Packing for a fun day outdoors is awesome, but figuring out yummy food that’s easy to make and travels well can be a headache. And hey, you can’t just throw some chips in a bag and call it a day (been there, done that!).
No worries, picnic peeps – we’ve gotchu covered! Ditch the stress and impress your friends and family with these 29 absolutely delicious picnic appetizers that are both surprisingly easy on the prep and big on flavour.
In fact, they’re SO simple to make, you’ll have plenty of time to chill (pun intended) before the big gathering.
Contents
- 1 Wow Your Picnic Guests with These 29 Easy & Irresistible Appetizers
- 2 3. Ham Salad
- 3 10. Strawberry Arugula Salad
- 3.1 11. Chicken Tikka
- 3.2 12. Avocado Goat Cheese Truffles
- 3.3 13. Beer Dip
- 3.4 14. Salami Roll-Ups
- 3.5 15. Mini Apple & Raspberry Muffins
- 3.6 16. Bang Bang Shrimp
- 3.7 17. Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
- 3.8 18. Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap
- 3.9 19. Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper Dip)
- 3.10 20. Baked Beans
- 3.11 21. Fully Loaded Guacamole
- 3.12 22. Easy Mango Salsa
- 3.13 23. Peanut Summer Rolls
- 3.14 24. Fried Eggplant
- 3.15 25. Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring
- 3.16 26. Egg Salad Sandwiches
- 3.17 27. Mini Crab Cakes with Mustard Creme Fraiche
- 3.18 28. Vegan Quinoa Meatballs
- 3.19 29. Buffalo Chicken Celery Boats
- 4 Appetizer Ap-plause!
Wow Your Picnic Guests with These 29 Easy & Irresistible Appetizers
These yummy, creative finger foods are guaranteed to have your picnic pals raving – they might even ask you to spill the recipe secrets! Cue the good vibes, keep reading, and let’s get picnicking!
1. Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Peppers
These ain’t your average stuffed peppers! Imagine juicy, colourful mini peppers filled with creamy, dreamy cream cheese.
A burst of freshness with every bite, and so easy to throw together.
Perfect for a fancy-feeling, fuss-free finger food ideal for those on a gluten-free, low-calorie, low-carb, or keto diet. Trust us, once your guests try these, they’ll be reaching for seconds (and thirds)!
2. Peach Jalapeño Salsa
Ripe, juicy peaches mingle with zesty jalapeños, all drenched in a tangy lime juice dressing.
Whether you’re scooping it up with chips or spooning it over grilled chicken, This sweet and spicy salsa is a flavour bomb waiting to explode on your taste buds.
Plus, it’s super easy to make with fresh or canned peaches, so you can whip it up in no time!
3. Ham Salad
Ditch the chicken salad this summer and dive into delightful mini ham salad sandwiches!
The creamy mayo, tender ham, and all your favourite add-ins, piled high on soft bread that’s just the right size for a pop-in-your-mouth party.
They’re easy to make ahead of time too, so you can spend less time prepping and more time soaking up the sunshine!
4. Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes with Queso Blanco Dip
Forget boring chips – this appetizer is a handheld party that’s guaranteed to be the star of the picnic spread! We’re talking crispy, salty bacon-hugging fluffy potato wedges – a flavour combo that’s simply unbeatable.
And to take it over the top, it all comes with a creamy queso blanco dip for the ultimate dunk.
5. Fried Green Tomatoes
Crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside, these tangy treats are a true picnic classic.
The key here is the batter – light and not too thick, evenly coating each tomato slice and creating a crunchy golden exterior that gives way to a burst of flavour with every bite.
It’s a taste of summer on a plate, ideal for sharing with friends and family in the sunshine!
6. Deviled Eggs
No outside get-together is complete without the classic crowd-pleaser: deviled eggs!
These small, high-protein delights sprinkled with the fresh, oniony bite of chives, smoked paprika, and the earthly nuttiness of celery seed make for an easy, delicious appetizer for the crowd.
7. Crostini with Sweet Ricotta, Honey and Toasted Hazelnuts
Toasted baguette slices – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside – topped with dollops of rich, creamy ricotta; these crostini are little slices of heaven on a plate.
Then comes the magic: a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts for a nutty crunch, and a drizzle of sweet honey to bind it all together.
Classy enough to impress but easy enough to throw together last minute, these little bites are sure to be a hit at your picnic, kids and adults alike!
8. Coconut-and-Lime Pork Kebabs
Island time at your picnic? Coconut-and-lime pork kebabs are your ticket to paradise!
These beauties are marinated in creamy coconut milk and a zesty lime juice blend, infusing the tender pork with incredible tropical flavour.
They’re easy to thread onto skewers for mess-free eating, making them the perfect finger food for your backyard barbecue or beachside picnic.
9. Smoky Caprese Bread Bowl
Smoky Caprese Bread Bowl = summer perfection! Imagine fresh caprese flavours – ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and top-notch olive oil – resting in a giant, crusty bread bowl kissed by smoky grill goodness.
Looks amazing and tastes even better, and we won’t judge if you sneak a few bites for yourself!
10. Strawberry Arugula Salad
Keep things light and refreshing this summer with a Strawberry Arugula Salad! Crisp, peppery arugula leaves complemented by ripe strawberries – a perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours in every bite.
It’s also super easy to throw together, making it the ideal last-minute addition, and an easy, healthy picnic appetizer for kids!
11. Chicken Tikka
Tantalise your taste buds with the exotic flavours of Chicken Tikka!
Tender chicken gets marinated in a cool and creamy yoghurt sauce packed with warming spices like coriander, cumin, and a touch of cayenne pepper, and grilling gives the chicken a hint of smoky goodness.
Finish it all off with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for an Indian appetizer that’s both flavourful and refreshing.
12. Avocado Goat Cheese Truffles
Feeling fancy? Treat your picnic crew to homemade Avocado Goat Cheese Truffles, all without the fancy work.
Creamy avocado and tangy goat cheese in bite-sized balls – these treats are unreasonably tasty and easy to prepare at home. Pair them with crackers for the perfect pop-in-your-mouth picnic food.
13. Beer Dip
This recipe is a breeze to make – just whip up some ranch dressing mix, your favourite shredded cheese, and your choice of beer (or non-alcoholic beer if you prefer). The result is a creamy, cheesy concoction that goes perfectly with salty pretzels for the ultimate dipper.
Be warned: this dip is addictively delicious, so make sure you have enough for everyone (or maybe just a little extra for yourself)!
14. Salami Roll-Ups
These salami roll-ups are ridiculously easy to make with just a handful of ingredients: whipped cream cheese, tangy dill pickle relish, hearty hard salami, and soft flour tortillas.
In minutes, you’ll have a delicious appetizer that everyone will love – and the best part is, they’re easy enough for even the littlest chefs to help assemble, making them a fun family activity for your picnic prep.
15. Mini Apple & Raspberry Muffins
Not just for the little people! These mini apple and raspberry muffins are bursting with flavour and are awesome for picnickers of all ages.
Wholesome chunks of apple get balanced by tart raspberries, all wrapped up in a moist and delicious muffin. Plus, the yoghurt keeps things nice and light.
Pack them in a cooler for an afternoon snack or a sweet ending to your picnic feast!
16. Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp? More like Bang Bang YUM! This classic appetizer is a party in your mouth with every bite, with crispy, succulent shrimp dipped in a creamy sauce that’s both sweet and spicy.
Whether you serve it as a picnic starter or even a light weeknight dinner, it’s a mouth-watering finger food for sharing (or not sharing), and best of all – it’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
17. Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Looking for a no-cook picnic appetizer? Cucumber tea sandwiches are all about refreshing flavours and zero cooking.
Crisp cucumber, peppery radish, and herb cheese on soft bread – a winner for any picnic spread!
18. Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap
Packed with tender chicken, bacon, crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and smothered in a creamy dressing, it’s a classic Caesar salad all wrapped up in a soft tortilla and ready to go.
It’s all the flavours and textures you love, easy to pack, and mess-free to eat, making it the ideal picnic appetizer for the crowd!
19. Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper Dip)
Move over hummus, there’s a new red pepper dip in town! Muhammara is a vibrantly coloured, flavourful Middle Eastern dip made with roasted red peppers and walnuts – a symphony of savoury, sweet, and slightly smoky notes, all balanced to perfection.
Enjoy it with fresh veggies for a healthy and satisfying dunk, or scoop it up with pita bread for a taste of pure deliciousness.
