Packing the Perfect Picnic

It’s picnic season! Skip the smashed PB&Js and check out our guide for packing the perfect picnic! This rundown includes some picnic must-haves, recipe suggestions and tips on how to make your picnic outing a success.  

How to Pack the Perfect Picnic

  • While you can use a basket (which might look cuter), a cooler will better protect the food and helps keep it cool.
  • Pack the foods you plan on bringing in separate containers to avoid your foods mushing together. It helps if you can put each item into a hard-sided container and make sure everything is sealed tight.
  • Put your drinks on the bottom with ice packs or ice and put your lightest items on the top. This might sound obvious, but food often gets shuffled around in a cooler or basket.

Picnic Food Ideas and Inspiration

BLT Sandwich with Homemade Mayo
https://www.pbs.org/food/recipes/blt-sandwich-with-homemade-mayonnaise/

Photo from PBS Food

Cobb Salad Wrap
https://www.pbs.org/food/recipes/cobb-salad-wrap/

Photo from PBS Food

Greek Pasta Salad
https://www.pbs.org/food/recipes/greek-pasta-salad/

Photo from PBS Food

Potato Salad with Sour Cream and Scallions
https://www.pbs.org/food/recipes/potato-salad-with-sour-cream-and-scallions/

Photo from PBS Food

Watermelon Agua Fresca
https://www.pbs.org/food/recipes/watermelon-agua-fresca/

Photo from PBS Food

Strawberry Lemonade
https://www.pbs.org/food/recipes/strawberry-lemonade/

Photo from PBS Food

Find even more recipes on our Pinterest Board for even more inspiration: https://www.pinterest.com/cetconnect/picnic-inspo/.

Food Safety Tips

  • Use plenty of ice packs or use frozen water bottles to keep your food cold.
  • Pass on mayo-based salads if you plan on not eating the picnic for a few hours as they can spoil more quickly.
  • Don’t eat perishable food that has been out of the cooler for more than two hours.

Other Non-Food Items to Bring Along

  • A big blanket that is one you won’t care too much about if something spills on it
  • Reusable plates, plastic cups and reusable silverware. If you’re bringing wine, don’t forget the corkscrew
  • Paper towels or napkins (cloth napkins are great as they are sturdier than regular napkins)
  • Damp paper towels in a zip-lock bag or wet wipes
  • Trash bags
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray