Classic PB&J Sandwiches: This all-time favorite is cheap, easy to make ahead, and perfect for all ages. Choose creamy or crunchy peanut butter, different types of jelly or jam, and experiment with various breads like wheat or whole-wheat for a healthy twist.
Pasta Salad: Prepare a colorful and flavorful pasta salad using leftover cooked pasta, chopped vegetables (bell peppers, olives, broccoli), and a simple vinaigrette dressing. Add crumbled cheese or cooked chicken for extra protein.
Deviled Eggs: A classic picnic finger food, deviled eggs are easy to make and can be customized with various spices and herbs. Boil your eggs, mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and your favorite seasonings, and pipe the mixture back into the egg whites.
Cucumber Sandwiches: Refreshing and light, cucumber sandwiches are perfect for a warm day. Spread cream cheese or mayonnaise on whole-wheat bread, add thinly sliced cucumbers, and sprinkle with fresh dill or chives for an extra touch.
Fruit Salad: A healthy and vibrant addition to any picnic, fruit salad is easy to customize with your favorite seasonal fruits. Cut up melon, grapes, berries, or apples and toss them in a lemon-honey dressing to prevent browning.
No-Bake Energy Bites: These bite-sized treats are packed with healthy ingredients like rolled oats, nut butter, dried fruit, and seeds. They’re a great source of energy and can be easily made ahead for a grab-and-go snack.
Pinwheel Sandwiches: Take your regular sandwiches a step further by making pinwheels. Spread cream cheese or pesto on tortillas, layer with sliced ham, turkey, or vegetables, roll them up tightly, and chill before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Mason Jar Salads: Prepping salads in mason jars ahead of time allows for easy transport and portion control. Layer salad fixings like lettuce, chopped vegetables, and cooked protein (chicken, beans) in the jar, with the dressing at the bottom. When ready to eat, simply shake the jar to combine.
Homemade Trail Mix: Skip the store-bought trail mix and create your own healthy version. Combine nuts, seeds, dried fruit, whole-grain cereals, and even some dark chocolate chips for a delicious and satisfying snack mix.
Quesadillas: A crowd-pleasing option, quesadillas are easy to make and come in endless variations. Spread cheese (cheddar, pepper jack) on a tortilla, add cooked vegetables, beans, or leftover meats, fold it in half, and cook on a skillet until golden brown. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
These recipes are all budget-friendly, require minimal prep time, and are perfect for packing and transporting to your picnic destination. Remember to pack plates, napkins, utensils, and a cooler with ice packs to keep your food fresh and cool. Enjoy your picnic at the lake!