Picnics are just THE BEST, aren’t they? Sunshine, good company, and delicious food spread out on a blanket.
But let’s be real, thinking of what to pack can sometimes feel like a puzzle. And you definitely don’t want to spend a FORTUNE on it.
The great thing is, enjoying a meal outdoors doesn’t mean emptying your wallet. There are TONS of super simple and affordable foods that are perfect for any picnic. Things that are easy to make, easy to carry, and OH SO GOOD.
I’ve put together a list of 22 cheap picnic food ideas to get you inspired. You’ll find all sorts of tasty options – from simple snacks to more filling bites. There’s something here for everyone, no matter your cooking skills.
So get ready to make your next picnic delicious AND easy on the budget!
1. Sweet Potato White Bean Salad With Crispy Quinoa
This Sweet Potato White Bean Salad with Crispy Quinoa is a simple vegetarian dish you’ll adore.
It’s the perfect sweet potato salad for any occasion.
2. Lemon Chicken Foil Packets
Lemon Chicken Foil Packets are a healthy and delicious dinner the whole family will love!
These are easy to make, and the cleanup is even easier, especially with the foil packet.
3. Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad is a simple and delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
It’s packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a flavorful pesto sauce for a satisfying and easy dish.
4. Thai Cucumber Salad
This Thai Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish that’s ready in minutes.
It’s just like the one you’d get at a restaurant, but easy to make at home.
5. Grilled Mushrooms
Grilled Mushrooms are the perfect simple side dish.
These mushroom kabobs are brushed with garlic butter and grilled to golden perfection for a quick and easy meal.
6. Watermelon and Mint Salad
This Watermelon and Mint Salad is about to become your new favorite!
The watermelon feta salad gets a boost of flavor from citrus juice and zest, making every bite delicious.
It’s a perfect and refreshing salad that everyone will love.
7. Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are a super tasty, kid-friendly snack that are so easy to make!
They’re the perfect way to enjoy delicious pizza rolls without any hassle.
8. Asian Salad with Chicken
Craving something crunchy and delicious?
Our Asian Salad with Chicken features tender cabbage marinated in a flavorful dressing for a nutrient-packed meal that’s easy to enjoy.
This Asian chicken salad is colorful, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious!
9. Taco Roasted Chickpeas
Taco Roasted Chickpeas are a simple, tasty snack you’ll want to make again and again.
These crispy roasted chickpeas need only 3 ingredients and are super addictive!
10. Crunchy Mediterranean Cabbage White Bean Salad
Crunchy Mediterranean Cabbage White Bean Salad is the perfect light and flavorful dish.
It’s packed with fresh mediterranean flavors and satisfying crunch from the cabbage.
11. BBQ Chicken Salad
Craving a BBQ Chicken Salad that’s bursting with flavor?
This recipe combines grilled BBQ chicken with fresh veggies, cheese, beans, and crunchy tortilla strips for a seriously satisfying meal that’s even better than your favorite restaurant’s.
12. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini is the summer side dish you didn’t know you were missing!
It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, thanks to the garlic parmesan crust.
13. Jalapeno Ranch Pasta Salad
Jalapeno Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect dish when you want a creamy, flavorful meal.
This pasta salad is filled with delicious veggies and the right amount of southwest spice.
You’ll love the kick of flavor from the Jalapeno Ranch!
14. Waldorf Salad
Waldorf Salad is a total classic, straight from the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel!
This fruit and nuts salad is coated in a creamy, tangy dressing that’s seriously delicious.
15. Vegan Tuscan Chickpeas
Vegan Tuscan Chickpeas are about to become your go-to chickpea dish!
They’re simple to make and completely gluten-free, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
16. Easy Lemon Pasta Recipe
Whip up this Easy Lemon Pasta Recipe for a quick and delicious meal that’s bursting with fresh, tangy flavor.
It’s a simple lemon garlic pasta dish that’s ready to enjoy in under 20 minutes.
17. Lemon Dill Dip
Whip up this Lemon Dill Dip for a fresh and tangy treat.
It’s incredibly creamy and the dill flavour makes it the perfect partner for crunchy veggies.
18. Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Craving a simple snack?
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips are crispy, crunchy, and ready in minutes using just a few ingredients.
These homemade tortilla chips are naturally gluten-free and are so easy to make.
19. Smoked Tofu Burrito Bowl
This Smoked Tofu Burrito Bowl is a tasty and healthy meal.
It’s packed with flavor, and the smoked tofu really makes this burrito bowl something special.
20. Shaved Zucchini Taco Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
Craving a fresh and flavorful meal?
Our Shaved Zucchini Taco Salad with Crispy Chickpeas is a healthy vegetarian option, featuring a creamy cilantro lime avocado dressing you’ll love. It’s high in protein and tastes amazing!
21. Fried Plantains
Enjoy these Fried Plantains as a tasty treat any time of day.
These sweet, fried slices are perfect for breakfast, as a starter, or even a simple side dish.
22. Lime-Chile-Parmesan Butter
Lime-Chile-Parmesan Butter is the perfect way to spice up your corn on the cob.
This vibrant butter also elevates grilled veggies or steaks with a zesty, cheesy kick.