Picnic Recipe Ideas for Outdoor Fun

Picnics are almost one of the British's favourite pastimes. Imagine lying on the green grass on a sunny afternoon, enjoying delicious food and admiring the beautiful scenery. Whether planning a leisurely weekend with your family or enjoying a gourmet feast on the lawn with your lover, we have provided the perfect picnic recipe ideas.  

Follow our guide to easy picnic recipe ideas and essentials to ensure a wonderful time. We also highly recommend Jackery Portable Power Station, a portable power supply for your cooler, phone, camera, game console, and other devices.

Things to Consider When Preparing a Picnic Recipe 

From fresh salads to delicious pies to desserts, you'll find plenty to tempt you to take your picnic basket out for a picnic. However, preparing the perfect picnic recipe is complex, and you usually must consider multiple aspects before finalising it..

Weather Conditions

The weather in the UK is changeable, so you need to pay close attention to weather conditions when preparing a picnic recipe to prevent food from spoiling. For example, hot food for a picnic must be kept warm, while cold food must be refrigerated.

If the weather forecast shows sunny and warm weather, you can focus on cold and light food, such as sandwiches, salads, and fruits. If the temperature is low or there are showers, it is recommended to choose hot food that has good heat preservation performance, such as meat pies.

Ingredient Selection

Seasonal ingredients are usually produced in large quantities locally and have a short transportation distance, which allows them to retain freshness and nutritional value to the greatest extent. For example, summer seasonal ingredients in the UK include tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet corn, etc.

Portable and Easy to Carry

Portable food ensures that your picnic goes smoothly without any extra worries. Some parks also prohibit open flames and portable cold food, such as sandwiches and salads, which do not need to be heated. Just wrap them in airtight containers or plastic wrap to prevent spills.

Special Dietary Needs

Considering special dietary needs when preparing picnic recipes in the UK ensures that all participants can enjoy the dining experience. Prepare vegetarian dishes such as vegetable salads, hummus with crackers, and vegetarian sandwiches (including tofu or mushrooms). Ask participants about their allergies beforehand and avoid using common allergens like nuts and dairy products.

Guide to Picnic Recipe Ideas 

If you want a relaxing family gathering or romantic date on a sunny green lawn, please prepare a picnic recipe in advance.

Family Picnic Recipe Ideas

Today's picnic recipes are generally more suited to family gatherings, so there are more picnic recipe ideas to choose from.

The following are picnic recipe ideas that British families can refer to:

Sandwiches: Sandwiches are easy to carry, do not require secondary processing, and can be matched with ingredients according to personal taste. They can also meet the needs of adults and children. For children, sandwiches mean that they can taste their favourite food at the same time.

The following are sandwich recommendations for British family picnics:

• British tuna sandwiches

• Avocado and egg croissant sandwiches

• Smoked salmon and arugula croissant sandwiches

Sausage Rolls: You can make sausage rolls the night before the picnic, which may take only ten minutes. After making the sausage rolls, wrap them in tin foil to prevent them from being squeezed and deformed when carrying. The accompanying sauces can be divided into small bags for easy dipping.

Here are some recommended sausage rolls for a British family picnic:

• Cheese and pepper sausage rolls

• Classic pork sausage rolls

• Vegetarian sausage rolls (vegetarian meat substitutes for sausages)

Salads: A refreshing salad is the best way to offset greasy foods like sausage rolls. Salads are light and easy to carry and can be adjusted flexibly according to family members' tastes. They are also suitable for warm weather from spring to summer.

Here are some recommended salads for a British family picnic:

• Egg salad

• Orzo salad

• Chickpea salad

Desserts: Besides delicious main dishes and refreshing salads, desserts are necessary on a picnic. You can usually end a picnic with exquisite egg tarts, portable cakes, and fruit desserts. If the weather is warmer, prioritise non-melting chocolate, biscuits, or refrigerated fresh cream desserts.

Here are some recommended desserts for a British family picnic:

• Scone with jam and clotted cream

• Apple pie

• Victoria Sponge Cake

Drinks: From traditional black tea to refreshing homemade lemonade, the picnic drinks you bring need to consider the whole family's needs and the picnic atmosphere. You also need to be careful to avoid exposing alcoholic drinks to areas where children can reach them. However, the safest approach is to recommend that you do not bring alcoholic beverages. Give priority to sealed packaging or pre-cooled drinks.

