19 Spring Recipes So Good, You’ll Start Planning Picnics Just for an Excuse to Make Them

When the weather turns nice, these 19 spring recipes will make you want to pack up and head outside. They’re not just meals; they’re the perfect excuse to throw a picnic. Whether you’re lounging in the backyard or taking a stroll through the park, these dishes make any outing feel like a celebration. Get ready to enjoy food that’s as fresh as the season itself.

Creamy Radish Salad

This Creamy Radish Salad is the answer when you’re looking for something less ordinary. It’s refreshing, with a slight peppery note that radishes are known for, making it unlike anything else you might bring to a picnic. Not only is it a conversation starter, but it also pairs brilliantly with a variety of mains. It’s simple to put together, making any outdoor meal feel a little more special without any added fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Radish Salad

Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon

Who said veggies need to be boring? Certainly not with this crowd-pleaser that’s an instant upgrade from your regular green bean dish. Turn the humble green bean into a star at your next gathering. Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon not only bring a pop of color to your table but their flavor-packed profile makes it hard to stop at just one serving. Once you try this, outdoor meals will never be the same.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese

Nothing says comfort food quite like a dish that brings back memories of family gatherings. Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese is a hearty option that effortlessly feeds a crowd with its creamy texture and rich flavors. It’s one of those dishes that have everyone reaching for seconds, proving that classic combinations never go out of style. Perfect for a chilly evening outside or an elaborate picnic.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese

Watergate Salad (Watergate Fluff Salad)

For something sweet that’s not your average dessert, Watergate Salad (Watergate Fluff Salad) steps into the scene. This chilled treat combines sweetness with a peculiar texture, courtesy of its unique mix of ingredients. It’s a nostalgic dish for many, often sparking stories of past family dinners or gatherings. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s the kind of dessert that becomes a staple at every picnic.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad (Watergate Fluff Salad)

Zucchini Bread

Sometimes, all you need is a slice of something simple yet utterly satisfying. Zucchini Bread fits this bill perfectly, balancing moistness with a lightly spiced flavor profile that invites you to have just one more slice. Ideal for picnics, it’s easy to carry and can be enjoyed on its own or with a spread of butter. This bread turns a simple ingredient into a treat that bridges the gap between bread and dessert seamlessly.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bread

Mediterranean Cod

Introduce a touch of the Mediterranean to your picnic with a dish that’s as flavorful as it is wholesome. Mediterranean Cod is a testament to how a few key ingredients can transform a simple fish into a feast for the senses. This dish shines with its light but satisfying nature, making it a perfect choice for outdoor dining. Its healthful properties and delicious taste profile make it a hit among those looking to enjoy great food.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Who can resist the allure of perfectly smoked chicken with a glaze that promises to be a hit? Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze are just that. This dish combines the smoky depth of chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze that complements it perfectly. It’s a great way to add some taste to your outdoor meals, proving that even familiar foods can surprise us with the right twist. Bring this to your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Cold Crab Dip

When looking for something that screams elegance without all the effort, Cold Crab Dip is your go-to. This dish offers a cool, creamy base loaded with the fresh taste of crab, making it an irresistible spread for crackers or veggies. It’s easy to make ahead, making your picnic prep a breeze. This dish has a way of upgrading your outdoor dining experience, bringing a touch of sophistication with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Merge the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the all-American charm of apple pie, and you get Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. This inventive dish marries two classics in a way that’s both familiar and novel. Perfect for a sweet start to your outdoor feast or as a grand finale, these rolls promise to be a conversation piece. Their irresistible aroma and the perfect blend of sweetness make them a must-have for any picnic basket.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Greek Spaghetti

This Greek Spaghetti throws a delicious curveball into the mix, combining the comfort of pasta with the fresh taste of Greek salad elements. This dish stands out because it’s both filling and refreshing – a rare combination that’s perfect for outdoor dining. It takes the concept of pasta to a new level, proving that there’s always room for innovation in even the most established of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Seafood Stuffed Salmon

If you’re aiming to impress, Seafood Stuffed Salmon is a culinary showstopper. This dish typifies elegance, with a rich filling encased in tender salmon, promising a sea of flavors. It’s a sophisticated option that upgrades any outdoor meal to an event. Despite its impressive flair, it remains surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Perfect for those who love the sea’s bounty and enjoy sharing it with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Salmon

Blueberry Rhubarb Muffins

For a sweet treat that doubles as a conversation starter, look no further than Blueberry Rhubarb Muffins. This combination might not be the first that comes to mind, but it’s one that will keep you coming back for more. The balance of tart and sweet encapsulates the essence of a perfect muffin. Easy to pack and even easier to love, these muffins are a great addition to your picnic spread, offering a fresh take on the classic fruit muffin.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Rhubarb Muffins

Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Upgrade your picnic brunch game with Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict. This dish reinvents the classic Benedict by incorporating tender pulled pork, adding a layer of complexity and heartiness. It’s a bold choice for those looking to combine the indulgence of brunch with the simplicity of a picnic. While it might sound like a gourmet feast, it’s surprisingly achievable and sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

These Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes offer a twist on the beloved roasted potato, bringing depth and aroma that’s unmatched. This side dish compliments any main with its robust flavor, making it more than just an accompaniment; it’s a standout on its own. It bridges the gap between sophistication and comfort food, proving that side dishes can indeed steal the show. Ideal for those who appreciate the power of herbs.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail

When it’s time to toast to good food and great company, Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail is the drink of choice. This refreshing cocktail blends sweet strawberries with the smooth taste of Lillet, creating a beverage that’s as festive as it is flavorful. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any outdoor meal, offering a celebratory note that’s hard to beat. This cocktail is proof that the right drink can upgrade a meal from good to unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail

Turkey Roll Roast

This Turkey Roll Roast is a creative take on the traditional turkey dish, offering a more refined and flavorful alternative. It’s perfect for those who love the idea of turkey but are looking for something that’s easier to manage outdoors. This dish ensures every bite is infused with flavor, making it a welcomed change from the norm. It’s an excellent choice for a centerpiece dish, promising to keep guests talking long after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Roast

Colcannon with Kale

This dish is a great way to introduce more greens into your meal in a way that’s universally appealing. Colcannon with Kale is a hearty, comforting side dish that’s both nourishing and gratifying. It takes the traditional potato dish to new heights with the addition of kale, offering a nutritional boost along with its creamy texture. It’s perfect for those cooler outdoor gatherings, providing warmth and comfort in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Colcannon with Kale

Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble

For a dessert that perfectly balances tartness with sweetness, Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble is a must-try. This dish capitalizes on the classic combination of rhubarb and strawberry, topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble that’s irresistible. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug, perfect for enjoying outdoors. Not too heavy yet utterly gratifying, it’s the ideal way to end any meal on a sweet note.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

This Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone is a dish that showcases how simple ingredients can be turned into a dish that feels gourmet. The tender asparagus paired with creamy mascarpone cheese is a testament to the beauty of minimalism in cooking. It’s an elegant side that pairs well with both light and hearty mains, making it versatile for any picnic menu.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone