These 47 vegan picnic ideas and recipes are definitely worth trying out this summer.
Picnics are a great, and cost-effective way to hangout with loved ones. They’re also a great way to share some good food, and, if you’re lucky, allow for some adult conversations while little ones run around.
To me, little screams summer more than sitting on a picnic blanket, in good company, surrounded by a few tasty vegan treats.
But coming up with easy vegan picnic recipes to bring, making them, and packing them up appropriately can easily feel like too much of a hassle.
In this article, I’ll share my 47 favorite easy vegan picnic ideas. I’ll also share a few additional tips to keep this summer’s picnics stress- and hassle-free.
As a bonus, all the recipes inlcuded in this article are sourced exclusively from plant-based content creators. I hope they can help you discover new places to source interesting vegan recipes to try out!
Table of contents
- How to pack a nutrient-rich and tasty vegan picnic
- How to keep your vegan picnic recipes fresh and safe
- Vegan picnic appetizers and snacks
- Vegan picnic sides
- Vegan picnic salads
- Vegan picnic sandwiches and wraps
- Vegan picnic dips and salsas
- Vegan picnic desserts
- Vegan picnic beverages
Tips for packing a nutrient-rich, tasty vegan picnic
There’s many ways to go about preparing a vegan picnic. You can opt to try out a few new fancy vegan picnic recipes, make a few simple sandwiches, pack leftovers, or even bring along some takeout.
The following suggestions should help simplify the process, whichever vegan picnic ideas you choose to try.
Make only a few recipes
Picnics can easily inspire you to make several new recipes. Keep in mind that this requires some extra time, effort, and space in your picnic basket.
For a hassle-free vegan picnic, I suggest you limit yourself to making only one or two new recipes. Then complement them with easy foods, such as bread, crackers, fruit, raw veggies and pre-made dips.
Balance your flavors
The tastiest picnics offer a variety of flavors. Opting for a balance of sweet and savory foods increases the likelihood your vegan picnic will appeal to most people’s taste buds.
Balance your nutrients
Who wants to feel hungry an hour after a picnic? Not me! To avoid this, make sure that your picnic is filling, nutrient-rich, and well-balanced.
You can do so by picking vegan picnic recipes that include a balance of protein-rich, carb-rich, and nutrient-rich foods. Check out my vegan plate model for a visual representation of how to achieve this.
Make food in advance whenever possible
This requires a little planning, but saves you from the hassle of preparing your picnic foods on the day you wish to picnic. Less time in the kitchen, means more time enjoying the sweet summer weather outdoors.
Pack foods appropriately
Pack foods that can get easily squashed, like fresh berries, in sturdy jars or containers. Try packing vinaigrettes separately to prevent salads from getting soggy.
Use reusable jars with a lid to prevent dipping sauces from leaking all over your picnic bag. Also make sure to bring an empty garbage bag for waste.
Bring reusable or biodegradable picnic plates and cutlery
I’m not a fan of the texture of most biodegradable options. So I prefer reusable ones. But pick whichever works best for you. Packing a cutting board and sharper knife if you wish to cut foods like bread or watermelon is also a must.
Don’t forget about drinks
Make sure to bring along sufficient water, lemonade, home-made iced tea, or other hydrating beverages. Keep them cold by using a thermos. Bring extras if the weather forecast is especially warm.
IN SUM – Keep things simple by limiting yourself to one or two new vegan picnic recipes. For a tasty and filling picnic, pick nutrient-rich recipes that offer a balance of flavors. Keep it hassle-free by making foods in advance and packing them appropriately.
Tips for keeping your vegan picnic foods fresh and safe
When planning a vegan picnic, it’s important to keep some food safety principles in mind.
First, try prioritizing foods that can be enjoyed at room temperature. This takes away the hassle of keeping them at the right, food-safe, warm or cold temperature.
If this isn’t possible, make sure to store cold foods in a cooler, cooling bag or thermos container. Thermos containers are also great for hot foods.
