60 Easy & Nourishing Picnic Recipes

 

Summer’s almost here! Summer’s almost here!

After over 7 months of cold, dark wintery days here in northeastern Minnesota, I feel a bit like Julie Andrews in the Sound Of Music. I want to dance in circles with the sun shining on my face!

So, we’re taking every opportunity to be out of doors, including during meal time.

Would you like to pack a nourishing picnic — one with healthy, easy, no-fuss foods — and join us outside?

Pack your next picnic with healthy, homemade dishes, not packaged or boxed junk. These easy and nourishing picnic recipes are no-fuss and good for you!

Some of these foods can be thrown into a backpack or basket; others will require an ice chest. All of them are delicious and will allow you to focus your efforts on enjoying your Sound Of Music moment… however that looks!

Breads

Sourdough English Muffins

If you’re going to pack a sandwich, there’s no better vehicle than a nourishing sourdough English muffin. It’s sturdy enough to hold up to all the mayo and mustard you want without becoming soggy! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

AIP Plantain Sandwich Rounds

Can’t have grains or nuts? No problem! These Autoimmune Paleo Sandwich Rounds will work for you! Via DeliciousObsessions.com.

Sourdough Hot Dog Wraps

These are so easy to make ahead of time to just pack in your cooler! Perfect for a picnic on the road! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Sourdough Sandwich Bread

 

What’s a picnic without the sandwich? Here’s your classic sandwich bread… with a nourishing twist of ancient grains and oats! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Paleo Cassava Flour Tortillas

The texture of these Paleo tortillas makes them perfect for a wrap — that won’t crack under pressure. Fill with meat, cheese, veggies, hummus, whatever you like! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Amazing 1-Ingredient Gluten-Free Tortillas

Who knew homemade tortillas could be so easy?! You’re 1 ingredient away from picnic fun — even store-bought tortillas can’t say that! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Grain-Free Paleo Sourdough Bread

You can’t have it all… except when you can! A classic, slice-able sandwich bread that’s totally grain- and gluten-free! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Sourdough Lavash

Did you know you can use lavash just like a tortilla or wrap? You can! And this lavash goes with any charcuterie that fits in your picnic basket. Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Main Dishes & Sides

Argentine Arrollado de Carne (Rolled Beef)

Hey, maybe you don’t need something to hold your meaty fillings… maybe you just want the meat! This rolled beef is meant to be served cold. So convenient! Via ComfortBites.co.uk.

How To Make Sauerkraut In A Stoneware Crock

Ferments want to tag along on your picnic, too! Transfer it from the crock to a glass jar for easier transport, and you’re all set! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Paleo Curried Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a pretty classic picnic main dish, yet this version is anything but ordinary! Via Paleo Flourish.

Hearty Chicken Salad

 

With big chunks of chicken and crunchy veggies, we think this chicken salad stands on its own. Or, wrap it up in the Sourdough Lavash. Your choice! Via WhatGreatGrandmaAte.com.

Potato Salad You’ll Actually Love

 

Dill, tomatoes, herbs… they’re everything potato salad has been missing! Via RealNutritiousLiving.com.

Simple Summer Carrot Salad

Simple is what summer food is all about. Spend more time playing and less time in the kitchen with this simple salad! Via DeliciousObsessions.com.

Basic Egg Salad

Classic, simple, nourishing, and filling. Egg salad can go anywhere! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Classic Coleslaw (Grain Free, Egg Free, Nut Free, Dairy Free Option)

 

Here’s an allergy-free coleslaw that’s crisp and refreshing. It just begs to be eaten under a shade tree! Via RaisingGenerationNourished.com.

Russian Probiotic Potato Salad

It’s potato salad with a Russian flare and a probiotic punch! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Pasta Salad (Grain, Egg, Nut, Dairy Free)

We love the use of zoodles in this pasta salad recipe! Via RaisingGenerationNourished.com.

Lentil Sprout Salad

Lentils are an inexpensive yet nutritious addition to a salad — or in this case, they’re the star! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Probiotic Potato Salad

It doesn’t get more classic than this! Plain Jane potato salad gets a fermented makeover! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Quinoa Garden Salad

Full of protein and so economical, quinoa makes this salad a filling picnic choice — especially for a crowd. Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Potato Salad

This potato salad tastes every bit as good as the one with store-bought “miracle” whip, but doesn’t have the soybean oil and HFCS! Show the crowd at your next picnic what Real Food potato salad tastes like! Via RaisingGenerationNourished.com.

Cottage Radish Salad

Crunchy, light, and creamy, this cottage radish salad is an easy take-along for a nourishing picnic! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Homemade Potato Salad

Old-fashioned potato salad… without the mayo! So it’s safe to take outside and leave for a while without refrigeration! Via RecipesToNourish.com.

Fresh Cucumber & Radish Salad

The last of the spring radishes meet the first of summer’s cukes in this easy-peasy salad! Via ReformationAcres.com.

The Best Broccoli Bacon Salad

It’s easy, creamy, tangy, and sweet! And it’s begging to go inside your picnic basket! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Sour Cream & Sriracha Deviled Eggs in the Instant Pot

Mmmmm! Deviled eggs with a creamy, spicy kick are exactly what your summer picnic needs! Via RaiasRecipes.com.

