KATERYNA HLIZNITSOVA VIA UNSPLASH Picnic season is once again upon us. Here’s some tips to make your outing a success.

A full picnic basket, beautiful weather and alfresco dining are the epitome of summer. Google searches for picnics jumped more than 170% since January, as people prepare for outdoor meals. Plan your picnic fare this year by pulling inspiration from portable and surprisingly satisfying foods.

The perfect picnic can be served on a gingham blanket or a picnic table. It can include a Pinterest-worthy spread or simply what you picked up on the way out. You might gather with friends or bask in nature on your own.

However you plan, the best picnics come down to the food. Classic dishes like sandwiches, potato salad, fried chicken and deviled eggs are always hits, but this summer is a great time to get creative with new picnic recipes. Foods that travel well, taste great cold and are easy to eat without plates and utensils will elevate your alfresco meal.

The history of American picnic food

Dining outdoors has been an American pastime for centuries. Mary Ellen W. Hern, writing for Winterthur Portfolio, shares historic picnics were a chance to escape industrial cities and get back to nature. Atlas Obscura recalls the Victorian fad of picnicking in cemeteries, which served as public parks in many cities.

Modern picnicking is rising, with Gen Z and social media leading the charge; think fancy setups, themed baskets and fresh, bold flavors. Last year, Food Industry Executive predicted a surge in picnicking as people looked for creative ways to enjoy meals outdoors while avoiding rising restaurant costs.

This year, the popularity of picnics remains. Searches on Google for picnic have risen by over 170% since January. On TikTok, there are over 1.2 million posts for #picnic and 89.7 million posts for #picnic-date. Combining nature, friends and food, a well-crafted picnic can be a top summer activity.

Packable foods that travel well

Packable picnic food is durable, flavorful and simple to serve. You should avoid foods that get soggy, melty or fall apart. Foods that you can eat with your hands or fit well on a plate are especially convenient when dining on a blanket.

Salads are both picnic favorites and hold up well, with potato salad being the most popular option. Pasta salad, cobb salad, grain and veggie salads, cucumber salad, watermelon salad, corn salad and green salads with fresh fruit are refreshing alternatives. Keeping any dressing separate until you’re ready to eat will keep greens from getting soggy.

Sandwiches or wraps are easy to customize and filling, although they limit spreads as they can soak into the bread. Alternatively, bring fixings and let picnickers assemble their own sandwiches. Fresh tomatoes, avocado, cucumbers, radishes and spreads like homemade pesto or hummus make vibrant sandwiches that are ideal for summer.

A charcuterie is perfect for a picnic spread as either an appetizer or the main dish. Assemble cheese, cured meats, fruit, crackers and other finger foods on a tray or in a casserole dish with a lid.

If you have the means to cook at your picnic, such as a portable stove or grill, bringing ingredients and preparing food on site can help with transport. Grilling up chicken or steaks and vegetables is a great option. You can even make dessert with a grilled cherry pandowdy for a twist on a cherry pie.

Around the world in your picnic basket

This summer is a great time to incorporate global fusion into your picnic menu. Multi-cuisine cooking is one of 2025’s food trends, which incorporates flavors from Japan, Southeast Asia, Italy and more. Fortunately, many of these cultures have a variety of packable foods that will star in a picnic.

Persian kebabs, Indian samosas, Filipino lumpia, Spanish empanadas, Korean gimbap or Chinese spring rolls are all great on-the-go snacks. Pick some up from a local restaurant or try making your own.

Modern picnic hacks for a perfect picnic

Picnicking doesn’t need to involve lots of prep work. Make a few dishes yourself and supplement the rest with sandwiches from your local deli, pre-packed sushi rolls, a rotisserie chicken or pastries from a favorite bakery.

Leftovers also make for great picnic food. Turn last night’s meat and veggies into a sandwich or wrap, or simply enjoy them cold. For a picnic in a pinch, start with what’s already in your pantry and fridge. Fruit, sliced veggies, nuts, chips, crackers, tinned fish and prepackaged cookies transport easily and can make a fun picnic menu entirely of snacks.

For the ultimate convenience, many businesses now offer curated picnics. From a premade charcuterie to full meals complete with food, wine, pillows and a picnic blanket, these make picnicking a breeze. They will be more expensive than prepping a picnic on your own, but can make for an unforgettable day out.

Storing and transporting

your picnic food

The right gear can make your picnic fare even easier to transport. A wicker picnic basket is a classic and stylish way to pack your food. A well-insulated tote bag or a cooler will keep food cold on hot days. Ice packs are convenient for keeping your cooler cool. You can also use frozen water bottles or juice boxes, giving you extra beverages once they melt.

Stackable containers of various sizes will hold all of your salads, snacks and finger foods. Reusable containers are more durable and sustainable, but they can often be heavier and bulkier than disposable containers. Whichever you opt for, make sure they have locking lids to prevent spillage during travel. Reusable utensils, cloth napkins and beeswax wraps are other sustainable options you can use all summer.

Food safety in the heat

As you plan a picnic menu, be sure to take food safety into account, as warm weather and perishable foods can be risky. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration advises keeping cold foods below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and warm foods above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Perishable items shouldn’t sit out between those temperatures for more than two hours, or an hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or they risk growing harmful bacteria. Pack any cold foods in a cooler with ice or ice packs, and limit the number of times you open the cooler at the picnic site.

Additionally, use the best food safety practices even outdoors. If bringing raw meat, wrap it securely to prevent cross-contamination, and cover fruits and sweets to avoid attracting bugs. If you suspect any food is no longer safe to eat, it’s also best to throw it out rather than risk getting sick.

Packing foods that handle heat also reduces the risk. Hard cheeses and dry-cured meats withstand heat better than soft cheeses and cold cuts. Vinegar-based salads, such as red cabbage slaw, will hold up better than mayonnaise or dairy-based salads. Shelf-stable nuts, dried fruits, chips and crackers will keep all day.

Get ready for summer

picnic season

Picnics bring together time outside, flavorful food and a chance to relax. Whether you are packing a full spread with appetizers, mains and dessert or grabbing sandwiches from your favorite market, outdoor dining turns an ordinary meal into an experience. A little planning and tasty, portable foods will make your next picnic effortless and delicious.