50 Easy and Delicious Vegan Picnic Ideas

A comprehensive vegan picnic ideas guide covering everything from hosting, packing, recipes and tips for the best picnic ever! Make eating outdoors easy and fun.

This collection of my favorite picnic foods will help ensure your vegan picnic is absolutely delicious. This is all you need for a smooth and stress free experience!

Collage of six different picnic foods from salads to finger foods.

This post was originally published on April 27, 2020.

When we are bored of the same old meal indoors, we take it outside. Picnics are like fun meal parties outdoors! Planning a vegan picnic is much like planning a vegan dinner party...except outside!

When you decide you want to host a picnic there are many things to consider such as location, timing, potential theme, invite list, etc. But of course, the most important part of a picnic is the food!

Vegan Picnic Food

These vegan picnic recipes include a wide variety to meet everyone's individual tastes. No one will go home hungry!

Vegan Picnic Appetizers and Snacks

Baked Corn Tortilla Chips (Oil-Free)

Make your own baked corn tortilla chips at home! These are crunchy and perfect for dips and salsa. They even happen to be oil-free!

see recipe

A black plate full of tortilla chips and a small bowl of guacamole sitting on a wooden surface with a red striped towel.

Vegan 7 Layer Taco Dip

This vegan 7 layer taco dip is a must make! Made of healthy ingredients, but tastes just like the traditional version. A crowd pleaser for all types of eaters!

Layers of meat, cheese, chiles, salsa, guacamole, creamy sauce and garnish in a jar.

Easy Fresh Mexican Salsa Recipe

This fresh Mexican salsa recipe is easy and packed full of flavor! It is so delicious, the store-bought favorites don't compare to this homemade version.

see recipe

Easy fresh Mexican Salsa in a ramekin with chips beside it

The Best Pineapple Salsa Recipe

This is hands down the best pineapple salsa recipe! It is absolutely delicious plus there's a bonus creamy sauce you can make with the leftover juices!

see recipe

Black bowl filled with tortilla chips next to a pile of pineapple salsa

Simple Healthy Guacamole Recipe

This simple healthy guacamole recipe is the perfect dip for those times you need something fast. It pairs well with almost anything and is super delicious!

see recipe

Hand dipping a tortilla chip into a bowl of guacamole

Secret Ingredient Greek Hummus

A light and airy whipped consistency with hints of lemon and Kalamata olives. This flavorful Greek hummus is the perfect appetizer or snack!

see recipe

Hand dipping pita chip into a pile of hummus topped with oil and parsley

Vegan Bruschetta Cheese Ball

Tangy, creamy, full of flavor and dairy free! You won't believe how these healthy ingredients come together to make a bruschetta flavored vegan cheese ball.

see recipe

Front view of knife scooping cheese from a cheeseball next to cucumbers and crackers

Vegan Picnic Finger Food

Vegan Pinwheels

These vegan pinwheels are the perfect snack! Super kid friendly, versatile and easy enough the littles can make them too!

see recipe

Black plate with pinwheel rolls ups filled with lettuce, salsa and cream cheese

Healthy Baked Vegan Corn Dogs (Gluten Free)

This vegan recipe for baked corn dogs is also gluten-free. Because it is baked, and not fried, it's healthy but still tastes amazing!

see recipe

White bowl filled with mini corn dogs in front of mini bowl of ketchup and mustard.

Vegan Pigs in a Blanket (Gluten Free)

These vegan pigs in a blanket use tortillas making them an easy and healthy way to create this fan favorite. It also makes them easily gluten free!

see recipe

Pig in a blanket sitting on a white plate with dips or ketchup and mustard.

Veggie Tots (with Broccoli and Cauliflower)

Kid friendly veggie tots are easy to make using broccoli and cauliflower. They are baked in the oven for a healthy and delicious treat!

A white plate with veggie tots and a bowl of creamy chive dip on it.

Vegetable Summer Rolls

If you're looking for a fun tasty way to up those veggies, this vegan summer rolls recipe is the one! Customizable and with a droolworthy dipping sauce.

see recipe

Cut summer rolls on a white plate with brown dipping sauce

Gluten-Free Sausage Balls (Vegan)

These gluten free sausage balls are a twist on the traditional recipe but equally as amazing! Uses simple ingredients to get that cheesy savory flavor.

see recipe

A half eaten sausage and cheese ball being held over a dark blue bowl with more balls and white dip.

