Celebrate National Picnic Month with our guide to building a better basket and our favorite picnic food ideas. From grain-based salads to the perfect sandwich, learn how to pack a nutritious and portable outdoor feast.
There is nothing quite like dining al fresco. Whether it’s a quick lunch at a local park or a full afternoon spread, a great picnic is about more than just the location; it’s about a basket that balances flavor, portability and nutrition.
In honor of National Picnic Month (or any time the weather is nice), we’re sharing our favorite ways to level up your outdoor dining game. The secret? Using versatile grain foods as your foundation to ensure your meal stays fresh, satisfying and easy to pack.
Why Grains are the Picnic MVP
When you’re packing a meal that might sit in a cooler for an hour or two, you need ingredients that hold up. Grains are the ultimate travel-friendly food group. Unlike delicate greens that can wilt under dressing, hearty grains and sturdy breads maintain their texture and provide the long-lasting energy you need for an afternoon of outdoor activities.
Grains are also meaningful contributors of essential nutrients like fiber and B vitamins, making your picnic as nutritious as it is delicious.
3 Picnic Foods Ideas for a Better Basket
1. Main Dishes
- Sandwiches: You can never go wrong with this picnic classic! Easy to make and store, sandwiches are customizable to everyone’s likings. Choose from breads such as sourdough, whole wheat, multigrain or even tortillas, and finish it off with your fillings of choice: meats, veggies, cheese and spreads.
- Charcuterie Boards: If you are opting for a fancier picnic experience, the popular charcuterie board is a must. Filled with meats, cheeses and grains such as crackers or bread, this option is great for those who are craving a finer array of easy-to-eat foods.
- Quiche: If you’re planning an earlier picnic, a quiche is the perfect dish for a brunch-themed meal. Whether you decide to make your own or pick one up from the store, quiche provides a great balance of protein from the eggs, grains from the crust, and other nutrients from the added ingredients such as vegetables, cheese and meat.
2. Sides
- Pasta Salad: Pasta salad is a great side dish to bring as you probably already have the ingredients needed to make it in your pantry. This option provides a guaranteed daily serving of grains, plus the endless options of add-ins make this the perfect customizable food.
- Quinoa Salad: If pasta salad isn’t your forte, quinoa salad is a nutritious and delicious twist on the dish. Following the same strategy of customizing the side dish as you please, the only major change is swapping pasta for quinoa, which still provides a healthy serving of grains.
- Popcorn: If you’re on the go, popcorn is a great option. This whole grain can be popped at home and seasoned your favorite way. Try nutritional yeast or Parmesan for a cheesy flavor!
3. Dessert
- Cookies: Cookies are another picnic option for those who want something simple to make or cheap to buy. Whether you prefer chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin, cookies of any kind are ideal sweet treat that can be made in bulk and stored at room temperature – ideal for a day spent outdoors.
- Quick Breads: Ending on a sweet note with this classic banana bread or something fun like this cranberry and orange combination is easy with a quick bread recipe. Just mix, bake and enjoy!
- Scones: Brunch lovers will be reaching for seconds of these scones. Great for packing with a little butter to spread on top for a sweet treat.
Picnicking is more than just a meal, it’s a way to slow down and enjoy the season. By focusing on nutrient-dense grain foods, you’re not just building a better sandwich. You’re fueling your summer adventures.