Fermented Garlic-Dill Pickles

There’s no better side for your sandwich than an old-fashioned crunchy dill pickle! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Desserts

Honey-Lemon Rhubarb Pie with Sourdough Crust

Packing a pie in a picnic? Sure! Why not? Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Homemade Chocolate Larabars

These easy and homemade Larabars are sure to keep everyone full and energized for a day of playing outdoors. Via DrKarenSLee.com.

Avocado Cookies

Do you have avocado-haters? Hide this nourishing fat in these delicious chocolate cookies and throw them in the cooler! Via Full Of Days.

Carrot Raisin No-Bake Treats

If someone with food allergies is joining your picnic, then you NEED this easy, no-bake dessert! Stevia is the only sweetener here, so it’s Trim Healthy Mama-friendly, too! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Instant Pot Lemon Pudding Cups

This recipe was written especially for ease of travel! These tangy-sweet pudding cups cook up in 10 minutes and then can go in your backpack, basket, or ice chest with little effort! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Maca Gingersnap No-Bake Treats

Add some spicy ginger and energizing maca to your next picnic! These no-bake bites of goodness take just 10 minutes to make and travel well! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

No-Bake Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Cookie Bites

We love these chocolate-covered no-bake bites! Bright raspberry flavor is covered in dark chocolate, plus they’re free of grains, gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, and tree nuts! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

For more summertime desserts, try 100+ Cold Desserts For Summer (Paleo, GAPS, Keto options).

Drinks

Probiotic Water Kefir Tea

An effervescent treat, water kefir makes a fantastic soda replacement. Put your jars straight into the cooler and pull them out when thirst strikes! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Blackberry Mojitoes {Summer Mocktail}

These non-alcoholic mocktails are full of summer blackberry flavor and are so refreshing! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

2 Summer Spritzers

Can’t decide on just one flavor? Then take two! Via TraditonalCookingSchool.com.

How {and Why} to Make a Tea Concentrate

If you can make a tea concentrate, then you never have to worry about drinks on your next picnic. Dilute before you head out the door, and you’ll be sipping iced tea in the shade in no time! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Ginger Grapefruit Kombucha

Bubbly and sour, kombucha is exactly what you need to beat the heat during your next picnic! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Strawberry Cucumber Lemon Water

Put the fruits in the water before you head out the door, and by the time you’re ready to picnic, you’ll be sipping away. Via RecipesToNourish.com.

Snacks

Grain + Nut Free Granola

Sometimes you want your picnic to linger… That’s why you need to take along extra snacks! This crunchy, sweet, and healthy granola will keep the hunger away so you can prolong the fun. Via AGirlWorthSaving.net.

Mediterranean Stuffed Grape Leaves {Dolmas}

If you want to veer from typical picnic fare, then these Mediterranean dolmas fit the bill! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Homemade Fruit Leather

Don’t want the kids asking for candy? Take along some fruit leather! It’s nature’s candy! Via Full Of Days.

Beet Chips

How about some beet chips to replace the potato chips? Via Full Of Days.

Green Plantain Crackers

Eat these as a crunchy side or slather them with nut butter! They pack well and give you a portable form of resistant starch! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Condiments, Dips, & Spreads

Fermented Raspberry Preserves

Add these raspberry preserves to yogurt or kefir and take them wherever you want to go! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Easy Homemade Mayo

Experience the difference homemade mayo can make on your sandwiches or in your potato salad! You can whip this up faster than you can drive to the store! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

3 Fermented Mustard Recipes

Satisfy the mustard-lovers with not one, but three types of mustard for their sandwiches! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Paleo Ranch Dressing

Taking some raw veggies on your picnic? Then make sure to pack some homemade ranch for healthy dipping! Via HealyEatsReal.com.

Savory Sesame-Free Hummus

Was there ever a better picnic food than hummus? Perfect for veggies, crackers, spreading on sandwiches, and more — and this version is sesame-free! Via WholeNewMom.com.

Easy Instant Pot Blueberry Jam

If the kids just have to have PB&Js, and you cringe at the thought of refined sugar, then you NEED this 2-ingredient Instant Pot Blueberry Jam! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Sprouted Hummus in 3 Delicious Flavors

Because the chickpeas are sprouted, they’re extra nourishing and digestible! Pick a flavor (or three!) and add some homemade hummus to your picnic basket! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Fermented Tex-Mex Salsa

Chips and fermented salsa are the PERFECT easy side or snack for picnicking. Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Rhubarb Salsa

You’ll love this rhubarb twist on classic salsa! What a fun summer dip! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Lacto-Fermented Hummus

Because it’s fermented, this hummus not only packs a probiotic punch, it is well-preserved by friendly bacteria! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Healthy 5 Minute Ranch

Taking a spontaneous adventure! In just 5 minutes, you can pack some homemade ranch to go wherever your adventures take you. Via BackToTheBookNutrition.com.

Caramelized Onion and Shallot Dip

When ranch or hummus just don’t speak to you, and you need something unique, a caramelized onion and shallot dip for veggies or chips is the best! Via BackToTheBookNutrition.com.

Pimento Cheese

Spread it on your sourdough sandwich or use it as a dip! This easy pimento cheese is full of goodness, not fillers. Via RecipesToNourish.com.

Middle Eastern Kefir Cheese Balls

You really can pack the entire jar and enjoy these traditional cheese balls on their own or with any charcuterie. Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Are you planning a picnic soon? Which of these easy and nourishing picnic recipes will you be packing in your basket?