![Southern Living Pepper Sauce Watermelon Wedges on a blue platter to serve](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/QugnBnStGCxNRgp0Uj151Pn3FE8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27496_MkitEasy_42-water-358d697662c04587b00fe6c501a00e4b.jpg)
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
These easy and impressive picnic recipes, paired with a soft blanket and a patch of green grass, will liven up any outdoor event. Just like when hosting a tailgate, a host needs to consider portability and casual charm for picnic food ideas. Try these delicious, make-ahead recipes to minimize pre-party prep and stress and maximize praise from your picnic guests. With these simple picnic recipes, you will create the perfect memorable and portable menu.
Picnic Egg Salad
![Picnic Egg Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/cJJesWEjT3lCMOJBisF4TsnJC5c=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/picnic_egg_salad_2499901_38_0_1_0_0_0-3786aa67ab7d41018b849640f99ba57b.jpg)
It's all in the name! This simple, old-school egg salad recipe will fit perfectly on your picnic spread, whether you put it between two slices of bread or spread it on toasted baguette slices. Minced radishes help elevate this dish.
Three Pickle Potato Salad
![Southern Living Three Pickle Potato Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/yKfxWauqAvsOz7RAJMbftHUy7CI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27496_MkitEasy_DIGI_37_preview_scale_100_ppi_150_quality_100-a15c596925f44dfb9d4f4faacbfe9f93.jpg)
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Filled to the brim with pickles, this potato salad will be the star of your next picnic.
Spicy Pineapple Slaw
![Spicy Pineapple Slaw](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/8HDQT8qdS7f-CWp6eILiYGq-mVI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bbq-sides-2493901_webon_025_0_0_0_0-efdc120975784a45a28bf6c9c96943f1.jpg)
This vibrant slaw recipe will kick your picnic game way up. Total prep time is under 30 minutes, so add this recipe as your new go-to to accompany grilled meats, sandwiches, and finger foods. Before serving, whisk zest, lime and lemon juice, honey, and seasoning to coat the cabbage mixture.
Cracker Crust Tomato Pie
![Southern Living Cracker-Crust Tomato Pie in the dish to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/qefpJrqhUYsU8iExoUkdRMZUdzs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27436_LU_Tompie_0359_preview-72b7f9aa502d48db98b2374f1cf4eca7.jpg)
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Easy to transport, this is the easiest Southern tomato pie you've ever made.
Peach Hand Pies
![Southern Living Fried Peach Hand Pies on a platter to serve dusted with powdered sugar](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/j6wN8lN17kIMVPvaKBfkI1Ism80=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27277_Hand-Pies_FRIED_PEACH_HAND_PIES_277-1-62d991756b5d41ed9f3c012fd7c486a3.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Matthew Gleason; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
When peaches are in season, you must eat them every way you can. These hand pies are just right for your next picnic.
Pepper Sauce Watermelon Wedges
![Southern Living Pepper Sauce Watermelon Wedges on a blue platter to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/QugnBnStGCxNRgp0Uj151Pn3FE8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27496_MkitEasy_42-water-358d697662c04587b00fe6c501a00e4b.jpg)
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
These spicy-salty watermelon wedges take just minutes to make and will be the most-talked-about item at your next picnic.
Sweet Potato And Cabbage Slaw
![Southern Living Sweet Potato-and-Cabbage Slaw in a bowl to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/jgMyNXN76y-9Mjk_Qt3GJqG5IH8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SL_011223_00183-sweet-potato-and-cabbage-slaw-b56740c64b8848d09266edd76a2f08e2.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Grated sweet potatoes add a naturally sweet twist to this classic summer picnic side dish.
Cornbread Cookies
![Southern Living Cornbread Cookies finished and ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/hI-z5A1pPCJdVmSe4DmCxnh2kLs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cornmeal_Cookies_011-8c37ac9afe194b71989b9efa61645809.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Crumbly cornmeal cookies slathered in a honey-butter frosting? Sign us up, please!
No-Bake Granola Bars
![Raspberry Mazurkas](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Dm4V0JHwl6AbIadcH0zkidDsC0E=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RaspberryMazurkas-c607d539bcc94904a2209dd9c04424fb.jpg)
Yossy Arefi
These healthy homemade granola bars will keep everyone full throughout the day, and there are three flavor options to satisfy every family member's preferences. No-bake granola bars include rice cereal, oats, almond butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Upgrade with one of the following varieties: Tart Cherry-Pistachio, Apricot-Coconut-Cashew, or Chocolate Chip-Pecan-Sea Salt.
