No beach picnic is complete without a delicious meal. But a good spread doesn’t need to be elaborate. In fact, finger foods and portable snacks like this berry-speckled salad or Caprese skewers are ideal because they don’t require utensils.
Cold noodle salads and flavorful slaws also travel well. Plus, many of these picnic recipes are vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
1. Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
With the right snacks, drinks and beach-friendly ingredients, you can enjoy a relaxing and delicious meal while you’re at the beach. Whether you opt for a grilled sandwich, an easy pasta salad or bite-size Caprese skewers drizzled with balsamic glaze, these refreshing, light and portable recipes are perfect for beach picnics.
Picnic foods should be prepared ahead of time so that they’re ready to go when you’re at the beach. For maximum convenience, choose meals that can be served at room temperature or easily reheated on a plate or in a cooler. This way, you can focus on setting up your blanket and enjoying the sun, sand and sea while you’re at the beach.
These easy-to-assemble lettuce wraps are the ideal lunch for a summer beach picnic. Tuck marinated grilled shrimp, cilantro and quick pickled veggies into buttery lettuce leaves to make these flavorful sandwiches that come together in no time at all.
The addition of grilling brings out a subtle smokiness that complements the flavors in these tasty lettuce wraps, making them a great alternative to classic sandwiches or burgers. While we suggest using a simple, classic marinade for the shrimp in this recipe, feel free to experiment with different sauces or dressings as well. We like the idea of pairing grilled shrimp with a brightly flavored Mediterranean sauce such as creamy tzatziki, Toum (garlic sauce) or a simple romesco.
Buttery lettuce leaves, such as Boston bibb or Romaine, work best for these easy-to-assemble wraps because they’re sturdy enough to hold the ingredients without breaking when you bend and fold them. However, you can also use other pliable leafy greens for these lettuce wraps. Just make sure to remove the stem ends before serving.
To assemble the wraps, spread a generous tablespoon of mayonnaise mixture on top of each lettuce leaf. Top with the shrimp, slaw, cilantro and dill pickles, and roll up. If desired, garnish each sandwich with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.
2. Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad
A trip to the beach can be more than just a time for relaxation, more specially if it is in Costa Rica or Chile. It can also be a time to enjoy delicious food with friends and family. Sandwiches are always a staple at picnics, but you can make your beach spread more interesting by adding pasta salads and even kale chips to the mix.
The trick to packing a perfect picnic is to do most of the prep work at home, and then pack it all in tupperware. This will keep your food from getting crushed and makes it easier to lay out on a blanket. For drinks, insulated bottles are a good idea because they will help your beverages stay cold longer.
This vegan pesto pasta salad is a great option for vegetarians and vegans alike, and it can be made ahead of time to save time. The pasta noodles are coated in herby goodness, and the fresh basil and tomatoes add a nice crunch. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover summer vegetables you have on hand.
A grilled chicken salad with diced dill pickles and a shallot is another great option for a picnic. This one is easy to make and can be made the night before, which means that you don’t have to worry about cooking while enjoying your day on the beach.
3. Fruit Skewers
Fruit skewers are the sweet, fruity version of shish kabobs. They are easy to make and fun to eat. They can be made with many types of fruits, so they are always a great picnic option. You can find pre-made fruit kabobs at most large supermarkets that offer party appetizer platters or you can make them yourself for a quick and easy snack or dessert. They also make a fun, healthy alternative to sweeter treats such as cupcakes or cookies.
To make fruit skewers, wash all of your chosen fruits and cut or cube into bite-size pieces. Then, thread the fruit onto a wooden skewer in rainbow order and serve on a platter. You can make these skewers the night before or even a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. They are a fun and refreshing way to enjoy fresh fruit on a summer day.
The best fruits for fruit kabobs are strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, kiwis, red grapes and blackberries. Make sure to choose berries that are firm and colorful, as well as juicy. Try to use organic berries when available. Then, you can be sure they haven’t been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals that may have adverse health effects. Bananas are also an excellent choice for fruit kebobs, but be aware that they can brown quickly.
For a delicious and colorful dip to serve with the fruit skewers, whip up a simple fruit dip using your favorite yogurt. You could even add a little melted chocolate to the dip for an extra-special treat. If you want your fruit skewers to look especially pretty, you can “book end” the skewers with a small piece of melon or lettuce.
Fruit skewers are easy to assemble and make for a fun DIY beach picnic. They are easy to carry, require no utensils and are a great snack or dessert. These skewers are also a great food for kids to help with because they can thread the fruit themselves. They will also be more likely to eat the fruits they help make!
4. Hummus and Sun-Dried Tomato Pinwheels
If you’re planning a picnic, make sure to pack plenty of snacks that are easy to eat on the go. This hummus and sun-dried tomato pinwheels recipe is quick, easy and delicious. It’s dairy-free for vegan picnic guests and the roll shape makes it easy to pick up with your hands. It’s also a great alternative to other more fatty appetizers that aren’t ideal for beach picnics.
It’s no secret that a day in the sun can lead to dehydration, so you’ll want to offer refreshing drinks like fruit infused water and tropical punch. If your beach has a no-alcohol policy then opt for some fun mocktails instead, like this strawberry limeade mocktail.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s easy to make ahead of time and then keep refrigerated until your picnic. Simply mix the ingredients together, cover and leave in the fridge until ready to serve. This makes it a perfect lunch or party appetizer for a summer picnic. It’s full of flavor thanks to a combination of fresh basil, tomatoes, lemon juice and chopped dill pickles, which add both a kick and tangy flavor. You can substitute the dill for any other herbs that you have on hand.
It’s easy to get caught up in the TikTok craze and want to create fancy food presentations for your next picnic, but remember that a simple spread is just as satisfying. Plus, you’ll want to avoid bringing foods that will spoil quickly in the heat of the sun. Save the fancy charcuterie boards for a cooler setting, like in a restaurant or on an indoor patio.
