29 Perfectly Perfect Picnic & Potluck Party Foods
As the sun begins to warm the air and flowers bloom, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the simple joys of outdoor gatherings. Whether you’re planning a picnic in the park for two, or a potluck party with friends and family, the centerpiece of any outdoor feast is —— the food!
From refreshing salads to savory sandwiches and irresistible desserts, these dishes are easy to prepare, transport, and share, making them ideal companions for any al fresco celebration.
So pack your baskets and let’s do this.
Leftover Chicken or Turkey Pesto Sliders
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The perfect use for that leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey dinner.
Creamy German Cucumber Salad
Creamy, tangy, full of herbs, and so refreshing. Nothing beats a cucumber salad.
German Potato Salad
Probably the best potato salad recipe ever, seriously. If you’ve never tried this — do it.
Blitva | Croatian Chard & Potato Side Dish
If you have ever traveled to Croatia, chances are you have eaten this as a side dish. It can be served hot, warm, or at room temperature, making it a perfect picnic food.
The Best Falafel Sandwich
Enjoy the ultimate Middle Eastern flavor with crispy falafel tucked into warm pita, topped with fresh veggies and tangy tzatziki sauce.
Fatayer – Homemade Lebanese Pies
Indulge in savory homemade pies filled with a flavorful mix of spinach, onions, and spices, baked to golden perfection.
Yaprak Sarma – Stuffed Grape Leaves
Delight in tender grape leaves stuffed with a savory rice and herb filling, bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Potato Borek – Patatesli Börek
Savor layers of crispy phyllo dough enveloping a savory potato filling, baked until golden brown for a satisfying Turkish treat.
Tortellini Caprese Skewers Recipe
Elevate your appetizer game with these delightful skewers featuring plump tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Stuffed Picnic Boule
Pack your picnic basket with this hearty boule filled with savory meats, cheeses, and veggies, perfect for a satisfying outdoor feast.
Pecan Praline Cookies (1986 Chicago Tribune Contest Winner)
Treat yourself to these classic cookies boasting a rich buttery flavor, loaded with crunchy pecans, and crowned with a sweet praline topping.
Strawberry Madeleines
Indulge in these delicate French treats, featuring light and fluffy sponge cakes infused with fragrant strawberries, perfect for a sweet afternoon snack.
Harissa Chickpea Smash Sandwich
Spice up your lunch routine with this zesty sandwich filled with creamy chickpea smash, tangy harissa sauce, and crisp veggies, all nestled between slices of hearty bread.
Pinwheel Sandwiches (How to Make the Best Pinwheels)
Impress your guests with these easy-to-make pinwheels, featuring a colorful assortment of meats, cheeses, and spreads rolled up in soft tortillas for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Brighten your day with these irresistible cookies boasting a tangy lemon flavor and a dusting of sweet sugar, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Chicken Sausage Rolls
Enjoy these flavorful rolls filled with seasoned chicken sausage wrapped in flaky puff pastry, ideal for a quick and tasty meal or snack.
Burrata Caprese
Treat yourself to the creamy goodness of burrata cheese paired with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, creating a classic Italian appetizer.
Charcuterie In A Jar: The Savory Jarcuterie
Elevate your charcuterie game with this convenient and portable option, featuring an assortment of meats, cheeses, and accouterments layered in a jar for easy snacking on the go.
Yeast Cake With Sea Buckthorn Recipe
Indulge in this moist and flavorful cake infused with the tartness of sea buckthorn berries, perfect for a delightful dessert or teatime treat.
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Beef
Enjoy tender and juicy pulled beef, slow-cooked to perfection in tangy BBQ sauce, ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or topping off a baked potato.
Dahi Chana Chaat
Dive into this refreshing Indian snack featuring tangy yogurt, spicy chickpeas, and a medley of flavorful spices, perfect for a light and satisfying bite.
Egg Salad
Whip up this classic and creamy egg salad, featuring hard-boiled eggs, mayo, and mustard, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or topping off a bed of greens.
Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Refresh your palate with this vibrant fruit salad tossed in a zesty honey lime dressing, bursting with the flavors of summer.
Arayes (Lebanese Meat-Stuffed Pitas)
Enjoy these flavorful pitas stuffed with seasoned ground meat, onions, and spices, grilled to perfection for a delicious Lebanese-inspired meal.
Oatmeal Brownies
Indulge in these rich and chewy brownies made with wholesome oats and decadent chocolate, perfect for a satisfying dessert or afternoon treat.
Chicken Rice Balls
Savor these savory rice balls filled with tender chicken and aromatic spices, ideal for a quick and tasty meal or snack on the go.
Pico De Gallo With Avocado
Dive into this fresh and flavorful salsa featuring ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, perfect for dipping with chips or topping off tacos.
Creamy Chicken and Bacon Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe
Perfect for Barbecues and Potlucks!: Enjoy this creamy pasta salad packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and al dente bowtie pasta, tossed in a tangy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Roast Beef Sliders
Sink your teeth into these mouthwatering sliders featuring tender roast beef, melted cheese, and tangy pickles, sandwiched between soft buns for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