Tomato Sandwiches
![Tomato Tea Sandwiches](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ApTSLRdWK76bj0_WWnpAcxba8FI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tomato_tea_sandwiches_2499901_09_0_0_0_1_0_0_0-539201ca90224b28a359599e6c6b4f82.jpg)
This new spin on a classic tomato sandwich features our all-time favorite Summer Sauce. Test Kitchen professionals describe Summer Sauce as a bright, fresh, loose pesto-like sauce, ideal for any summer dish. Prepare these sandwiches a day before the picnic.
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
![Southern Living Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/hB6_rkNnnPGDHm8uQR7VvsVxfJg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/strawberry-cheesecake-cookies_batch62_beauty1-220-72c14da22f09449fad1519c0821aa24d.jpg)
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Cheesecake in a cookie form—could these be any more picnic-perfect?
Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwiches
![Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwiches](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/JwUHx7kgbfumyfaKcgSBS8aOp3Y=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2565101_qfs5w152_0-5cb052f0d6d64035a10a922c82c053c0.jpg)
This easy sandwich recipe makes the most of that rotisserie chicken you have in the fridge. This chicken salad mixture pairs well with fresh sandwich rolls and toasted baguettes, or you can even enjoy it on lettuce leaves.
Classic Pimiento Cheese
![Basic Pimiento Cheese](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/OmzGrtgsKiGJbcWCFrNy3KkOXe8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2548801_south0494_brighter_0_0_1_1_0_0_1_0_0_0_0_2_0_0-a4c27382546040caa0d153173568c3e0.jpg)
Throw a Tupperware container full of pimiento cheese and an assortment of crackers into your basket, and you're good to go. You could always make easy-to-tote sandwiches with this favorite spread, too.
Fresh Fruit Salad
![Fresh Fruit Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/0IcVlbuY91QGfaikMVNBmFK2zDk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sldigi_fruitsalad58_0_0_1_0_0_0_0_0_0_1-f8f3495aa9194dbd932fee8862d890b8.jpg)
Fresh fruit is always welcome at our picnics. Bring skewers or toothpicks for a utensil-free serving. Combine your favorite fruits with a honey and orange juice mixture.
Crunchy Pecan Pie Bites
![Crunchy Pecan Pie Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/eNKbYgbPVrd5riy3sjCR5_DaYx4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fo_4bd1acd66d43bb12_spcms-130cf13de10744f98b268e976f18d33a.jpg)
To round out your picnic with a bite of something sweet, toss a few of these easy pecan pie bites into a Mason jar. Frozen mini-phyllo pastry shells are the perfect portable container for this glazed pecan filling.
Lemonade Iced Tea
![Lemonade Iced Tea](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/CMIO8FRAz2GhOm6RhOE_F5jHm6M=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fo_2841aa544d1bfddd_spcms_4_0-b46ca82667074efaa571ab0cdd02de90.jpg)
Our riff on a classic Arnold Palmer is refreshing for hot summer days. Make this an adult-only beverage by adding bourbon or spiced dark rum. Garnish with fresh citrus slices.
Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich
![Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/66DMzYzpYFlD9TefuYhp6tklk1Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2583401_turke_7559_0_0_0_1-d31fedf96da940e189f18d244684c1ff.jpg)
Crunchy apple and nutty, creamy brie are a perfect match with sliced turkey for a sandwich that's anything but boring. Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper to help keep them fresh until you are ready to eat.
Cheddar Cheese Straws
![Southern Living Cheese Straws on a platter to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Xm13_Md-jehk3a-DvPQ1_PyTqCU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cheese_Straws_006-9da716a64a274eb8927c98edcf8bd6cc.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Cheese straws are an all-time favorite Southern snack for parties, host gifts, and any occasion that might arise because they're so easy to toss in a tin and take with you. This savory and rich snack has the perfect amount of peppery kick.
Cornbread Salad
![Southern Living Cornbread Salad in a trifle bowl ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/QIw1EFGxbPJOTkDL6oo0ng8LCBk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living-Cornbread_Salad_023-3b8774be49b14c77bc0e5cd3de65b0ce.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Remember cold, layered salads? We've never forgotten them! These vintage recipes are so easy to package and take on a picnic. Cornbread elevates this recipe, but it is adaptable based on your available ingredients.
Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad
![Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/i5TxIVPStcqX5fyayS_R7YB_kc8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cheese_puffs_with_ham_salad_2488102_219_0_1_1_0_0_1_0_0-22650ce3248f4fc3837f533d6df413bd.jpg)
This old-school recipe is delicious, nostalgic, and easy to pack and take in zip-top plastic bags for a satisfying lunch at the park. Make cheese puffs in advance and freeze them so you can prepare this recipe whenever you'd like. Pair these cheesy bites with a classic Southern Ham Salad.
Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
![Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/iIxLouZOrKrCEXMD5w9c9UjDeSQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2619901_howto_0009-2000-bd8a43d9a8b44e1187c7743b06ec70dc.jpg)
This easy bruschetta recipe makes the most of the fresh summer cherry tomatoes. Softened goat cheese spread over toasted baguette slices pairs perfectly with tomatoes, oil, and basil leaves.
Golden Corn Fritters
![corn fritters](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/D0DfO45dnq3nmgfqES_AI--NUww=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Corn_Fritters_001-ad51240a36344eeba9ec961c455a944e.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins
These crispy poppers will be long gone before the picnic is over. Creating this hearty finger food takes only 30 minutes of hands-on time.
Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise
![Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/iwvlxX_g57VMxP0aDbfMoAmx2U0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2575601_wcibm_5492_0_0_0_0_0_0-59c166f8f6584fe287c29ce06f9adc8c.jpg)
This bite-size spin on a classic BLT will become a new favorite. Choose whatever tomatoes are ripest for this recipe, but a combination of red and yellow heirloom varieties makes an exciting color combination. Prepare this dish an hour in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to eat.
Mini Muffulettas
![Mini Muffulettas](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/MH8tHChwvNpspYzgJyIqmCJ0OlM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1118101_missh004_1-c397951bbdaf40d9bee20721d3669045.jpg)
Layers of cheese, cold cuts, and pickled vegetables stuff these slider sandwiches. Make this mini muffuletta sandwich a day before your picnic to save time. After preparing, store muffulettas in a plastic freezer bag and refrigerate them overnight.
Permanent Slaw
![Permanent Slaw](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/WxOPKopsRobvvXTV_x_IPOzZtM0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2549001_summe_003_0_0_1_0_0_0-66db9199a7374459a77d319accd73ded.jpg)
Make this simple slaw recipe ahead of time so you only need to remember to pack it in your picnic basket when it's time to go. This tangy vinegar-based coleslaw combines finely shredded angel hair cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, sweet onions, and a sweet and sour apple cider vinegar dressing to make it incredibly flavorful.
Oatmeal-Caramel Cream Pies
![Southern Living Oatmeal Caramel Cream Pies one on a plate to serve with milk](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/i_-vpyRbLD_UN2fJluX3lyAFEe4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Oatmeal-Caramel-Cream-Pies-Beauty1-Audit7024_3483-bd0c4b7f3f26457c964d287a18fe8f4a.jpg)
Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This childhood favorite is perfect for carrying along on a breezy afternoon picnic. Upgrade this old-fashioned favorite with a salty-sweet caramel filling. Allow enough time to refrigerate the pies before packing them so the filling is firm.
Smoky Snack Mix
![Smoky Snack Mix](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/YiI507gPQ2zUjdXblE28MWPhpfo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2561201_tailg_00_0_0_1_0_1_0-cd8e3da8120647fcb793b55f5fd13851.jpg)
Go ahead and double this recipe because this Smoky Snack Mix will be every guest's favorite. White cheddar cheese crackers add a buttery richness to this irresistible mixture. Store leftovers—if any—in an airtight container for up to five days.
Puppy Chow Snack Mix
![Muddy Buddy Mix](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/mYjMIrMhcfmpyMYpGLCBS9bSI80=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sl_seo_muddybuddy113-2000-8839927f635b455dbfe2f250b0415768.jpg)
Whip up this addicting snack in just a few minutes. Upgrade this classic treat by combining the cocoa powder with powdered sugar for an extra chocolate-flavored coating.
Salmon Bagel Sandwiches
![Salmon Bagel Sandwiches](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/HNm8OXeLwzrxihg5mO2KFCcMNh4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2548401_SlowC_164_0_0_0_0_0_0_1-50c62f41042047d8b0ecab8cda6b80e9.jpg)
Use your slow cooker to help make the bright, tender salmon that is the star of this recipe. Season the cream cheese with chives, radishes, dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice before adding it to the everything bagel.
Fire Crackers
![Southern LIving Fire Crackers in a bowl to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/vNEllmPol3iZwYiLtb2dV3VBT7M=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Firecrackers_Beauty2-Audit7024_3536-57c073aefa2f4034bc4657310092c2bf.jpg)
Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This Southern favorite starts with a sleeve of saltines from the pantry. The best part about this recipe is that baking is optional. Use a Ziploc bag filled with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ranch dressing mix, red pepper flakes, and olive oil, and let it sit overnight.
