The weather is finally enjoyable and the grass is just begging to be sat on, played in, and rolled around on. What better way to celebrate the spring time than with a delicious, nutritious, outdoor picnic? In honor of National Picnic Day, we’re serving up ten unique and amazing meal ideas you can make ahead of time and bring with you for an on-the-go lunch. Grab your best friends, your favorite beach blanket, or lawn furniture and head outside for a picnic in the warm sunshine! Check our top ten ideas for perfect picnic meals this spring:
Creamy Pasta Salad (via An Edible Mosaic)
No picnic is complete without the perfect pasta salad recipe. This delicious homemade pasta salad is made with peas, bacon, and bell peppers. Perfect with any sandwich or on top of any burger (yes I said on top), this pasta salad is super easy to make and everyone will love it!
Sauteed Grapes and Goat Cheese (via With Style & Grace)
While wine and cheese isn’t always the most portable, picnic-appropriate appetizer, this sauteed grape and goat cheese salad is! Warm, sweet, and creamy, this salad is perfect for a delicious, savory, and sophisticated picnic lunch.
Nutella and Banana Graham Crackers (via Taste Of Home)
Bringing the kids along for your perfect picnic? These graham cracker, nutella, and banana sandwiches are kid-friendly and mom approved. For an extra yummy treat add a little marshmallow fluff and freeze these babies for an hour before your family outing, they’ll be just like ice cream sandwiches but way healthier!
Mason Jar Salads (via All Parenting)
Salads typically aren’t ideal for on-the-go lunches… until now! These clever and delicious mason jar salads allow you to enjoy a wholesome, hearty lunch no matter where you are. Try making fresh taco salad, Greek salad, or any other variety you’d like!
Potato Salad With Avocado Pesto (via Ricki Heller)
This hearty, flavorful, and delicious roasted potato salad is perfect for any picnic or summer luncheon. Made with roasted red potatoes, avocado pesto, peppers, and dijon mustard, this potato salad goes perfectly with any sandwich or salad.
Pressed Picnic Sandwiches (via Crepes of Wrath)
Panini sandwiches are great for picnics because they are easy to make and perfect for lunch! These healthy sandwiches are made with ciabatta bread, pesto, prosciutto, cheese, and fresh basil. You can add or substitute anything you’d like to these sandwiches such as balsamic dressing, smoked turkey, or roasted peppers!
Key Lime Whoopie Pies (via Yahoo! Shine)
These bite size treats are portable and perfect for your next picnic. Made with sweet key limes, whole wheat flour, plain yogurt, eggs, and sugar, these key lime whoopie pies are a healthy alternative to many other sugary sweet treats. Try dipping the edges in crushed graham cracker crumbs for a unique twist on a classic recipe.
Mason Jar Margaritas (via Refinery29)
Cocktails on-the-go? No problem! Check out these awesome mason jar margaritas – you can put a lid on the jar to bring them on your picnic and enjoy a refreshing drink with lunch! Want to make non-alcoholic mason jar drinks? Try pink lemonade or sweet tea for a real crowd-pleaser!
Chocolate Pudding Pie In A Jar (via This Gal Cooks)
You can’t have a (good) picnic without a delicious dessert. These mason jar chocolate pudding pie cups are perfect for picnics and simply individual portions. Made with graham crackers, chocolate pudding, and cool whip, these pudding pie desserts are out of this world. Top with chocolate chips and walnuts for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Watermelon, Feta, and Avocado Salad (via Sous Style)
Watermelon is an essential part of the perfect picnic meal. This unusual combination or feta cheese, watermelon chunks, and avocado is surprisingly delicious. The cheese compliments the watermelon perfectly and the avocado finishes the salad with a cool creamy texture. Drizzle with light balsamic or enjoy plain!
Such pretty picnic food! I’d brave some ants for those whoopee pies:)