For best results, pre-heat yoru thermos containers by filling them with boiling water first. Once warm, fill them with your food. This should keep your vegan picnic recipes warm for hours.
Try keeping foods in the shade whenever possible. For instance, spread your blanket under a tree in the park, or under a parasol at the beach.
Also think of covering food with a tea towel or net when you’re not eating it to keep flies and other bugs away.
Despite your best efforts, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to keep hot or cold foods at a safe temperature for the whole duration of your picnic.
To reduce the likelihood of food-borne poisoning, you should consider discarding any hot or cold food that hasn’t been eaten by the end of your picnic.
IN SUM – Pick a shaded spot, keep your food covered, and at the right temperature. This will help keep your picnic foods fresh and safe.
Vegan picnic appetizers and snacks
These vegan picnic ideas are great to use as appetizers, deconstructed meal options, or bites to snack on while the kiddos play around.
1. Vegan snack board
This vegan snack board is the plant-based equivalent of a charcuterie board. It’s great as an appetizer, but you can also view it as a well-balanced and varied picnic meal in itself.
2. Walnut meatballs
The chickpeas and walnuts present in this recipe make for some interesting, tasty, and protein-packed vegan meatballs. Serve as is, with some hummus or vegan tzatziki, or in a pita, topped with veggies.
3. Vegan zucchini fritters
This vegan picnic recipe is perfect for the zucchini lovers, or those who simply planted one too many zucchinis in their veggie garden this summer! These fritters require only 7 simple ingredients, and about 30 minutes to make. Serve with sweet and sour sauce, or vegan sour cream for a tasty treat.
4. Vegan feta and vegan halloumi
What I like about these two vegan cheese recipes is that they’re made with nuts and tofu. So contrary to most store-bought vegan cheeses, these are both nutritious and protein-rich. Serve as part of your vegan snack platter. Or serve them alongside crackers on a vegan cheese platter of their own.
5. Roasted chickpeas
These are tasty, and very easy to make. Sprinkle them with your favorite herbs or spices. You can serve them as is, for an easy protein- and fiber-rich appetizer, or instead of croutons in your favorite salads.
6. Vegan pizza rolls
These tasty pizza rolls are an interesting take on the typical picnic pinwheels. This recipe uses only veggies as toppings. But feel free to add your favorite protein-rich ingredients (i.e. smoked tofu, fried tempeh, roasted chickpeas, etc) if you wish to serve them as a meal.
7. Vegan omelette
This vegan omelett is tasty and super quick to make. It also uses tofu instead of chickpea flour. So it’s a great option for those who aren’t a fan of chickpea flour’s peculiar taste. This recipe makes for a quick and super versatile appetizer, sandwich filling or snack.
Vegan picnic sides
These tasty vegan picnic ideas for sides are the perfect complement to vegan picnic sandwiches or other mains.
8. Creamy avocado potato salad
This vegan potato salad has an interesting twist. It uses a creamy guacamole dressing instead of the typical mayo-based one. This gives it an unexpected creamy, yet citrus flavor while also increasing its nutrient content.
9. Coleslaw
This creamy vegan coleslaw is prepared in just minutes, with just a few simple ingredients. It suggests using a sweetener to make it sugar-free. I’m not a big fan of sweeteners, both from a taste, and nutrition perspective. So I’d personally either skip it, or replace it for a touch of maple syrup.
10. Vegan pretzel buns with mustard ale dip
These pretzel buns definitely caught my attention. They look deliciously fluffy, and can be served as-is, with a side of the mustard ale dip. Feel free to also use them in lieu of sandwich or burger buns. Don’t let yourself be intimidated by their appearance, as they’re relatively simple to make!
11. Kale chips
My kiddos love kale chips. It’s actually one of the main ways they enjoy eating this super nutritious leafy green. The trick to this recipe is to not overdo it on the liquids, otherwise, your kale chips will require additional time in the oven or risk ending up soggy rather than fresh and crispy.
