Best Picnic Recipes: 5 Easy Ideas to Level Up Your Lunchbox
Let’s face it, picnics can be a bit… samey. There’s nothing wrong with a sausage roll and a packet of crisps (in fact, I love that kind of thing), but sometimes it’s fun to mix things up a bit. If you fancy adding a few new bits to your blanket spread, here are five of the best picnic recipes I’ve been testing lately – all tasty, portable, and made to be enjoyed cold.
These are great whether you’re packing a lunchbox, heading to the beach, going for a walk, or just having a bite in the garden. They also work really well as mix-and-match options – you can swap out fillings, switch proteins, or keep things vegetarian if you prefer. The recipes are simple, flexible, and easy to prep ahead.
Best Picnic Recipe #1 – Cheesy Muffin-Tin Quiches
These individual quiches are made without pastry, so they’re lighter and quicker to throw together. A great make-ahead option for any of your best picnic recipes.
How to make them: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. In a jug or bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt, pepper, and a little pinch of nutmeg or paprika if you fancy. Stir in chopped ham, wilted spinach (squeeze out the moisture), and grated cheese. Grease a muffin tin well, pour the mixture in, and bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed up and golden. Let them cool before removing — they’ll deflate slightly, which is totally normal.
Best Picnic Recipe #2 – Chicken Caesar Wrap Pinwheels
This twist on a Caesar salad makes a perfect handheld snack and definitely earns its place on the best picnic recipes list.
How to make them: Use soft, large wraps — ideally seeded or wholemeal. Spread a thin layer of ranch dressing across each, leaving a small border to help it seal. Top with shredded cooked chicken, parmesan shavings, and crisp lettuce like romaine or little gem. Optional crispy bacon adds extra crunch. Roll tightly, wrap in cling film, and chill for 30 minutes. Slice into pinwheels and pack for your picnic.
Best Picnic Recipe #3 – Stuffed Baguette with Roasted Veg & Pesto
This is a flavour-packed sandwich that’s perfect for slicing and sharing. Great texture, bold flavours, and definitely one of the best picnic recipes for group lunches.
How to make it: Roast Mediterranean veg at 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F with olive oil for 20–25 mins. Slice your baguette lengthways (not all the way through) and scoop out a bit of the soft middle. Spread red pesto on both sides, layer in the roasted veg, sliced mozzarella, and rocket. Wrap tightly and press overnight in the fridge under a tray or some tins. Slice into thick rounds to serve.
Best Picnic Recipe #4 – Burrito Bowl in a Jar
This is one of the best picnic recipes for flavour, colour and convenience. A full burrito experience in a tidy little jar.
How to make it: Cook beef mince with a bit of oil, tomato purée, and spices: cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chilli, salt and pepper. Let it cool. In jars, layer from bottom to top: salsa or sour cream, black beans, sweetcorn, cooked rice, beef mince, cheese and shredded lettuce. Top with crushed tortilla chips or jalapeños if you like a bit of crunch. Keep chilled until ready to eat.
Best Picnic Recipe #5 – No-Bake Cheesecake Pots
A sweet, fruity finish that’s chilled and fuss-free. This no-bake cheesecake is one of the best picnic recipes for dessert lovers.
How to make them: Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter and press into the base of your jars. In a separate bowl, whisk cream cheese, double cream and icing sugar until smooth. Spoon on top of the biscuit base, then add a layer of passion fruit and mango curd. Chill in the fridge. Optional garnishes: toasted coconut or mint leaves.
That’s your lot — five of the best picnic recipes that are easy to make ahead, full of flavour, and way more exciting than your average packed lunch. If you want to see how they all came together and which one came out on top, check out the full video on my YouTube channel.
Also, if you liked this post, you might enjoy these ways to warm up your lunch with electric lunchboxes I reviewed.