Summer is the perfect time to gather with friends and family and enjoy some outdoor fun. And what better way to do that than with a picnic?
Picnics are a great opportunity to soak up some sun, breathe in the fresh air, and indulge in some delicious food. While the main course may be the star of the show, we all know that no picnic is complete without some tasty side dishes.
From classic potato salad to refreshing fruit salads, there are endless possibilities when it comes to picnic side dishes.
But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide what to bring to your next picnic. That’s why we’ve gathered 36 easy and delicious picnic side dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
These dishes are not only perfect for outdoor gatherings, but they are also simple to make and require minimal ingredients.
So, grab your picnic basket and let’s explore these mouthwatering recipes that will make your summer picnics even more enjoyable!
36 Delicious Picnic Side Dishes
1. Classic Potato Salad
A timeless favorite, this creamy potato salad combines boiled potatoes, crunchy celery, tangy pickles, and a flavorful dressing of mayo and mustard.
2. Rainbow Fruit Salad
Bright and refreshing, this fruit salad features a colorful array of seasonal fruits like strawberries, pineapple, grapes, and kiwi, tossed in a light honey-lime dressing.
3. Deviled Eggs
Perfectly seasoned hard-boiled eggs, halved and filled with a creamy mixture of yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and spices, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
4. Caprese Pasta Salad
A twist on the classic Caprese salad, this pasta version combines tender pasta with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a light and satisfying dish.
5. Hummus with Veggies
Smooth and creamy hummus served with an assortment of crisp, colorful vegetables for dipping, offering a healthy and flavorful snack option.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Juicy corn on the cob, grilled to perfection and brushed with butter and seasonings, delivering a smoky-sweet flavor that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings.
7. Creamy Coleslaw
A creamy and crunchy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing, providing a refreshing side dish with a hint of sweetness.
8. Cucumber Salad
Light and refreshing, this cucumber salad features thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a tangy vinegar dressing with dill and onions for a crisp and flavorful dish.
9. Antipasto Skewers
A delightful assortment of Italian-inspired ingredients like salami, mozzarella, olives, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke hearts, threaded onto skewers for a convenient and flavorful appetizer.
10. Watermelon Salad
A summery salad combining juicy watermelon chunks with feta cheese, mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, offering a sweet and savory flavor combination.
11. Mac n’ Cheese
Comforting and cheesy, this classic macaroni and cheese features tender pasta smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbly.
12. Quinoa Salad
A nutritious and satisfying salad featuring fluffy quinoa tossed with colorful vegetables, herbs, and a zesty vinaigrette, offering a light and protein-packed option.
13. Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Fresh diced tomatoes mixed with garlic, basil, and olive oil, served atop toasted baguette slices for a simple yet delicious appetizer bursting with flavor.
14. Grilled Veggies
Assorted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, grilled to perfection with olive oil and seasonings, offering a smoky and savory side dish.
15. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
A vibrant salad featuring chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, tossed in a lemon-herb dressing for a refreshing taste of the Mediterranean.
16. Caprese Skewers
Delicious skewers featuring mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic glaze for a bite-sized taste of Italy.
17. Rice and Bean Salad
A hearty salad featuring cooked rice and beans tossed with corn, bell peppers, onions, and a flavorful dressing, offering a nutritious and filling option.
18. Deviled Ham Spread
Creamy deviled ham spread made with finely chopped ham, mayo, mustard, and seasonings, served as a tasty spread for crackers or bread.
19. Baked Beans
A classic barbecue side dish featuring tender beans cooked with a sweet and tangy sauce, bacon, and spices for a savory and satisfying flavor.
20. Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, garlic croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing, offering a timeless combination of flavors.
21. BLT Pasta Salad
A pasta salad inspired by the classic BLT sandwich, featuring tender pasta tossed with bacon, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing for a satisfying twist.
22. Greek Salad
A refreshing salad featuring crisp lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette for a taste of the Mediterranean.
23. Stuffed Cucumbers
Crisp cucumber halves stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and spices, offering a refreshing and flavorful appetizer or side dish.
24. Baby Back Ribs
Tender and flavorful baby back ribs, marinated in a savory barbecue sauce and slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender, perfect for a picnic feast.
25. Bean Dip
A creamy and flavorful bean dip made with blended beans, spices, and cheese, served with tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping.
26. Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy sweet potato fries seasoned with salt and pepper and baked until golden and delicious, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fries.
27. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
A creamy dip featuring spinach, artichokes, and cheese, baked until bubbly and served with tortilla chips or bread for dipping.
28. Three-Bean Salad
A tangy and colorful salad featuring a trio of beans—green beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas—tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing for a flavorful side dish.
29. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Smooth and flavorful hummus made with roasted red peppers, garlic, tahini, and chickpeas, offering a delicious twist on a classic dip.
30. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground meat, vegetables, and cheese, baked until tender and served as a hearty and satisfying dish.
31. Broccoli Bacon Salad
A delicious salad featuring crisp broccoli florets, crispy bacon, red onions, and a creamy dressing, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
32. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Juicy portobello mushrooms marinated in balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs, grilled until tender and served as a flavorful vegetarian option.
33. Israeli Couscous Salad
A flavorful salad featuring Israeli couscous tossed with roasted vegetables, herbs, and a lemon vinaigrette for a light and satisfying side dish.
34. Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
A comforting dish featuring tender macaroni noodles baked in a creamy cheese sauce until golden and bubbly, offering a classic favorite for all ages.
35. Coleslaw with a Twist
A unique coleslaw variation featuring shredded cabbage, carrots, and apples, tossed in a creamy dressing with a hint of sweetness for a refreshing side dish.
36. Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan
Tender asparagus spears grilled until lightly charred and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon, offering a simple yet elegant side dish.
Final Thoughts,
I’ve provided a comprehensive list of 36 easy picnic side dishes that are perfect for the summer season.
These dishes are not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making them ideal for outdoor gatherings and picnics.
From refreshing salads and flavorful dips to savory sandwiches and tasty grilled vegetables, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
By incorporating a variety of ingredients and flavors, these picnic side dishes offer a diverse range of options to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Whether you’re a fan of classic favorites like potato salad and coleslaw or looking to try something new like quinoa salad or caprese skewers, this list has got you covered. So grab your picnic basket, pack these delectable dishes, and get ready to savor the flavors of summer!