12. Easy refried pinto beans
My family loves refried beans. We use them as a protein-rich dip, or topped with baked radishes and pickled onions in soft-shelled tacos. I love that it’s instant pot-friendly, which makes it so easy to make in advance.
13. Apple chips
These are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and cripsy. They’re also rich in nutrients, and definitely child-friendly. It’s a great way to use up older apples, and, as a bonus, they’re incredibly easy to make. They’re also fresher, crispier, and cheaper than the store-bought version.
14. Air fryer pasta chips
I hadn’t heard of pasta chips until researching for this article. What an incredibly interesting alternative to crackers and chips! To make this snack more filling, I’d recommend opting for a whole grain pasta, or one made from lentils, chickpeas, or beans.
Vegan picnic salads
These salads are great on their own, or as a side to another meal. Each of the vegan picnic ideas for salads below are well-balanced, providing a mix of plant-protein, carbs, and nutrient-rich fats.
15. Falafel salad with tahini dressing
This salad can definitely replace a full meal. It contains homemade falafels, cooked quinoa, and a handful of different fresh and crispy veggies. Topped with a tahini herb dressing; delish!
16. Balela salad
This is a flavorful salad with middle-eastern influences. It combines chickpeas, black beans, tomatoes and fresh herbs with a tangy vinaigrette. Plus, it only takes 15 minutes to make!
17. Vegan watermelon feta salad
This fresh and light salad is simple to throw together in minutes. Making your tofu-based vegan feta from scratch adds a touch of extra protein. Serve it with freshly sliced baguette bread for a well-balanced vegan meal.
18. Vegan tzatziki pasta salad
Little screams more summer to me than a tasty pasta salad. This one combines olives, fresh or sundried tomatoes, artichokes and dill with a cashew-based tzatziki sauce. Up the nutrient content by opting for a whole grain, lentil, or bean-based pasta.
19. Vegan taco salad
I love tacos. But they tend to be difficult to eat. Most of the time, all ingredients end-up mixed up on my plate into a sort of makeshift taco salad anyways. So why not opt for a taco salad from the get-go! This vegan picnic recipe is well-balanced, and comes together in less than 15 minutes.
20. Cheesburger pasta salad
Here’s another salad based on actual meals. This vegan cheesburger pasta salad combines two crowd pleasers. This pasta salad is loaded with all the classic cheesburger topics and tossed in a delicious, homemade burger sauce dressing.
Vegan picnic sandwiches and wraps
Sandwiches and wraps are such as simple vegan picnic idea. They’re easy to make, easy to bring, and easy to eat. As a bonus, all of these options are packed with plant-protein and fiber, so they can keep you full and satisfied for longer.
21. 5 minute tofu egg salad sandwich
This vegan picnic recipe is protein-rich, only uses a few dinner ingredients, and comes together in 5 minutes or less.
22. Chickpea “tuna” salad sandwich
This is a vegan take on the popular tuna salad sandwich, using chickpeas instead of fish. Perfect on bread, crackers, or tortilla wraps.
23. Peanut tofu & carrot lettuce wraps
These wraps are made with crispy tofu rice noodles, maple glaze, carrots, wrapped in lettuce with a sweet and salty peanut sauce. Come together in 20 minutes and are a great fresh and crispy addition to any picnic.
24. Vegan quesadillas with black beans and veggies
Black bean and vegetable quesadillas with a homemade Mexican cheese sauce. I’d make these ahead and serve them cold.
25. Thai peanut collard wrap
An intresting alternative to the typical spring roll. It uses colored greens to wrap the contents rather than the typical rice sheet.
26. Pickled tempeh reuben
This is the vegan take on the original Reuben sandwich. Pickled Tempe crunchy lettuce and 1000 island dressing served on rye bread.
27. Veggie pinwheels
There isn’t much easier than pinwheels for a vegan picnic recipe. These ones are loaded with veggies and creamy avocados edamame paste.
