Picnic Side Dishes
12 Comments
Posted: 07/13/23
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Planning a picnic? Complete your outdoor feast with these mouthwatering Picnic Side Dishes. From refreshing salads to savory bites, these dishes are easy to pack, full of flavor, and guaranteed to enhance your picnic experience.
With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time for picnics in the park! ☀ To make your outdoor dining experience even more enjoyable, I wanted to share some mouthwatering side dish recipes that are picnic-friendly. From refreshing salads to tasty bites, these recipes are easy to make and guaranteed to impress.🤩
Get ready to savor the flavors of the season and create unforgettable picnic memories with these delicious recipes.
So, pack your basket, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a delicious picnic spread. Enjoy the sunshine, good company, and of course, these delicious side dishes!
Click any of the headings below to jump straight to that section!
Contents
show
Picnic Side Dishes!
Pasta Salads
Cashew Chicken Rotini Salad
It’s a versatile salad that can be enjoyed as a main course or served as a side dish for a summer barbecue or potluck
Cashew Chicken Rotini Salad
Loaded with Cashews, Grapes, Chicken, Pasta and Dried Cranberries! Perfect Pasta Salad Recipe for the Summer!
Click for Recipe
Spaghetti Salad
Spaghetti salad is a delicious and versatile dish that combines cooked spaghetti noodles with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful dressing.
Spaghetti Salad
It's pasta salad with a twist! Tender spaghetti noodles mingle with crisp veggies all tossed in tangy Italian dressing. Cool, refreshing, and bursting with flavors, this salad will become your new potluck star!
Click for Recipe
Asian ramen salad
Asian Ramen Salad is a popular and flavorful dish that combines crunchy ramen noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
Asian Ramen Salad
Quick, easy and full of flavor! Asian Ramen Salad is the perfect potluck salad and only takes minutes to throw Together!
Click for Recipe
Bruschetta Caprese Pasta Salad
It’s a perfect combination of tangy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and balsamic dressing, all tossed with cooked pasta.
Bruschetta Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Two of You Favorites Come Together In this Delicious Pasta Salad Loaded with Tomatoes, Red Onions, Fresh Mozzarella in a Tangy Balsamic Dressing! Perfect Side Dish for Grilling and Summer Cook Outs!
Click for Recipe
Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines cooked pasta with pesto sauce and an array of fresh vegetables and herbs.
Pesto Pasta Salad
This Italian Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is an easy pasta salad that's full of flavor! Perfect for any night of the week or take it to your next summer BBQ.
Click for Recipe
Crab Pasta Salad
Indulge in the Taste of Summer with our Crab Pasta Salad – A Seafood Delight!
Crab Pasta Salad
Pasta Salad Loaded with Crab Meat, Peas, Broccoli, Green Pepper and Onion tossed in a creamy dressing!
Click for Recipe
pepperoni cold pasta salad
Bring on the Bold Flavors with our Pepperoni Cold Pasta Salad – A Zesty Twist on a Classic!
Pepperoni Cold Pasta Salad Recipe
This Pepperoni Cold Pasta Salad is an easy cold pasta salad with Italian dressing, pepperoni, 2 cheeses, and fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for a large crowd, potlucks, and summer BBQ’s!
Click for Recipe
Greek Pasta Salad
Transport Your Taste Buds to the Mediterranean with our Greek Pasta Salad – Fresh, Vibrant, and Bursting with Flavor!
Greek Pasta Salad
This delicious cold pasta salad recipe is full of flavor from bell pepper, cucumber, lemon, and dill! Top this cold pasta salad with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing.
Click for Recipe
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Satisfy Your Cravings with our Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad – Creamy, Crispy, and Irresistibly Delicious!
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Creamy Pasta Salad Loaded with Pasta, Peas, Carrot, Bacon Bits and Ranch!
