: they're easy to pack, taste good cold or at room temperature, and don't require much last-minute assembly. Some of our favorites include Tzatziki Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Mediterranean Chicken Chickpea Salad, Antipasto Broccoli Salad, Tzatziki Pasta Salad, and a fun Picnic Cheese Board or Snacklebox for grazing. Make what you can the night before, keep things cold, and you're ready for your adventure.

What is a good finger food for a picnic for adults?

We may be biased, but cheese is always a great starting point. A simple cheese board with Cabot Cracker Cuts, cured meats, crackers, and fruit hits all the right notes. It’s salty, savory, a little sweet, and requires zero prep on-site. Cabot Snack Sticks are another easy, portable option. As far as make-ahead recipes, think homemade crackers like Cheesy Gouda Crackers, antipasto-style salads you can eat with a fork or skewer, and easy-to-transport handhelds or sandwiches.

What not to bring to a picnic?

Skip anything that's hard to keep at a safe temperature or falls apart quickly. Dishes with mayo-heavy dressings that have been sitting out, anything that needs to be served hot, and foods that get soggy fast (like certain dressed salads or sandwiches with tomatoes added early) can all be tricky. It’s also a good idea to avoid anything that requires a lot of equipment or utensils, especially if you’re keeping things low-key. The simpler the setup, the more enjoyable the picnic.

What is the best food to bring to a picnic?

The best picnic food travels well, holds up in a cooler, and tastes great without needing to be reheated. Hearty salads (think pasta salad, grain salads, or chopped salads with a vinaigrette), handheld sandwiches or wraps, and easy snacks like cheese, crackers, fruit, and veggies are all great choices. The key to good picnic food is choosing recipes that can be made ahead and enjoyed at room temperature or cold, this way no stovetop or effort is required once you’re at your destination.