Easy Homemade Vegan Sushi Recipe

This homemade vegan sushi recipe will have you making your favorite delicious rolls at home in no time! The step by step directions make it easy to follow without any fancy tools.

see recipe

Veggie sushi rolls cut up and piled on a cream plate

Vegan Picnic Sides

Gluten-Free Vegan Cornbread Muffins

These vegan cornbread muffins are not only gluten-free but they are so easy to make and taste incredible with rich, maple flavors of fall!

see recipe

Yellow muffins piled in a metal bowl with parchment paper in it

Mexican Coleslaw With Cilantro Lime Dressing

An easy to make no mayo Mexican coleslaw that pairs well with anything! Eat it in tacos, as a side salad or even as a main dish piled with toppings.

see recipe

Two silver utensils in a white bowl with veggie coleslaw

Apple Cider Vinegar Coleslaw

This apple cider vinegar coleslaw is the perfect side dish recipe. It's healthy, simple, flavorful and made with only a few ingredients.

see recipe

White plate piled with cabbage slaw with carrots and red onion in it.

Classic Vegan Coleslaw Recipe

This creamy vegan coleslaw is a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite! Made with crunchy vegetables mixed with a flavorful dairy free dressing.

see recipe

Creamy coleslaw in a black bowl that is sitting on top of a blue napkin.

Healthy Vegan Baked Beans

Having basic picnic staples is a must as the weather warms up. These vegan baked beans are packed with flavor and can be served with so many other recipes!

see recipe

Cream plate with baked beans, jalapeno slices and cornbread

The Best Easy Homemade Pinto Beans

Learn how to cook pinto beans at home easily! This recipe is so amazing you'll never buy them again. Stove top, Instant Pot or crockpot!

see recipe

Grey plate filled with pinto beans and a spring of cilantro next to cabbage and an avocado

The Best Easy Homemade Black Beans

This vegan black beans recipe uses dry beans and is easily made on the stove, in the instant pot or in a crock pot. The flavor is unreal!

A blue bowl on a blue striped towel that is filled with black beans and white rice with cilantro on top.

Copycat Chipotle Rice Recipe (Cilantro Lime Rice)

Make restaurant-worthy Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice at home with our easy Copycat Recipe. Four simple ingredients for big flavor!

see recipe

Bowl filled with chopped cilantro and rice mix and sliced limes.

Simple Vegan Mexican Rice Recipe

This vegan Mexican rice recipe is so easy and so flavorful you'll never buy it again! Just dump in a pot and let the stove do the work!

Grey plate on a wooden table filled with Mexican rice and topped with cilantro

Vegan Picnic Salads

Vegan Potato Salad Recipe

This vegan potato salad is one of my husband's favorite recipes! It is made with all whole foods, no mayo, and pairs perfectly with just about anything.

White bowl filled with creamy potato salad on a blue napkin

Easy Vegan Macaroni Salad Recipe

Try this easy creamy vegan macaroni salad recipe made with fresh, healthy ingredients. Gluten free and perfect for picnics and barbecues!

see recipe

A fork getting a bite of creamy macaroni salad from a stack of two white bowls with blue rims.

Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

A vegan pesto pasta with a delicious twist you've never seen before. Eat it warm or cold and throw in your favorite veggies, it's a perfect well rounded meal!

see recipe

Vegan pesto pasta and veggies and a fork on a white plate

Vegan Mediterranean Orzo Salad

This Mediterranean orzo salad is a 20 minute recipe you won't want to miss!! It's easy to throw together with my special trick, and doesn't skimp on flavor. Plus, easily make it vegan using your favorite dairy free cheese!

see recipe

A white bowl filled with a veggie and orzo salad on a turquoise plate next to a pot of salad

Vegan Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

Satisfy your Greek cravings with this Vegan Horiatiki Salad. Fresh veggies, kalamata olives, and dairy free feta create a flavorful and healthy dish!

see recipe

A white bowl on a turquoise plate with a Greek salad in it surrounded by the ingredients

Easy Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing

This kale salad with lemon dressing is easy to make and filled with amazing flavors and textures. Simply add ingredients to the bowl and eat!

see recipe

A kale salad with toppings in a blue bowl on a blue striped towel

Elote Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

This elote salad recipe has charred corn, creamy dairy free cheese, tangy lime juice, and a burst of spices for flavor in every bite!

see recipe

A blue bowl sitting on a striped towel with a corn salad in it and a spring of cilantro on the side.

