Topics » In The Kitchen » 16 Delicious Plant-Based Picnic Ideas
T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies

We have gathered our all-time favorite plant-based picnic ideas to inspire your outdoor dining adventures. Whether you’re planning a gathering in the park, a beach outing, or a hike in nature, these picnic ideas offer a wide range of flavors and textures to make your outdoor dining experience enjoyable and delicious. From refreshing salads to tasty wraps and delightful desserts, there’s something for everyone to savor. So, grab your blanket, gather your loved ones, and embark on a culinary adventure with these popular and healthy dishes. Whether you prefer light or more substantial and satisfying meals, you’ll find inspiration for every picnic occasion. Get ready to savor the delicious flavors, feel the goodness of nourishing ingredients, and create cherished memories in the great outdoors.

Summer Vegetable Macaroni Salad

Summer Vegetable Macaroni Salad

This delightful dish combines the comfort of creamy macaroni with the refreshing crunch of colorful vegetables. It’s a quick and easy recipe that celebrates the abundance of seasonal vegetables, offering a burst of flavors and textures perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a versatile side dish.
Strawberry Chopped Salad

Strawberry Chopped Salad

Enjoy a vibrant salad featuring fresh strawberries, mixed greens, and chickpeas. Tossed with basil, mint, and a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is fresh and fragrant. It offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and herbaceous notes.
Shaved Brussel's Sprout Salad

Shaved Brussel's Sprout Salad

We’ve got some seriously delicious salad action headed your way. With shaved Brussels sprouts, apples, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries, it balances several distinctive textures and flavors without ever feeling too busy.
Soy Curl Chicken Salad

Soy Curl Chicken Salad

Whip up this knock-your-socks-off salad featuring Soy Curls, plant-based mayonnaise, veggies, and herbs. Soy Curls have a meaty, chewy texture that will fool your most avid meat-eating friends. Serve it on a bed of greens or in a sandwich.
Gluten-Free Tabouli

Gluten-Free Tabouli

This refreshing, nutritious tabouli features cooked quinoa and various vibrant vegetables and herbs. The recipe is perfect for those following a gluten-free diet. It combines fluffy quinoa with the crunch of cucumber, the sweetness of diced tomatoes, the mild onion flavor of scallions, the refreshing taste of green pepper, and the aromatic notes of fresh mint and parsley.
Easy Eggless Potato Salad

Easy Eggless Potato Salad

This is truly the best potato salad—creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. The apples give it an extra dimension that sets it apart from other potato salads. It is the perfect side dish for barbecues and gatherings.
Barbecue Popcorn Chicken Wraps

Barbecue Popcorn Chicken Wraps

For a delicious, healthy, barbecue-inspired meal, look no further. These plant-based barbecue wraps are filled with tender, crispy pieces of popcorn chicken made from tofu. The combination of pineapple barbecue sauce, fresh vegetables, and dairy-free ranch dressing is mouthwatering.
Ranch Dressing

Ranch Dressing

This flavorful ranch dressing recipe is wholesome and easy to make. The cashews provide a creamy base while the dill, chives, and parsley give it that classic ranch flavor. It's a perfect dressing for dipping veggies, topping salads, or drizzling over sandwiches!
Black Bean Burger

Black Bean Burger

Black bean burgers are a delicious and nutritious plant-based alternative to traditional meat burgers. Elevate your picnic experience with these mouthwatering burgers made from black beans and a blend of tasty ingredients.
Carrot Dogs

Carrot Dogs

Enjoy a tasty twist on a classic hot dog with this plant-based carrot dog recipe! Marinated in a savory blend of spices and cooked to perfection, these juicy carrots are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional hot dogs. Serve them up with your favorite toppings and enjoy a guilt-free indulgence!
Hoppin' John Salad

Hoppin' John Salad

With a base of rice and beans, this Southern-inspired favorite is protein-packed, fiber-filled, and delicious. The fresh celery gives it a delightful crunch, and the parsley adds a refreshing burst of herbaceous flavor.
Rosemary Flatbread

Rosemary Flatbread

Rosemary Flatbread is a fragrant and flavorful addition to your picnic spread. Using amaranth flour and tapioca flour, it is a delicious gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions. It is the perfect accompaniment to dips and spreads, or you can enjoy it alone as a scrumptious snack during your picnic adventures.
Edamame Hummus

Edamame Hummus

Edamame makes a very smooth and delicious hummus. It’s a great alternative to the traditional chickpea recipe. It has a faint sweetness and a slightly nutty flavor that goes really well with whole wheat pita or your favorite dipping snack.
Ambrosia

Ambrosia

Ambrosia is a refreshing fruit salad originally from the South of the United States. Indulge in this dish made with fresh fruits, coconut flakes, and a hint of sweetness.
Banana Bread With Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Banana Bread With Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this moist banana bread infused with juicy cherries. It's a delightful treat for any picnic. The stunning combination of cherries and chocolate turns this healthy little plant-based snack into an incredible delight, elevating regular ol’ banana bread from good to superb. From simple, wholesome ingredients comes a delicious indulgence.
Vegan Blondies

Vegan Blondies

Indulge in rich and chewy blondies made with plant-based ingredients. They are a delightful picnic dessert—rich, fudgy, and irresistibly delicious. All you need are a few simple ingredients, and you can easily customize the recipe with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.

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