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Three Easy Ways to Host a Summer Picnic

One of my favorite ways to entertain in summer is with a picnic-style dinner, either at a summer concert or in the backyard. I learned this style of entertaining from my mom, who loved planning easy, make-ahead meals that could be served almost anywhere.

Over the years, Mom became an expert at picnic-style entertaining, whether we were attending a summer concert at the Denver Botanic Gardens, hosting a garden party at home, or tailgating before a Denver Broncos game. Her menus were always thoughtfully planned, easy to serve, and full of dishes that could be prepared ahead.

Three Summer Picnic Menus

Robert and I have continued Mom's tradition with many picnic dinners of our own. I’ve found that the best menus are not only easy to transport to a concert, but also just as appealing served on the patio, around your own outdoor table.

This week, I’m sharing three elegant summer picnic-style menus, each with a different combination of appetizers, salads, soups, breads, and desserts. Choose one complete menu or mix and match the recipes to create your own.

👉 Tip: For off-site picnics, serve the salads included below in individual Mason jars for easy transport and serving.

Menu 1: Elegant Evening Picnic

A chilled soup, salmon salad with avocado dressing, and homemade bread give this menu a polished feel while keeping everything easy to serve.

• ​Crispy Cheese Straws with Pepper Jelly​
• ​Cucumber Leek Vichyssoise​
• ​Layered Salmon Salad with Avocado Dressing​
• ​Anise Bread (or purchased artisan bread)
• ​Homemade Lemon Bars​

Menu 2: A Colorful Summer Picnic

Pimento cheese bites with green chiles, chilled gazpacho, and taco salad bring bold flavors and plenty of color to this lively summer menu.

• ​Pimento Cheese Bites with Green Chiles​
• ​Gazpacho​
• ​Shredded Chicken Taco Salad
• ​Mini Cheddar Dill Scones​
• ​Chewy Chocolate Brownies​

Menu 3: An Easy, Casual Picnic

Familiar favorites and easy make-ahead dishes make this menu especially well suited to relaxed summer entertaining.

• ​Mini Cheese Balls​
• ​Chilled Tomato Dill Soup
• ​Chopped Shrimp Salad in Pita​
• ​Chocolate Pecan Toffee Bars​

Choose the menu that best fits your gathering, or mix and match the recipes to create your own. For even more ideas, visit my Elegant Summer Picnic Menu post, where you’ll find additional recipe variations, a make-ahead timeline, packing tips, and serving suggestions for everything from a backyard dinner to a picnic away from home.

Taking your picnic on the road?

If you’re heading to a concert, park, or tailgate, a little thoughtful packing will help everything arrive cold, intact, and easy to serve.

• Keep cold foods well chilled in an insulated cooler with plenty of ice packs.
• Pack heavy items like ice packs, Mason jars, and beverages at the bottom, and place delicate foods (e.g., crispy cheese straws) on top so they don’t get crushed.
• Bring only the utensils and containers you’ll need to keep serving and cleanup easy - and don’t forget those trash bags!

Whether you take your picnic to a concert or park, or serve it right in your own backyard, I hope these menus inspire an easy and memorable summer gathering.

Happy cooking!

Lee