Is there anything better than enjoying a feast in the great outdoors? Whether you're planning a picnic with friends or enjoying a garden feast on the lawn with your family, we've got a wide range of recipes to suit every eventuality.

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Discover our pick of the best picnic recipes for everyone to enjoy this summer, from classic quiches and pies to refreshing drinks, snacks and easily portable puds. Make sure you are well kitted out with our round-ups of the best picnic accessories and best picnic hampers.

For more outdoor dining inspiration, check out our best ever picnic ideas hub page, which includes all our best picnic food, drink and gadget guides.

Picnic quiche recipes

1. Ultimate quiche lorraine

Quiche lorraine sliced

Quiches are an absolute picnic staple – simple to make, easily portable and delicious served warm or cold. This classic ham and cheese quiche is one of our all-time favourites and it's not hard to see why – a crisp pastry base filled with smoky gruyère, cream and bacon lardons is sure to satisfy.

Ultimate quiche lorraine

2. Smoky chorizo & manchego quiche

Quiche with manchego and chorizo filling

We've given traditional quiche a Spanish-style makeover with smoky chorizo sausage and nutty manchego cheese. This stylish dish is ideal for a posh picnic or casual lunch.

Smoky chorizo & manchego quiche

3. Next-level quiche lorraine

Quiche lorraine

If you're looking to impress, this sophisticated quiche has it all – spiced pastry, smoked pancetta, three types of cheese and an irresistibly light soufflé-style filling. It may take a little bit of extra effort but is well worth it.

Next-level quiche lorraine

4. Picnic quiches

Mini tomato quiches in pastry

Save all the effort of slicing up portions by making these cute individual mini quiches. Each bite delivers a flavour explosion of juicy cherry tomatoes, basil, parmesan and pancetta.

Picnic quiches

5. Roasted tomato, basil & parmesan quiche

Whole quiche topped with tomatoes and basil

For a mouth-watering meat-free option, try this easy Italian-inspired quiche. It's perfect for a family picnic or dinner in the garden.

Roasted tomato, basil & parmesan quiche

6. Asparagus, feta & dill quiche

Quiche topped with asparagus and feta on a peach plate

Try this delicious asparagus, feta, and dill quiche for another vegetarian option. The egg filling is encased in a cheesy pastry for that extra indulgence.

Asparagus, feta & dill quiche

We've got plenty more delicious quiche recipes to try, from salmon & asparagus quiche to sticky onion & cheddar quiche.

Picnic sandwich ideas

7. Egg & cress club sandwich

Fans of traditional flavours will love these bumper club sandwiches. Firmly secure each stack with a skewer before transporting and serving.

Egg & cress club sandwich

Check out more super sandwich recipes and get inspiration on sandwich fillings for kids.

8. Stuffed rainbow baguette

Colourful baguette halves topped with vegetables, next to sliced vegetables in pors

Paint the rainbow with this colourful stuffed baguette that kids can help to prepare. It's absolutely packed full of vibrant veg including beetroot, red pepper, carrot and green leaves, along with hummus, pesto and slices of cheddar. Wrap it in baking parchment and tie with string to transport.

More like this

Stuffed rainbow baguette

Find more brilliant baguette recipes and get more inspiration for fun family picnic recipes.

9. Crispy chicken & smashed avocado baps

Sandwich baps filled with crispy chicken, avocado and lettuce

Looking for a healthy sandwich option? These satisfying chicken baps are packed with crisp lettuce and a creamy avocado spread so you can ditch the calorie-laden sauces. The chicken breasts are covered in a light, crispy coating made from flour, almonds and sesame seeds.

Crispy chicken & smashed avocado baps

10. Chorizo & halloumi baguette

Sliced of baguette topped with chorizo jam, halloumi and relish

As well as being a great brunch option, this hearty baguette works well for a picnic main. A sophisticated take on the sausage sarnie, it packs in salty halloumi, smoky chorizo and a rich homemade tomato paste. To save on spillages, it may be best to transport the paste in a separate pot and spoon it on in situ.