Bacon-Ranch Pasta Salad
![Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-m21s8YNofo-w2yHvjNdpYC5TDE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Bacon-Ranch-Pasta-Salad-2000-9bb58cc49a834a338c6bd88e9293728d.jpg)
Bacon and ranch are a match made in side-dish heaven. Choose a pasta, like cavatappi or elbow pasta, to help the mixture cling to every curve. Fresh herbs, sliced cherry tomatoes, and shredded Parmesan cheese complete this flavor-filled dish.
Greek Grilled Chicken Pita
![Greek Grilled Chicken Pita](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Il_lYSMG9Zxzarbs9LLjzT5Nt7o=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2636801_qfsch_0256-2000-11fb5e9c54af45e0a6071896a3236286.jpg)
This easy and fresh pita recipe makes your picnic lunch more fun than usual turkey sandwiches. Marinate the chicken overnight in olive oil, garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper. After grilling the chicken, top it with a drizzle of lemon juice and fill a pita pocket with tzatziki, lettuce, tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
Chicken and Fontina Panini
![Chicken and Fontina Panini](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/O0qs1Qs8GHTbW3QqP-ciPr9oB7Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/chicken-fontina-panini-2463601-07-61ef25a9ce8342a994f8bf9f34a03aa1.jpg)
This simple but tasty sandwich makes the most of store-bought pesto and rotisserie chicken. Assemble this dish in 10 minutes with only a handful of ingredients. In addition to the pesto and chicken, add sliced tomatoes and fontina cheese to crispy ciabatta bread.
Ranch Oyster Crackers
![Southern Living Ranch Snacker Crackers in a bowl to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/9CRYs4ToAiKtLIjFteiXyCUXmjQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living-Ranch_Snacker_Crackers_009-4e1193febc7b4f0dbb9e4a4ca0afdf2d.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If you can't get enough ranch dressing, this simple snack will be your new favorite. These oyster crackers are delicious as a snack, or you can add them to your favorite salad or soup.
Crispy Cheese Wafers
![Crispy Cheese Wafers](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Z639f3pzAOvdn4-FlvvmgFJPnxU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/crispy-cheese-wafers-x_0_0-ce798dd1805c415ab2ca66113b592de3.jpg)
Make your picnic a snack lunch featuring these homemade cheese crackers. These crackers are extra crunchy because of the rice cereal. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Southern-Style Potato Salad
![_Southern-Style Potato Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/4Fg7A6zm7OG6ejMB2cMWwFdH29A=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Screen20Shot202018-05-0120at2010.25.5520AM_0_0_0-c040857fc7c94ef0965189f879deae4e.png)
This Southern classic is always a welcome sight at a picnic. Assemble this recipe with sour cream, bacon, sweet pickle relish, and mayonnaise for this fan-favorite side dish. Achieve the perfect texture by cooling the potatoes entirely before adding them to the mayo mixture. Customize this dish with extra mustard, shallots, grape tomatoes, or other preferred ingredients.
Sweet and Salty Snack Mix
![Sweet-and-Salty Snack Mix](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/fD0piEqoBnH5OYzPpA6OmuUrXBA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2597701_fall_1672_0-1-288a5c6e84e2489cbfd5e9ab1e925890.jpg)
Your family will beg you to make this snack mix all the time. The sweet and salty flavors make this a snack everyone will enjoy. Store in an airtight container until the picnic.
Bacon Bites
![Bacon Bites](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/rm3CPur2p0NlBoliWXii3bLOiqQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living-bacon-bites-molly-bolton-beauty-horizontal-02-7d8335ae9f434b24a5034aa0fb8f5381.jpg)
Molly Bolton / Southern Living
You can't stop returning for more once you try this three-ingredient snack. Wrap the brown sugar-glazed bacon around a breadstick for a unique portable treat.
Cucumber Sandwiches
![Southern Living Cucumber Tea Sandwiches on a serving platter with a small plate of sandwiches beside](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/OxYTR6rSi4hwsPAG-oFXFOvtKuc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living-Cucumber_Sandwiches_016-2a080ab7db764173894e93ac8bc71ce7.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Cucumber sandwiches are classic tea-time finger food. Picnics can enjoy the same casual elegance with this recipe on the menu. Customize sandwiches with homemade mayo, pimiento cheese, and minced chicken.
Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham
![macaroni salad with ham](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/IhmbWriJky66F_6jHXQ0YfHdyQA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Classic-Macaroni-Salad-with-Ham_Audit7666_beauty-16-2639cbd540b44c54924796c01939ad58.jpg)
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey
This make-ahead dish is reminiscent of our grandparents' cold, layered pasta salads. Make things simpler by doing the prep work in advance and storing the ingredients in an airtight container until you are ready to assemble.
