Summer may be coming to an end with Labor Day right around the corner. However, it’s never too late to enjoy that last picnic of the season. Whether you’ll be at home or in a park, here are 40 best picnic recipes for Labor Day. And many of them include no utensils necessary.
3-Ingredient Minty Pea Dip by Jessica Fishman Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN, founder of Nutritioulicious
(Photo by Jessica)
This bright and refreshing dip is quick & easy to make. Fabulous for a picnic adventure.
4-Layer Veggie Dip by Dr. Jenn Bowers, PhD, RDN, founder of Dr. Jenn Bowers Nutrition
(Photo by Jenn)
For a healthy, scrumptious, veggie-packed twist on the 7-layer dip, this is a must-try for your picnic.
Spinach Dip in a Bread Bowl by Me, Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN
(Photo by Me)
This is a fat free dip full of protein because it uses Greek yogurt instead of the regular sour cream. A perfect favorite at all picnics.
Roasted Carrot & Ranch Hummus by Jenna Braddock, RDN, founder of Make Health Easy
(Photo by Jenna)
Did someone just say carrots & ranch within the hummus? Check out this incredible twist on the classic hummus dip.
Green Salsa Verde by Amanda Hernandez, MA, RDN, founder of The Nutritionist Reviews
(Photo by Amanda)
Looking for a quick salsa made in less than 15 minutes? This green salsa verde is your answer. Use it as a salsa or as a sauce.
Watermelon & Lemon Mint Ricotta Stacks by Jessica Fishman Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN, founder of Nutritioulicious
(Photo by Jessica)
Creamy and zesty lemon mint ricotta is sandwiched between stacks of watermelon flowers for a festive, nutritious, and delicious summer appetizer. So beautiful.
BLT Skewers by Holley Grainger, MS, RD, founder of Holley Grainger, MS, RD
(Photo by Holley)
Perfect for a picnic, the BLT on a stick will be a hit at the party for all finger food and bacon lovers.
Lentil Feta Bruschetta by E.A. Stewart, MBA, RDN, founder of The Spicy RD Nutrition
(Photo by E.A.)
This is a go-to recipe for any picnic and E.A. Stewart included 3 delicious ways to enjoy this 3 ingredient dish.
Cantaloupe & Feta Bruschetta by Kara Golis, RDN, founder of Byte Sized Nutrition
(Photo by Kara)
Get ready for a cantaloupe appetizer that’s going to wow your taste buds. It’s all on one delicate slice of toast.
Bell Pepper and Egg Salad Stuffed Celery by Tammy Lakatos Shames & Lyssie Lakatos, RDNs, founders of The Nutrition Twins
(Photo by The Nutrition Twins)
A wonderful finger food appetizer for a party or picnic. Using Greek yogurt, this dish is fat free, protein-packed, and divine.
Asian Sprout and Cabbage Slaw by Dr. Jenn Bowers, PhD, RDN, founder of Dr. Jenn Bowers Nutrition
(Photo by Jenn)
Ditch the mayonnaise-heavy slaw and try this tangy rice vinegar-based slaw instead. Mmmmmmm.
Classic Broccoli Raisin Salad by Regan Jones, RD, co-founder of Healthy Aperture
(Photo by Regan)
This is a classic dish for any picnic and it will be well-received by the attendees. Adding the Greek yogurt to the salad provides more protein than just using pure mayonnaise.
Stone Fruit Panzanella Salad by Kaleigh McMordie, soon-to-be RDN, founder of Lively Table
(Photo by Kaleigh)
Panzanella salads include toasted bread, tomatoes, herbs, and other delicious ingredients. This salad also has seasonal stone fruit. Perfect to close out the summer months.
Roasted Summer Vegetables Panzanella by Karman Meyer, RDN, founder of Nutrition Adventures
(Photo by Karman)
Here is the vegetable version of the panzanella salad. Get ready for more awesomeness.
Lunchbox Chickpea Salad by Dixya Bhattarai, RDN, founder of Food, Pleasure, and Health
(Photo by Dixya)
This salad is not only gluten-free and vegan, but it is absolutely delicious and a fabulous summer picnic recipe.
Provencal Bean Salad by Sharon Palmer, RDN, founder of The Plant-Powered Dietitian
(Photo by Sharon)
Based on the classic 3-bean salad, this version will give you the flavors of Provence in every bite.
Crisp Lentil Salad by Elizabeth Shaw, RDN, founder of Shaw’s Simple Swaps
(Photo by Elizabeth)
For a perfect meal on the fly, whip up this delish crisp lentil salad packed with protein.
Grilled Strawberry and Asparagus Freekeh Salad by Robin Plotkin, RDN, LDN, founder of Robin Plotkin the Every-Dietitian
(Photo by Robin)
For both a savory and sweet mix, this salad will rock your world. Get your groove on with this vitamin C-rich dish.
Farro Salad with Summer Vegetables by Erica Julson, RDN, founder of Erica Julson
(Photo by Erica)
Relish this nutty-tasting, grain-based side dish at your next picnic. It also has every color of the rainbow from veggies. Cheers to your health.
Wild Rice Kale Salad by Liz Weiss, RDN, co-founder of Meal Makeover Moms
(Photo by Liz)
When it comes to savory and hearty, this wild rice kale salad is a winner for any picnic.
Quinoa Tabbouleh by Katie Cavuto, MS, RDN, founder of Healthy Bites with Nourish. Breathe. Thrive.
(Photo by Katie)
This salad is definitely a crowd pleaser. And it has protein from both the quinoa and chickpeas.
Mango Lime Quinoa Salad by Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN, founder of Bucket List Tummy
(Photo by Sarah)
For a gluten-free, vegan-friendly salad, this is a flavorful hit at picnics.
Rainbow Chicken Quinoa Salad by Emily Kyle, MS, RDN, founder of Emily Kyle Nutrition
(Photo by Emily)
Double your protein with this salad from both the protein in the chicken and the quinoa. While you’re at it, you’ll taste the rainbow of flavor from both fruits and veggies, too.
Caprese Potato Salad by Jenny Shea Rawn, MS, MPH, RDN, founder of My Cape Cod Kitchen
(Photo by Jenny)
For a fresh, light, mayo-free potato salad that combines potatoes, basil, tomatoes, and cheese. You’ll love this picnic salad.
Salad in a Jar by Nazima Qureshi, MPH, RDN, founder of Nutrition by Nazima
(Photo by Nazima)
Pre-make these salads in a jar and bring them to your next picnic so everyone has an individual serving. Genius!
Orzo Salad with Mint & Lemon Vinaigrette by Ashley Munro, RDN, CDE, founder of A Pinch of Grace
(Photo by Ashley)
Enjoy the delicate flavors of the Mediterranean in this phenomenal pasta salad.
Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad by Kelly Sloan, current dietetic intern, founder of Kelly’s Knack for Cooking
(Photo by Kelly)
For a simple, crowd-pleasing pasta salad, this side dish is enticing and classic.
Roasted Chicken and Grapes Pasta Salad by Ann Dunaway Teh, MS, RD, LD, co-founder of My Menu Pal
(Photo by Ann)
For a complete meal in one, this protein-rich pasta salad is simple, easy, tasty, and fast.
Tropical Peach & Macadamia Nut Zoodles by Jessica Spiro, RD, founder of Jessica Spiro, RD Nutrition
(Photo by Jessica)
Using a spiralizer, you turn your normal zucchini into “pasta” noodles to make this salad extra fun.
Curried Chicken Salad by Melanie Flinn, MS, RDN, founder of Nutritious Eats
(Photo by Melanie)
By adding Greek yogurt to the salad, you cut down on the amount of mayonnaise used in the salad, making it lighter without losing the flavor.
Grilled Veggie Pizza by Jenna Braddock, RDN, founder of Make Health Easy
(Photo by Jenna)
For all the pizza lovers out there, here’s an amazing summer veggie pizza to bring to any picnic or party.
Grilled Hemp Pesto Peach Flatbread by Kara Lydon, RD, founder of the Foodie Dietitian
(Photo by Kara)
Flatbread, grilled peaches, and hemp pesto. Life doesn’t get much better than this. Yum!
Five Bean Baked Chili by Me, Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN
(Photo by Me)
One of my all-time favorite recipes for any party or picnic. It’s hearty chili at its finest (and there’s bacon involved)!
Sorghum, Chicken and Veggie Lettuce Wraps by Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, founder of Nutrition Starring YOU
(Photo by Lauren)
For a protein and fiber-filled, picnic-perfect lunch, savor these lettuce wraps tossed with a pumpkin Dijon vinaigrette.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches by Jamila Rene, MS, RDN, founder of No Nonsense Nutritionist
(Photo by Jamila)
Enjoy these amazing BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches at your next picnic. Perfect finger food for everyone.
Spicy Hummus Black Bean Veggie Burger by Kara Lydon, RD, founder of the Foodie Dietitian
(Photo by Kara)
These burgers are easy to make and packed with flavor and veggie-based protein. Get your grill on at your next picnic.
Taco Tuna Quinoa Sliders by Kelli Shallal, MPH, RDN, founder of Hungry Hobby
(Photo by Kelli)
This is a twist on a tuna cake that’s made into a “slider.” What better finger food can you get?
Honey Mint Fruit Cups by Jamila Rene, MS, RDN, founder of No Nonsense Nutritionist
(Photo by Jamila)
Fruit is a fabulous dessert at a picnic. By adding the honey and mint, you get extra sweet and flavor in the dish.
Fresh Fruit Rolls with Peach Sauce by Nazima Qureshi, MPH, RDN, founder of Nutrition by Nazima
(Photo by Nazima)
This is a fun twist with fruit wrapped in rice paper dipped in a peach sauce. Incredible finger food dessert for all ages.
Almond Cocoa Macaroons by Christy Brissette, MS, RDN, founder of 80 Twenty Nutrition
(Photo by Christy)
Enjoy these nutty-flavored, coconut-rich, cocoa cookies at your next picnic. They’re gluten-free and vegan, too.
Have a wonderful Labor Day and enjoy your Family. Food. Fiesta.
Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN