Dig in to our best picnic food ideas for all those summer concerts in the park, lazy weekend picnics and fun in the sun at the beach!
40 Picnic Recipes for Two
1/40
Greek Brown and Wild Rice Bowls
Total Time
12 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fresh rice dish tastes like the Mediterranean in a bowl! It is short on ingredients but packs in so much flavor. For a hand-held version, leave out the rice and tuck the rest of the ingredients into a pita pocket. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 433 calories, 25g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 1355mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
2/40
Spicy Peanut Butter and Pork Sandwich
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
A little spicy, a little sweet, with just a hint of curry, this flavor combo is something you just have to try. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 215 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
3/40
Deli Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 lettuce wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to make these during my training days when I worked at a restaurant in Hawaii. They're low fat, low carb, high protein, quick and delicious—a great choice before or after a workout. —Duncan Omarzu, Astoria, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3 lettuce wraps: 270 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 799mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
4/40
Mixed Fruit Shortcakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delightful downsized recipe makes just two biscuitlike shortcakes. Fill them with fresh fruit of your choice and top with whipped cream for an impressive dinner finale. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 shortcake: 329 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
5/40
Buffalo Sloppy Joes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty splash of hot sauce and optional blue cheese provide an authentic Buffalo-style flavor. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 279 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch.
6/40
Watermelon-Blueberry Salad
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People love the unique combination of flavors in the dressing that tops the fresh fruit in this salad. It's so refreshing on a hot summer evening. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 78 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
7/40
Easy Macaroni Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
34 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty pasta salad is sure to please appetites of all ages—and it serves a lot of folks! —LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 380 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
8/40
Crab-Stuffed Avocados
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy having this creamy and crunchy salad out on our deck on summer evenings. And it goes together in minutes flat! —Gail VanGundy, Parker, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 stuffed avocado: 326 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein.
9/40
Hasselback Tomato Clubs
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This no-fuss, no-bread riff on a classic is perfect during tomato season. Make it for lunch or pair it with pasta salad for a light dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed tomatoes: 272 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
10/40
Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 491 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein.
11/40
Peach Cobbler for Two
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone notices a special taste in this cobbler. It's orange zest, which enhances the color and gives this traditional dessert a delicious distinction. Cobblers usually are scaled to feed a crowd, so it's convenient to have a recipe that makes just enough for two.
— Betty Clark, Mount Vernon, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 402 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 334mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
12/40
Classic Egg Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Egg salad is a refreshing, tasty change from lunchmeat or peanut butter sandwiches. The touch of mustard and lemon juice gives it extra zip. —Annemarie Pietila, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 332 calories, 24g fat (5g saturated fat), 281mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
13/40
Chocolate Mousse
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend shared this rich, velvety mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it's easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 366 calories, 30g fat (18g saturated fat), 160mg cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
14/40
Cod Tacos
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These bright tacos take me on an instant trip to sunny Southern California. The recipe has been on my family's most requested list for years. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 506 calories, 38g fat (8g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 852mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
15/40
Thai-Inspired Roast Beef Sandwich
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Thai food, but I wanted to see how its flavors would translate in a plain ol' peanut butter sandwich. The result is anything but plain—it's just darn delicious. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 239 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
16/40
Rustic Fruit Tart
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love pie, but we can't eat a whole 9-inch pie by ourselves. So I make these easy tarts using rhubarb and raspberries picked at home. Sometimes I substitute apples, peaches or our garden blueberries for the rhubarb. —Naomi Olson Hamilton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 tart: 852 calories, 30g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 141g carbohydrate (77g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein.
17/40
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling veggies for a side dish. I serve this grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal. —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
5 pieces: 120 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
18/40
Sesame Almond Slaw
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crunchy veggies and noodles are coated in a tangy dressing in this pleasant slaw. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 187 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
19/40
Turkey Guacamole Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tuck smoked turkey and a creamy avocado spread into tortilla wraps and add a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 506 calories, 27g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 1045mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 20g protein.
