Picnic-Perfect Recipes to Pack and Go

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Sunshine, a blanket, and a cooler full of homemade goodness—this picnic-ready lineup has everything you need for a laid-back feast. From Dill Pickle Chicken Salad and Penna Dutch Potato Salad to Easy Pasta Salad and Strawberry Blueberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, these recipes were made to travel. And don’t forget dessert—Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars and Banana Cake with Maple Walnut Frosting bring just the right amount of sweet to your outdoor spread.

Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

A strawberry shortcake.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Fluffy, buttery, and loaded with juicy berries, Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits are a fresh-from-scratch dessert that puts store-bought to shame. Make them once, and you’ll never go back.

GET THE RECIPE: Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

Tuscan Tuna Sandwich

A close-up of a plate holding two halves of a rustic sandwich, filled with greens and shredded meat, wrapped in parchment paper and placed on a wooden surface.
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Tuscan Tuna Sandwich is a healthy and delicious no-bake option perfect for a quick lunch or picnic. It features Tuscan-flavored ingredients pressed between crusty ciabatta bread. This recipe from Half Baked Harvest is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Tuna Sandwich

Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad in a patriotic motif serving bowl with a spoon.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Hearty and flavorful, the Penna Dutch Potato Salad mixes creamy dressing with chewy, crunchy bits for a picnic side that stands out. It’s comfort food with serious texture.

GET THE RECIPE: Amish Potato Salad

Banana Cake Recipe with Maple Walnut Frosting

featured image for gluten-free banana cake recipe with maple walnut frosting
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

The Banana Cake Recipe with Maple Walnut Frosting brings all the cozy flavor of banana bread with the added bonus of maple-kissed cream cheese frosting. It’s gluten-free, crowd-friendly, and picnic-ready—no one misses out on dessert.

GET THE RECIPE: Banana Cake

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Four chicken salad sandwiches with lettuce on whole wheat bread are arranged side by side on a white surface, surrounded by pickles and potato chips.
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad recipe is a tangy twist on a classic! Made with crunchy pickles, celery, and a splash of dill pickle juice, this chicken salad is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or snacking. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any picnic or potluck.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Easy Pasta Salad

Easy Pasta Salad in bowl with veggies, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

This easy pasta salad is the perfect dish to bring to any party. Made with colorful vegetables, a tangy Italian dressing, and fresh parmesan cheese, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the fun!
Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Salad

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake

A bundt cake with rich white icing drizzled on top, placed on a wooden surface.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake is rich, moist, and full of old-fashioned charm. Just two simple steps deliver a bakery-worthy cake that’s perfect for slicing and sharing at any gathering.

GET THE RECIPE: Pound Cake

Mind Blowing Grilled Corn Salad Recipe

Grilled corn salad on a large serving plate with a spoon
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This grilled corn salad is a summer standout, combining sweet corn with the zing of jalapeño and fresh herbs. Topped with cheeses, peanuts, and a zesty lime dressing, it’s a flavor explosion perfect as a side dish for any cookout or picnic.
Get the Recipe: Mind Blowing Grilled Corn Salad Recipe

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

chocolate chip banana muffins cooling on a cooling rack
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins are the perfect hybrid of banana bread and cake, making them ideal for breakfast or dessert. This recipe is super easy to follow, using simple ingredients you probably already have! Plus, who can resist a muffin packed with chocolate chips?
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Apple pie bars lined up on a counter top.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars pack all the flavor of classic pie into easy-to-share bars. Sweet, gooey, and slightly salty, they’re perfect for crowds and a breeze to serve at picnics or potlucks.

GET THE RECIPE: Apple Pie Bars

Best Ever Easy Pasta Salad

pasta salad with bacon ready to eat
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Looking for a quick and easy dish to bring to your next potluck? This simple pasta salad with bacon and fresh vegetables can be made ahead of time making it the perfect dish for a crowd. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful side dish that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Easy Pasta Salad

Italian Salad

A bowl containing lettuce, cucumber slices, tomato wedges, red onion rings, black olives, croutons, and grated cheese.
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

Looking for the perfect side salad? This Italian salad features crunchy lettuce, fresh veggies, Parmesan cheese, and croutons, all tossed in a simple homemade Italian dressing. It’s a versatile and delicious addition to any meal, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Italian Salad

Amish Apple Fritter Bread

a platter, with apple bread
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This Amish Apple Fritter Bread is simple, sweet, and topped with a tangy sour cream drizzle. It’s a cozy quick bread that travels well—perfect for your next outdoor adventure.

GET THE RECIPE: Amish Apple Fritter Bread

Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad

A plate of chicken salad with an array of fresh fruit including apple slices, blueberries, Ritz crackers, and tomatoes.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad mixes tender chicken, toasted pecans, and sweet grapes for a creamy picnic dish with flair. Southern-approved and perfect for sharing.

GET THE RECIPE: Sweet Chicken Salad

Carrot Raisin Salad

Bombay Carrot Salad with cashews and raisins, tossed in a fragrant Indian Curry dressing. Healthy and vegan this carrot salad recipe is so EASY to make, and can be made-ahead. #carrotsalad #carrotslaw #vegan #indiancarrotsalad #recipe #carrotsaladrecipe
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Carrot Raisin Salad is a healthy and vibrant side dish with toasted cashews and a flavorful curry dressing. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for making ahead, making it ideal for picnics, gatherings, or a quick and nutritious meal-prep option. Enjoy the fresh flavors of this Indian-inspired carrot slaw!
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Fig Bars with Oatmeal and Walnuts

A stack of oatmeal bars with a fig jam middle.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Fig Bars with Oatmeal and Walnuts blend figgy sweetness with nutty crunch in a wholesome, travel-friendly snack. Easy to slice, pack, and enjoy wherever summer takes you.

GET THE RECIPE: Fruit and Oatmeal Bars

Strawberry Blueberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

A caprese salad on a platter with strawberries, blueberries, and basil leaves.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

The Strawberry Blueberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a fresh, fruity side made for warm weather. Juicy berries, greens, and creamy mozzarella shine under a tangy drizzle.

GET THE RECIPE: Strawberry Salad

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar | foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

These chocolate chip cookie bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Baked in a pan, they boast a perfectly chewy center and a tender, crisp outside, all loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Summer Chicken Chopped Salad with Strawberries, Avocado + Feta

Chicken chopped salad in a white bowl
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This Summer Chicken Chopped Salad is the perfect light and refreshing meal for warm weather. It’s packed with grilled chicken, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and salty feta, all tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette. This salad is great for meal prep and is easily customizable to your liking.
Get the Recipe: Summer Chicken Chopped Salad with Strawberries, Avocado + Feta

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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