Picnic Food Ideas and Essentials: A Guide to Outdoor Dining
When the weather warms up, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal outside — whether that’s in your own garden, at the park, or by the beach. And picnics are the perfect way to make the most of sunny days.
In this guide, we’ll share picnic food and drink ideas for inspiration, as well as an essentials checklist to help you picnic in style and comfort.
We’ve also shared our top tips on how to keep your picnic food fresh, drinks cool, and day stress-free.
Contents
Picnic food ideas
From simple picnic foods to unique twists, get inspired with our favourite outdoor-friendly foods.
1. Sandwiches
When it comes to picnics, you can’t go wrong with a good old sandwich. Whether you prefer a classic ham and cheese or want to get a little more adventurous with flavours like salmon and avocado, sandwiches are easy to prepare and travel well, especially when you choose a sturdy bread like baguettes, wraps, or bagels. They hold up nicely during travel and won’t get squashed.
Or, try our Stuffed Picnic Loaf. This hearty, make-ahead sandwich loaf is packed with cheddar, sausage, rocket, and tomato chutney, making it a filling and satisfying choice for a picnic. Plus, it’s easy to slice into wedges, so everyone can enjoy a piece.
When it comes to keeping your sandwiches fresh, the secret lies in how you prepare and pack them. To prevent soggy bread, butter the bread lightly before adding anything. This creates a protective barrier that keeps the moisture out, keeping it separate from the fillings.
You could also wrap your sandwiches tightly in cling film or parchment paper and store them in an airtight container. This ensures the bread stays fresh and the fillings remain intact, making sure your sandwiches are as delicious as when you packed them.
Salad is often the culprit in turning your bread soggy because it contains water, so it’s best to keep it separate until you’re ready to eat. Pack it in a food container and simply add it to your sandwich when you’re at the picnic.
Take a look at all of our sandwiches and wraps recipes to find something perfect for your next picnic.
2. Quiche or savoury pastries
Quiche or savoury pastries are another great make-ahead option. They’re perfectly portable and can be eaten cold or at room temperature. You can experiment with a variety of fillings like spinach and feta, ham and cheese, or even a simple tomato and basil.
Vegetable samosas are the perfect finger food, and there’s no shortage of savoury tart recipes to try out, from beetroot and goat’s cheese to butternut squash and kale.
And don’t forget the classic sausage rolls! These are always a hit at picnics. Whether you go for the traditional version or a spicier variant with added herbs or chutney, they’re guaranteed to please.
Consider making a large quiche, tart or sausage roll instead of mini versions. You can simply slice it into portions, saving time on making individual pieces. Just make sure your food is fully cool before slicing, as this helps set the structure and ensures cleaner, more even cuts.
Once sliced and ready to transport, put the slices back together in their original shape (like a whole loaf), wrap in cling film or parchment paper, and pop it in your food container. This will keep everything intact until you reach your picnic spot.
At Lakeland, we have plenty of quiche and tart tins to help you create delicious pastry every time.
3. Pasta or quinoa salad
Pasta or quinoa salads are fantastic for picnics because they’re easy to prepare, serve, and transport. You can make them the night before, allowing the flavours to develop, and they stay delicious even when served cold.
Whether you’re using pasta or quinoa as your base, these salads are versatile and can be loaded with vegetables, protein-packed beans, or even some grilled chicken.
To keep your pasta from sticking together after cooking, toss it with a little olive oil once it’s cooled. This helps to keep each piece separate and ensures the pasta maintains a nice texture, perfect for adding to a salad.
To avoid soggy salads, don’t add any dressing until just before serving. And when transporting your dressing, store it separately in a small, airtight container or a mason jar. This way, you can simply pour it over the salad when you’re ready to eat, keeping the freshness intact.
A salad spinner is also a good tool to have in your kit. It makes washing and drying your leaves easy and removes excess moisture. This means your salad stays fresh and crunchy for longer.
And remember, it doesn’t always have to be a pasta or quinoa salad. At Lakeland, we’ve got plenty of simple yet tasty salad recipes to try, like our Puy Lentil, Gorgonzola and Chicory Salad or the Edamame, Lime and Sesame Jar Salad.
4. Frittata
A frittata is a delightful dish that’s just right for picnics. Think of it as an Italian-style omelette — thick, hearty, and loads of flavour. You can fill it with whatever you have on hand: vegetables, cheese, or even leftover meats. Our New Potato, Courgette and Pea Frittata is packed with veggies and is always a hit.
At your picnic, it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread. It’s a filling dish that’s just as delicious cold, so no need to worry about reheating. Just slice it up and you’re good to go!
5. Dips and spreads
Dips and spreads are a picnic essential. Hummus, guacamole, and pesto are always crowd favourites and pair perfectly with pita or crunchy raw veggies like carrots and cucumber.
