Pack up easy-to-eat beach picnic recipes, including snacks, sandwiches and pasta salads. Everything can be made in advance, will travel in your cooler and can be eaten cold or at room temp. Surf’s up!
43 Beach Picnic Recipes You Need This Summer
Updated on Jun. 27, 2024
Bomb Pop Cookies
The sound of the ice cream truck has even my husband running out to the curb with money in hand. Our neighborhood has a big potluck on the Fourth of July, so I decided to make cookies that resemble Bomb Pops. These were a big hit! —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Psst! These beach games will get all everyone in for the summer fun and adventure!
1/43
2/43
Turkey and Pasta Ranch Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy pasta salad is loaded with fresh veggies, and the classic ranch dressing makes it appealing to kids. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 256 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 383mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
3/43
Spicy Asian Ham Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
We love these sandwiches with ham, but you can use leftover cooked pork instead of the ham if desired. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 271 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 962mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
4/43
Mustard Pretzel Nuggets
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick and fun snack is similar to the mustard pretzels you can buy at the store, but you can make it for a fraction of the price. It's a killer recipe for all kinds of parties and football gatherings. —Sarah Mathews, Ava Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 204 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 411mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
5/43
Chocolate Chip, PB & Banana Sandwiches
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love finding new ways to combine peanut butter, chocolate and bananas. I was shocked when my nephews (who are very picky eaters) loved these sammies. —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 502 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 394mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
6/43
Homemade Honey Grahams
Total Time
25 min
Servings
32 crackers
From the Recipe Creator:
The way my boys eat them, I would spend a fortune on honey graham crackers at the grocery store. So I decided to make a homemade version that is less processed—and less expensive. These are wonderful, although they still don't last long. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cracker: 60 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
7/43
Beach Picnic Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
We can’t get enough of these picnic side dishes, either.
8/43
Parmesan-Ranch Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a quick, easy and delicious snack, especially for kids. No one I've made it for can have just one handful—they always come back for more, and more! So if you’re thinking about cutting the recipe in half to make less, I wouldn’t recommend it. —Tammy Landry, Saucier, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 365 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein.
9/43
Chicken Avocado Wrap
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this chicken avocado wrap while trying to figure out what to make for lunch one day. The recipe is now a favorite at my house. —Shiva Houshidari, Plano, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 329 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
10/43
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
14 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These wonderfully chewy cookies have a light lemon flavor from both the juice and zest. The sanding sugar on top adds sparkle and a bit of crunch. —Michael Vyskocil, Glen Rock, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 340 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 147mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
11/43
Avocado Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 7 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I was planning a party and thought it might be fun to try a different kind of avocado salsa. This recipe was an absolute success. Scoop it up with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak, or eat it on its own! —Susan Vandermeer, Ogden, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 82 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
12/43
Layered Picnic Loaves
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This big sandwich, inspired by one I tried at a New York deli, is a favorite with our football-watching crowd. Made ahead, it's easily carted to any gathering. Kids and adults alike say it's super. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 341 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 991mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
13/43
Peanut Butter Popcorn Bars
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a fun snack for kids, try this chewy peanut butter popcorn recipe that have a mild peanut butter taste. They're easy to mix and can be pressed into a pan to form bars, or shaped into balls. —Kathy Oswald, Wauzeka, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 90 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
14/43
Tri-Color Pasta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tackle gatherings with a bright side dish. This tri-color pasta salad with broccoli, tomatoes, olives and a hardworking dressing is one of the easiest cold pasta salad recipes you could take. —Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 149 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
15/43
Chocolate Chip Blondies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks who adore the classic cookies will enjoy that same beloved flavor in these chocolate chip bars. This blondie recipe can be mixed up in a jiffy, tastes wonderful, and is perfect for occasions when company drops by unexpectedly or you need a treat in a hurry. —Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 blondie: 102 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
16/43
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.
17/43
So-Easy Snack Mix
Total Time
5 min
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I eat this tasty treat just as much as (if not more than) the kids! Have fun with it by adding other goodies into the mix, like nuts, cereal, pretzels and more. —Jeff King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 195 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
18/43
Loaded-Up Pretzel Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Coconut, M&M’s and salty, crunchy pretzels make these loaded cookies unlike any you’ve ever tasted—or resisted. —Jackie Ruckwardt, Cottage Grove, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 295 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
19/43
Beef ‘n’ Cheese Wraps
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These make-ahead wraps are delicious, portable, and ideal for picnics and tailgates. Enjoy them whole or slice them into 1-inch pieces to serve them as an appetizer. They also make an excellent lunch on the go. —Sue Sibson, Howard, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 whole wrap: 657 calories, 35g fat (20g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 1431mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 38g protein.