Watermelon Feta Mint Salad Recipe

The best watermelon feta mint salad ever! Juicy watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and mint come together in a perfect side dish.

see recipe

Watermelon salad with feta and mint in a grey bowl next to bowls of ingredients in it.

Vegan Picnic Sandwiches

Easy Lentil Veggie Burger Recipe

Try this easy lentil veggie burger recipe for a healthy and delicious meatless meal. Packed with protein and simple ingredients, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy a tasty burger alternative!

A veggie burger with cheese and toppings on a plate next to fries sitting on a red checkered towel.

Vegan Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Weather you grill, bake or pan fry, these vegan portobello mushroom burgers are loaded with flavor and a perfect burger alternative! Easy and customizable!

see recipe

Portobello mushroom burger on a bun with lettuce, sprouts and sauce

Low-Fat Easy Vegan Gluten Free Black Bean Burgers

Looking for the perfect easy recipe for a quick dinner? These gluten-free vegan black bean burgers are low fat, full of protein and take 10 minutes to prep!

see recipe

Black bean burger topped with lettuce, ranch dressing, red onions, tomato and avocado

Vegan Pulled Pork Sandwich

Amazing vegan pulled pork with 8 ingredients made in 30 minutes! Use jackfruit or mushrooms to get the perfect texture and smoky sweet flavor.

Cream plate with BBQ jackfruit sandwiches topped with coleslaw and fries.

Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

This smashed chickpea salad sandwich is packed with protein and fresh ingredients. A perfect meal for lunch or bread free as a side dish!

Black plate with a pile of two halves of a mashed chickpea salad sandwich on wheat bread.

Apple, Arugula and Smoky Tempeh Sandwich

The vegan tempeh sandwich that encompasses fall and all its flavors! Smoky tempeh, sweet apples and spicy arugula, a perfect dipper for those winter soups.

see recipe

Front view of vegan tempeh bacon, apple, arugula sandwich on brown crumpled paper

The Ultimate Vegan BLT with Avocado

This vegan BLT with avocado is amplified in flavor with homemade portobello mushroom bacon and amazing saucy spread! Easy and delicious.

see recipe

Two halves of a vegan BLT stacked on a plate

Vegan Picnic Desserts

The Best Summer Fruit Salad

Hands down the best summer fruit salad recipe I've ever made! The key is in the secret sauce, literally. Customizable with any fruit and super kid friendly!

Fruit salad in a bowl next to a plate of it

Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies

Gluten-free vegan brownies with crinkled tops and a fudgy middle! Hands down the best recipe out there! Easy to make with only 10 ingredients.

A pile of brownies on parchment paper with a glass of milk behind.

Vegan Chickpea Blondies (Gluten Free)

These vegan chickpea blondies are a secretly healthy recipe made with chickpeas, maple syrup and almond butter for the ultimate treat!

see recipe

A white plate with a stack of three chocolate chip blondies on top.

The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

These vegan chocolate chip cookies are the best soft batch style you'll eat. Made with whole foods and gluten-free. Plus simple and easy!

see recipe

Front view of a stack of chocolate chip cookies on a grey plate

Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

These vegan peanut butter cookies are so easy to make and only 5 ingredients. They are both grain gluten-free and done in under 30 minutes!

see recipe

Grey plate with a pile of peanut butter cookies on it next to a glass of milk

Vegan Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These vegan oatmeal raisin cookies are made with whole food ingredients, are gluten-free and taste like decadence. They will win over any cookie lover!

see recipe

Hand holding a half eaten oatmeal raisin cookie over a stack of more

Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Nine ingredients and less than 30 minutes to incredible healthy peanut butter banana oatmeal cookies. Crispy edge and melt in your mouth middle, perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack!

see recipe

Stack of three oatmeal chocolate chip cookies on a plate

Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes

These vegan gluten-free chocolate cupcakes are blow your mind delicious. The texture and flavor remind you of regular cupcakes and they are super easy to make with only 9 ingredients!

see recipe

Chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting and no liners on a white plate

Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes

Perfectly moist, fluffy and based on easy to find whole food ingredients. You'd never guess these vegan vanilla cupcakes are easy to make and gluten free!

see recipe

Vanilla bean cupcakes with whipped cream and sprinkles on a pink plate

Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe

This vegan banana bread is also gluten-free and so easy to make! It's perfect for the whole family and uses easy to find ingredients.

see recipe

Top view of a white plate with a loaf of banana bread being sliced

The Best Healthy Vegan Apple Muffins

Fluffy, perfectly textured vegan apple muffins that are so delicious and easy to make you won't be able to get enough! Gluten-free and made with simple whole food ingredients.

