The Best Picnic Ideas for Al Fresco Success

Heading for the great outdoors with a hamper of delicious treats and some friends and family is a fabulously British way of enjoying the summer. Tasty finger food in the sun with great company – what’s not to love? To help you plan the perfect al fresco feast, we’ve pulled together our best picnic ideas for making your day a success, whether you’re looking for easy tips, healthy food or romantic ideas.

What to Take on a Picnic

Being well prepared is key when it comes to how much you’ll enjoy your outdoor lunch. Make sure you take all the items you need to really make the most of your outing. 

• First up, your al fresco food! Read on for the best picnic food ideas below.
• Picnic hamper
• Picnicware like plates, bowls, cutlery and mugs
• Picnic blanket
• Cool box or bag
• Ice pack for keeping food and drinks cool
• Chairs if you’re not keen on sitting on the floor
• Music – a speaker (playing quietly if there are other people around) will add some great atmosphere to your feast
• Outdoor games – once the food is finished, make the most of your day and have fun together!
• Bin liners – they may not be glamorous but they make the tidy-up a breeze if your gathering’s large

Picnic Food Ideas

If you’re wondering what food to take on a picnic, we have some excellent ideas, whether you’re looking for simple and easy, healthy or romantic finger foods. Here are our top picnic foods (and drinks):

Easy Picnic Food

Busy lifestyles don’t lend themselves to time-consuming meal prep, so for those that want quick and easy picnic food, we have some great recommendations for both savoury and sweet options. 

Pasta

Given that this easy-to-make food can be eaten cold, it makes ideal picnic fare. Add some cherry tomatoes and basil to a creamy sauce for a summery, Italian flavour.

Scones

These perfect finger foods couldn’t be easier. Whether they’re savoury scones or sweet, they’re easy to make and ideal for enjoying al fresco. 

Sandwiches

It may be an obvious one but you can’t beat them! Add exciting fillings like pickled veg, harissa sauce and delicious cheeses to really make the most of this easy picnic food. 

Pre-sliced Tray Bakes and Loaf Cakes

Banana bread is simple to make and ideal for slicing up and sharing out, as are many tray bakes. 

Brownies

These decadent treats are made from butter, flour, sugar and cocoa – what could be simpler? Mix them up, pop them in the oven and slice them up for eating cold on your picnic. 

Cocktail Stick Food

Don’t have much time to prepare anything? Slice up some cheese, grab a few mini pickled onions and sausages, and pop them onto cocktail sticks. The perfect easy finger food for picnics. 

Dips

Dips like hummus, tzatziki and guacamole with tortilla chips are super-easy, whether you whizz them up yourself or buy them. 

Healthy Picnic Food

For health-conscious picnickers, al fresco food can be just as delicious as the not-so-healthy options. Many of our healthy picnic food ideas are actually very easy too, so it’s a win-win situation. 

Date and Nut Balls

Whizz dates (softened in water for a couple of hours first), ground nuts, vanilla essence and any other flavours you want to add, e.g. orange zest or cardamom, into a food processor and shape into balls. Perfect tupperware snacks. 

Summer Courgette Medley

Fried courgettes with lemon juice squeezed over once they’re cooked, and parsley and feta cubes mixed in, are easy to make, easy to share, and healthy to eat!

Kale Crisps

Coat your kale in oil, paprika and salt, bake them for up to ten minutes in the oven or air fryer and you’ve got perfectly crispy – and delicious – kale snacks to share.

Smoothies

Pack a few of your five-a-day into a blender and take it with you for a delicious, thirst-quenching drink. Simply whizz it up and then share it out in your picnic cups when you’re at your destination. 

Homemade Salad Dressings

Salad is a lovely healthy picnic food, with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp lettuce and fresh, crunchy cucumbers brightening up your picnic bowl. But a good dressing will really take it up a notch. Grab a jar, add some lemon juice, olive oil and salt and shake it up for a dressing to go. For other deliciously simple dressings, Jamie Oliver has some great ideas. 

Guacamole

Add a taste of Mexico to your al fresco feast by mashing up these ingredients together: avocado, tomato, red onion, jalapenos, lime juice, coriander and salt. It’s the tastiest guacamole combination there is! Then just spread it on crusty bread or choose your favourite dipper, whether it’s tortilla chips or veg sticks.

Picnic Ideas for Couples

If you’re going on a romantic picnic, you want the setting and food to suit. Find the perfect spot – by a river perhaps, or a quiet meadow – set down a comfy mat and drape some fairy lights around a nearby tree. Avoid candles as they could pose a fire risk if knocked over and opt for some beautiful battery-operated string lights instead. Don’t forget your picnic hamper for the ultimate romantic adventure.

As for what to take on a picnic food-wise if you’re aiming for romance, here are some deliciously decadent picnic ideas for couples. 

Wine and Cheese

A good wine you both like is always romantic, and when paired with a selection of cheeses it’s a real winner for couples. If you really want to step it up a notch, swap the wine for champagne! Take some reusable wine glasses if you’re worried about breakages. This Tower Fresco Set of 4 won’t break yet will still give a sophisticated feel. 

Charcuterie Board

Delicious deli meats you can share make your picnic menu a touch more special. Pair with some dainty appetisers like olives and figs and you’ve got the perfect sharing platter.

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Appetisers

Slice a cucumber thinly lengthways and fill with smoked salmon, goats cheese and chives for elegant appetisers that really make a statement. 

Prosciutto and Fig Appetisers

Roll up figs, goats cheese and rocket in some fine prosciutto for sweet-savoury bites that look gorgeous and taste fantastic. 

Chocolate-covered Strawberries

Sharing strawberries and chocolate together is oh-so-romantic. Simply melt some chocolate in a bowl placed in a pan of hot water, dip in the strawberries and cool. 

Avocado Chocolate Truffles

Decadence is a must for couples’ picnics and these avocado chocolate truffles are divine, as well as easy to make. Simply mash up some avocado with melted chocolate and vanilla essence, roll in cocoa or cacao powder when cool and they’re ready to eat. 

Now you’ve read our great picnic ideas, you’ll no doubt be eager to start preparing some of the mouth-watering food we’ve suggested! Remember to stock up on all the picnicware you need before heading on your outing, along with any extras you want, so you can enjoy the perfect picnic this summer.