Here are some recommended drinks for a British family picnic:

• Juice (orange juice, apple juice)

• Black tea

• Homemade drinks (lemonade, mint tea)

Romantic Picnic Recipe Ideas

If you are going on a picnic with someone special, plan something more romantic than your ordinary picnic. For example, bring some exquisite snacks and delicious alcoholic drinks.

The following are some picnic recipe ideas for romantic dates in the UK:

Charcuterie Platter: A charcuterie platter combines main dishes and snacks and is the best choice for a romantic date. You only need to pack and assemble your favourite foods at the picnic site. However, it is recommended to choose cooked foods that are not easily affected by temperature, such as cold cuts, hard cheeses, and pickled foods.

The following are recommended foods that appear on the charcuterie platter:

• Whole wheat bread slices

• Cold-cut ham

• Smoked salmon

• Marinated olives

• Mini tomatoes

• Nuts

• Dips and spreads

• Butter

• Cheese slices

Desserts: The British are well-known for their love of desserts. Bringing classic British desserts to a picnic can make the experience more perfect and add a sweet and romantic atmosphere.

The following are recommended desserts for a romantic picnic:

• Cupcakes

• Fruit tarts

• Chocolate brownies

Drinks: In the UK, couples can choose romantic and practical drinks such as juice, hot chocolate, and alcoholic beverages for a picnic. Bringing alcohol to a picnic can add to the romantic atmosphere. However, some places may prohibit drinking in public places such as parks.

The following are recommended alcoholic drinks for a romantic picnic:

• Sparkling wine

• Champagne

• Cider

Essential Picnic Packing List 

In the UK, picnics are an everyday outdoor activity, especially in the summer when the weather is sunny. However, picnics do not mean you only need to bring your favourite food. You also need to get the necessary picnic equipment and tools. The following list the required picnic tools and equipment suitable for the UK climate and environment.

Basic Picnic Items

The following are the basic essential items you need to bring for a picnic:

Picnic Mat: The grass in the UK is often wet, and the picnic mat with Oxford cloth or TPU coating can prevent moisture from penetrating.

Picnic Basket or Insulated Bag: The traditional picnic basket is suitable for carrying tableware and food and adds a sense of ceremony.

Tableware: Please use reusable tableware such as plates, cups and forks.

Food Containers: Prepare airtight boxes, bags, plastic wrap, or tin foil containers to prevent food from leaking.

Sun Protection Products: Please prepare sun protection products such as sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses and even small tents.

Wet Wipes and Paper Towels: They can clean hands and tableware.

Garbage Bags: Please bring multiple garbage bags to clean the garbage quickly.

Can Opener and Bottle Opener: If you bring cans or champagne, you need a can and bottle opener.

Portable Incubator: It can keep food fresh.

Portable Power Station: It can power electronic devices and portable incubators.

Comfort Upgrade Equipment

The following equipment can make your picnic more comfortable:

Folding Chairs or Cushions: They can provide additional seats and increase comfort.

Camera: You can use a camera to record the beautiful moments of the picnic.

Photo Props: Balloons, flowers, and other knick-knacks can make taking photos more interesting.

Bluetooth Speakers: While creating an atmosphere, you must focus on the volume to avoid disturbing others.

Board Games or Frisbees: You can bring entertainment products to enhance the atmosphere.

Pet Supplies: If you have a pet with you, please bring a leash, water bowl and cleaning supplies (poop bags).

Emergency Items

The following are emergency items you need to bring for a picnic:

Mosquito Repellent: Mosquito repellent spray can effectively prevent mosquito bites.

Map or Navigation Equipment: If you go to remote areas, you will need navigation equipment and maps to help you navigate.

Spare Clothing: Please bring a windproof jacket to cope with the temperature difference between morning and evening in the UK.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Picnic

Portable power stations elevate the picnic experience by revolutionising food preparation and storage, especially for those seeking more than just sandwiches and crisps.