Chorizo & halloumi baguette

11. Fig & serrano ham picnic bread

Want to branch out from the traditional picnic sarnie? Pack your basket with a fully loaded flatbread instead. Thickly sliced fresh figs make a picture-perfect topping for this ciabatta-style loaf. The sweet fruity flavour complements earthy sage leaves, tangy onion and salty, umami serrano ham.

Fig & serrano ham picnic bread

Master Italian bread skills with our ciabatta and focaccia recipes.

12. Vegetarian wraps

Round flatbreads with a selection of dips and vegetarian filling

Add a DIY element to your al fresco feast with these veggie flatbreads, filled with roasted vegetables, creamy coconut tzatziki and a herby, spicy green sauce. Simply pack up the ingredients into separate containers and let everyone assemble their own wraps at the picnic.

Vegetarian wraps

13. Fish finger hot dogs

A fish finger in a hot dog bun with lettuce next to a lemon wedge

This twist on a classic fish finger sandwich is a moreish picnic treat. The combination of lightly salted homemade fish fingers complements the sweet brioche and sourness of the gherkin and lemon.

Fish finger hot dogs

Get more ideas for wrap recipes and flatbread recipes.

Picnic salad ideas

14. Summer allotment salad with English mustard dressing

New season potatoes pair well with crisp, crunchy vegetables in this fresh potato salad recipe. We've used radishes, red onions and cucumber, but it would also work wonderfully with fennel, celery and spring onions.

Summer allotment salad with English mustard dressing

Make the most of seasonal veg with our top 10 summer salad recipes and check out more potato salad recipes.

15. Epic summer salad

Plate loaded with colourful tomato avocado, feta salad

Truly epic in name and nature, this sharing salad is loaded with fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, avocados, spinach, mango and cucumber, covered in a zingy herb dressing, topped with a crumbling of feta. It's easy to throw together, requires no cooking and perfect for a picnic group of six (though you could easily reduce the quantities).

Epic summer salad

16. Pesto pasta salad

This vegetarian pasta salad is easy to make and packed with colourful vegetables. We've included crème fraîche as well as pre-made fresh pesto to create a creamy sauce.

Pesto pasta salad

Try more pasta salad recipes.

17. Curried rice & egg salad

Bowl of egg, rice and vegetable salad

An egg salad is classic picnic fare. Try this family-friendly twist with turmeric rice, raisins and toasted almonds. Throw in some grated carrots and cucumbers for texture and you have an easy picnic side.

Curried rice & egg salad

Tuck into more hearty egg salad recipes.

18. Warm chickpea salad

Bowl of chickpea, feta and Mediterranean vegetable salad

Budget-friendly canned chickpeas are an ideal base for this filling salad option, bulked out with Mediterranean veg and studded with chunks of feta.

Warm chickpea salad

Check out more chickpea salad recipes.

19. Cauliflower wings & zesty lentil salad

Cauliflower in sauce on a bed of green

This healthy salad is flavourful as well as nutritious. Simply toss cauliflower florets in a hot sauce and serve with dressed lentils and salad leaves.

Cauliflower wings & zesty lentil salad

Check out more lentil salad recipes.

20. Spring green salad with parsley & blue cheese

A bowl on green salad with salad servers

This sophisticated salad is excellent for a posh picnic. The mighty blue cheese pairs beautifully with the buttery walnuts. Alternatively, serve with kale or chard instead of spring greens.

Spring green salad with parsley & blue cheese

Find more inspiration for cooking with spring greens.

Picnic pie recipes

21. Veggie rainbow picnic pie

This colourful pastry, packed with layers of vegetables, feta and egg, is sure to impress your fellow picnic-goers.

Veggie rainbow picnic pie

Discover more vibrant vegetarian pie recipes.

22. Pork & ham pie

Meat-lovers are sure to take a thick slice of this pork and ham pie, which has eggs neatly nestled in the middle. It's a bit of a challenge, but perfect for a weekend cooking project and well worth the effort when you tuck in.

Pork & ham pie

Take a look at our pork pie recipes for more meaty picnic bites.

23. Summer herb & feta pies

Cheese carries the flavours of basil, mint and watercress in these crisp, bite-sized filo parcels. They're easy to make but look beautiful on any plate or platter.