Vegan picnic dips and salsas
Plant-based dips are another great vegan picnic idea. Serve them alongside freshly sliced veggies, a crispy baguette, crackers, or tortilla chips. Alternatively, you can also use them as filling or topping in sandwiches or wraps.
28. Easy green pea hummus with cucumber and mint
Features lemon, garlic, tahini and olive oil. Vibrant original take on the good old hummus.
29. Vegan seven layer dip
Ready-to-make vegan 7-layer dip that consists of refried beans, guacamole, cashew sour cream, salsa, corn and olives. Serve with pita chips.
30. Baba ganoush
This easy aubergine-based spread is great as a dip or appetizer. Serve it with some pita, flatbread, falafel or tabouleh.
31. Mango corn salsa
Interesting, sweeter alternative to the tomato salsa. 5 minutes to make and very few ingredients. Serve with tortillas chips.
32. Four ingredient guacamole
Guacamole is my go-to dip. I personally like to start with a basic recipe like this one, and add some cumin and tomato salsa to it.
33. Chipotle black bean dip
A black bean dip is a great way to add a choice with some protein to an otherwise pretty low-protein spread of dip options.
34. Vegan tzatziki
Fresh but garlicky. Love it on its own, or as part of a sandwich.
Vegan picnic desserts
These vegan picnic dessert ideas are the sweetest way to wrap up your picnic.
35. Fruit salad
Easy peasy classic picnic dessert. This one combines fresh berries, kiwi, stone fruit and mint leaves with a zesty line dressing.
36. Scottish walnut & raisin flapjacks
I fist got introduced to flap while doing my graduate degree in Scotland. It’s been a love affair ever since. This recipe combines oats with walnuts and raisins to create a deliciously chewy vegan variety.
37. Vegan cherry pie
Does anything scream summer more than a cherry pie? This version has a traditional flaky double crust that’s likely to impress any picnic guest.
38. Vegan blueberry lemon poppy seed muffins
Muffins are such an easy summer dessert. These are made with wholesome ingredients like blueberries, bananas, coconut yoghurt, all-purpose flour and almond meal. Batch cook and freeze them so you can grab them and go whenever needed.
39. No bake brownies with raspberries
If you love brownies, but don’t want to get your oven going this summer. This vegan picnic recipe is perfect for you. Goodness top with fresh raspberries.
40. Cheescake dip
this vegan cheesecake dip aims to satisfy all cheesecake lovers. Use it to dip fresh fruits in. As a bonus, the addition of butter beans to this vegan picnic recipe makes it protein rich.
41. Pumpkin seed bars
Is homemade bars are so easy to grab and go when heading out to a picnic made with candy ginger dried cranberries, a touch of coconut and various seeds.
Vegan picnic beverage ideas
Keep yourself and your picnic guests hydrated with these delicious beverages. They’re a great option to complement tge other vegan picnic ideas presented in this article.
42. Homemade vegan orange julius
Orange bananas, plant milk, and a touch of maple syrup delicious and refreshing.
43. Kiwi and lime smoothie
The name says it all. Enjoy this refreshing beverage toes in the grass and a sun hat on your head
44. Water
This one’s perhaps obvious, but shouldn’t be forgotten! Add ice cubes to your water jug or freeze your water bottle the night before for an extra cool option.
45. Iced coffee or iced matcha latte
These two are for the parents that need a little extra caffeine to get through the day. An insulated bottle will keep these nice and fresh.
46. Hibiscus iced tea
This one is a nice twist on the typical iced tea. You can make blueberry it with fresh flowers like I did or a dried version for convenience.
47. Peach blueberry sangria mocktail
This nonalcoholic beverage is packed with seasonal fruit and a touch of mint annd apple cider vinegar for extra flavor.
To Sum It All Up
I hope these 47 vegan picnic ideas provide you with some inspiration for your next outdoor gathering this spring, summer or fall.
If you have a favorite vegan picnic recipe you’d like to share, make sure to link it down below.
I wish you and your family a wonderful picnic season!