As the weather warms and nature bursts into vibrant hues, it’s the perfect time to indulge in outdoor picnics. Whether planning a gathering at the park, beach, or backyard, finger foods are the ideal companions for a hassle-free and delightful experience.
Let’s explore some of the best picnic foods to elevate your spring outdoor gatherings, including delectable options for gluten-free finger foods.
Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash.
Savory Skewers and Roll-Ups
When it comes to the best picnic foods, savory skewers and roll-ups are a surefire crowd-pleaser. These portable delights pack a punch of flavor and are easy to eat on the go, making them the perfect addition to any outdoor gathering.
Prepare an assortment of skewers featuring different meats, cheeses, and vegetables. For meat lovers, consider threading chunks of grilled chicken, beef, or shrimp onto skewers. For a vegetarian option, alternate between tempeh, tofu, cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, olives, and grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
If you’d like to go for roll-ups, create a variety of wraps using tortillas, flatbreads, or lettuce leaves as the base. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese, hummus, or pesto onto the surface, then layer on slices of turkey, ham, or roast beef, along with cheese, lettuce, and vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers. Roll up the wraps tightly and secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold everything in place.
Photo by Naveed Pervaiz on Unsplash.
Fresh Fruit Platter
One of the best picnic foods will always be fruit! Create a colorful fruit platter that celebrates the season’s bounty and delights your taste buds with nature’s sweetest offerings.
Start by selecting a variety of ripe and juicy fruits that are in season. Choose a mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a burst of color and flavor—plus lots of antioxidants. 😉 Add extra water and hydration into the mix with slices of sweet melon such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew.
Some slices of citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines will add a zesty twist. These also pair well with refreshing drinks, such as cold Aperol spritzes or cups of white wine.
Add a tad of sweetness by adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of coconut flakes over the fruit platter! Some yogurt or whipped cream for dipping also works wonders, or simply enjoy the fruits on their own for a healthy and refreshing snack that’s perfect for spring picnics.
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Cheese and Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board is an excellent gluten-free finger food! It’s also a gourmet experience that features an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and olives.
Choose a variety of cheeses such as brie, cheddar, and gouda to cater to different preferences, and pair them with salami, prosciutto, and chorizo for a savory touch that pairs perfectly with them. We like to arrange the meats between the cheese slices to create an enticing display of flavors.
No good cheeseboard is complete without a selection of nuts and olives to add crunch and briny notes to the mix! Include almonds, walnuts, and pistachios for a nutty contrast to the creamy cheeses. You may also add a variety of olives such as kalamata and green olives stuffed with garlic or jalapeños for a burst of flavor.
Woops! French Macarons
No picnic is complete without a touch of sweetness and Woops! French macarons are one of the best finger food options for spring outings!
Our delicate and flavorful treats come in spectacular flavors, from classic favorites like Nutella and Vanilla to unique combinations like Honey Lavender and Caramel Fleur de Sel.
Made with almond flour, these gluten-free finger foods are suitable for everyone to enjoy. Our favorite boxes to enjoy on a picnic outing are the Berries and Chocolate or Parisian Flair boxes. You can also step things up by including one of our beautiful stacks, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash.
Veggies with Dip
Refreshing and nutritious, these colorful and crunchy snacks are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for outdoor dining.
Prepare an assortment of fresh vegetables like baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and snap peas. Arrange them in small cups or containers to create individual servings, adding seasonal veggies like radishes, broccoli florets, cauliflower, and celery sticks for extra color and flavor.
Offer a variety of dips such as classic ranch dressing, hummus, and tzatziki, or get creative with options like spicy chipotle ranch, lemon herb hummus, or creamy avocado tzatziki. Pre-fill disposable cups with dip for easy serving, garnishing with fresh herbs or crunchy toppings for added flair.
Elevate your spring picnics with these the best finger foods that will surely please everyone. From savory skewers to sweet treats like Woops! French macarons, there’s something for every palate to enjoy. Pack your picnic basket with these delicious offerings and head outdoors to savor the joys of spring with family and friends.