Portable power stations enable the use of small electric appliances like blenders, portable grills, or even slow cookers right at the picnic site. This allows for fresh, hot food preparation, from smoothies to grilled delicacies, enhancing the culinary aspect of the picnic.

Electric kettles or portable coffee makers can be powered for those wanting warm drinks, ensuring everyone enjoys their favourite beverages.

Maintaining food safety is paramount, especially in warm weather. Portable power stations can power portable refrigerators or coolers, keeping perishable items like meats, dairy, and salads at safe temperatures and preventing spoilage and foodborne illnesses. So, choosing a portable power station, like Jackery Portable Power Station, is ideal for picnic food preparation and storage with high capacity, portability, versatility, and weather resistance.        

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Explorer 240 v2

The Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station is small but has a strong 256Wh capacity. At about 7.94 lbs and with a tiny foldable handle, it is more lightweight and portable than conventional models, allowing for effortless storage in your bag. It has one wall outlet, USB-A port, and USB-C port to charge up to five devices simultaneously. It makes it easy to power multiple tools quickly and efficiently. Here are some of the features that the Jackery Explorer 240 v2 have:

Quickly charge your gadgets and enjoy a longer battery life. Stay charged and linked no matter where you go. You can recharge it with SolarSaga 80W for 5 hours, a wall outlet for 2 hours, and even carport recharging for 5 hours.

Through an app, the Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station can be fully charged from 0% to 100% in one hour. It is possible with the Emergency Charging Mode. Your portable power pack will ensure you never run out of power while on the go.

It used to be an NCM battery but has been upgraded to an LFP battery. It has an impressive 3,000 life cycle and can last up to 10 years, making it a safe picnic companion.

Review from Our User:

I've been using the 240v1 for over a year during my camping trips and have been impressed with its quality and reliability. So, it was easy to purchase the latest 240v2 for extra capacity while maintaining a compact and portable design. I ensure they stay charged using 80w portable solar panels, compact enough to recharge from the car during a day trip. 

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Explorer 300 Plus is classified as an ultra-lightweight portable power supply weighing 5 kg. The compact, book-sized solar panel is designed for portability and features a foldable and lightweight structure, making it an ideal solar solution for various lifestyles.

The device features a 300W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter with a surge peak of 600W and a capacity of 288Wh. The Explorer 300 Plus can charge up to four devices simultaneously, utilising one AC, USB-A, and USB-C output, facilitating efficient charging of multiple appliances. Furthermore, it is lightweight and sufficiently compact to accommodate a rucksack, enabling easy transport.

MPPT technology guarantees a 99% solar charging efficiency. A complete wall charge requires 2 hours, while solar charging with a single SolarSaga 200W solar panel takes 4 hours. With the support of car charging, concerns regarding power outages will be alleviated.

The Explorer 300 Plus features a durable LFP (LiFePO4) battery, enhanced by a proprietary Battery Management System (BMS) that provides additional protection. The power station is engineered to withstand elevated temperatures, employing electrodeless ear lithium battery technology.

Review from Our User:

Before giving this product a stellar rating, I need to point out that I acquired it at a competitive price. The product arrived in a beautifully presented box with a high-quality carrying case. I initially purchased the Jackery Explorer 300 for general use but quickly discovered it is underrated. This product exceeds expectations with a maximum rating of 300 watts and a peak of 600 watts.       

How to Pack and Store Food for a Picnic?

After you prepare your picnic food, you need to think about how to pack and store it. The proper packaging and storage will allow you to enjoy fresh food when you arrive at the picnic site.

Here are some practical tips for packing and storing picnic food:

Use the Right Containers

Choose a lightweight picnic basket or layered storage box with handles or a fixed design to prevent it from tipping over long distances. No matter what food you pack, you can use a sealed container to prevent it from spilling or getting wet. Please choose PP5 plastic or silicone storage boxes instead of disposable tableware and heavy glass containers.

Package Food in Advance

You can package certain foods into small packages according to the number of people or meals, such as small bags of nuts and individually packaged snacks. Pack according to the number of people before departure so you can quickly arrange the food when you arrive at the picnic site without scrambling.