Turkey Salad
![Turkey Salad - Southern Living](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/_JxEwgTg2ROt33VnYzfg8_Z3tZc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Turkey_Salad_006-dd752c869f854e3a865249edfd1a9df5.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Whether you make the classic version or try one of our twists—Golden Curry Turkey Salad, Pickle-and-Dill Turkey Salad, or Fruit-and-Nut Turkey Salad—a turkey sandwich will always be a favorite. Assemble this dish in 10 minutes.
Fried Chicken Sliders with Pimiento Cheese
![Southern Living Fried Chicken Sandwich with potato chips and tea](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/CSVSBmp8wF8KBq78jpGShI9DSnY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Fried-Chicken-Sandwich70_3x4-169bc7c0a63f4009a5619c639457c907.jpg)
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Fried chicken is a Southern picnic staple—tuck it into a bun with plenty of lettuce and pickles to make it easier to eat outdoors.
Quick-Pickle Cucumbers And Onions
![Southern Living Quick Pickle Cucumber and Onions in a jar](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/wE-hmetkqc3sP2qCPJg_Vcjwvlc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living-113_Quick-Pickle-Cucumbers-and-Onion-3245-7740d045eee94eee98ac589cc864dfd5.jpg)
Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
On a hot summer day, few things are better than quick pickles. In just over an hour, you have a portable snack that can be enjoyed in an endless amount of ways. We can't resist taking a few out of the jar.
Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies
![Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/UBtWNQ53okJIGPB-BKqJZ1r6-dI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Peanut_butter_cornflake_cookies_068-4x3-1-f7f090cbdc82486fb8be75ea6a0190dc.jpg)
For those days when turning on the oven is the last thing we want to do, we turn to these easy cookies. As luck would have it, the four ingredients are pantry staples, which makes this recipe even easier to take on.
Shrimp Salad
![Southern Living Shrimp Salad on a platter to serve with a glass of beer and lemon wedges](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/jtRzLjQDMgQBwfCiWVGRLH1QlU4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living-Lemony_Shrimp_Salad_010-077dff98611349008fad97d6be78e069.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Succulent shrimp salad is a Southern dish that's hard to turn down. If company's coming over and you have 20 minutes to spare, this recipe will impress your crowd.
Strawberry Cookies
![Southern Living Strawberry Cookies on a plate ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/eFt73Rgdundqbtj0zRFVhQKcc0A=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern_Living_Strawberry_Cookies_SEO49-beauty-4-a726c1219bbd458bbc92555e2099da7a.jpg)
Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
Picnics aren't for fussy desserts with tricky icing or melting fillings, instead we opt for simple: like these strawberry-studded cookies. Full of bright spring flavor, including a pop of citrus zest, these stand-out treats are sure to disappear.
Cheesecake Fruit Salad
![Southern Living Cheesecake Fruit Salad in a bowl to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/5VE-k5Gb1faNUAN4fU8nFi_YX9Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living-Cheesecake_Fruit_Salad_005-a8903364d8424303b6235a4e6c7a6572.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
A refreshing spin on a picnic staple, we love this simple and delicious Cheesecake Fruit Salad. Work ahead and cut the fruit the day before and then toss with the cheesecake filling when you're ready.
Cherry-Lime Hand Pies
![Southern Living Cherry-Lime Hand Pies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/SZYUJoMC7w_ZbvEdS51rEBEvEEU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27277_Hand-Pies_CHERRY_HAND_PIES_147-1-d45bd145640944439b751910bf21acbf.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Matthew Gleason; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
With a flavor nod to our favorite drive-in drink, these cherry-lime hand pies simply scream summer.
Cheese Lover's Snack Mix
![Southern Living Cheese Loverâs Snack Mix in a bowl to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/bQlH99Eiz0K_Q1raK1C7DRWjmyI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SouthernLiving27404_Snack_Road_Trip_185-cheese-lovers-snack-mix-2ab9fe120f19411498de209d068bd113.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Every picnic needs a cheesy, salty treat, and this cracker-packed snack mix is just the ticket.
Peanut Butter Cookies
![Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/gwK13ytvHu3ziURAII7YlJX0bIs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-Easy-Peanut-Butter-Cookies-05-f93b55d40b21472c982e4369c4e53356.jpg)
Hannah Zimmerman / Southern Living
It's hard to get any more classic that peanut butter cookies. With nothing to melt, they're the perfect picnic dessert.