Making the most out of warm weather is one of the joys of living in a temperate climate. Many of us look forward to spending more time outdoors with loved ones, and what better way to do so than by hosting a picnic? Not only does it provide an excellent opportunity for bonding with friends and family over delicious food, but it’s also a great excuse to get some fresh air and enjoy nature.
Given that summer is just around the corner, planning ahead is essential, especially if you or your group members are following a plant-based diet. To ensure everyone leaves the picnic feeling satisfied and happy, consider incorporating some of these 24 vegan picnic food ideas into your plans.
Soba Noodle Delights with Crunchy Veggies
Sometimes, when we think of salads, our minds immediately picture a medley of leafy greens – but there are instances when we crave something more substantial. That’s where soba noodles come into play as an exceptional alternative. This dish draws inspiration from the rich flavors and traditions of Asian cuisine, and takes it to the next level with the addition of peanut butter for added richness.
Sugar-Free Oatmeal Delights with Almond Flair
Delight in the simplicity of these wholesome oatmeal cookies that make a perfect accompaniment to any picnic. Unlike store-bought varieties, which are often loaded with palm oil and sugar contributing to weight gain, these treats are free from gluten and refined sugar while still packed with flavour. All you need is 5 ingredients – none of which include eggs, flax, sugar, flour, or butter. The recipe calls for dates, a ripe banana, oats, almond meal, and almond butter as the core components.
Chocolate chips are an optional bonus, but let’s be honest – they’re hard to resist adding to the mix.
Creamy Tahini Hummus Dip Recipe
Recreating the perfect hummus at home doesn’t have to be daunting, especially with this recipe on hand. What sets a lackluster dip apart from one that’s truly irresistible is often just a matter of timing – in this case, 20 minutes makes all the difference. By paying close attention to the ingredients and process, you can whip up a deliciously creamy and inviting hummus that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Lemon-Infused Orzo Pasta Salad Delight
Keeping your meals quick and delicious has never been easier than with this Italian lemon orzo salad recipe. Made with the perfect combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and orzo pasta, this dish is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare. With a cooking time of just 15 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
Chickpea Chicken Salad: A Vegan Twist
Revisiting classic comfort foods, we often find ourselves at a culinary impasse when following a vegetarian or vegan diet. The traditional chicken salad recipe, for instance, relies heavily on its namesake ingredient, making it inaccessible to those adhering to plant-based lifestyles. Fortunately, a creative substitution is possible, enabling enthusiasts of the dish to recreate their favorite flavors without the need for animal products.
This vegan chickpea salad, with its versatility and nutritional profile, offers an excellent alternative, allowing individuals to savor the essence of chicken salad without the meat. For those looking to explore more plant-based options, this recipe serves as a great starting point.
Decadent Coconut Chocolate Bites
Gathered from the simplicity of just six ingredients, these chocolate date energy balls bring a decadent twist to healthy snacking. In as little as 10 minutes, you can indulge in a guilt-free treat that checks all the right boxes: vegan, refined sugar-free, and freezer-friendly. These bite-sized coconut-filled delights make an excellent alternative to oil-fried snacks, perfect for satisfying your cravings without compromising on health.
Quick Cannellini Bean Salad Recipe
Elevate your next picnic or gathering with this scrumptious Mediterranean-inspired Cannellini Bean Salad, an incredibly easy-to-make vegan recipe that’s perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike! Simply combine canned beans (or black beans for a different twist) with a few flavorful ingredients and you’ll have a delicious side dish in just five minutes – no cooking required. It’s the ideal accompaniment to any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Try making a bowl today! Check it out here.
Vegan Ranch Pasta Salad for Summer Gatherings
Renowned for its simplicity and nutritional value, this delicious Vegan Ranch Pasta Salad stands out from store-bought alternatives. Unlike traditional pasta salads, which rely on processed ingredients like preservatives and artificial flavorings, this recipe leverages the wholesomeness of plant-based foods such as carrots, peas, and tempeh. The result is a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also significantly healthier than its boxed counterparts.
Perfect for outdoor gatherings like BBQs, potlucks, or parties, this salad is also gluten and dairy-free, making it an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions.
Sweet Potato Chocolate-Free Picnic Brownies
Delighting in the simplicity of nature’s goodness, I would recommend my top pick among all vegan picnic dishes – delightful sweet potato brownies! Who would have thought it possible to indulge in a rich and decadent dessert that not only satisfies your cravings but also nourishes your body? These sweet treats make an excellent choice for a picnic dessert option as they are made with wholesome ingredients, allowing you to genuinely savor each bite.
Unlike store-bought chocolate brownies that often contain excessive amounts of processed sugars, these sweet potato brownies derive their natural sweetness from the earthy goodness of sweet potatoes and other wholesome sources. Consequently, when serving these to children, you can rest assured that they won’t experience an intense sugar rush after consumption.
Keto Collard Green Wraps in Mediterranean Style
Among the many creative ways to incorporate Mediterranean flavors into a keto diet, this Mediterranean keto collard green wraps recipe stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness. With just 15 minutes and 7 ingredients required, you can easily make vegan collard wraps that cater to Paleo and Whole30 diets as well. As one of my favorite food ideas, I’m excited to share it with you!
Sesame Crunch Snack Crackers at Home
Gathered around the kitchen counter, these crispy sesame crackers are incredibly easy to make, rendering store-bought options almost obsolete once you’ve taken a bite. Their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion, whether as an appetizer or a quick snack at any time of day.
Vegan Peanut Butter Treats with Crunch
Hitting the spot for any snack lover, these vegan peanut butter biscuits offer an unbeatable combination of textures – crunchy, flaky, and richly buttery all at once. They pair perfectly with a cup of tea, providing each bite with a delightful harmony of nutty undertones and sweet notes.
Delicious Outdoor Gatherings on a Plant-Based Budget
Understand that vegan picnics are not just limited to packing a basket and heading out to the park, but also offer endless possibilities for special occasions like dates or celebrations. Utilizing your own backyard can be an excellent option on hot days when space is limited indoors. It’s a great way to enjoy delicious vegan picnic recipes in a more intimate setting with friends and family.
Even better, you can take advantage of outdoor spaces in your home by hosting the picnic on your deck or in your garden, offering guests a range of delectable vegan options to indulge in. Embracing a plant-based lifestyle opens up a world of exciting possibilities for outdoor gatherings with loved ones. With an incredible variety of mouthwatering vegan dishes at your disposal, you’ll never run out of ideas for your alfresco dining experience.
Whether it’s a traditional picnic or something more exotic, the options are limitless, and you can prepare numerous scrumptious vegan creations in advance to make your outdoor adventure even more enjoyable.
Easy Peasy 3-Step Chickpea Delight
Zero in on the perfect combination of flavors with this Simple 3 Step Hummus recipe. By combining the earthy undertones of Tahini with the nutty goodness of chickpeas and a squeeze of fresh lemon, you’ll be creating an addicting hummus that’s impossible to resist snacking on. Try it out for yourself by checking out the full recipe here.
Chickpea Curry Wraps Perfect for Any Meal
Often overlooked as a vegan option, these Curried Chickpea Vegan Wraps offer a flavorful and nutritious meal choice that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch or a satisfying dinner accompaniment to a bowl of soup, this recipe is perfect.
Made with readily available pantry staples such as spices, chickpeas, spinach, and red onion, these wraps are incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on the delicious flavors rather than the preparation time. So why not give them a try? Check out the full recipe
Low-Carb Cheesy Cauliflower Bites Delight
Keep your cravings for Italian-style breadsticks satisfied with this deliciously easy cauliflower breadsticks recipe, which boasts a perfect balance of crunch and texture. With only six simple ingredients and an incredibly low net carb count of just one per serving, these cauliflower breadsticks are not only a tasty treat but also a guilt-free one to indulge in. Check out the full recipe details here.
Vegan Sushi Made Easy at Home
Featuring a fantastic selection of ingredients readily available in most supermarkets, I find myself frequently drawn to the idea of crafting my own sushi at home. Fortunately, we have an excellent vegan-friendly sushi store just a short walk from our residence, but there’s something satisfying about creating your own culinary masterpieces. The best part?
Vegan sushi is not only incredibly light and delicious, but also highly portable and shareable – perfect for packing into a picnic basket or serving at a gathering. With the versatility to incorporate almost any vegetables you prefer, and crafted with wholesome brown rice, it’s no wonder why vegan sushi has become a staple in many plant-based diets.
Vegan Kidney Bean Salad Recipe in Minutes
Uncomplicate your mealtime with this effortless Red Kidney Bean Salad recipe, suitable for a speedy lunch, a side dish that’s easily prepared ahead of time for dinner, or even a potluck picnic in the park. The best part? It can be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd without breaking a sweat. And as an added bonus, it only gets better with time, making it the perfect make-ahead dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes.
Vegan Quinoa Salad
Perfectly blending the flavors of fresh dill and lime vinaigrette, this Vegan Quinoa Salad is not only incredibly healthy but also remarkably high in protein content. Packed with nutrients and bursting with freshness, it’s an ideal choice for a light lunch or as a side dish to complement your favorite BBQs and picnics. Plus, the best part? It can be prepared in under 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy addition to any meal.
