Spring or summer picnic ideas. Yummy Baked Beans

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It’s starting to warm up outside. There’s no better time to gather a big blanket and basket and have a picnic. Here are a few Spring or Summer Picnic Ideas for a yummy outing with your loved ones.

summer picnic ideas

Spring or Summer Picnic Ideas – Sandwiches

For a spring or summer picnic, it’s hard to beat an easy to make ground meat sandwich, such as chicken salad or ham salad. Or even a beef salad sandwich, which I used to eat as a girl and our oldest daughter makes from venison. (I plan to share her recipe with you, soon!) Of course, you could also serve a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich–which kids always love. But I don’t think you need a recipe for that, right? Here are some of our favorites!

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Recipe for Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches
Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches
We love this chicken salad recipe. It's light and refreshing. Simply prepare your sandwiches ahead of time, making sure to butter your bread before you add the other toppings. Wrap sandwiches in waxed paper to help keep them fresh. And store all of your picnic foods in a cooler with ice.
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Featured Image - Ham Salad Tea Sandwiches
Ham Salad Tea Sandwiches
This recipe is a great way to use any leftover ham you might have after Easter. It's lovely as a light dinner or for your next tea party! 
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Recipe for Classic Chicken Salad Spread
Classic Chicken Salad Spread
We love this Classic Chicken Salad that's perfect for spring or summer lunches, picnics, or even tea parties! Serve with sliced bread or crackers.
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Recipe for Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread
Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread
I’ve always enjoyed pimento cheese on a cracker or celery, or even in little tea sandwiches. Here’s a homemade version that will put the purchased product to shame. Try some on a cracker or on a sandwich. Maybe even with a little fried bacon. Yum!
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Picnic Sides and Salads

I love a good salad or side dish to serve at a picnic or barbecue. Here are some of my favorites–many of them family recipes from my childhood. And don’t forget to pack along some carrot or celery sticks to go with the sandwiches. If inspired, you could even add a favorite dip, or a little peanut butter to the celery sticks. Yum!

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Featured Image - Recipe for Potato Salad
Potato Salad
This is a recipe I've been making since I was a girl. Be sure to keep this one in a cooler with ice until ready to serve to prevent the risk of food borne illness.
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Featured Image - Recipe for Cabbage Bacon Salad
Cabbage Bacon Salad
What is a picnic without some sort of slaw. Always refreshing and tastes great with many foods. This one is crunchy and sweet, and has the added saltiness of smoked bacon. Yum!
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Featured Image - Recipe for Yummy Baked Beans
Yummy Baked Beans
Baked beans can be served warm or cold, so this is another picnic idea that goes well with many foods. Especially with potato chips. Surely I'm not the only one who dips my chips in baked beans? Right?
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Featured Image - Deviled Eggs
Deviled Eggs
This is a perfect picnic food. Finger foods and so yummy. Be sure to keep this one in your cooler until ready to serve.
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Easy Desserts

When packing for a picnic, I like to include some sort of sweet to end the meal. Usually in the form of cookies or something easy to pick up and eat.

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Featured Image - Cherry Turnovers
Cherry Turnovers
Cherry Turnovers are one of our favorite picnic foods. When I want to make my family especially happy or surprise them, I will make some cherry turnovers for a picnic. It's a wonderful ending to a family fun meal.
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Recipe for Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookies
Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookies go over the top with loads of Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate, butter, vanilla, and chunky pecans. Soft and chewy and bakery-style big. You're going to love these cookies! And they are perfect for your next afternoon picnic!
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Featured Image - Recipe for Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies
Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies
Here’s a recipe you are sure to enjoy. It reminds me of the oatmeal cookies I used to eat as girl, and my husband devours these by the handful. This makes a lot of cookies, but you’ll be glad you made plenty, when you see how fast they disappear.
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Featured Image - Recipe for Blonde Brownies
Blonde Brownies
These Blonde Brownies have the perfect combinations. Sweet and Salty. Chewy Center and Crunchy Edges. Buttery. Chocolaty. With hints of Butterscotch. Delicious.
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A Sweet Beverage

If you’re planning a romantic picnic-for-two, you might consider taking a bottle of wine with you or a container of sangria! Or maybe a thermos of sweet tea or lemonade.

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Recipe for Red Wine Sangria
Red Wine Sangria
Sangria is summer and this Red Wine Sangria is perfect for your next summer gathering or even for a picnic for two. Dark red cherries, limes, and lemons, soaked in your favorite red wine, then splashed with ginger ale over ice.
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Recipe for Raspberry Mint Tea
Raspberry Mint Tea
This recipe for Raspberry Mint Tea is so refreshing and delicious. It’s quick and easy, too. Perfect for an afternoon with the girls or for your next ladies’ meeting. Or even a picnic!
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Featured Image - Recipe for Sparkling Raspberry Mint Lemonade
Sparkling Raspberry Mint Lemonade
My daughters and I have been enjoying this recipe for a few years now, tweaking it each time until it is now perfected! A sweet fizz of lemonade flavored with raspberries and mint. Try it and see what you think. 
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An Afternoon Tea Picnic or Romantic Picnic

Polish Pottery Tea Set

If you are planning an afternoon tea picnic, see my tea recipes below. Keep it simple and just pick one or two from each course. And use a thermos to keep your water hot. Or cold. Feel free to use tea bags and paper plates to keep things simple. But if possible, carefully pack your china cups and saucers. You’ll enjoy the tea so much more if you do!

Perhaps you’re planning a romantic picnic for two with your loved one. Grab your favorite bottle of wine and pack a few appetizers in the basket along with a blanket. And don’t forget the bottle opener! See below for 10 of my Favorite Appetizers to take on a Romantic Picnic.

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2 Comments

  1. I’ve known Deborah Vogts for several years; from right before she published her first book. So, I’ve been following her recipe journal through her blog with the intention of trying some of her homemade goodness. Many of her recipes are very similar to my own downhome favorites, but I chose to ignore comparing and just go full swing for our Memorial Day celebration except for two dishes. I made the Baby back BBQ Ribs, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Corn Chip Dip, Deviled Eggs, and Cherry Pie (I stuck to my own pie crust – so tried and true for me). Bravo, Deborah! Everything was delicious and it was fun going rogue on my own traditional recipes. I miss seeing you Deborah!

    1. Hi Carol! I am thrilled that you tried all of those recipes for your barbecue! Thank you so much for giving them a try. It is true that we all have our favorite recipes and it can be hard to try new things. I hope you found some new favorites. Thanks for spending time here and letting me know how the recipes turned out!