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!
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!
Vegan Picnic Ideas
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
Oil- Free Baked Corn Tortilla Chips
You will not believe the crunchy results in these oil-free baked corn tortilla chips! So easy to make, and customizable with flavors!
see recipe
Vegan 7 Layer Dip
This vegan 7 layer dip is the perfect example of a nutritious that's bursting with flavor! It's a crowd pleaser for all types of eaters.
see recipe
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
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
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
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
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
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
Baked Vegan Corn Dogs Recipe
This vegan corn dogs recipe is gluten-free and baked, not fried, but as tasty as ever! The perfect party app or kid snack.
see recipe
Easy Vegan Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
This vegan pigs in a blanket recipe will blow your mind! It's simple and can be made super healthy using all whole foods.
see recipe
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!
see recipe
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
Gluten-Free Vegan Sausage Balls
These vegan sausage balls are easy to make and a perfect appetizer or snack! They are filling, taste amazing and even gluten-free.
see recipe
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
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
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
Apple Cider Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe
This apple cider vinegar coleslaw recipe is simple, but so flavorful, and perfect for just about anything. Made with a few whole ingredients!
see recipe
Creamy Vegan Coleslaw
This creamy vegan coleslaw is better than the traditional version. It's flavorful and made with whole food ingredients so super healthy!
see recipe
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
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
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!
see recipe
Cilantro Lime Rice Chipotle Copycat Recipe
This homemade cilantro lime rice recipe is so easy to make and the perfect copycat Chipotle recipe. Simple ingredients lead to big flavor!
see recipe
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!
see recipe
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.
see recipe
The Best Creamy Vegan Macaroni Salad
This vegan macaroni salad is reminiscent of the classic deli style but healthy and made with whole food ingredients. Creamy, easy and simply the best ever!
see recipe
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 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
Vegan Traditional Greek Salad Recipe (Horiatiki)
This Greek salad recipe is as traditional as it gets from my mom's authentic kitchen! Use dairy free feta to make it vegan, your tastebuds won't know the difference!
see recipe
The Best Lemon Kale Salad Recipe
This lemon kale salad is not your average boring salad. It's filled with amazing flavors and textures, and absolutely delicious!
see recipe
Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Mexican street corn salad is so easy to make and the perfect dish to share with others. The flavor is amazing and goes with anything!
see recipe
Watermelon Feta Mint Salad Recipe
This watermelon salad with feta and mint is so flavorful and a perfect summer treat! It's healthy, easy to make and a touch of optional spice. #plantbasedsides #vegansalad
see recipe
Vegan Picnic Sandwiches
Easy Lentil Veggie Burger Recipe
This lentil veggie burger is a weekly go-to recipe! It's easy to put together, made with whole food ingredients, healthy and delicious!
see recipe
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
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
Best Vegan Pulled Pork Sandwich
Make this vegan pulled pork and put it into a sandwich in 30 minutes! It uses jackfruit crisped in a pan for a simple, easy incredible flavor.
see recipe
Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This smashed chickpea salad sandwich is a healthy and delicious way to fill your belly! Easy and perfect to make ahead of time.
see recipe
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
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
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!
see recipe
Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies (Nut Free)
These gluten-free vegan brownies are rich, moist and have a fudgy middle. Absolute perfection and you can even get that signature crinkle top!
see recipe
Delicious Vegan Chickpea Blondies Recipe
This recipe for vegan chickpea blondies is absolute delicious perfection. Healthy, easy to make and even gluten-free! You won't be able to get enough.
see recipe
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
see recipe
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.
see recipe
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.
Sarah
So many great ideas!