Picnic Food Ideas

Coming up with picnic food ideas can be tricky. You need items that you can easily carry along with you, that are enjoyable at room temperature, that are easy to make and that taste good. Depending on the type of picnic you want there are many different ideas for great-tasting picnic foods that you can use. From simple and healthy to a decadent outdoor meal, check out these ideas for foods to take on your next picnic.

1. Fried Chicken This is an excellent idea for a main course on your picnic. Fried chicken tastes great when cold or at room temperature so you don't have to worry about your main dish not being warm. Also, it is easy to eat without silverware, just be sure to bring plenty of napkins. Make the fried chicken the night before and keep it in the refrigerator overnight to save time on picnic day.
2. Veggies and Dip Cooked side dishes, especially vegetables, can be difficult to bring on a picnic. Try a simple platter of fresh vegetables and either a homemade or store brought dipping sauce. In ten to fifteen minutes you can have sliced carrots, cucumbers, celery, broccoli and peppers in one plastic container and your dip or dressing of choice in another. Also, no silverware required.
3. Cornbread What are other side dish ideas for picnics? Aside from sliced vegetables or fresh fruit, some sort of starch helps to round out a meal. Freshly made cornbread is a great accompaniment to fried chicken. You can also simply bring a loaf of French bread, which works very well if you are bringing cheese and wine or beer.
4. Simple Salads Throwing a couple ingredients together and bringing along a small amount of olive oil and fresh herbs is an easy, elegant picnic food idea. Use fresh mozzarella and sliced tomatoes and dress with snipped basil and olive oil. Try cucumbers, red onion, feta and mint or sweet peppers, corn, goat cheese and tarragon. To make a heartier salad, combine with prepared quinoa and serve at room temperature.
5. Cheese and Fruit For a simple side dish or picnic food snack, try cheese and fruit. Slice beforehand or bring along a butter knife. Eating outside is a great opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the simple things that you probably wouldn't put together for the dinner table. Use hard cheeses, goat cheeses or pungent soft cheeses. Have fun and try something new for your picnic. Serve with fresh grapes, strawberries or peaches. Bring a little marmalade and bread and enjoy.