Click for Recipe
Caesar Pasta Salad
Elevate Your Salad Game with our Caesar Pasta Salad – A Perfect Fusion of Classic Caesar and Pasta Perfection
Caesar Pasta Salad
Love Caesar salads? This cold pasta salad combines an easy Caesar salad and pasta for the ultimate combo. Make this Caesar Pasta Salad as a side dish at a BBQ or for an easy lunch or dinner recipe!
Click for Recipe
Macaroni Salad
Classic Comfort: Dive into the Creamy Goodness of Our Irresistible Macaroni Salad.
Macaroni Salad
Quick and easy pasta salad that is always a hit at parties, potlucks and BBQs. Tons of flavor from the pasta, peas, ham, cheese and seasonings!
Click for Recipe
Tuna pasta Salad
Seafood Sensation: Enjoy this Delightful Harmony of Tuna and Pasta in Our Flavorful Tuna Pasta Salad!
Tuna Pasta Salad
Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad is a classic summer salad perfect for serving as a lunch, dinner or side dish! Loaded with shell pasta, peas, onion, celery and more.
Click for Recipe
Shrimp Pasta Salad
Experience the Freshness of the Sea in Our Scrumptious Shrimp Pasta Salad!
Shrimp Pasta Salad
Creamy, delicious Shrimp Pasta Salad is loaded with peppers, onions, shrimp and pasta in a mayonnaise based dressing!
Click for Recipe
Italian Pasta Salad
Share a Plate of Happiness with Our Friendly Italian Pasta Salad – A Flavorful Delight for Every Gathering!
Italian Pasta Salad
Quick and easy Italian Pasta Salad recipe with tricolor rotini pasta, vegetables, cheese, salami and more tossed in Italian dressing
Click for Recipe
Bite Size Appetizers
Veggie Pizza Recipe
Create Smiles with Our Friendly Veggie Pizza Recipe – A Flavorful and Wholesome Delight
Veggie Pizza Recipe
This vegetable pizza starts with a flaky crescent roll crust and is topped with creamy ranch cream cheese and your favorite vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, olives and cheese!
Click for Recipe
Tortilla Pinwheels
Roll and Savor: Enjoy Every Bite of Our Friendly Tortilla Pinwheels – Perfect for Snacking and Sharing
Tortilla Pinwheels
Bite sized pinwheels stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, black olives, green chiles, cheese spread on a tortilla, then rolled up, chilled and sliced.
Click for Recipe
Cheesy Turkey Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Enjoy our Cheesy Turkey Bacon Ranch Pinwheels – Irresistible Flavor in Every Bite!
Cheesy Turkey Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Perfect for Your Lunchbox! Tortillas Loaded with Turkey, Bacon, Ranch and Cheese! Also, Make a Great Appetizer for Your Parties!
Click for Recipe
Classic Deviled eggs
They are a popular appetizer at parties and gatherings due to their delicious taste and the fact that they can be prepared in advance.
Classic Deviled Eggs Recipe
Classic deviled eggs that are a staple for any holiday or picnic!
Click for Recipe
Ranch Pretzels
Crunchy and Flavorful: Savor the Addictive Delight of Our Ranch Pretzels.
Ranch Pretzels Recipe
Ranch Pretzels flavored with ranch, dill, and garlic these pretzels will become your next addiction!
Click for Recipe
Dips
texas caviar
Enjoy the Friendly Flavors of Our Texas Caviar – A Colorful and Zesty Party Favorite!
Texas Caviar Recipe
Texas Caviar is also known as Cowboy Caviar! It’s a great dip, salad or topping to your favorite grilled chicken or steak!
Click for Recipe
Mexican Street Corn dip
With its combination of smoky, creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, our Mexican street corn dip is a true crowd-pleaser that brings the vibrant spirit of Mexican street food right to your table.
Mexican Street Corn Dip
Looking for an easy, no-cook dip that packs a ton of flavor? Try this creamy, tangy Mexican Street Corn Dip! You can have a delicious appetizer ready in minutes.
