5 Summer Picnic Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Looking for recipe ideas to take on your next picnic or cookout? These 5 easy summer recipes will satisfy everyone in the family!

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Good food with great friends...add the great outdoors and it's one of life's greatest pleasures! I hope you're hungry and looking for some easy and delicious summer recipes to take on your next picnic or even to serve around the pool! These are all family favorites (and I've had some picky eaters in my home!) and I'm excited to share them with you today!

Welcome to the June edition of Thrifty Style Team. We're a group of budget loving bloggers, led by Julie of Redhead Can Decorate. The theme for this month is thrifty home decor or recipes for the summer. Whether you celebrate Fourth of July or Canada Day, or are just looking for some easy and thrifty ways to enjoy summer, we've got you covered! Be sure to check out all the links below so you don't miss any fabulous ideas from my friends!



Summer Recipes

I'm sharing a roundup of some of our favorite family recipes that I've posted in the past. We're in the middle of a major move (TX to TN to MS) so I am making it easy on myself this month and sharing some recipes that I've made over and over.

Each of the following recipes is perfect for a summer picnic and I'll share additional ideas below for transporting the items as well as giving the recipes some patriotic flair!

Strawberry Hand Pies

We love pie! I first made these mini hand pies last summer, and our family quickly fell in love with them! The fresh strawberries were a little bit challenging to work with (very juicy), but I came up with a way to simplify the whole process. You can find my no-fuss updates to this recipe here.


Packaging ideas for a picnic

Hand pies are perfect for picnics because they easily fit in your hand (even small hands!) If you follow my recipe, they are literally a two or three bite handful! I would wrap 2 pies in a square of parchment or wax paper and tie the bundle closed with kitchen twine to keep all that yummy filling in one place! Then it's easy to pass out bundles while you're having lunch. 

Simple Greek Salad

I grew up on this salad, and learned to make it early on. One of my favorite memories is visiting my Uncle and Aunt's campsite on Lake Okanagan  (I grew up waterskiing this lake!) and sitting around the campfire with a bowl of this Greek salad! Everything tastes better when you're enjoying it in the great outdoors, doesn't it?

For my family, I keep the olives separate because not everyone is a fan. I prefer to use traditional Kalimata olives  (the briny flavor is perfection in Greek salad!), while my kids like black olives. So don't be afraid to bring a variety along and let everyone add what they like.


Packaging tips for a picnic

To easily transport the Greek salad to a picnic, simply make the salad ahead of time and spoon into clear plastic cups with lids. Don't forget the plastic forks! The disposable containers can be thrown out and it's nice for everyone to have their own portion in a hand-held cup!

Big and Soft Tie Dye Sugar Cookies

No picnic is complete without sugar cookies, and these one are incredible! Big and soft, they're not too sweet. If you're pressed for time, ice them simply with my dipping trick, but it's worth the extra time to make a tie-dye pattern on the top and the kids will love them! For the Fourth of July or Canada Day, use patriotic colors and they'll look like frosted fireworks!


Packaging tips for a picnic

Parchment or waxed paper is your friend for these frosted cookies! I love using the waxed paper treat bags! Seal them closed with a fun sticker that suits your theme!

Ham and Cheese (Phyllis) Sandwiches with Poppy Seed Spread

That's quite a mounthful for a little sandwich, lol! I first tasted these at my in-laws, and they are always a great choice when you're pressed for time because they can be made ahead. Heat them before serving, and that ooey, gooey cheesy filling is amazing! You can substitute with any deli meat that your family loves but you MUST add the poppy seed spread, it is so good and really makes these sandwiches spectacular!


Packaging ideas for a picnic

Keep the heated sammies in their tin foil wrapping. Line a basket with a pretty tea towel and wrap around the sandwiches. This will keep them nice and warm until you eat them!

Herbed Goat Cheese Spread

This creamy spread is so simple to make, and it pairs incredibly with toasted baguette slices! It makes a great appetizer and kids will enjoy the addition of sweetly tart cranberries. A nice way to begin or end your picnic!


Packaging tips for a picnic

Slice and toast the baguette slices ahead of time. Let them cool completely, then stack them into a food safe container. Mix the chopped herbs into the goat cheese and add to a small container. Bring along a bag of dried cranberries! And don't forget the plastic knives!

Pin to remember!

Wait, there's more thrifty goodness! Check these out...

Redhead Can Decorate - 10 Simple Summer Picnic Party Ideas
I Should be Mopping the Floor - Easy Firecracker Craft
DIY Beautify - you are here
2 Bees in a Pod - 9 Patriotic Decor Ideas
Postcards From the Ridge - How to Make Everyday Items Look Patriotic
Cottage on Bunker Hill - My Favorite Summer Project Ideas
My Family Thyme - How to Stencil an Outdoor Mat


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Comments

  1. Cindy congrats on landing in MS! It's been fun to follow your journey. I am so impressed with you getting posts done during this crazy time. You are amazing and I can't wait to try your Greek salad recipe. Yum! Happy summer friend. Praying the transition goes smoothly for you!

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    1. Thank you so much Kelly! Looking forward to getting settled here!

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  2. Cindy, good luck on your move today! I know you'll be happy when you get settled in. Love all the recipes, and looking forward to making those hand pies!

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    1. Thanks Angie, only 5487 boxes left to unpack 🤪

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  3. So many delicious looking and sounding recipes, Cindy! Praying for you as you move into your new home, which looks amazing by the way! I can't wait to see your style make its way into your new digs. xo

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    1. Aww thank you friend! The prayers are appreciated and I am excited to decorate this house and make it home!

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  4. Your recipes are amazing! I will be saving them all! Good luck with getting all settled, looking forward to following along in your new home! xo

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    1. Thank you so much Laurie, I can't wait to share pics of our home!

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  5. Cindy, these all look amazing, but those tie dye cookies are giving me alllllll the heart eyes. I'm headed to a picnic with a dessert competition this weekend. I may have to make them for that! Best wishes on your move. Texas misses you. xoxo

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    1. Ooh Kristi, do it! Thanks so much for your sweet words!

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  6. Hope you all are settling in!! Moving is exhausting...

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    1. Thanks Jen, yes we are and it certainly is exhausting! I'm looking forward to being all unpacked and settled!

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