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A group of friends enjoying meals made with True Lemon at an easy summer picnic.

Easy Picnic Food Ideas for the Perfect Summer Picnic

Looking to take advantage of the warmer weather and enjoy more time outdoors? Try going out for a picnic! One of the best things about taking your meal outdoors is that you can do it pretty much anywhere you can throw a blanket down. And many parks and recreational areas also have picnic tables you can take advantage of.

Even if you can’t get away from the house, you can still picnic at home! In fact, it’s even more convenient and can break up the day-to-day monotony. Find a shady area in the yard to drop your blanket or sit out on your front porch or back patio.

If you need picnic food ideas, you’ve come to the right place. What kind of food should you take on a picnic? Easy to make, easy to carry and easy to eat. These are key factors for making your outdoor adventure a success.

So grab your blanket, a cooler and your sunscreen. Let’s go on a picnic!

An easy summer picnic spread with True Lemon lemonades and dishes.

Picnic Food Ideas

Picnic recipes should always be delicious! But it should also be easily transported and easily eaten anywhere you lay your blanket. And don’t forget – easy to prepare! Delicious, yet simple is the best recipe for success.

Get some inspiration with these yummy food ideas. Any of these recipes can also be prepared ahead of time, so there’s no need to rush the meal prep right before attempting to run out the door.

Entrees

Sandwiches make a great option for picnics because they’re easily made and easily packed. Best of all, no utensils required to eat – just use your hands! Nom nom nom.

But ditch the peanut butter and jelly for a more protein rich and nutrient filled option that’s just as delicious. Perfect picnic sandwiches can include a protein of your choice, or options like egg salad, chicken salad and tuna salad.

Savory Chicken Salad

Fresh ginger and True Lemon make this chicken salad sandwich extra flavorful and refreshing!

Dairy-Free | Diet: Gluten-Free | Diet: Keto | Savory Chicken Salad | True Lemon | True Orange |

DITK Savory Chicken Salad

Ingredients:
·       6 packets True Lemon
·       6 packets True Orange
·       2 tbsp rice vinegar
·       1 tbsp light soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
·       3 tbsp freshly grated ginger
·       12 oz skinless chicken breasts, lightly pounded
·       ¼ cup mayo (or more if desired)
·       2 celery sticks, chopped
·       1 cup grapes, sliced lengthwise
·       ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
·       ¼ cup red onion, chopped
·       ¼ cup slivered almonds
·       Black pepper
·       ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)

Directions:
1.       In a small bowl, whisk together True Lemon, True Orange, rice vinegar, soy sauce and ginger.
2.       Pour ½ cup of the mixture over the chicken breasts, reserving ¼ cup. Marinate for 1 hour.
3.       Grill chicken over medium-high heat until done, then chop coarsely.
4.       Whisk together mayo and 1 tbsp of the reserved marinade.
5.       Toss chicken with mixture, adding the remaining ingredients. Add more may if desired.
6.       Serve on a bed of fresh sliced bread with toppings as desired.

Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich

An old favorite with a new twist! Make the chicken ahead of time and assemble when you’re ready to eat. And add the special True Lemon mayo for an extra burst of flavor.

True Lemon grilled chicken sandwhich brought on an easy summer picnic.

Ingredients:
For True Lemon mayo:
·       1 egg
·       ¼ tsp paprika
·       ½ tsp dry mustard
·       ¾ cup olive oil
·       4 packets True Lemon
For sandwiches (makes 4):
·       4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
·       5 packets True Lemon
·       ½ tsp pepper
·       ½ tsp garlic powder
·       2 tsp olive oil
·       ½ cup flour
·       ½ cup water
·       4 sandwich buns

Directions:
1.       For mayo: add all ingredients except olive oil into a blender. While blending, gradually add olive oil and blend until smooth. Place into a container, cover and refrigerate.
2.       For sandwiches: mix True Lemon with pepper, flour, garlic, olive oil and water.
3.       Cover chicken with mixture. Be sure it’s evenly coated.
4.       Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes.
5.       Prep and slice any sandwich toppings you desire (tomatoes, onion, lettuce, bacon, cheese)
6.       In a non-stick pan, sear chicken breast on medium-high heat until cooked through, about 5-8 minutes on each side. Set aside to cool.
7.       Assemble sandwiches with chicken, toppings and True Lemon mayo.

Greek Pasta Salad

Simple to make and even easier to enjoy. Pack it up and take it to go!