Pack by Category

Please store cooked and raw food in separate containers or sealed bags to avoid cross-contamination of bacteria. If there is food with soup, it needs to be sealed in a separate container. Dry food must also be sealed and kept separate from the food with soup. Condiments, dips, and additional ingredients should be stored in individual containers.

Pack in Layers

You can place pressure-resistant foods such as sandwiches and fruits at the bottom of the picnic basket. Then, place light and soft foods such as bread and cake wrapped in baking paper or cellophane in the middle of the picnic basket to avoid squeezing and deformation. Finally, place fragile items such as wine glasses on the top layer of the picnic basket and tie them with ribbons to prevent shaking.

Proper Storage Tips for Picnic Food

Proper food storage is crucial when picnicking, preventing insects and wild animals from invading and preventing bacterial growth.

• Proper Storage Location

Food on a picnic mat or folding table rather than on the ground reduces the chance of contact with ants and other reptiles.

• Clean Up the Residue Immediately

Clean the garbage immediately after eating to avoid bread crumbs and juice residues that attract insects. If the food is not finished after opening, it should be resealed or discarded to prevent bacterial growth.

Tips for Keeping Picnic Food Warm

Keeping food warm is key to keeping it delicious and safe when you're on a picnic. But how can you keep food warm for a while outdoors?

Tip 1: Use Insulated Containers

Most insulated containers contain a layer of insulating material that helps keep food warm for hours. For example, an insulated lunch box can carry hot soups, stews, etc.

Tip 2: Preheat the Container

Before putting the picnic food in, pour boiling water into the container and let it sit for a few minutes to heat it. After heating the container slightly, pour the hot water into the container and put in the picnic food. This method can reduce the temperature shock caused by putting hot food into a cold container and extending the time the food stays warm.

Tip 3: Wrap with Aluminum Foil

Because aluminium foil has good heat reflectivity, it will reflect heat to the food and slow the cooling process. To effectively keep the heat, you can tightly wrap roasted chicken, roasted meat, etc., with aluminium foil. However, the aluminium foil should completely cover the food. Otherwise, it will not work.

Tip 4: Use an Insulated Box

Portable insulated boxes have insulation functions and can keep hot and cold for a long time, which makes them very suitable for picnics. However, to enhance the effect, preheat the insulated box with hot water before keeping hot food warm and cool it with ice water for cold food. You must wrap the food with plastic wrap and put it in simultaneously to reduce heat loss. For 2-3 people, choose an insulated box of about 9L.

Picnic Recipe Ideas FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about picnic recipe ideas:

1. What are the most popular picnic foods?

According to Good Food, the most popular picnic foods today include the following:

Ultimate quiche lorraine

Egg & Cress Club sandwich

Summer allotment salad with English mustard dressing

Veggie rainbow picnic pie

Summer sausage rolls

2. Do you know what traditional picnic foods are?

The origin of picnics can be traced back to the 14th century when wealthy British people enjoyed hunting feasts. Traditional picnic foods include sandwiches, pies, Scotch eggs and sausage rolls.

3. How can insect bites and food contamination be avoided during a picnic?

Picnics are usually held in areas with lush vegetation, and while you enjoy the beautiful scenery, you are likely to attract insects. Here are some tips to keep insects away and protect your picnic food:

Stay away from wet grass

Seal food when you stop eating

Dispose of food scraps promptly

Natural items such as citrus, onions, herbs, and mint can repel insects

Use insect repellent

4. What should you do with leftover picnic food?

If picnic food is left outdoors for more than two hours and the temperature is above 30 °C, it is recommended to discard the opened food. Unopened drinks, whole fruits, etc., can be returned and refrigerated. However, if there is mould, odour, or apparent deterioration, it is recommended to discard it.

Final Thoughts

In the UK, sunny weather is enough to cheer anyone up. Then, what better way to celebrate a sunny day than to pack your favourite treats, spread out a large picnic mat and take a few hours to enjoy a picnic outdoors? Picnic food such as sandwiches, salads and delicious snacks is suitable for many occasions, but by adding a variety of creative ideas, you can enhance the picnic experience. This guide to picnic recipe ideas meets the requirements of delicious and straightforward picnic food and inspires people's creativity.