Summer herb & feta pies

24. Coronation chicken pie

Coronation chicken pie in puff pastry

Based on a French pithivier, our simple spiced pie is an impressive twist on a classic coronation chicken sandwich filling. It's equally delicious served warm or cold, and keeps well for up to three days.

Coronation chicken pie

25. Vegan pie

Vegan pie cut open to reveal colourful layered veg

Want a meat-free picnic centrepiece? Cutting into this multi-layered bake will reveal a kaleidoscope of colourful veg such as beetroot, sweet potato, chard and celeriac. Wrapped in homemade spelt pastry, this crowd-pleasing pie is worth the effort.

Vegan pie

Browse our vegan pie recipes for more dairy- and egg-free pastry inspiration.

26. Harissa roasted squash & feta pie

Filo pie with butternut squash and feta on a plate next to a bowl of yoghurt

Why not try this veggie pie? A twist on the classic cheese and onion, it's made using filo pastry and harissa-roasted butternut squash for some extra spice and sweetness.

Harissa roasted squash & feta pie

Check out more recipes using harissa.

Picnic snack ideas

27. Summer sausage rolls

A summery twist on classic sausage rolls, with a chicken and bacon filling flavoured with sundried tomatoes, garlic and basil.

Summer sausage rolls

We've got plenty more sausage roll recipe variations. Check out our gourmet versions of this classic picnic snack, including caramelised onion & thyme sausage rolls.

28. Easy scotch eggs

Scotch eggs, halves and served with pickle

Our step-by-step instructions will help you nail this picnic classic. Achieve a crispy breadcrumb coating, moist herby sausagemeat and slightly runny yolk.

Easy scotch eggs

Discover more scrumptious scotch egg recipes to fill your picnic basket.

29. Classic cheese scones

These savoury scones are easy to make, and are a lovely alternative to bread at a picnic. They're simply scrumptious split in half and spread thickly with butter.

Classic cheese scones

Peruse more savoury scone recipes, from cheddar to chorizo flavours.

30. Seeded cheese & chive flapjacks

Green boxes filled with seeded flapjack bars

Flapjacks don't have to be sweet. Bake a batch of these moreish cheddar and chive oat bakes for a scrumptious savoury picnic bite. With a mixture of crunchy seeds, grated carrots and porridge oats, they are full of goodness.

Seeded cheese & chive flapjacks

Find more fabulous sweet and savoury flapjack recipes.

31. Pea & ham picnic eggs

Plate of breaded pea and ham picnic eggs

Want a change from scotch eggs? These tasty bite-sized morsels are instead filled with shredded ham hock and peas alongside traditional sausagemeat. Fry them in a crispy breadcrumb coating and serve with mustard, mayo or minty tartare sauce.

Pea & ham picnic eggs

32. Vegetarian sausage rolls

Vegetarian sausage rolls on a tray

These tasty little parcels replace traditional sausagemeat with a gourmet filling of mushrooms, chestnuts, leeks and cheddar cheese. Encased in a butter puff-pastry case, they are made for picking up and dunking in a punchy dip (see our ideas below).

Vegetarian sausage rolls

If you are also avoiding dairy, then try our equally delicious vegan sausage rolls, which use brown rice miso as a binding agent.

33. Cheese & pesto whirls

Tear-and-share Chelsea buns filled with Pesto, tomato and mozzarella

These herby tear-and-share bread rolls are easy to make and baked with a moreish filling of mozzarella and sundried tomatoes. They are sure to be a hit with the kids.

Cheese & pesto whirls

We've got lots more showstopping tear and share breads to enjoy with family or friends.

34. Apple ‘doughnuts’

Six apple crisp rings topped with funfetti sprinkles

Try these fun, fruity apple rings for a healthier alternative to real doughnuts. Kids will love helping to make and decorate them with nut butter, soft cheese and sprinkles. Pack them in a small box wrapped in a little baking parchment, then enjoy as a light picnic treat.

Apple 'doughnuts'

Discover more quick and easy snacks for kids.

35. Chocolate-dipped strawberries

Chocolate-coated strawberries on a stone surface

Transform a punnet of ripe, juicy strawberries into a decadent snack by drizzling them in velvety dark chocolate. Drizzle with milk and white chocolate and enjoy as part of a romantic picnic or al fresco gathering.

Chocolate-dipped strawberries

Take a look at our strawberry recipes for more inspiration with this juicy summer berry.

36. Picnic trail mix

Picnic trail mix in paper bags, within a yellow box

Ditch the shop-bought trail mix and make up your own sweet and salty version to pack in a paper bag. A delicious mix of nuts, seeds, pretzels, dried fruit and chocolate, it's a great snack for kids to munch on while walking to the picnic site. Any leftovers can also be used as a popcorn alternative on family film night.

Picnic trail mix

37. Crisp parmesan, olive & sundried tomato polenta bites

Triangle polenta bites

These easy polenta bites can be made in three simple steps and kept in the fridge for up to a day. Great to serve with delicious dips or flavourful enough to eat alone.

Crisp parmesan, olive & sundried tomato polenta bites

Picnic dips and crudités

38. Hummus

Pot of hummus with crackers and vegetable batons

Hummus is one of the most popular and versatile picnic dips. This rich and creamy chickpea blend is made using just five ingredients and is ready in 10 minutes. Spoon into lunchboxes to transport and enjoy with crunchy vegetable batons or pittas.

Hummus

See our hummus recipes for plenty more flavour variations, including beetroot, pea and squash hummus.

39. Baba ganoush

Bowl of baba ganoush dip with pitta bread and olives

Whip up this Middle Eastern-style dip as part of a meze feast. The smoky flavour of charred aubergines pairs well with nutty tahini, sharp lemons and parsley.

Baba ganoush

40. Chickpea & red pepper dip

Bowl of red pepper and chickpea dip with pitta bread

Roasted red peppers provide a flavour boost in this speedy, low-calorie dip. You could add feta or goat’s cheese to the ingredients in the processor for an extra tangy hit.

Chickpea & red pepper dip

41. Tzatziki

Small bowl of tzatziki with pitta bread

A cooling mint, garlic and yogurt dip, perfect for summer snacking. Enjoy it with pitta toasts or spread over wraps as a filling.

Tzatziki

42. Avocado & cannellini bean dip

Bowl of avocado and cannellini bean dip

Keep the hunger pangs at bay with this light yet satisfying vegan dip. Blitz the avocado with beans, garlic, spices, lemon zest and juice and serve with a scattering of mixed seeds, crackers or crudités.

Avocado & cannellini bean dip

For an even healthier version, try our vegan avocado hummus & crudités recipe, which delivers all five of your five-a-day.

43. Maast-o-khiar (yoghurt with cucumber)

Bowl of yoghurt with cucumber and decorated with petals and mint

This minty yoghurt dip is exceptionally refreshing. The golden raisins add small bursts of sweetness throughout. Serve alongside flatbread or as a complement to barbecued meats.

Maast-o-khiar (yoghurt with cucumber)

Try one of our flatbread recipes.

Healthier picnic ideas

44. Falafel scotch eggs

Combining two of our favourite foods – falafel and scotch eggs – this is a great healthy veggie option to bring along to a picnic. The casing is made using chickpeas spiced with cumin and coriander rolled in crisp panko breadcrumbs.

Falafel scotch eggs

45. Easy crustless quiche

Crustless quiche filled with asparagus and pancetta

Quiche lovers can now enjoy our lighter version of this picnic classic, minus the pastry case. It's still packed with a comforting mixture of cheese, smoky pancetta and asparagus, so you won't be compromising on taste.

Easy crustless quiche

46. Pastry-less pork pie

Pork pie wrapped in courgette slices

Another picnic favourite without the calorie-laden pastry. Our clever pork pie uses strips of seasonal courgette and plenty of spices to make an attractive picnic main that's also full of flavour.

Pastry-less pork pie

47. Chicken skewers with tzatziki

Chicken and vegetables on open tortilla wraps

Combine lightly charred chicken breasts with a vibrant mixture of veggies, herbs and homemade creamy tzatziki. Wrapped in wholemeal tortillas, these Greek-style skewers are sure to be popular with kids and adults alike.