Bonus: It’s gluten-free and vegan, so everyone at your picnic can take a dip!
20. Baked Beans
Skip the store-bought stuff and prepare a batch of baked beans at home!
This particular recipe promises a saucy, delicious result, and it all comes together without fuss. And the best part is you can customise it with your favourite ingredients.
Serve them alongside hot dogs, burgers, or BBQ sandwiches for a picnic that’s sure to satisfy everyone!
21. Fully Loaded Guacamole
Guacamole gets a fiesta makeover with this Fully Loaded version! We’re talking fresh avocado as the base, but then it gets kicked up a notch with black beans, sweet corn and bell pepper, and a hit of spice from jalapeño.
Jicama adds a fun, crunchy texture, and fresh cilantro and lime tie it all together.
Serve it with tortilla chips or veggie sticks or use it as a classic guac topping for your favourite picnic burger!
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22. Easy Mango Salsa
Sweet, ripe mango chunks get a spicy kick from fresh peppers, all balanced out with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. It’s the perfect light and refreshing appetizer for a hot picnic day.
It’s super easy to make with minimal ingredients. Serve it with grilled chicken or fish, a side of nachos for dipping, or top onto burritos, tacos, etc.
23. Peanut Summer Rolls
These fresh and flavourful spring rolls are filled with a delicious surprise.
A soft rice paper wrapper filled with cool peanut noodles, sauteed mushrooms, colourful bell peppers, and fresh avocado slices – all drizzled with a dreamy peanut sauce!
These summer rolls are light, refreshing, and packed with flavour – perfect for a healthy and satisfying picnic appetizer.
24. Fried Eggplant
Featuring slices of fresh eggplant, dipped in a light batter and pan-fried to golden brown – the result is a delightful picnic appetizer with a satisfying crunch on the outside, and a soft, melting eggplant interior.
Perfect for enjoying the outdoors before your main course, this recipe is a great way to celebrate the bounty of the summer season!
25. Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring
Cheese and olives are a must-have for your Italian picnic spread. This recipe combines sliced cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a variety of marinated olives, creating a fantastic mix of flavours and textures.
A drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette adds a touch of tang, while a vibrant sprinkle of chopped pimientos, fresh basil, and green parsley brings freshness. It’s almost too beautiful to eat, but undeniably delicious!
26. Egg Salad Sandwiches
No matter how you make them, egg salad sandwiches are a delicious and convenient option for a summer picnic. They’re easy to make and transport, and they always satisfy!
The typical ingredients are chopped hard-boiled eggs, celery, pickle relish, and mayonnaise, but there can be variations.
Add chopped onions, fresh herbs, or even mustard for a bit of a kick! Then spread onto bread and top with lettuce or tomato to finish it off.
27. Mini Crab Cakes with Mustard Creme Fraiche
Mini crab cakes with tangy mustard creme fraiche seem like a perfect finger food for a summertime picnic party.
They’re slightly heavy on ingredients to prepare and require at least half an hour of refrigeration time, but the result can be described as fresh, light, and ideal to serve a crowd in hot weather.
28. Vegan Quinoa Meatballs
Flavourful and satisfying vegan quinoa meatballs offer a meat-free alternative packed with protein and texture.
They’re versatile, perfect for enjoying with pasta sauce, tucked into sandwiches, or even prepped for a healthy and delicious bento lunchbox.
29. Buffalo Chicken Celery Boats
Ditch the boring old chips and dip! These celery boats are the best way to enjoy the classic flavours of buffalo wings in a healthier, low-carb package.
They’re called “boats” because you fill the celery stalks with a mixture of shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and crumbled blue cheese – a deliciously easy finger food that comes together in one bite!
Appetizer Ap-plause!
Alright, there you have it! From fun and easy to somewhat fancy-ish, these 29 yummy picnic appetizers are sure to wow your friends and family.
With these wonderful picnic recipes in your back pocket, you’re guaranteed to be the star of the show (or should we say, the picnic blanket?). Now go out there, bask in the sunshine, take in the fresh air, and enjoy some tasty bites with your loved ones!
But before you go, if you have any favourite picnic appetizers that we missed, be sure to share them in the comments below – we’re always on the hunt for new and yummy recipes!