Having two or three different dips adds variety and keeps things interesting. To keep them fresh, store them in airtight containers and pack them separately from your crackers and veggies. This way, everything stays fresh and ready to enjoy when it’s time to tuck in.
A divided serving platter is always a good idea. You can just add your bits to it when you get to your picnic spot, and everyone can dive right in.
6. Desserts
Desserts for picnics can be tricky. What’s delicious, transportable, and won’t melt or get ruined along the way? Thankfully, there are plenty of sweet treats that fit the bill.
Traybakes, like brownies and flapjacks, are great because you can cut them into portions before you leave, making them easy to serve and enjoy without any fuss. Muffins are also a fantastic choice. They hold their shape well and are easy to pack. Just pick recipes without buttercream, as it can get messy during transport and in the heat.
When preparing picnic desserts, stick to things that hold their shape and don’t require refrigeration. Avoid creamy or mousse-based desserts, as they’re tricky to keep cool.
Single-layer cakes or fruit tarts work well. Take them out the tin once cool, slice them up, piece back together, and pop them in a cake carrier. This way, your cakes or tarts stay in perfect shape.
If you’re really looking to impress, making your own ice cream can be a fun activity to do with the kids before your picnic. Once your ice cream is ready, pop it in an insulated food flask, pack some cones and chocolate flakes, and you can enjoy a round of 99s for a fraction of the usual price.
Don’t have an ice cream maker? No worries! Our Strawberry Ice Cream recipe is super easy to make, and all you need is a bowl and three ingredients: frozen strawberries, honey, and Greek yoghurt.
If you’re travelling far for your picnic, ice cream might not be the best choice. It’ll last a couple of hours in a flask and cooler bag (with ice packs) without melting, but for longer trips, it’s best to stick with desserts that are easier to keep cool.
Picnic drink ideas
1. Infused water
Remember to take enough water to keep everyone hydrated, especially if you’re lucky enough to have a sunny day. Infused water is a simple and refreshing way to jazz it up a bit.
Chop your favourite fruits and herbs, like citrus, berries, or cucumber, and add them to a jug of cold water. Let it infuse for at least 30 minutes (or if you have time to prep ahead, keep it in the fridge overnight), then pour it into a reusable water bottle or large flask to take with you. We have insulated flasks that keep liquids cool all day!
2. Cocktails
No picnic is complete without a cheeky cocktail (or two)! From classic gin and tonics to fruity mojitos, cocktails can really elevate your outdoor spread.
You can prep your cocktails ahead of time and store them in insulated flasks, so they’re ready to pour when you arrive. As for the ice, don’t add it directly to your cocktail straight away, as this can dilute the drink. Instead, store the ice separately in an insulated flask with no liquid and pop it into a cooler bag with an ice pack.
If you’re not in the mood for alcohol, we have plenty of mocktail recipes to keep things just as refreshing.
Need the right tools to shake up your drinks? Lakeland has all the cocktail-making tools you need, from cocktail kits that include everything to shakers and reusable ice cube trays.
3. Sparkling wine or prosecco
For those looking to add a little fizz to their picnic, sparkling wine or prosecco is always a winner. Rosé is nice on a sunny day, as it’s light and refreshing.
Wondering how to keep your wine cool? Pop it in a wine cooler or bucket (if you’ve got multiple bottles) and store both the bottle and the cooler in the fridge overnight, or at least a few hours before you leave. This helps keep your drinks chilled for longer once you’re outdoors.
What are the picnic essentials?
Learn what to take on a picnic with our essentials checklist:
1. Picnic basket, cool bag or box
A picnic basket, cool bag, or cool box is the foundation of any picnic. It keeps everything cool, organised, and ready to enjoy. Popping an ice pack into your picnic bags helps keep food chilled for even longer.
For a picnic that’s truly ready for anything, the Ninja FrostVault 47L Cool Box is a must-have. It’s perfect for storing both food and drink, and it can keep ice frozen for up to 5 days! With its huge 47-litre capacity, you’ll have plenty of room for a sizeable feast or up to 80 cans.
2. Blanket or picnic mat
The perfect picnic starts with the right spot to relax and enjoy your feast. A picnic mat or blanket is ideal for setting up your meal while keeping you and your food away from bugs on the grass. Look for one that’s easy to roll up and big enough for your whole group to sit on.
3. Plates and bowls
You’ll need something sturdy to serve your picnic treats on. We don’t recommend packing your everyday dinner plates, though. The last thing you want is to be carrying broken crockery home. Instead, go for outdoor tableware made from lightweight, durable materials like melamine or bamboo.
4. Utensils
You’ll want cutlery for your picnic, because trying to eat potato salad with your fingers never ends well! While it might be tempting to grab a handful of disposable cutlery, reusable options are much better for the planet — and won’t buckle halfway through your sausage roll.