Chicken skewers with tzatziki

48. Salmon picnic platter

Spread of smoked salmon, cucumber, eggs and rye bread

Looking for a lighter option to traditional picnic fare? Try a Scandi-style picnic spread complete with cooked salmon, hot-smoked salmon, stuffed eggs and a cucumber, yogurt and dill salad. Pile onto rye bread rolls and prepare to take a big bite!

Salmon picnic platter

Check out our healthy picnic recipes for more light and summery treats.

49. Healthy tuna pasta

pasta with tuna sweetcorn and basil on a plate

This healthy, quick and easy tuna pasta takes only 25 minutes from start to finish. Low in fat and packed with three of your five-a-day, it’s a wholesome addition to a summer picnic.

Healthy tuna pasta

Check out more of our healthy pasta salad recipes.

Picnic drink ideas

50. Summer cup

Capture the sunshine in a glass. Though the recipe is simple, you can't beat it.

Summer cup cocktail

51. Homemade ginger beer

Glasses and vial filled with ginger beer

Make your own zingy syrup by cooking fresh ginger root with lemon peel and sugar. Topped up with soda water and lemon juice, it makes a wonderfully crispy and refreshing summer drink to take to a picnic.

Homemade ginger beer

52. Coconut & pineapple cooler

This crowd-pleasing fruity cocktail can be made in advance and nestled in an ice bucket or cool box. The base is made with coconut rum and gin, and we've added an optional garnish of coriander to give it a herby lift.

Coconut & pineapple cooler

53. Zingy blackberry lemonade

Blend together lemons, blackberries and mint to make a refreshing drink that's delicious served with sparkling water. If you want to take it to the next level (or vary it for the adults), it pairs perfectly with prosecco.

Zingy blackberry lemonade

54. Easy iced tea

Two glasses and a jug of iced tea with lemon slices and mint sprigs

Refreshing and citrussy, this easy iced tea is guaranteed to impress at a family picnic. With the subtle flavours of tea, honey, lemon and mint, it's a lovely palate cleanser after all those pies!

Easy iced tea

55. Cucumber, mint & melon punch

Punch in a jug with lime, melon and cucumber

The mixture of juicy honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon chunks make this the ultimate cooler to beat the heat. Treat yourself to an alcoholic picnic cocktail and enjoy the summer heat while it lasts.

Cucumber, mint & melon punch

Cool down with more of our best picnic drinks ideas.

Picnic dessert ideas

56. Blackberry bakewell squares

Put fresh blackberries centre-stage in this tasty traybake with a crumbly digestive biscuit base and a tangy layer of blackberry jam. Cut into squares and transport in a tin – they'll even survive well on a sunny day.

Blackberry bakewell squares

57. Tropical rocky road

Take rocky road to new heights by adding a tropical twist. We used dried pineapple, mango, banana chips and desiccated coconut, but you can add any dried fruit, nuts or biscuits that you have to hand. Experiment with new flavours and textures – it's hard to go wrong!

Tropical rocky road

58. Rhubarb & custard blondies

Fudgy and irresistible, these blondies look impressive but are actually very easy to make. We've swirled a custard and rhubarb mixture through the blondie batter for a rich hit in every bite.

Rhubarb & custard blondies

59. Coconut & jam macaroon traybake

Three boxes of coconut macaroon traybake with ham centres and chocolate drizzle

Transport your tastebuds to the tropics with our simple coconut traybake. It's easy to divide up into squares – each with a jammy raspberry centre and dark chocolate drizzle. Portion into lunchboxes for a sweet pick-me-up.

Coconut & jam macaroon traybake

60. Vegan cherry & almond brownies

Decadent, moreish and plant-based to boot – it doesn't get better than these vegan brownies. Glacé cherries add a lovely burst of fruity flavour against the chocolate batter, made extra-indulgent with dark chocolate, cocoa powder and coffee.

Vegan cherry & almond brownies

Enjoy more of our portable picnic dessert recipes.

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More picnic inspiration

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