20/40
Steak and Fries Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a very popular dish at restaurants in central Pennsylvania. Prepared sweet-and-sour dressing is good on this salad, too. —Nancy Collins, Clearfield, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 513 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
21/40
Tuna Wrap
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with protein-rich tuna and fresh, crunchy veggies, these colorful wraps have sensational flavor—and they're good for you too. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
22/40
Pork Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make an easy-going meal in a bowl by tossing together healthful veggies, pork tenderloin, fresh herbs and spices with a warm soy dressing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 229 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
23/40
Strawberry Rhubarb Cream
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this recipe a long time ago. It’s rich and creamy yet refreshing. I make this often in early summer when rhubarb is readily available. —Norma DesRoches, Warwick, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 217 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
24/40
Ramen-Veggie Chicken Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Like a salad with plenty of crunch? Then this refreshing recipe is sure to please. Toasted ramen noodles, almonds and sesame seeds provide the crunchy topping. The chicken makes it a main dish. —Linda Gearhart, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 865 calories, 53g fat (11g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein.
25/40
Spinach Fruit Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of sweet fruit and salty feta cheese makes this salad a winner. —Virginia Dack, Asheville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 235 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
26/40
Peanut Butter S’Mores Sandwich
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Favorite flavors from s'mores come together in this tasty peanut butter sandwich—no campfire required. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 249 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
27/40
Tropical BBQ Chicken
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here is my favorite slow-cooker recipe. The delicious, slightly spicy sauce will win you over, too! —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 301 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
28/40
Penne with Veggies and Black Beans
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chock-full of zucchini, tomatoes, sweet pepper and carrots, this hearty pasta dish puts your garden harvest to good use. For variety, I sometimes add one-half cup of salsa or one-half cup of thickened teriyaki sauce. —Vickie Spoerle, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 300 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
29/40
Garden Chickpea Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 492 calories, 38g fat (6g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein.
30/40
Ground Beef Taco Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In spring we look for something light and refreshing on the menu after the heavier comfort food of winter; this salad is a great solution. —Muriel Bertrand, Shoreview, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 469 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 1007mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
31/40
Curry Chicken and Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It's a one-pan meal that's become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 300 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
32/40
Hearty Asian Lettuce Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This meatless version of your favorite restaurant salad packs 13 grams of protein per serving and is bursting with juicy flavor. It's a brilliant choice for lunch or a busy-day dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 salad: 329 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
33/40
Lemon Cream Delight
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Indulging in this creamy dessert is like eating cheesecake out of a bowl. Light and luscious, it's a pleasing finish to any meal. —Inge Schermerhorn, Kingston, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 260 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
34/40
Chicken & Onion Caesar Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Caesar with grilled chicken is a healthier alternative to heavy meat and potatoes dishes. After grilling the kabobs, we serve them family style. —Melissa Adams, Tooele, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 441 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
35/40
Shrimp Panzanella Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These days, I’m only cooking for two. After working in the garden, I can dash indoors and have this shrimp and
bread salad on the table pronto. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 306 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
36/40
Cucumber Salad Boats
Total Time
10 min
From the Recipe Creator:
Scoop out the seeds and fill fresh cucumbers with your favorite salad for a crunchy and refreshing light lunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
37/40
Grilled Caprese Quesadillas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a quick and easy summer lunch that makes great use of garden-grown tomatoes. Feel free to make your quesadillas heartier by adding grilled chicken. —Amy Mongiovi, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla: 535 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 25g protein.
38/40
Cheesecake Berry Parfaits
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 parfaits
From the Recipe Creator:
The summer berry season is a real treat. This is an easy way to enjoy berries with cheesecake, which is a refreshing change from traditional pudding and fruit parfaits. —Patricia Schroedl, Jefferson, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 146 calories, 4g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
39/40
Loaded Avocado BLT
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband invented this twist on a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. I like to make it with extra slices of bacon; if you want, you can leave the Gorgonzola cheese out of the avocado spread. —Lori Grant, Kingsport, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 420 calories, 29g fat (7g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 921mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
40/40
Cobb Salad Sub
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead. —Kimberly Grusendorf, Medina, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 233 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 982mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