Click for Recipe
Corn Dip
Dive into the Delightful Goodness of Our Friendly Corn Dip – A Creamy and Flavorful Crowd-Pleaser
Corn Dip
This Corn Dip recipe is loaded with Corn, Tomatoes, Green Onions & Cheese! This dip will be the talk of the party!
Click for Recipe
easy BLT dip
Creamy, Bacony, and Perfect for Any Occasion!
Easy BLT Dip Recipe
With layers of lettuce, bacon along with a base of mayonnaise this BLT Dip brings all your favorite flavors of the classic sandwich. The perfect cold dip appetizer.
Click for Recipe
Grilled corn guacamole
Indulge in the Smoky Goodness of our Grilled Corn Guacamole – A Perfect Fusion of Freshness and Charred Flavors!
Grilled Corn Guacamole
Delicious homemade guacamole with grilled corn! This is perfect to snack on, top burgers or steaks with! This Grilled Corn Guacamole is bursting with flavor, healthy and so easy!
Click for Recipe
million dollar dip
A Creamy and Flavorful Delight Worth Every Penny! 😉
Million Dollar Dip
Quick and easy creamy dip recipe with mayonnaise, green onion, slivered almonds, garlic powder and cheese for a delicious appetizer!
Click for Recipe
easy taco dip
Effortless fiesta- a quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Easy Taco Dip
Delicious Taco Dip with a taco seasoned cream cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, black olives and cheese is the perfect easy party appetizer.
Click for Recipe
Layered Taco Dip
Stacked with Flavor: Indulge in the Delicious Layers of Our Layered Taco Dip.
Layered Taco Dip
Quick and Easy Meatless Taco Dip that is ready in 5 minutes! A taco cream cheese layer followed by salsa and cheese!
Click for Recipe
Grilled Corn Salsa
Corn salsa is one of my favorite appetizers for a summer party or you can serve it as a side dish.
Grilled Corn Salsa
Grab your chips and dunk them into this delicious Corn Salsa! It’s packed with flavor, yet healthy. It’s made with perfectly grilled and charred corn, juicy tomatoes, chopped red onion and is tossed with a cilantro lime dressing. It can be served as an appetizer at any summer party or piled on top of tacos, quesadillas, grilled chicken, salmon or pork.
Click for Recipe
dill pickle dip
Dill pickle dip is popular among pickle enthusiasts and those who enjoy bold and tangy flavors.
Dill Pickle Dip
Quick and easy creamy dip that's flavored with dill pickles. A perfect party appetizer.
Click for Recipe
kickin’ ranch corn dip
Spicy Ranch Fiesta: Delight in the Fiery Kick of Our Kickin’ Ranch Corn Dip – A Bold and Flavorful Party Favorite.
Kickin’ Ranch Corn Dip
Easy dump and go Corn Dip is the perfect party appetizer! This Kickin’ Ranch Corn Dip is Loaded with Ranch, Corn, Green Chilies & Cheese which makes it the perfect party appetizer!
Click for Recipe
Vegetable and Fruits Salads & Sides
Couscous salad
Couscous salad is a delicious and adaptable dish that is sure to please.
Couscous Salad Recipe
Quick and easy Couscous Salad with grilled vegetables is light, healthy and delicious. Perfect for summer!
Click for Recipe
Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad
Now, that my friends is a Sweet Potato Salad that packs a punch!
Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad Recipe
This Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad is an easy side dish recipe that is perfect for summer! The southwestern flavors and addition of sweet potatoes changes up the classic potato salad recipe, turning it into a fun and festive summer side dish.
Click for Recipe
Potato Salad
Pure comfort in every bite: a classic potato salad that never fails to satisfy.
Potato Salad
Tender potatoes and hard boiled eggs make this traditional potato salad the BEST.
Click for Recipe
Broccoli Salad
Crunchy, vibrant, and oh-so-delicious: this broccoli salad is a refreshing twist on greens!
Broccoli Salad Recipe
Broccoli Salad recipe is a quick and easy side dish for summer potlucks, holidays, parties and more!