Half eaten apple muffin being grabbed of a pile of muffins.

Ooey Gooey Vegan Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

This is the best vegan rice krispie treats recipe ever! A special trick helps them come out so ooey gooey, with a bonus adaptable recipe.

Grey plate with a pile of rice krispie treat squares on a checkered towel

Planning a Picnic

When it comes to picnics, anything really goes. All you really need is good food and yummy drinks! Good company matters too, but I am good on my own with yummy food!

If you want to invite company and make your next picnic a social event, there are definitely fun ways to do so. Your guests can be friends or even just your family!

Here are some of my best tips:

Go the extra mile and send a fun invite. Even a digital version makes it fun, texts and ecards are great. If you're just including your at home family, printing out a sign and posting it keeps family life exciting!
Pick a place and time, keeping the weather and sun in mind. Having a picnic at high noon on a hot day may not be as desirable.
Gather important things like tables to put the food on, blankets, pillows to sit on, etc.
Make sure to pack your food in containers that are easy to transport.
Don't forget ice! Keeping beverages cool is important on a warm day.
Make sure your picnic spot has shade.
Keep the menu simple yet delicious. Make sure you have something everyone likes.

Tips for Packing a Picnic

When it comes to packing a picnic, it's important to get the foods right. You definitely want delicious food. But you don't want it to be too hard to prep and pack. Here are some go to tips for your next picnic:

Stick to foods you can prep ahead and that taste as good the next day as they do fresh.
Avoid super stinky food.
If it doesn't travel well, don't bring it.
Bring plenty of water. The heat dehydrates you.
Separate ingredients that could make food soggy. Mason jars or plastic containers are great for this.
If you can use biodegradable plates and serving utensils, do it. That way in case something blew away you won't feel so bad.
Make sure your food travels well. While some apps are amazing, if they fall apart during travel, or you can't easily put it together at your destination, then ditch the idea.
Make a good variety of food. It's fun to taste lots of different things!
Finger foods are great choices.
Keep it to foods that serve great at room temperature.
Lastly, don't forget a cozy blanket and your fave beverage!

How to Keep Picnic Food Safe

They key with food, whether you are at a picnic or not, is to keep it cool so that bacteria doesn't form.

Because all of these recipes are vegan and therefore free of dairy and meat, there isn't as much of a worry. But safe practices are still important.

Keep food in a cooler if possible. This helps because a cooler is more of a controlled environment.
If it's hot out, find a shady spot for your food. You don't want the sun beating on it.
Keep flies and bugs away by keeping food covered. Whether it's tin foil, plastic wrap or a netted like covering.
Keep ice for food and ice for beverages separate. You don't want cross contamination.

Common Questions

What food is good to bring to a picnic?

Foods that can be made ahead of time and served chilled are ideal for picnics. Sandwiches, salads, and finger foods are classic options. See above for plenty of ideas!

How can I make my picnic more special?

Send out a cute invite, even online, before the event. You can set up cute blankets and pillows for everyone to sit on, even choose a theme and decorate! Make a variety of dishes instead of one simple sandwich.

What time is best for a picnic?

The best time will greatly depend on your local weather. For the most part, Spring and Summer are ideal for hosting picnics. Generally the hottest part of the day is around 3 in the afternoon, so try to avoid that. A late morning brunch picnic, or early evening will be the most comfortable times of day.

What do you do during a picnic?

Eat of course!! I mean, there is more to it than that, but food is the main event. The only difference is that it's eating outdoors.

I love changing up the scenery. And eating in nature can be super fun. The key is to be organized so you have that perfect combo of yummy food and fun activities like scavenger hunts, relay races and just plain good old fun.