9 Picnic Foods The Adults Will Enjoy

When we think of picnic foods, we think of kid-friendly sandwiches and juice boxes, but what about the adults? If you’re hosting an adult-only picnic, you’ll need to make sure the menu suits their mature tastebuds, with more than just fruits and devilled eggs. That’s exactly why you’re at the right place. 

We’ve compiled an adult-friendly menu full of new and unique flavors your guests will definitely appreciate. Say goodbye to basic snacks and hello to gourmet sandwiches with exquisite fillings and a diverse charcuterie board! It’s time to finally enjoy the picnic of your dreams. 

Keep reading to learn all about the picnic foods you can make to impress your adult guests. 

• Gourmet Sandwiches

Gourmet sandwiches are the epitome of picnic elegance and taste. They have everything a sandwich should have: creamy cheese, fresh leaves, savory meats, and a delicious spread. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, which is exactly why they top the list of picnic foods. They only take five minutes to make, and you can even make once you’re at the picnic spot. Here’s a quick recipe to get started:

• Slice your fresh baguette or ciabatta bread and spread fig preserve on both sides. 
• Layer the prosciutto, brie cheese, and arugula. 
• Cover the sandwich and grill it in a panini press. 

• Beer-Braised Brats

If your picnic food spread is lacking something rich, savory, and tender, you’re looking for beer braised brats. While this sausage dish is definitely a labor of love, the result is delicious, rich, and worth all the effort. Here’s a simple recipe for making melt-in-your-mouth beer-braised brats:

• Heat vegetable oil and butter in a Dutch oven and saute sliced onion and garlic. 
• Add bratwurst sausage and pour in beer and chicken broth once browned. 
• Let it simmer, and remove the sausages, allowing the mixture to turn into a rich sauce.
• Grill the brats and serve with the caramelized onion sauce. 

• Caprese Salad Skewers

Caprese salad skewers aren’t just delicious and refreshing, but they’re also super easy to make with no cooking required. Here’s all you need to make this fresh treat for your picnic guests:

• Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. 
• Thread one cherry tomato on a small skewer, followed by a mozzarella ball and a fresh basil leaf. 
• Repeat the process until you have enough skewers for all your guests. 
• Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the finished result. 

• Quinoa Salad

If you’re hoping for a tangy, healthy addition to your picnic menu, a quinoa salad is all you need. Here’s how you can make it today:

• Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and run under cold water. 
• Boil vegetable broth in a pot and add quinoa and salt. 
• Let it simmer until the liquid is absorbed. 
• Combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced Kalamata olives in a salad bowl.
• Prepare a lemon vinaigrette with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. 
• Add the vinaigrette to the salad, toss gently, and garnish with chopped parsley. 

• Grilled Vegetable Platter

Picnics are even more fun when you bring your grill with you, giving you a chance to make a grilled vegetable platter. For a speedy way to prepare it, try this simple recipe:

• Coat sliced zucchini, quartered bell peppers, eggplant rounds, and trimmed asparagus with olive oil. 
• Add chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. 
• Grill the vegetable mix for one minute on each side. 
• Serve with a drizzle of olive oil for a glossy finish. 

• Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms

Spinach and feta-stuffed mushrooms can be the perfect savory entree on your picnic menu. Even if you’re short on time, this delicious and cheesy dish is easy to make. Here’s a rapid recipe to whip it up:

• Saute minced garlic and chopped spinach in olive oil until the spinach wilts. 
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Combine with crumbled feta cheese and breadcrumbs and mix well. 
• Clean buttoned mushrooms and stuff them with the spinach and feta mixture.
• Drizzle some olive oil over the mushrooms and let them bake for 15 to 20 minutes. 
• Let the mushrooms cool before serving.

• Smoked Salmon Canapés

If your picnic guests have a palate for unique and rich flavors, you definitely need to include smoked salmon canapes on your menu. Give this recipe a try to add a mature twist to your picnic menu:

• Slice a fresh baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds. 
• Spread cream cheese on each baguette round, preferably cream cheese with herbs.
• Place a slice of smoked salmon on each round, along with a few capers.
• Garnish with a small sprig of dill before serving on a platter. 

• Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Every picnic menu has pasta salad, but this Mediterranean pasta salad is the adult twist you’ve been looking for. Luckily, making this delicious salad is a breeze.

• Cook your pasta of choice (preferably spiral) until al dente before rinsing under cold water. 
• Combine the cold pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese in a salad bowl. 
• Prepare a tangy Greek dressing with extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. 
• Pour the dressing into the salad and garnish with parsley. 

• Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board is diverse, savory, sweet, and super fun to make! Here’s how you can make it for your picnic guests: 

• Select a large wooden board and arrange assorted cheeses on the board. 
• Roll or fold charcuterie slices into attractive shapes before placing them on the board. 
• Surround the charcuteries and cheeses with dried fruits and nuts. 
• Add fresh grapes and berries to the board.
• Serve the board with crackers or sliced baguette. 

Conclusion

With these picnic foods that adults will enjoy, you can turn any outdoor gathering into a delightful culinary affair. From the salad skewers to the pasta-based dishes, there’s something for everyone to relish.