Click for Recipe
Seven Layer Salad
A masterpiece of layers and flavors: indulge in the vibrant harmony of the seven layer salad.
Seven Layer Salad
Perfect Make Ahead Salad or Side Dish for Holidays and Potlucks. This 7 Layer Salad Recipe has Chopped Lettuce, Peas, Celery, Onions, Bacon, and Cheese!
Click for Recipe
Easy Smoked Vegetables
Smoky perfection made simple: savor the irresistible flavor of easy smoked vegetables.
Easy Smoked Vegetables
These quick and easy smoked vegetables are the perfect quick and easy side dish on your smoker! Tons of flavor from balsamic and seasonings, then perfectly smoked for a delicious flavor!
Click for Recipe
Roasted Red Potato Salad
Roasted to perfection, this red potato salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Roasted Red Potato Salad
This simple potato salad recipe is full of flavor and easily customizable! With roasted red potatoes and bacon, this potato salad is irresistible!
Click for Recipe
Sunshine Fruit Salad
Bursting with sunny flavors and vibrant colors, this sunshine fruit salad is a refreshing taste of summer.
Sunshine Fruit Salad
Sunshine Fruit Salad ~ Delicious, Easy Fruit Salad Recipe filled with Strawberries, Pineapples, Bananas, Blueberries and Mandarin Oranges! Perfect as a Side Dish or for Brunch!
Click for Recipe
Lettuce Frito Salad
Crispy indulgence meets garden-fresh goodness: enjoy the satisfying crunch of lettuce frito salad.
Lettuce Frito Salad
A delicious Lettuce Salad Layered with Corn Chips, Bacon, Cranberries and Topped with a Tangy Poppy Seed Dressing!
Click for Recipe
Grape Salad
A sweet and refreshing delight: indulge in the juicy goodness of grape salad.
Grape Salad
Classic salad that's bursting with juicy fresh grapes in a sweet and tangy cream cheese dressing that's sprinkled with brown sugar and pecans.
Click for Recipe
Easy Fruit Salad
Effortlessly delicious: this easy fruit salad is a refreshing medley of flavors that will satisfy your cravings.
Easy Fruit Salad
Quick and easy fruit salad recipe with strawberries, blueberries, pineapple and mandarin oranges. Covered in a dressing using vanilla pudding and extracts.
Click for Recipe
Picnic Desserts & Drinks
Golden Oreo Dream Salad
Sweet dreams are made of this: Golden Oreo Dream Salad, a heavenly treat that’s both creamy and crunchy.
Golden Oreo Dream Salad
Layers of Delicious Crushed Oreos and Light Fluffy Pudding! Make it in a Mason Jar or Trifle Bowl! Perfect for Picnics!
Click for Recipe
Arnold Palmer Drink
The perfect blend of tea and lemonade: sip on the timeless and refreshing Arnold Palmer Drink.
Arnold Palmer Drink
A combination of homemade unsweetened tea and lightly sweetened lemonade, this mocktail sips easy on a hot day.
Click for Recipe
Banana Split trifles
A delightful twist on a classic dessert: indulge in the layers of goodness with banana split trifles.
Banana Split Trifles
This Banana Split Dessert Trifle is layered with vanilla cake and homemade pudding, then loaded up with all of your favorite banana split toppings. Make them in Mason Jars for a portable picnic treat or in a trifle bowl to serve a crowd!
Click for Recipe
Strawberry lemonade margaritas
A zesty and fruity twist on a classic cocktail: sip on the refreshing delight of strawberry lemonade margaritas.
Strawberry Lemonade Margaritas
Strawberry Lemonade Margarita is an easy and crowd pleasing drink! It’s ready in minutes when you use frozen lemonade even frozen strawberries if you desire. Make this Lemonade Margarita for your summertime parties!
Click for Recipe
Snickers Salad Recipe
An irresistible combination of sweet and crunchy: indulge in the decadence of Snickers salad, a delightful treat for your taste buds.