Diet: Vegetarian | entrees | greek | pasta salad | sides |

True Lemon Greek Pasta Salad

Ingredients:For the Salad:
·       2 lbs uncooked tri-color pasta of choice
·       1 large onion, chopped
·       1 yellow or green bell pepper, chopped
·       1 medium tomato, chopped
·       ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
·       1 cup feta cheese

For Dressing:
·       1/3 cup olive oil
·       2-4 packets True Lemon
·       2 tbsp vinegar
·       ½ tsp dried oregano
·       ½ tsp salt

Directions:
1.       Cook pasta and let cool completely.
2.       Mix the dressing ingredients and set aside.
3.       Toss the pasta with veggies, parsley and feta cheese.
4.       When ready to serve, add dressing and toss.

Appetizers and Side Dishes

It’s always great to have a good addition to your sandwiches or main course of choice. Traditional sides like deviled eggs, store bought macaroni salad and potato salad are good grab and go options. But we’ve got a few options to help you switch it up, including a delicious Greek salad!

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Our version of a cowboy caviar. It’s bright, flavorful and nutrient dense. This is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Serve it with something crunch for dipping!

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Ingredients:
·       15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
·       11 oz can whole golden corn, drained (frozen also works!)
·       ½ medium tomato, chopped
·       ½ red or green pepper, chopped
·       ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
·       ¼ small red onion, chopped
·       6 packets True Lime
·       2 tablespoons olive oil
·       Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1.       Using a large bowl, mix together all ingredients.
2.       Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

True Zesty Yogurt Veggie Dip

A cool dip with fresh veggies is wonderful on a warm day. Try this heart-healthy yogurt dip for your next picnic.

True Zesty Yogurt Veggie Dip

Ingredients:
·       ½ cup plain yogurt
·       ¼ cup sour cream
·       1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
·       1 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped
·       1 tsp green onion, chopped
·       ½ tsp celery salt
·       ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
·       1 packet True Lemon
·       Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Directions:
1.       In a medium size bowl, combine yogurt, sour cream, parsley, cilantro, green onion, celery salt, cayenne pepper, True Lemon and hot sauce (if desired).
2.       Mix well, cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Zesty True Lime Guacamole

Another great option to pair with your chips or even veggies for dipping. Both flavorful and healthy, guacamole makes for a wonderful appetizer.

Zesty True Lime Guacamole

True Lime guacamole, a perfect side dish for an easy summer picnic.

Ingredients:
·       3 ripe avocados
·       3 packets True Lime
·       1 tsp salt
·       ½ cup onion, chopped
·       3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
·       2 roma tomatoes, chopped
·       1 tsp minced garlic
·       ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper
·       Dash of hot sauce

Directions:
1.       In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, True Lime packets and salt.
2.       Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes and garlic.
3.       Stir in cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
4.       Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Dessert

Come on… a proper picnic can’t happen without something sweet!

Butter Cookies

Simple and delectable cookies that everyone will love. Add some chocolate chips to make these extra delicious!

Butter | Cookies | diet:vegetarian | True Lemon |

Butter Cookies

Ingredients:
·       1 cup unsalted butter
·       ¾ cup sugar
·       1 egg
·       1 tsp vanilla extract
·       2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour, sifted
·       ½ tsp baking powder
·       2 tsp True Lemon

Directions:
1.       Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2.       Cream butter, sugar and eggs until fluffy.
3.       Add vanilla.
4.       Mix flour, baking powder and True Lemon together separately, then stir into creamed mixture.
5.       Form into cookies on an ungreased baking sheet.
6.       Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned at the edges.
7.       Remove from cookie sheet and let cool on racks.

Drinks

You’ll be outside, so you definitely want to stay hydrated. Add the flavor of lemon juice or fresh fruit to your water bottle with convenient packets of True Lemon hydration helpers.

Lavender Raspberry Lemonade

Easy to make. Easier to enjoy!

Lavender Raspberry Lemonade for an easy summer picnic.

Ingredients:
·       True Raspberry Lemonade
·       ¼ cup dried lavender
·       Lemon slices for garnish

Directions:
1.       In a pitcher, add 4-6 packets True Raspberry Lemonade and dried lavender. Refrigerate overnight.
2.      Serve over ice and enjoy!

If you plan to picnic at an area with a grill available, you can get even more creative with your meals! Try out some of our favorite outdoor barbecue recipes, too.

Amy Cimo Avatar

Written by

Amy Cimo is a Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach and Wellness Enthusiast based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After going through her own health journey, she found her passion in helping others find balance between nutrition, physical activity and mindset to live healthy and be truly happy. Amy attended Louisiana State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).