Don’t forget a couple of sturdy serving spoons too for dishing up sides, pasta, or sweet treats. Opt for reusable ones made from melamine or stainless steel. They’ll make it easier to serve food without mess, and you won’t need to dig through everything with a flimsy fork.
5. Drinkware
Crystal-Look Acrylic Flutes (Set of 4)
Some occasions call for something a bit more special than a plastic beaker, but you don’t want to run the risk of breaking your best glasses. The solution? Our outdoor glassware. While they might look like costly cut crystal, we have sophisticated glasses that are robust acrylic replicas that’ll make you feel fancy while you sip your fizz, without the risk of breakages.
You’ll find outdoor wine glasses, tumblers and lidded serving jugs in the range.
6. Food containers
Lakeland 360 Seal Food Storage Container 2L
A good set of food containers is a picnic essential, as they’ll keep everything fresh, secure, and easy to pack. It’s worth having a mix of sizes: larger ones for main dishes, and smaller ones for sauces, dips, or snacks.
Steer clear of glass containers for picnics, as they can be heavy. Though they might be fine if you’re not travelling far.
Instead, opt for lightweight, durable options like Tritan: BPA-free, shatter-resistant material that’s clear like glass but much lighter and tougher.
7. Insulated flasks
Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle Hammertone Green 1L
An insulated flask is a must-have for any picnic. They’re perfect for keeping tea, coffee, soups, or juices either hot or cold.
Depending on your group size and what you’re planning to bring, you might find it handy to pack a few. Perhaps a flask for tea or coffee, another for something cold, or even one just for hot water to make up drinks on the go.
8. Ice packs
Ice packs keep your food and drinks cool and safe to eat, especially on warmer days. They work by absorbing heat from inside your cool bag or box, keeping the temperature lower for longer.
Just pop a few into your freezer the night before your picnic, then place them on top of and between your food items when packing your cool box or bag.
There are also slimline options like ice sticks, which are ideal for tighter spaces, or for slipping into drinks bottles to keep them chilled without diluting your drink like regular ice would.
9. Insect repellent
If you’re heading outdoors, you’ll want something to keep flies, mosquitoes, and midges at bay. Sprays and fly papers are good options, but a portable repeller takes the crown. It creates a protective zone around you, without the smell of sprays.
At Lakeland, we have the Thermacell Halo Mini Patio Shield, which creates a 20m² zone of protection using scent-free, DEET-free technology. It’s lightweight, weather-resistant, and perfect for the garden, park, or beach. With up to 12 hours of protection included, you can relax without the old flap-and-swat routine.
10. Food covers
Outdoor food covers or umbrellas are perfect for picnics: just pop one over your platters, bowls, or dishes, and enjoy critter-free dining — no flies, bees, or ants joining the party! Plus, their lightweight, pop-up design makes them easy to transport and store when not in use.
They’re a fantastic reusable alternative to cling film. Unlike single-use plastic, these covers can be used time and again.
Read our guide to no-fly zone outdoor dining for more clever tips.
Frequently asked questions
What is al fresco dining?
Al fresco dining simply means eating outdoors. ‘Al fresco’ is Italian and translates to ‘in the fresh air’ or ‘in the shade’ in English. It’s all about enjoying food in the open air, often in a more relaxed and sociable setting, whether that’s a picnic in the park, lunch in the garden, or dinner on the beach.
How long can you keep food on a picnic?
After serving, pop any leftovers back into your cool box as soon as possible. If the food is still cold when you get home and you’ve been out for less than four hours, it can usually go back in the fridge. But if it’s been sitting at 8°C or above for longer than the recommended time, it’s safest to throw it away.
To reduce waste, try to plan ahead. Work out how many people you’re feeding and only pack what you’ll realistically eat. And remember: plenty of ice packs and keeping your cool bag out of direct sunlight can make all the difference.
Can you make a picnic vegan-friendly?
Definitely! There are so many delicious plant-based picnic ideas. Think roasted veg wraps, hummus with crunchy crudités, lentil salads and fruit skewers. If you really want to impress, you could make some vegan sausage rolls or vegan ice cream.
How do you keep food cold on a picnic?
To keep food cold on a picnic, start by freezing your ice packs the night before and chilling your food thoroughly in the fridge.
When packing, place a layer of ice packs at the bottom of your cool box, then alternate layers of food and ice packs to keep everything evenly chilled. And when you’re on your picnic, keep your cool bag or box in the shade and avoid opening it too often to maintain the cold air.
Products like the Ninja FrostVault Cool Box are brilliant for this — they’re built to keep food and drink cold for hours, even on the hottest days.
Picnic in style with Lakeland
At Lakeland, we’ve got all the outdoor dining products to make your picnic a breeze, from cool bags and boxes to outdoor tableware, glassware, food covers, and more.
For more how-to guides, inspiration, and tasty picnic recipes, head over to our blog.
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