Snickers Salad Recipe
Quick, Delicious, Fluffy Salad Recipe! Eat it for Dessert or a Side Dish! Loaded with Apples, Snickers and Drizzled with Caramel!
Click for Recipe
Virgin strawberry Margarita
Deliciously refreshing and alcohol-free: enjoy the vibrant flavors of a virgin strawberry margarita, a perfect mocktail for any occasion.
Virgin Strawberry Margarita
This booze-free rendition of the beloved margarita has the same sweet-tart kick and packs in the flavor, only calling for five ingredients. Once blended together, serve up this up for friends and family members alike as a cool treat.
Click for Recipe
Cookie Salad
A delightful fusion of sweet and creamy: treat yourself to the whimsical delight of cookie salad, a dessert that will satisfy your cravings.
Cookie Salad
This light, creamy dessert salad is made with Cool Whip, Buttermilk, Mandarin Oranges, Instant Vanilla Pudding and Fudge Striped Cookies.
Click for Recipe
No Bake Banana cream pie
A delightful dessert that’s effortless to make.
No Bake Banana Cream Pie
A graham cracker crust with banana cream pie filling with fresh bananas! Top it with whipped cream and more bananas for an easy no bake pie recipe
Click for Recipe
Fruit pizza
Dive into the delightful world of fruit pizza, a dessert that combines the best of both worlds.
Fruit Pizza
Delicious, homemade fruit pizza with a sugar cookie crust, cream cheese frosting and piled with fruit!
Click for Recipe
oreo fluff
Whip up a cloud of irresistible delight with Oreo fluff, a creamy and decadent treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Oreo Fluff
Oreo Fluff Recipe is the perfect no-bake dessert or salad! Light, Fluffy Oreo Cookie Salad with Crushed Oreos, Cool Whip and Pudding Mix. It’s ready in ten minutes and always a hit where ever you bring it!
Click for Recipe
Strawberry Pie
Capture the essence of strawberry season in a vibrant and fruity dessert.
Strawberry Pie with Jello
Looking for an easy dessert this summer? This easy pie made with jello and strawberries is perfect for a summer time treat!
Click for Recipe
Blueberry Lemonade
Experience the perfect balance of tangy and sweet with blueberry lemonade, a refreshing drink that captures the essence of summer.
Blueberry Lemonade
This Homemade Blueberry Lemonade is made with an easy blueberry syrup. It’s so refreshing, sweet and tangy. Grab a big mug on a hot summer day. It’s the perfect way to cool down this summer!
Click for Recipe
Lauren says
We are heading to Ravinia Sunday and I found your recipes on Pinterest. Lots of good ones here! Ravinia has gotten so expensive we usually only go once each summer so u like to make it special. Thanks for your recipes!
Julie Evink says
Enjoy Lauren!
Bonnie says
My problem is I often go to pitch-ins where the food has to sit around and wait until it’s time to eat. I have one of those coming up next week. Looking for easy, inexpensive side dishes that won’t spoil sitting around for a few hours, but will still wow a crowd. Any suggestions?
Julie Evink says
Couscous and Quinoa Salads are great at room temperature! My friend Danielle over at Krafted Koch has an amazing Mediterranean Couscous Salad! Here’s the link http://www.kraftedkoch.com/mediterranean-couscous-salad/ !
Bonnie says
Thank you, I will try this!
Julie Evink says
Enjoy Bonnie!
Barbara says
do you have a crock pot receipe for chicken breast?
Julie Evink says
Just to cook chicken breasts?
Vicki Clardy says
Love your recipes
Alli @ Cupcake Diaries says
This round up is making me all kinds of hungry! Awesome recipes!! And thank you so much for including my jello salad and tortellini salad. So fun!!
Taylor Kiser says
Love all these picnic ideas! I am the worst for planning picnic food, but my husband always is asking to go on picnic dates!! Thanks for including my Jalapeno Lime Hummus!
Julie Evink says
Of course Taylor! Get out and plan a picnic now 🙂