When it comes to planning a picnic, portable dishes are a must. From fresh pasta salads to chicken sandwiches to scrumptious squares, tote these delicious make-ahead meals to your next afternoon outing – whether for a potluck or an intimate al fresco meal for two.
Crunchy Sunflower-Butter, Bacon and Banana Pinwheels
Just when you thought nut butter and banana was the ultimate food pairing, you’re bound to doubt your senses after tasting these sunflower butter, bacon and banana roll-ups. Swap sunflower butter for peanut or almond, depending on your preference!
15-Minute Asian Rice Salad
For those impromptu picnics, look no further than this Asian rice salad recipe. Using pre-cooked brown rice and shredded rotisserie chicken cuts back on the prep time so you can whip up a party perfect dish in minutes.
Sandwiches on a Stick
Perfectly portable and nutritious, this fun lunch idea is customizable, so everyone can enjoy their favourite sandwich fillings.
The Pioneer Woman's BBQ Potato Salad
Bacon and BBQ sauce add an extra tasty layer of smoky flavour to Ree Drummond’s potato salad, while quick pickled onions provide both sweet and tart notes. Everyone at the picnic will be asking you to share the recipe.
The Pioneer Woman's Blueberry Cornbread Panzanella
Instead of using summer berries in a dessert, try adding them to a savoury salad. Homemade cornbread croutons, arugula, goat cheese and cherry tomatoes are combined along with the blueberries in a vinaigrette for the perfect picnic side dish.
Montreal Muffulette Sandwich
This Italian inspired picnic recipe starts with a thick sourdough boule, filled with layers of Montreal smoked meat, turkey, pickles, cream cheese, red onion, peppers and a touch of spicy mustard.
The Ultimate Grain Salad for a Summer Picnic
Light and ultra-fresh meals spell summer. This satisfying bowl is brimming with textures, flavours and vibrant colour.
Summer Corn Salad
This easy-to-make salad with corn, tomato, bell pepper and red onion will become a repeat recipe. Whether you’re going to a picnic potluck or hosting a barbecue, it’ll be a welcome addition to the menu.
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
A great on-the-go breakfast, after-school snack or after-dinner treat, these oat bars are filled with sweet strawberry preserves and topped with a brown sugar crumble.
Frosted Raspberry Hand Pies
These individual pies look like turnovers, but are made using pie dough. Once the glaze sets, they are easy to pick up and eat, so they’re perfect for snacking outdoors or as a make-ahead cottage dish.
Saskatoon Pie Fries
Dig into this favourite diner dessert, the brainchild of Paul McGreevy of Calgary restaurant, The Beltliner. These hand-held treats are made even better than pie with a decadent cinnamon-sugar coating.