20/43
Roasted Cheddar Herb Almonds
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I prepared these one Christmas for my son, who was on a low-carb diet. I was afraid he'd be disappointed because he couldn't eat holiday cookies, but these made up for it—he loved them! Save a handful to chop and sprinkle over a green salad or pasta. —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 264 calories, 23g fat (4g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
21/43
Antipasto Skewers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 66 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
22/43
Super Supper Hero
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a hearty handheld meal you can eat on the go or pack for a picnic. Serve this versatile sandwich the way the recipe's written or stuff it with the works. —Maribeth Edwards, Follansbee, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 606 calories, 27g fat (8g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 1650mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 42g protein.
23/43
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Hawaiian nuts and melty morsels make a fantastic combination in these buttery white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. —Cathy Lennon, Newport, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 127 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
24/43
Ham Pasta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I "invented" this salad as I went along...it's a combination of various pasta salad recipes I'd seen. It can be served as a side dish, of course. In summer, however, my husband doesn't care for hot meals, so I make it as a main dish.
We're recent city transplants with two young children, ages 6 and 3.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 366 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 865mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
25/43
Homemade Guacamole
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
26/43
Beach Picnic Brownies
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 344 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
27/43
Veggie Ranch Tortilla Pinwheels
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These terrific bite-size appetizers are always a hit wherever I take them. They're easy to make ahead of time, and are a great addition to other party fare! —Lori Kostecki, Wausau, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 58 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
28/43
Snack Crackers
Total Time
5 min
Servings
12 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Our 13-year-old daughter, Dana, loves to make this crunchy and flavorful snack for us. Her four older brothers finish off a batch in no time. —Sue Manel, Milladore, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 237 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 780mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
29/43
Candy Bar Brownies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The two kinds of candy bars baked into these brownies make them an extra-special treat. —Sharon Evans, Clear Lake, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 121 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
30/43
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.
31/43
Party Pretzels
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only are these a perfect mid-morning or afternoon snack at work, they're perfect for hungry kids just home from school. Plus, they make for fantastic party food! —Carrie Shaub, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 89 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
32/43
Kiddie Crunch Mix
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This no-bake snack mix is a delightful treat for kids, and you can easily increase the amount to fit your needs. Place in individual bags, or pour some into colored ice cream cones for a fun presentation. —Kara de la Vega, Santa Rosa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 266 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
33/43
Garlic Garbanzo Bean Spread
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and family always ask me to make it. I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. —Lisa Moore, North Syracuse, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 114 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
34/43
Fruity Peanut Butter Pitas
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids ask for these pita sandwiches all the time. They haven’t noticed that as good as the pitas taste, they’re good for them too.—Kim Holmes, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 324 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 lean meat.
35/43
Turkey Salad on Wheat Bread
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When one of my favorite lunch spots closed, this recipe let me hold on to more than just good memories. The peas, bacon and cheese are such a fun and springy combo. I make big batches of the salad for parties—turns out I'm not the only fan! —Merrijane Rice, Kaysville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 425 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 564mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
36/43
Granola Trail Mix
Total Time
5 min
Servings
11 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My family has always enjoyed this crunchy four-ingredient snack. When we go camping, each person includes one additional ingredient like mini marshmallows, corn chips or cookie pieces. The taste is never the same, and we're often surprised by the combinations. —Shelley Riddlespurger, Amarillo, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 331 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
37/43
Fresh Veggie Pockets
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One summer I worked at a health food store that sold sandwiches. We were close to a college campus, so I made lots of these fresh-filled pitas for the students. Crunchy with crisp vegetables and nutty sunflower kernels, they're a fast-to-fix lunch when you're on the go.
-Linda Reeves, Cloverdale, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 434 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
38/43
Bacon-Turkey Subs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On balmy fall days, this sweet and smoky sandwich is a big treat. When it gets colder, we pull out our countertop grill to make melts. Just switch to pita bread. —Rachel Bindulski, Corolla, NC
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 524 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1202mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
39/43
Chocolate Chip Bars
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
People are always surprised when I tell them these chocolate chip bars come from the microwave. Chockfull of chocolate chips, the bars are especially good served with a big glass of cold milk. —Shirley A. Glaab, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 182 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
40/43
Hummus & Veggie Wrap-Up
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a vegan wrap that was similar to this once when I stopped at a diner while on a long and arduous walk. I enjoyed it so much that I modified it to my own taste and now have it for lunch on a regular basis. Everyone at work wants to know how to make it. —Michael Steffens, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 235 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
41/43
Sprinkle Fruit Dip
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 cups dip (14 cups fruit)
From the Recipe Creator:
Making this creamy mixture especially festive are its bright candy sprinkles. An assortment of fresh fruit "dippers" adds even more goodness. —Leslie Miller, Butler, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons dip with 1/2 cup fruit: 95 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
42/43
Pizza Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe features the flavors of your favorite pie but only takes a few minutes to make—and there’s no cooking or baking required. Perfect for when you’re rushing to get kids on the bus! —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado
43/43
Best Hummus
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I’ve picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you’ll ever have. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 250 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
